We continue the discussion of discipleship in this episode. Below are several key ideas mentioned in the discussion...
Acts 2:38-47 points to three experiences the very first church in Jerusalem had, as pointed out by author Gene Getz:
Learning experiences with the Word
Relational experiences with one another
Witnessing experiences with the worldWe talked last episode about how a church can be structured to facilitate corporate witnessing/evangelism. In this episode we talk about what needs to be present in a church for effective discipleship – learning and following – to occur.
There are seven progress reports in the book of Acts, documenting the advance of the Mission, but regularly tying it to the multiplication of churches, because the churches are where the disciples are made. – see Acts 2:47; 6:7; 9:31; 12:24; 16:5; 19:20; 28:30-31.
We believe that churches must place the emphasis on discipleship that the Great Commission demands and that Scripture and history have modeled. We think that a discipleship plan that can do that must be...
Intentional — refers to a deliberate plan to make disciples.
Church-centered — means the local church is involved in reaching and maturing disciples.
Evangelistic — requires the local church is structured to make contact and communicate the gospel to unbelievers and the unchurched.
Inclusive — entails that those who come to Christ and his church are disciples and are urged to participate.
Progressive — necessitates that the disciple is moved forward to the next steps of growth.
Wholistic — creates opportunities for education, relationships, and ministry.