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Discipleship and spheres
3
Discipleship Ministries (Liberty
University)
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LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
SCHOOL OF DIVINITY
Spheres and Stages of Discipleship Assignment
Submitted to Dr. John McGinn
in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the completion of
DSMN-500-C02
Discipleship Ministries
by
Pamela C. Jones
October 10, 2021
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Contents
Introduction…...................................................................................................1
Five Stages of Discipleship…........................................................................2-6
Four Spheres of Discipleship…......................................................................6-8
Current stage of Discipleship…......................................................................8-9
Spheres to Submit to Christ...........................................................................9-10
Submission to Christ....................................................................................10-12
Conclusion….................................................................................................12-13
Bibliography…..................................................................................................14
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Introduction
Discipleship is a lifetime process. It is very similar to a marriage, and it should not be
entered into unadvisedly. Being a disciple requires a person to have a desire to want to become a
follower of Jesus Christ. There are many different opinions out in the literary world that
proclaim how believers develop the disciple with in. It is clear to state that Jesus the “Parent or
Head” is really the developer of disciples. It is imperative that an understanding of the
discipleship process is evident in one’s life in order to recognize the growth opportunities in
others.
Moreover, in order to go anywhere, you must first know two things: your current location
and your destination. This paper will identify the five states and the four spheres of
discipleship while identifying the important lessons of each stage. Finally, importance of
being committed and submitted to Christ will be discussed.
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Five Stages of Discipleship
According to the authors of Disciple Shift they have identified five stages of discipleship
that a person grows through to reach the maturity of a “Spiritual Parent”. It is worthy to echo
these words. “The growth process is not linier.” [ CITATION Jim66 \l 1033 ] Some stages may
have an overlap but there must be a “path, a process and a direction needed to move in order to
grow.”1 The first stage the discipleship process is identified as the “dead stage”. You may be
thinking “dead?” why did the authors choose this harsh word? The person has a pulse so they
can’t be dead! How contra they are spiritually dead and must be born again. “Ephesians 2:1-5
describes those who are dead in their transgressions and sins.” These people are still aliened
from Christ’s redemptive power because they have not accepted Jesus as Savior and Lord. This
spiritually dead person may say I am a Christian and proclaiming to be spiritual and that they
know Jesus. The truth is this all of what they say is just lip service. They have no spiritual which
is no evidence of their proclamation documented in actions. They do not have the “Holy Spirit”
and the fruit of the spirit is not a regular diet in their lives. They are spiritually dead and have no
purpose but to be come alive in Jesus Christ. To further drive this point in the “Disciple Shift”
the author makes an analogy of a dead person lying in a casket in a funeral home. With the use
of one’s last experience at a funeral, “what did you expect from the dead person?” “The response
is not much, but to continue the decomposing process of the death.” 2The same with the
spiritually dead until they make the conscious effort to accept Jesus Christ as their personal
Savior. The person will display “behaviors of unbelief and open rebellion.” Moreover, you will
hear a
59-58.
1 Jim Putman, Bobby Harrington, and Robert E. Coleman, Disciple Shift (Grand Rapids: Zondervan,
2013) 2 Ibid., 61
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specific language from them as the authors calls it “phrase form the stage”.3 Just to inject a few:
“I don’t believe there is a God.”, “The Bible is just a book of myths”, “Religion is a crutch for
the weak.” “There are many ways a person can get to God.”, “I don't believe in hell. People just
make their own hell.” 4These are some common phrases a spiritually dead person may say that
will signal the disciple maker of the person’s current stage and how to assist them to grow by
accepting Jesus Christ.
The second stage describes the undeveloped disciple as having tendencies of an infant.
Thus called the “infant stage”. This stage is identified after the persons has accepted Jesus Christ
as their personal Savior and are born again “Newborn”. They crave the sincere milk of the word
that will grow them spiritually. This is the appropriate nourishments unlike older disciples who
have been in church for years and are still in the infant stage. As a maker of disciples, it is
important to recognize the growth and stagnation of the disciple. First Peter 2:2-3 illustrates the
appropriate spiritual food that is needed for the “newborn”. Whereas Hebrews 5:14 serves the
strong meat that is needed as the person matures. However as stated above some become
stagnated and want to remain on the milk and therefore, we have people in the ministry for 20-
40 years that are fruitless. Putman further explains that “spiritual infants tend to lack knowledge
about what Jesus taught. “They are not unintelligent; they are simply uninformed and in need of
truth. Often, they are the product of the culture they live in.”5 Moreover, they get mixed up with
other philosophies of the world. Sometimes mixing things up all together and then find them
selves confused and needing understanding that comes from God and a God filled mature
3 Ibid., 62
4 Ibid.,62
5 Ibid.
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disciple. There mentality is just as children “it’s all about me”. Please me and pacify me. They
depend on the church including the pastor to cater to them because the worldly culture of sin
afforded this lifestyle. At some point this does not yield the same results as it did in the past.
