2. Understanding How People Grow
-SESSION 1-
WHAT IS DISCIPLESHIP?
Understanding How People Grow
Nathan Wagnon

3. Views of Discipleship Education programs
Higher level of Christian commitment (Christian / disciple distinction)
SESSION 1 | WHAT IS DISCIPLESHIP?

4. “Most are unaware that their definition of a genuine and mature Christian bears an uncanny resemblance to their own current walk with God.”
Larry Osborne, Accidental Pharisees
SESSION 1 | WHAT IS DISCIPLESHIP?

5. Views of Discipleship Education programs
Higher level of Christian commitment (Christian / disciple distinction)
Christian activism
The Christian life
SESSION 1 | WHAT IS DISCIPLESHIP?

6. SESSION 1 | WHAT IS DISCIPLESHIP?

7. It’s a Journey Some disclaimers:
The stages are consecutive but also fluid
Can occupy more than one stage at a time
Stages progress as we cooperate with the Spirit’s work in our lives
SESSION 1 | WHAT IS DISCIPLESHIP?

8. Stage 1: The Converted Life
Characterized by new birth in Christ, excitement but a lack of understanding
People get stuck because of a sense of inadequacy or a lack of training
Progress is seen as people get into community, join a small group, or follow an effective leader
SESSION 1 | WHAT IS DISCIPLESHIP?

9. Stage 2: The Learning Life
Characterized by learning about God and the basics of the faith, typically through programs
People get stuck because they mistake “cookie cutter” programs with discipleship; Danger is rigid righteousness, a we vs. them mentality
Progress is made through nurturing relationships and by contributing as well as receiving
SESSION 1 | WHAT IS DISCIPLESHIP?

10. Stage 3: The Productive Life
Characterized by activity, by doing things for God - a strong emphasis is placed on success in vocation or ministry, typically measured by money, activity, or numbers of new converts
People get stuck because they view their life and ministry through the lens of performance; burnout is common
Progress is seen through a re-assessment of the spiritual life and values, preferably with a mentor
SESSION 1 | WHAT IS DISCIPLESHIP?

11. The Wall
Characterized by crisis, pain and disappointment associated with life transition, external trauma, internal struggle, or a dark night of the soul
People will experience a diminished emotional attraction to God and can become disillusioned or turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms; many Christians do not move past the wall
Progress is made we surrender our egos and wounds and agree with what God is doing
SESSION 1 | WHAT IS DISCIPLESHIP?

12. Stage 4: The Inward Life
Characterized by a deliberate journey to engage the deepest parts of the self: self-examination and questioning are common, Christ is replacing the ego, the focus shifts from doing to being, significant healing and transformation occurs
People get stuck in self-assessment and become too introspective
Progress is made in the practice of stillness, reflection and surrender. A mature friend or mentor is crucial
SESSION 1 | WHAT IS DISCIPLESHIP?

13. Stage 5: The Outward Life
Characterized by a renewed (and much deeper) passion to participate with God in his mission; the ego is consistently dying; ministry is done for the sake of Christ; results are in His hands
People can seem out of touch to a world (and church) focused on heavy production and winning
Progress is made through continued surrender, practicing the presence of God; revisiting the wall can occur to create another opportunity for growth; a mature friend is important
SESSION 1 | WHAT IS DISCIPLESHIP?

14. Stage 6: The Life of Love
Characterized by unconditional love; full integration of being, knowing, and doing; there is little desire to be rich or well known, only to love and serve God and others – the Lord has won over the disciple’s heart
People are largely misunderstood and can appear to the world (or less mature believers) as wasting their lives
Progress awaits in heaven
SESSION 1 | WHAT IS DISCIPLESHIP?

15. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it, love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Jesus
SESSION 1 | WHAT IS DISCIPLESHIP?

16. What stage of growth are you currently in?
Questions To Consider
What stage of growth are you currently in?
Would you say you are stuck or progressing, and why?
SESSION 1 | WHAT IS DISCIPLESHIP?