2. BREAKOUT SESSION EQUIPPING THE CHURCH Creating Stepping Stones Toward Maturity

3. WHAT IS CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP?
IT IS NOT:
1. Simply the transfer of knowledge.
2. Only for the “really committed.”
3. A specific program or method.
BREAKOUT | EQUIPPING THE CHURCH

4. WHAT IS CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP?
Distinguish between Jesus’ concept of discipleship and his methodology.
BREAKOUT | EQUIPPING THE CHURCH

5. WHAT IS CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP?
IT IS:
1. Fundamentally relational (John 17:3).
2. A call to follow Jesus in the kingdom life and journey with him.
Live under the King’s rule (Matthew 16:24-26).
Participate in the King’s mission (Matthew 28:19).
Transformation is normative (2 Corinthians 3:18).
BREAKOUT | EQUIPPING THE CHURCH

6. A DEFINITION
Discipleship is living in union with Christ and growing in conformity to His image as the Spirit transforms the disciple from the inside out. It is the Spirit-driven process of growth from spiritual birth to maturity that ends in the glorification of the one God has purposed to save.
BREAKOUT | EQUIPPING THE CHURCH

7. Discipleship is the Christian life.
SIMPLE DEFINITION
Discipleship is the Christian life.
BREAKOUT | EQUIPPING THE CHURCH

8. EQUIPPING PRINCIPLE
Systems people don’t like individualized processes.
The problem is that sanctification is an individualized process. So how are we individualizing discipleship processes in the church?
BREAKOUT | EQUIPPING THE CHURCH

9. TRELLIS & VINE
BREAKOUT | EQUIPPING THE CHURCH

10. HOW WATERMARK TACKLES IT
We look at people in terms of maturity level.
We look at programs in terms of time commitment.
BREAKOUT | EQUIPPING THE CHURCH

11. MATURITY LEVEL (SEE BROCHURE)
EXPLORING: You have questions or doubts about what the Bible says, tend to be skeptical of the church, and may seek God in times of need.
BEGINNING: You recently trusted in Jesus and began your life of discipleship. You are beginning to understand and practice the spiritual disciplines, need others to help you interpret Scripture, are hungry to learn and participate in ministry, and are enthusiastic to share your faith.
BREAKOUT | EQUIPPING THE CHURCH

12. MATURITY LEVEL (SEE BROCHURE)
GROWING: You look to the Bible for direction for your life, are growing in your understanding of what it means to be fully devoted to Christ, participate in a community group, are growing in your ability to share and defend your faith, and serve regularly.
MATURING: Your friends would describe you as someone who is consistently surrendered to the Lord’s will. You are consistently practicing the spiritual disciplines, actively sharing your faith, using your gifts, and routinely leading others.
BREAKOUT | EQUIPPING THE CHURCH

13. PROGRAMS (SEE BROCHURE)
Push vs. pull opportunities
One-off events: Training Day, Webinar, Great Questions
Shorter weekly commitments: Core Classes, Moneywise, Sticky Pages
Longer weekly commitments: Equipped Disciple, Men’s & Women’s Bible Study
More intensive options: The Residency, Viewpoint
BREAKOUT | EQUIPPING THE CHURCH

14. Spiritual Journey --->
MATURITY vs TIME
Spiritual Journey --->
Exploring the Faith
New in Christ
Growing in Christ
Maturing in Christ
Commitment Level (Time, Depth of Material, Etc.)
High
Equipped Disciple
Bible Studies
Moneywise
Residency
Staff Training
 Viewpoint
Low
Great Questions
Core Classes
Training Day
Join the Journey
Sticky Pages
Key Volunteer Study
Webinar
BREAKOUT | EQUIPPING THE CHURCH

15. GUIDING PRINCIPLES Dependence vs. Independence Truth vs. Tradition
Training vs. Trying
Transformation vs. Information
Personalized vs. Programmatic
Community vs. Isolation
Through vs. To
BREAKOUT | EQUIPPING THE CHURCH