It is logical to think that the next stage of spiritual development is the “child stage” and it
follows the human growth development. In this stage Putman identities, the people in this stage
as growing and their spiritual development is all about themselves. They are just as children
wanting there needs met “self-centered”. Just as the infant stage the person could be relatively
new Christian or a Christians for many years. It is further explained that “it’s not time that
defines maturity, but what happened or did not happen in a relational discipleship process during
that time.” 6How has he or she taken advantage of the Holy Spirit’s teaching and opportunities of
maturing to become more like Christ? That is the pivoting point that reproduces effect spiritual
growth. One can identify this stage by recolonizing some of these “phrases form the stage” “I did
not like the music today they should have played some more contemporary stuff.”, “I don’t think
the church is meeting my needs anymore. Maybe I should go to a different church that does
better.” Or maybe you may hear this phrase “No one ever say’s hi to me at church. No one ever
calls me to see how I’m doing. No one spends time with me. The pastor looked right at me and
didn’t even say hello.”7 These ques should signal the disciple maker that the primary need in this
stage according to the authors of Disciple Shift is “a strong relational connection to a mature
believer so they can make the transition to a more God-and kingdom-focused life.
6 Ibid., 65
7 Ibid., 66
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The young adult stage is identified by their mature behavior. unlike the child and infant
things do not evolve around the self-centered behavior. The young adult is making a shift to
being more “God and other- and-centered.”[ CITATION Jim66 \l 1033 ] the phrase from the
stage may be identified as “I have three friends I’ve been witnessing to and our small group
would be too big for them, so can we branch so they can come?” as you can see this is not a self
centered statement. One can hear the maturity. Moreover, in this stage the young adult has a
desire to serve God, not be served and they realize God has a purpose for them. “According to
Putman they have “zeal, energy and joy that the Spirit provides”8
The parenting stage is the stage in which all disciples should press towards. In this
stage maturity has reproduce followers that one can call children. Keep in mind that
“Theologically, we believe that God is the one who births people spiritually”.9 However,
the disciple maker is used by God to help grow people and thus take on the spirit of God
in order to parent people through the five stages of discipleship as discussed in this paper.
This stage can also be identified as a stage of “spiritual reproduction”. “Spiritually
mature people make disciples (have spiritual children, so to speak). If they are capable
but are not parenting, then they are really just young adults at best.”10 It is expected that
one will continue to grow and mature while simultaneously disciple others. It is
important to remember no stage determines the persons’ significance or status of the
person, then stage assessment risk undermining the gospel. “All people are loved by God
and welcomed in
8 Ibid., 68
9 Putman, Harrington, and Coleman, Disciple Shift,
69 10 Ibid., 69
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this kingdom. All are precious in his sight, created in his image. Readiness to be used in
the mission varies, based on the person’s development stage, but value does not.”11
Four Spheres of Discipleship
Discipleship four spheres have a direct correlation to the growth stages of
discipleship. According to Putman “As a disciple abides in Christ, each sphere of his or her life is
transformed.” The four sphere we will discuss are relationship to God, relationship with God’s
family: the church, relationship to home and relationship to the world. Putman highlights and I
agree that “in each sphere, a disciple understands commands and submits to his authority
(head), is transformed by Jesus (heart), and joins Jesus on a Kingdom mission (hands) in all of
these areas of their lives.”12 As one’s commitment to discipleship is established; the love for God
and relationship with him is constantly being strengthened. In Ephesians, the Apostle Paul
through the blood of Jesus. In addition, Putman clearly states “relationship with God is the
central importance and this sphere is the core, the hub that unites the other spheres together”. 13
Whereas the sphere other three spheres are in line with the outward love Jesus commissions us
in Matthew 28:18-20. This second sphere details how we grow as a family or body of Jesus
Christ with God being the Head and Authority. a born-again believer with maturity in his or her
life is expected to have a special love for the household of faith. (Galatians 6:10). In addition, a
new command Jesus gave to his disciples in the upper room. Jesus added “Loving God with all
of
11 Ibid., 73
12 Putman, Harrington, and Coleman, Disciple Shift,
78 13 Ibid., 85
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our heart, soul, and mind. This new commandment pertains to loving our brothers and sister in
the family of God.”[ CITATION Rod181 \l 1033 ] Consider Jesus teaching in John 13:34-35.
