LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
JOHN W. RAWLINGS SCHOOL OF DIVIINTY
Course Reflection Assignment
Submitted to Dr. Bob Bayles,
in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the completion of
DSMN 500-B04
Discipleship Ministries
By
Lauren Ashley Herring
July 9, 2021
Contents
Introduction.....................................................................................................................................1
Personal Discipleship Reflections...................................................................................................1
Key Biblical Passages and Principals.................................................................. ..........................2
Best Practices/ Plan for Developing Disciples................................................................................3
Conclusion......................................................................................................................................4
Introduction
The primary mission of all Christians is the call to become a disciple of Jesus Christ and
then go out a create disciples of many nations (Matthew 28:19). This mission is not to be taken
lightly but instead must be examined in all parts as it begins to transform individuals to become
more like Jesus in every aspect of their life. As we learn and grow in our own discipleship to
become spiritual leaders; we must then continue to make disciples, teaching them to allow a
spiritual growth to take place in their hearts so they will continue the legacy of making disciples.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer describes how to properly promote healthy discipleship through the act of
obedience, making sure the individual understands this is an absolute trait of discipleship. Next,
the believer must understand the authoritive role God plays within the believer's life, that the
believer must leave behind their former life and habits to follow God’s will. Lastly, the believer
must understand a relationship with God is necessary and by having complete obedience to
God’s will cannot happen without absolute faith.
Personal Discipleship Reflections
Looking over my time taking this course, I have come to realize how far I have really
fallen in discipleship. I can remember a few years ago before I became a parent, I was very
passionate about studying to know more about God and pushing to do more within our
community and church to serve God’s will. But as we all do, I went through a cycle where after
my daughter was born, I became so involved with work, school, taking care of my daughter and
of course the many things that being an adult requires so as running errands and paying the bills,
that I forgot how excited I used to be about spreading the word of God. I would try to get as
involved in my church as possible with all ages and groups as I wanted our church to come
together instead of being separated into clicks. Although I was involved with several groups
including choir, nursery, children’s church, youth group, Vacation Bible School, and any summer
camps we went on but always asked to be involved in more. I even became part of the mission's
group and was so involved I was appointed to the assistant leader and was always looking for
more outreach programs in our community.
I have realized from many of our assignments that I am not as involved with the
community nor as open in reaching more non-believers as I know not being a part of a set church
anymore has definitely taken a toll of that as well as the pandemic. But this was a class that has
reminded me of the importance proper discipleship and how necessary it is for the believer to
have and continue to have. Just as Jesus never allowed life to take Him away from His ministry, I
must also put discipleship at the head of everything I do, no matter how rough life will get at
times. This class has been a reality check for me and has encouraged me to examine where I am
now in my discipleship and make a game plan to get back to where I once was.
Key Biblical Passages and Principals
I have learned that the biggest scriptural reference I should apply to my discipleship and
spiritual leadership role is from Matthew 20:28, “Jesus told His disciples, “Even as the Son of
Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” This is the
model Jesus set for all of His disciples as He lived to be the example for us to live as we spread
His word and love. Reading over this I have realized that I should not make excuses or try to
verify why I am choosing to do something else instead of solely living to serve through God’s
will. By keeping this in mind as a disciple in every aspect of my life I know it will help clear the
way for me to continue living the way God did during His earthly ministry.
Another scriptural reference that I have discovered that would assist me in correcting my
discipleship is Ephesians 1:21, “far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every
name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.” This is an area I
have always seemed to struggle with in my life, especially in times of stress or depression. I
know and admit that only God has the power to change anything and everything but tend not to
put my trust in Him at times. This is hard for me to admit sometimes but it is the truth, as we all
get so caught up in our stressors in life. But keeping Him first in our good times and bad,
knowing that in His power can He change the situation and be our comforter can we be
successful in our discipleship.
Best Practices/ Plan for Developing Disciples
Looking over my discipleship and spiritual leadership role, I admit I have dropped the
ball on my part the past few years. As before I was very involved and encouraged to go out and
create disciples, leading them to Christ by example of my own life. But I have fallen short on my
part and after taking this class, I have learned a few areas in which can help me improve. First of
which I can spend more time with Jesus and in prayer, not like I do now with simple check ins
with Him but really take the time to sit down and talk with Him. Allowing the Holy Spirit to
work in my heart to hear His plan and words more clearly as I continue to follow Him.
Secondly, I can spend more time in His word as I pray the Holy Spirit gives me the
strength, understanding and courage to go out a spread the Gospel. It is a scary word out there
and sometimes sharing the word of God with others can be just as scary. Even if we attempt to
share the word or God, there's always an argument to be made that shoot down the initial idea we
had in the beginning. So, I pray that God gives me the words to use to better reach those of other
cultures, religions and backgrounds to hear the powerful and loving message of God through me
and my life.
Lastly, I can join a church where I can worship God with other believers and get back
into serving the community. Many churches I have come across do not participate in a lot of
outreach programs or are made up of the same clicks my former church consisted of. I know that
by only studying the word of God and spending time with Him is not enough, but I must be a
part of a church that is working to grow the body of Christ. This has become my ultimate goal
after taking this class is to feel that home feeling that we all should feel as disciples.
Conclusion
As this class comes to an end, I am thankful for the opportunity to be a part of such a
learning experience. Although it has been very difficult this semester to keep up with every
assignment, as life’s ups and downs did get the best of me, I am thankful I had this opportunity.
This class has taught me and reminded me that discipleship is an essential part of every believer,
and it is our goal to go on to become spiritual leaders as we grow. Taking what I have learned
from this class, my hope is to continue working on the areas I have come to realized I have
slacked off on more than what I initially realized. To become a stronger and more serving
disciple so that I may become a spiritual leader as God has called me to be.
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