LIBERTY SCHOOL OF DIVINIITY
Spheres and Stages of Discipleship
Written Assignment 2
A Paper
Submitted to Dr. Rodney Earls
In Partial Fulfillment
Of the Requirements for the Course
Discipleship Ministries
DSMN 500
By
Josie Smith
10 June 2017
0
Abstract
Christians consider discipleship a vital part of Christian growth. Salvation is a free gift
from God created obtainable through the redemption and accessible to mankind finished by Jesus
Christ. The heart of man is convicted by the Holy Spirit, after which the difficult job begins.
This paper will take an in-depth observation into discipleship in relationship to the five stages of
development and the collaboration revolving around a follower's existence. In this paper, we
will discuss levels one through five depicting each level’s characteristics. In our death, we
discover according to Jim Putnam’s five stages of discipleship and four spheres of life as a
guideline. This paper will show the pathway to obtaining one’s God-given resolve and mission
in life. When the Holy Spirit used us a vessel, we will be able to reach out to others for Christ.
We can regenerate a new heritage of Soul Winners. In addition, this paper will emphasize the
centrality of Jesus Christ discussing the call to the cross although stressing the significance of
total submission to Jesus Christ in all elements of my individual life.
The Five Stages of Discipleship
This paper will take an in-depth observation into the discipleship in relationship to five
stages of development and the collaboration revolving around a follower's existence. The stages
of discipleship center on the natural progression of a follower from stage to stage. If a follower
is to advance to full maturity in Jesus Christ one needs to become a disciple and therefore the
process of making discipleship becomes necessary.
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Level 1: Spiritually Dead
Stage one is “spiritually dead” which refers to the non-believer in the process of being
new convert. At this point, the person has no relationship with the Lord, no matter what the
person might admit. Putman for example, states, “The key concept is that a spiritually dead
person does not have the life of Jesus Christ within.”1 At this stage, a believer has not accepted
Jesus Christ as his personal Savior. They also can be the ones against God, or claim to be
spiritual; however, they have no relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. The main point of these
believers, no matter their mental state, they do not have a stable relationship with the Lord. They
are emotionally unstable toward God, and wavering from anger to curiosity. These believers need
to perceive us as living epistles of the true and living God. Furthermore, these people need to
show the love of Jesus Christ through the one that are true Believers.
Level 2: Infant
Stage two is “infant.” At this point in a Believer’s life he has received Christ as his
personal Savior, but has become stagnated. This type of Believer might believe for long time
that he is chosen, but fail to act of his faith. These are believers that require abundant help in the
spirit.2 This is a stage where the originality if not accurately directed the newly converted can go
into a frightening situation causing the believer to revert or backslide. (Ephesian 2:1-5) states,
“At one time like a dead person because of the things you did wrong and your wrongdoings
against God.
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1Jim Putman & Bobby Harrington, and Robert Coleman,” Disciple shift: Five Steps that your
Church to Make Disciple Who Make Disciples,” (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan
Publishers, 2013), 59.
2Ibid. 61.
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You used to live like people of defiance to God’s will that is now in persons whose lives are
described by defiance.” At one time, you were like those individuals, all of you used to do
whatever felt good and whatever you believed you required so that you were children headed for
chastisement just like everyone else. However, God is rich in compassion. He brought us to life
with Christ while we were dead since those things we did wrong. He did this because of the
unwavering love he has for us. You are saved by God’s grace!”3 At this level the Hebrew
people refer to the “infant “as those who live on milk and not meat.4 The believers at this stage
are considered as tunnel Christian because they tend to be self-centered, everything revolves
around them, and they act just like a baby. At this stage, the “infant” needs to be taught and
Christians should demonstrate love before them.
Level 3: Child
Stage three is “child.” Here the believer is acquiring knowledge to hear and distinguish
the voice and will of God more freely. For example, Samuel heeded the voice of the Lord, “I
am here Lord, speak to me.”4 Stage three is similar to stage two in some characteristics of self-
centeredness and the believer needing attention. Putman offers the concept that the believers
began to associate with other Christians during this stage.5 A “spiritual child” can be a believer
who have not been to church for years, but confess a relationship with Christ. The believer at
3Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Dietrich Bonhoeffer Works Volume 4: Discipline, (Minneapolis, MN:
Fortress Press, 2003), p, 87.