The third sphere continues with showing outward love of Jesus is love and relationship for the
home and family. Charity begins at home and then reaches out. In this sphere it is important to
address family and love because some may grasp the concept of the gospel but fail to implement
it in the home.14 That is puzzling to me, and I must disagree that if a person fully understands
this concept, then implementation is the evidence there of. The best place to start to make
disciples is in the one’s own house. “Not every Christian has the gift of leadership, but every
believer is supposed to make disciples, and the most important place to focus is in our homes.” I
agree with the author that my biggest failure is to win the world and lose my own children, “but
God is Faithful, and he will not suffer you to be more tempted beyond that which ye are able to
bear” 1 Corinthians 10:13
The fourth sphere is the disciple’s outward relationship of love for the world. Putman further
describes this text by putting it in context comparison to the time it was written as he refers to
slaves and a slave holder. This is not propaganda to promote an abolished behavior. “However
today we can apply this to the context of our workplaces, in relationship between employee and
his employer.”15 The world concept has changed in the past it was simple faith, family and work.
Today we have a lot of culture influences that increases our exposure to others and affords us to
go out and make disciples in the highways and byways thus compelling men, women, boys and
girls to come to Christ. In closing this section, it is important to remind disciples we are in this
14 Ibid., 87
15 Putman, Harrington, and Coleman, Disciple Shift, 88
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world, but we are not of the world. John 17:16 We work for Christ and not others. “We
represent Christ and his kingdom, and our work affects God’s reputation.16
Current Stage of Discipleship
My current stage of discipleship is in between the young adult stage moving towards the
parental stage. This transition is not hard, but it requires discipline and guidance from the Holy
Spirit. My faith during the process has developed more. I sometimes revert and shelter myself
when I envision the larger picture of leadership and parenting of others. I am very sincere in my
walk and work in Jesus Christ. Furthermore, I find myself being reserved, not showing my
outward leadership abilities because I feel that having time is a key factor to building others to
become followers of Jesus Christ. At present I am a full time Nurse leader, business owner,
Elder in the church and abound. I just re-started my education journey to obtain my master’s in
divinity. Not to mention I take care of two elderly widows in my home full time with the
assistants of others. My assistant living business requires a lot of responsibilities in which the
Holy Spirit has blessed me with the knowledge and understanding to keeping my records and
books in order. In the past I have led many worship services unto God. I have and still teach
bible study, Sunday school for adults and youth. I sometimes serve as a mentor and life coach to
many. The I am currently working with a young woman to assist her with growing from a child
stage into the young adult stage of discipleship. I have spear headed yearly outreach ministries
which includes blanket drives, food give away, educational summits, back to school give away
and many more to come. I am the founding CEO a successful nonprofit. However, there is
another stage that I know I should be striving to and that is the parenting stage. I am exploring
within myself and with God how to be strengthened to move and grow to this next stage. I often
16 Ibid., 89
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ponder is my upward relationship and time with God matured enough. I am afraid of failure.
How do I manage my time and the needs of so many others? Moreover, I reflect on the last
person and how I delt with the rebellious spirit that boldly came up and attacked me. It was a
struggle, but God and I prevailed. In the past I was not fully equipped, and I thought that if the
person was not successful in their personal growth it was not my total responsibility. After
taking this call and reading I realized I had a part, God has a part and the person that is being
discipled has a part. I can only do my part and pray for God to equip me to successfully
implement with love. Finally. I often internalize the obstacles that are faced when one is
discipling others to become followers of Jesus.
Spheres to committee to Christ
The areas of life that I need to submit to centrality od Christ include relations and
love to God, my family and the world. I really feel that all the spheres in my life needs more
submission. I realize this each day that I am still not perfected, and I need the Holy Spirit’s help
and the grace to remain steadfast in this race. I must continue to daily submit my relationship
with God to Him. I want to strive to be in his image and likeness in charter, thoughts and
actions. Not to be big headed but big hearted. I strive to be in a mind and position to give God
Glory. To bless others and given all praise and Glory to my Father in heaven. My desire is to
speak and heal just as Jesus. Having a constant alignment with the Father and not allowing the
world to influence my mission negatively but allow the force behind it to keep me humbled and
in the face of God with my ear to his mouth. Next, I want to live and perform my life according
to God’s plan as it relates to family. Obedience to parents, both natural and spiritual and seeing
the
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reciprocal occurring in my children’s life. A relationship with my spouse that we are one as
Christ and the Church are One. That both my spouse and I will have an exchange of thought
and ideas that are given from our Father and we will assist each other to fulfil the destiny God
has planned for our lives. The prosperity and expected end.
Areas needing submission
The area I need to work on daily is continued commitment to my call of discipleship.
