5 Phases of Discipleship

Five Phases of Discipleship

When we look closely at the life of Christ and his preparation of his disciples see a pattern for making disciples today. As you lead and disciple a group or even one other individual through the Harmony of the Gospels we encourage you teach for transformation, recognize the wisdom that God is revealing in your conversations, share life’s moments together and engage in ministry according to your vocation. If you will intentionally disciple to facilitate spiritual maturity, empowerment, community and service then you will be amazed at how God will work through each of you as you progress through each phase in the Harmony of the Gospels.

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[t4p_tab title=”① Incarnational Ministry”]Phase 1 | Sections 1-23 
Phase 1 includes the incarnation and early years of Christ’s life until the time he was about 30 years old. The 14-week study includes important topics for new believers and seekers such as: the authority of God, God’s universal love, promises of God, hope, obedience, and courage.

The thematic emphasis and principle for ministry is to be Incarnational.
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[t4p_tab title=”② Relational Ministry”]Phase 2 | Sections 24-40 
You’ll study phase two over the course of 12-weeks. In the life of Christ it encompassed 18-21 months beginning with Jesus’ baptism and covering the stories of his temptation, the first followers, the wedding in Cana of Galilee, his dialog with Nicodemus and the woman at the well.

The Relational themes will become evident as your study the passages. Your own relationship with those you’re discipling will also become stronger helping you open up more as you study new topics such as: conversion, repentance, devotion, sacraments, the power of God, God’s will, and what it means to be a disciple.

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[t4p_tab title=”③ Experiential Ministry”]Phase 3 | Sections 41-48
The ministry emphasis in Phase 3 is to be experiential. In the life of Christ it encompasses about 4-6 months of Jesus ministry beginning with his calling of the first four disciples and ending with a dialog with some prominent Jews after a banquet at Matthew’s home.

Your study of phase 3 will take just 8-weeks. However, its now time to begin to engage those you are discipling in real active ministry and encourage them to be living out the principles of incarnational, relational, and experiential ministry.  As they engage in their field work guide them with the lessons and wisdom in this phase, including: spiritual vocation and gifts, spiritual authority, forgiveness, hospitality, integrity, and mercy.

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[t4p_tab title=”④ Intentional Ministry”]Phase 4 | Sections 49a-52
Phase four begins with the story of Jesus healing an invalid on the Sabbath and concludes 3-5 months thereafter just before appointing the first 12 Apostles.

It’s a season in ministry which is very Intentional.  Disciples are actively sharing their faith, known to others as being a Christian, engaged in ministry.  When discipling others through this phase our priority is to equip them better for the ministry to which they are called. Key lessons include: reliance on the Holy Spirit, discipling others, and the unity of service and heart throughout whole Church.

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[t4p_tab title=”⑤ Missional Ministry”]Phase 5 a-d | Sections 53-184

Phase 5 spans the last 15 months of Jesus life among us before his ascension. The focus of Phase 5 is a missional lifestyle which we’ve broken into four parts:

  • ApprenticeshipPhase 5a includes Section 53-70a beginning with the Appointment of the Twelve Apostles
  • Training – Phase 5b includes Sections 70b-101b beginning with the Commissioning of the Twelve
  • Multiplied Ministry – Phase 5c includes Sections 102a-127b beginning with the Commissioning the Seventy
  • Co-mission – Phase 5d includes Sections 128a-184 covering the events of Holy Week, the Great Commission, and Jesus’ Ascension

Disciples in this phase have a lifestyle which is renown. The fruit and followers from years of ministry humbles their heart by the knowledge of the grace and Truth of God which saved and transformed their life, and among them some are called to significant roles and international ministry. Simple or immense their ministry aims to honor Christ alone.

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3 replies on “5 Phases of Discipleship”

[…] These staves could also be considered portals that will lead people to Christ, and more than that – to a ‘full life’ when their lives are balanced with all five areas. While we can create a church in which ‘all roads lead to Christ’, you will find that some new members enter through one path or other. It is important that the members come to value and become engaged in all five areas. It is important that the church strategically develop a variety of opportunities for people to engage and offer content and experiences for people at various levels of spiritual maturity. […]