Personal Theology of Discipleship
Personal Theology of Discipleship
Introduction
Disciple making is the pinnacle responsibility of any prosperity minded church. The whole aspect starts with attraction of new Christians to a church. The new Christians are then taught and cultivated to be all rounded disciples in the ministry of Christ. There are various theological, philosophical and methodological considerations in this practice to ensure the path to discipleship maturity is conducive and effective. This paper aims at exploring the themes, components and methods applied in discipleship through reviewing various secondary literatures on the issue of personal theology of discipleship.
A review of three significant pieces of research related to the theology of discipleship. Clearly identify the sources of the research and note the key themes, components of discipleship, and methods of application proposed by each.
An Integrated Competency-Based Training Model for theological training
The ability to involve in cross-disciplinary dialogue is a key aspect in the theology of discipleship. This is the kind of dialogue where there is mutual communication between a Christian leader and a follower allowing exchange of ideas and knowledge on the concept of discipleship (Mwagni and Klerk, 2011). Exegesis thus has a critical role in defining the findings and relationship between, orthodoxy, orthopraxy, and research. Research is formed by numerous things variables. It is just through joining of every one of these variables in the exploration procedure of our subject that the genuine and precise significance of a scriptural content will be accomplished. Scriptural learning significantly shapes our confidence knowing more about God uncovers to us what he anticipates from us and the onus that we have in his kingdom keeping in mind the end goal to harvest in his favors. A major piece of research in theology of discipleship is Sticky Church by Larry Osborne (2008). A major theme identified in the literature is the use of small groups in increasing the effectiveness of personal discipleship. Osborne deems the small group strategy as effective because it is founded on two aspects of spiritual growth: the bible and other Christians.
Discipleship as Theological Praxis: Dietrich Bonhoeffer as A Resource for Educational Ministry
Biblical Exegesis serves as a mediator and moderator in the learning of discipleship. through exegesis, the relationship between an author, the text and the major themes is brought out. House (2015), identifies prayer and togetherness as key themes in theology of discipleship. Prayer is key in the success of any discipleship since it is the means through which a Christian communicates with God. Togetherness is a major component of discipleship (House, 2015). Our faith is a key mediator in the learning of discipleship components since it allows us to relate the kcontent with the key attributes that we hold in faith about God and as we strive to meet them, we end up becoming better disciples of God.
Developing a Theology of Discipleship
Our faith should help in the research about discipleship. This According to Watson (2014), a major theme in teaching discipleship is changing the components of the lessons for different people. This theme holds that church leaders should employ a personal approach to the concept of discipleship where the teachings to a person are tailored toward the life and understanding of that particular person to enhance the effectiveness of the lessons. This is because people are different in nature. A major component identified by Watson (2014) is the bible. The bible is the ultimate guideline to true discipleship. Biblical stories such as those of the mission that Jesus has on earth lay blueprints to Christian leaders in the practice of personal discipleship. Jesus had disciples that he had recruited and cultivated.
A statement that synthesizes the ideas presented in the examined research into a clearly articulated personal theology of discipleship.
In Personal theology of discipleship, the fundamental step is affirming God’s love for a disciple. As a Christian leader, one should remind the disciples of the immense love that God has for them that would never come to an untimely end. The other step is to teach on how to pray. Prayer helps avoid temptations. Bible study is also key in personal discipleship where a Christian leader ought to teach the followers how to read and interpret the bible. This can be done by fellowship, peer groups or even consultation at personal level. The church should act as a guide in the discipleship path by allowing Christians to derive lessons from the life experiences of their fellow members in the church. This allows the concept of togetherness to thrive even when the discipleship is largely individual oriented.
Summary
Personal theology of discipleship is a major way to enhance the effectiveness of discipleship teachings. The small group approach as proposed by Osborne (2008) is particularly effective since the disciples have a personal connection with their spiritual leader allowing them to ask questions on processes that they do not understand at present. The personal theology approach makes it easier for Christian leaders since they have enhanced communication with the disciples allowing them to monitor their actions and consequential behavior changes in line with the teachings of discipleship.
According to Osborne (2008), small groups allow religious leaders to develop tailor made religious programmes aimed at addressing the specific discipleship needs of a member of the small group. This strategy enhances the effectiveness of personal theology upholding the growth of discipleship and at the same time ensuring that members stick to a church.
Togetherness is the art of being able to interact with one another in diverse situations and environments while upholding human characteristics such as love and compassion (Conniry, 2007). Togetherness is a major key in discipleship since it allows the disciples to have each other’s hand in tricky situations in the ministry of Christ. The method of application proposed by House (2015) is a mass approach where disciples are ministered to as a unit and the strategies used are common to all.
An example of a paradigm of discipling is the calling of Peter and Andrew in Matthew 4:18-22 by Jesus. Jesus called the three to quit fishing for he would make them fishers of men. This concept reveals a three step paradigm as discussed by Watson (2014). First, Peter and Andrew had to quit their normal activity of fishing. Second, Jesus would ‘make them.’ This shows cultivation into discipleship maturity in matters of attributes, skills and knowledge. Third, Jesus would commission them to go and be fishers of men. The major method of application proposed by Watson (2014) is the use of peer groups and fellowships. These would allow collection of Christians with similar attributes to a group of disciples. The peer group approach would allow new Christians to blend into the church fabric.
The statement of personal theology created from examining the ideas of the research holds that making the disciples understand that God loves them is the fundamental step. Then the disciples are taught to communicate to God through prayer and also how o fellowship with others in reading the bible. This transformation is finally put to test by sending the disciples out to the communities to communicate the gospel. This is the pinnacle pf personal theology of discipleship.
Conclusion
References
Conniry, C. (2007). Soaring in the Spirit: Faith in an emerging culture. Colorado Springs, CO: Authentic Media.
FaWatson, D. (2014). Discipleship. London: Hodder and Stoughton.
House, P. R. (2015). Bonhoeffer’s seminary vision: A case for costly discipleship and life together. Illinois: crossway.
Mwagni, J. K.,, & Klerk, B. (2011). An integrated competency-based training model for theological training. Hervormde Teologiese Studies, 67(2), 123-132. Doi: 10.4102/hts.v67i2.1036.
Osborne, L. W. (2008). Sticky church. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan.
