Page 52 - Ecclesiology Textbook Masters

A disciple is a person who has come to Jesus for eternal life, has claimed Jesus as Savior and Lord, and
has embarked upon the life of following Him. A disciple is a person who has a living and daily
relationship with Christ. A disciple will also develop a relationship with the person who disciples him.
That person must be a role model of Christ in every part of his life.

2. Discipleship is enabled and empowered by the work of the Holy Spirit who transforms us into the
image of Christ.
The Holy Spirit indwells and fills believers (Eph. 5:18), guides us into all truth (John 16:13), brings forth
fruit in our lives (Gal. 5:22-23) and empowers us for ministry in the church and in the world. The Spirit is
God’s presence in us (Rom. 8:11) to confirm that we are indeed children of God (Rom. 8:16) and to
convict us of sin for the continuing process of conforming us into the image of Christ. Understanding the
role of the Holy Spirit encourages the response of submission to His sanctifying work.

Youth ministry with a discipleship emphasis must seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in every aspect of
the plans. As youth are discipled, the Holy Spirit must be front and center in the process.

3. Discipleship is grounded and guided by the Word of God
The Bible is our authority in all areas of life. “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and
you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31-32). Consistent nourishment is a
vital component of one’s spiritual growth (Psalm 1, John 15). The major emphasis of a youth
discipleship ministry should center on teaching the youth God’s Word. They must understand the great
doctrines of the faith and why they believe them.

4. Discipleship is nurtured in community
Community with other believers is a vital part of our growth as disciples. We were made to be in
fellowship with one another. Thus, the imagery of the body of Christ portrays how vitally linked we are
to one another. In such community we can fulfill the command of loving one another and with this
community then to love the world.

5. Discipleship is a continuing process of being transformed from the inside-out
“The ultimate goal of the believer’s life is to be conformed to the image of Christ (Ro 8:29).” Jesus
described a radical way of life in the sermon on the mount. In a world in which righteousness was very
much regarded by one’s outward actions, Jesus emphasized the transformation of the heart.

6. Discipleship produces spiritual fruit
As the Holy Spirit works to transform the individual and change is made from the inside-out, the
characteristics of God become evident in the believer’s life: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,
goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Gal. 5:22-23).

7. Disciples of Christ who are in the process of inward transformation, yield to the Spirit’s leading in
service and mission.
Spiritual formation is both about the inward change of heart and the outward manifestation of that
changed heart. Christ modeled the life of service for His disciples and commands us to serve in humility
and love while proclaiming His truth in a lost world.

An effective youth ministry must have multiple avenues for the youth to share their lives in ministry to
others. The effective youth minister will integrate many opportunities in which the youth can share
their faith and practice their spiritual gifts with others.

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