Continued submission and being sold out for Jesus. The greatest call I have every received was
the call to follow Jesus. I am not sure if it was the obedience to faithfulness or the faithfulness to
obedience, but I am convinced that discipleship has increased my awareness to the deeds of
Jesus Christ. Bonhoeffer said it best it is the “obedient deed”. Moreover, it is explained that the
only “good reason for the proximity of call and deed: Jesus Christ himself. It is he who calls.”
17That is why the tax collector in Mark 2:14 and others follow Him. The authority Jesus has is
evidence in followers’ obedience to his commands. Nothing proceeds his authority; only the
obedience response follows. “Christianity without Christ is just Christianity. Discipleship would
not exist without the incarnated God.”18 Jesus is the only one who can call to discipleship
because of his human walk on the earth and degree of suffering he endured which makes him the
Chief Disciple. After reading “The Call to Discipleship” I realized my experience and faith
submission are not as difficult neither were they menial as it relates to the first twelve disciples.
However, I believe the faith submission one must go through is appropriate to the trials or testing
of the faith that is ordained by God. This testing and submission is needed in order to get the
disciple where
17
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18 Ibid., 13
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Jesus wants to take them. Keep in mind the command is “Follow Me!” The original twelve
disciples left their lives as they knew it and followed Jesus. Their submission to Jesus’ authority
was not in question. They had lives of fishermen, tax collector, physician and so on. Their
occupations carried a certain influence in the economical system of life and a degree of having
means to support themselves and their families. Not to mention the social circles they may have
been privilege to connect. The disciples were called to a higher call. They responded with a
dignified “yes”. You and I have been called to that same higher call. I responded yes in the past
and my response is still “yes”. Often during my discipleship, I do an inventory of my
commitment and submission. I often wonder is the commitment I read in the four gospels
identical or parallel to the commitment I have today. “They followed Jesus simply for the sake of
the call. Those that were called left everything they had not in order to do something valuable.
Instead, they do it simply for the sake of the call itself, because otherwise they could not walk
behind Jesus.”19 It appear after reading that a disciple is free to worship and move freely without
constraints or hindrance of worldly ties. “They are called away and suppose to “step out” of their
previous existence, they are supposed to exist in the strict sense of the word. Leaving the things
behind and given up on them.”20 The reading shares and I summarize that the disciples are
thrown out of relative security of life into complete insecurity according to our human nature.
However, it’s the dependence in God and the ecology infrastructure he created for every
follower to live in and take their place and abide. The writer continues “the bridges are torn
down, and the followers simply move ahead.”21 “Truth is a life of complete insecurity is absolute
security and
protection in community with Jesus”22 This statement alone summarizes my walk as I submit to
19 Ibid., 13
20 Ibid., 13
21 Ibid., 13
22 Ibid., 13
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Jesus daily. To be able to walk by faith and not by sight as 2 Corinthians 5:7 tell us is happening
in my life. In the past I was so geared to working and getting things and not wanting to depend
on others and too lazy to exercise my faith. I knew how to quote the biblical definition of faith,
but evidence of doing faith was lacking in my life. In essence I was coddling fear. I wanted to
know all the details of the assignment before I took it on. I would say I am not worried but
asking for all the details was on the same line of worrying. I would often say don’t worry about
tomorrow it will take care of itself Matthew 6:34. Don’t lean on your own understanding let
God direct your path. After doing those things and getting out of my comfort zone I experienced
changes in my behavior. In closing I seen dreams get accomplished in this natural realm and not
just in my mind: because Faith with out works is dead. I will submit and continue the journey of
following a living Savior and moving in a living right now faith.
Conclusion
This paper has communicated the process and application of discipleship as outlined in
the Book “Disciple Shift”. There is at length discussion on the four spheres of discipleship and
how the spheres have influenced my personal discipleship. Discovering this process is a
continuum and it’s a committed lifestyle. Knowing that once being dead and now alive and
processing through the five stages of discipleship. With the goal of parenting and making
disciples. Submission and faithfulness are key components to being a follower of Jesus Christ.
Finally, having the experience as a dead person and becoming alive or born again is something
that should be celebrated continuously. That is why my heart is grateful, and I am celebratory of
Jesus Christ. I am not ashamed of His gospel.
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Bibliography
Earley, Rod Dempsey and David. Spiritual Formation Is How to Grow in Jesus with Passion and
Confidence. Nashville: B&H Academic, 2018.
James, New King. The Holy Bible. Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, .
Jim Putman, Bobby Harrington and Robert Coleman. Disciple Shift Five Steps That Help Your
Church to Make Disciple Who Make Disciples. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1966.
Urbaniak, Jakub. "From Religionless Christianity to Immanent Grace: Bonhoeffer's Legacy in
Badiou." The Journal of Religion, vol 94, no.4, 2014: 457-484.
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