4Ibid., 90-91
5Dave Early & Rod Dempsey, Discipline Making Is: How to Live the Great Commission
Passion and Confidence, (Nashville: B & H Academics, 2013), p. 49-58.
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this stage tends to exhibit anxiety, an attitude of downfall, bullishness and arrogance. Putman
demonstrates the believer initial need is a, “Strong relational connection to established follower
in which they can change into a more dedicated life.” At this stage, they will need someone who
will teach them how to develop into self-independence.
Level 4: Young Adult
This is the stage the believer applies the Word to their life and overcomer evil. Dempsey
illustrates, “Spiritually young adults [as people who] are formulating a move from being self-
absorbed to becoming a God centered as well as obedience to the Word.”6 This is the stage when
the believer realizes that God has given a specific purpose in life and given him/her the gifting to
obtain it. They need to learn how to process pain and disappointment and know that the Lord is
with them through these trying times. In this stage, the believers are involved in ministry and
understand that they do everything as unto the Lord and not man.7
Level 5: Parent (Current Stage)
I find myself predominantly in the parental stage, I have progressed through years of
trials and tribulation. This is the stage where followers tend to make disciple. The Christian
follower becomes responsible and demonstrates leadership as well as a greater understanding of
the Word. The follower is currently living the Word on a daily basic. As a “parent”, you have
surrendered your life to Christ and; therefore, striving to glorify the Lord and advancing His
Kingdom by teaching others to be disciples. As the Word states, “There is none righteous, no, not
one:” (Romans 3:10).
_____________________________
6Robby Gallaty, Growing Up: How to be a Disciple Who Makes Disciples, (Nashville:
B & H Publishing Group, 2013), p.67-77.
7Bill Hull, The Complete Book of Discipleship: On being and Making Followers of Christ,
(Colorado, Springs: Navpress, 2014), 79-88.
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They have an understanding that they are not perfect, but striving toward perfection. A follower
at this stage is always seeking the Lord and His will and His perfect will for their life. Followers
at the stage always reading the Word and ready to give a word of blessing to others. They have
an understanding of each sphere and living accordingly.8 They have prioritized their life by
placing God first, spouse, children, church, and the others. The Follower verbally admits a desire
to teach others for the Kingdom. At this stage, they are watchful on how you present yourself to
the public, because you are representing Jesus. The follower is God-centered.
During time of testing in my life, it leads to success (Philippians 4:13), “I can do all
things through Christ who strengthen me.” The Word is my weapon and the Lord fights my
battles. For example, about thirty years ago I was married and my husband was committing
adultery repeatedly. My training in the church would not allow me to get a divorce. It was so
hurtful and disappointing knowing that he would be with another woman. Then when he came
home we would fight and the police were called. I wanted my marriage to work out so badly. I
loved my husband and the Lord. On one occasion, my husband bruised two rids and broke my
thumb. It was time for me to leave, but the church taught me that divorce was a sin and not an
option. Depression and extreme loneliness sunk in and one day I saw my husband and with the
other woman riding down the road laughing and looking like they were having fun. It broke my
heart as tears roll down my face. Why couldn’t we have fun like that? I just cried driving home.
Soon I was home, and I felt hurt, betrayed and I wanted to die. The Devil told me to get a knife
off the table, and I did. I took the knife in both hands, held it high and began to come down in
my chess, but I heard a small still voice. It was the Lord, he told me to “go” there was prayer
______________________________
8Bill Hull, The Complete Book of Discipleship: On being and Making Followers of Christ,
(Colorado, Springs: Navpress, 2014), p. 34-42.
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service in Boligee, Alabama and I was saved and delivered. (Isaiah 43:2), “When you pass
through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep
over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you
ablaze.” I became mature in the Lord.
The Four Spheres
Sphere means “An area of influence or activity.” Putman and Harrington developed these
four spheres of discipleship out the book of Ephesian. Putman and Harrington state, “We are not
called to leave God out in neither one of these spheres.” Sphere 1: The Centrality of our
relationship with God. This sphere is the most vital and the very core and the foundation of all
our relationships. Each sphere, disciple understands God’s commands and submits to His
authority (Head), is transformed by Jesus (Heart) and joins Jesus on a Kingdom mission (Hands)
in every area of their lives.9 Development in this sphere moves others. A dependable confidence
in God keeps the disciple stable and is prompt that we are saved by grace and not by work. The
third sphere is essential in the discipleship development. We learn to love our sisters and brothers
in Christ as we walk in Christ in the second sphere. When you fail one’s family in the
development, it is considered a serious loss to other followers for the Kingdom. Everything we
have learned should be applied toward our family. Finally, as followers of Christ we must display
Him in our life’s daily. It is vital not to disregard that this is not an easy process. It is vital that
the follower makes more disciples and follow the Great Commission. This process will indeed be
challenged by Satan; therefore, arm yourself with what you have learned that you will not be
overcome with evil.
____________________________________________________
9Jeff Davis, Spheres and Stages of Discipleship: Disciple Following Jesus’ call, Access May 23,
2017, www.jeffdavis.blog
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Conclusion My Submission to Christ
It is my determination that I exhibit the traits in the parent stage. When I first was saved,
I lacked the knowledge I needed to go through my trials. As I grew in the Lord, I learned of Him
and I have decided to follow Jesus (Hebrews 5:8). There was a period in my life I wanted to kill
myself, I had no hope, no joy, no peace, and no love (John 10:10). God came into my life and he
filled me with His Spirit and I had joy, peace, love, and hope through things I had suffered.
There was a time, I was going through a rough divorce and my husband was about to take all
God had blessed me with and wanted me to pay him and give him my house. It was like I was
caught in a binder and I couldn’t get out. I humbled myself under His might hands (1 Peter 5:6).
With Christ, you have to be humble and come unto Him as a child. It was a time in my life I
needed someone to love me and I sought for it (Jeremiah 31:3). However, one day I was laying
across the bed weeping, because I needed companionship. The Lord spoke to me and told me to
“go” somewhere, and I did. When I walked in, I won a 10-carat diamond cluster ring at Jared
Jewelry. The Lord let me know that He was my husband and He could provide for me, my heart
was made complete in the Lord. (Isaiah 54:5). The Lord, said, “I am you husband, I will
provide for you.” A follower of Jesus must go through the trials and past the tests (2 Tim. 2:12).
I have embraced the Great Commission in my life (Mathew 28:16-20). I have learned to pray
and touch the Lord. I read my read bible religiously. I love the Lord; therefore, I want to keep
His commandments, laws, and percepts (John 14:15). I pray every night, “thank you Lord for
saving me” (Colossians 4:2). Because I live for the Lord and I live that others may see Him in
me and want to be saved (Col. 1:27). I seek the Lord on a daily basic as well as mediate on His
wonderful Word (Isiah 55:6). I believe His Word and I have faith in His Word and I live
accordingly (1 Peter 5:6). There is no weapon formed against me that shall prosper.
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Bibliography
Bonhoeffer, Dietrich. “Dietrich Bonhoeffer Works Volume 4: Discipline.” Minneapolis, MN:
Fortress Press, 2003.
Davis, Jeff. “Spheres and Stages of Discipleship: Disciple Following Jesus’ cal.”, Access May
23, 2017, www.jeffdavis.blog
Early, Dave & Rod Dempsey. “Discipline Making Is: How to Live the Great Commission
Passion and Confidence.” Nashville: B & H Academics, 2013.
Gallaty, Robby, “Growing Up: How to be a Disciple Who Makes Disciples.” Nashville:
B & H Publishing Group, 2013.
.
Hull, Bill. “The Complete Book of Discipleship: On being and Making Followers of Christ.”
Colorado, Springs: Navpress, 2014.
Putman, Jim & Bobby Harrington, and Robert Coleman. “Disciple shift: Five Steps that your
Church to Make Disciple Who Make Disciples.” Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan
Publishers, 2013.
.
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