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Disciple Making Plan Part 2:
Final Assignment
Robert Kirby
DSMN500: Discipleship Ministries
March 26, 2024
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Contents
Introduction ……………………………………………………………….…………………… 3
Passage ……………………………………………..…………………………………………… 3
Principles around the Scripture ……….....………….…………..…………………………… 4
Philosophy around Christ ....……..…………………………………………………………… 5
Practice ……………………………………………..…………………………………………… 6
Proof ………………………………………………..…………………………………………… 9
Conclusion ………..……………….………………………………………………………..… 10
Bibliography ……………………….……………………………………………………...…... 11
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In Matthew 28:16-20 it is explained that the Great Commission was a directive given by
Jesus Christ to his Apostles to spread the word and make disciples. However, there was a belief
that the Commission ceased to be relevant after the Apostles passed away, with the
understanding that it was meant specifically for them and the general members of the churches.
In the late eighteenth century following the Reformation, the Protestant community started to
question the need for continued missionary work. Today, it is vital that we follow Matthew
28:16-20 as a Christian community. As a community, we must not fail to fulfill the
understanding in these verses because it would push us to disobey the Lord and his word. Pulling
from the Scripture, research from philosophers, and personal experience, this paper will propose
an effective approach to nurturing disciples for Christ. This approach will focus on three key
elements: passages, principles, and philosophy. The goal is to implement these key elements into
the current ministries and future endeavors.
Matthew 28:19-20 states “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them
in the name of the Father and the Son and the holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything I
have commanded you. And surely I am with you to the very end of the age.”1 To accomplish the
assigned objective, it is essential to develop an all-encompassing strategy. The House of God is
presently confronted with a crisis caused by the growing financial strain on its members, leading
to a decrease in the dissemination of teachings aimed at creating disciples. To surmount this
challenge, it is of utmost importance that we actively pursue guidance and faithfully follow the
Great Commission, thus facilitating the cultivation of a greater number of disciples.
The objective of this assignment is to delineate the approach for a specific program
centered on fostering disciples. Through the utilization of divine resources and theoretical
1 Unless otherwise noted scriptures are of English Standard Version
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examination, it is intended to offer insight into the essential principles, ideology, methodologies,
and substantiation necessary for the successful execution of the strategy. The disciple-making
strategy must encompass components that have not yet been employed by religious authorities,
guaranteeing a holistic strategy.
Passages
For Christians to have a good strategy to disciple others and grow the kingdom of God,
we must first have a solid foundation for where we stand. When we are defining discipleship, we
see through many philosophers that there is a need to be biblical.2 As we see through the
scriptures and envision how discipleship was informed and lived out in the time of the authors
writing the scripture, we must remember that Jesus shows us that there are three times of which
discipleship was formed and that was from the Great Commandment with Moses in the Old
Testament, the Great Commission, and the New Testament. Jesus Christ motivates us to emulate
him and promises to transform us into individuals who attract others to his teachings3. Merely
professing our belief in Jesus Christ is insufficient; we must also actively engage in spreading his
message and nurturing new believers. By instructing others to become followers and
empowering them to teach their disciples, the cycle of discipleship can perpetuate and expand.
The act of making disciples may appear laborious, but it mirrors Jesus Christ's transformation of
fishermen into fishers of men.
Discipleship is centered on the scripture passage where Jesus Christ instructs his
followers to follow him and to carry their crosses (Matthew 10:37-39, Luke 9:23). These verses
underscore the significance that is placed on Jesus Christ when centered around our existence.
2 Allister McGrath, Christianity’s Dangerous Idea: The Protestant Revolution: A History from the Sixteenth
Century to the Twenty-First (London: SPCK, 2007), 225.
3 Jim Putman, Bobby Harrington, and Robert Emerson Coleman, DiscipleShift Five Steps That Help Your
Church to Make Disciples Who Make Disciples (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2013).
3
These verses prompt us to prioritize love and devotion towards others over our selfish desires,
including the pursuit of material possessions. To truly experience life, we must relinquish our old
habits and embrace a new life in Christ. This change, often described as "conversion," entails
dedicating our lives to Jesus and making profound adjustments to conform to his teachings. The
sinful ways of our past are discarded, and we are now equipped with a new heart that glorifies
God. This fresh start is not fleeting or limited to specific moments of repentance; it is a lifelong
commitment and a way of life.4
Principles around the Scripture
Beliefs are the foundation that guides decision-making, nurtures relationships, and
facilitates mediation. We are the masters of our destiny, while the church embodies the divine
will of God. Beliefs are distinct from personal traits. A profession must be built upon at least five
core values. Love, compassion, gratitude, support, and guidance are indispensable for church's
ministry. These principles underscore the centrality of God in the relationships that the church
ministry cherishes and upholds.
A cornerstone of the principles of devotion which is the cornerstone around believers'
lives. Jesus Christ taught the significance of love for one another and then the love for God.5 By
abiding by these three key examples of the Great Commandment, the New Commandment, and
the Great Commission, we demonstrate the righteousness of God by displaying compassion and
love to all, regardless of their imperfections. As sinners ourselves, we have encountered God's
unconditional love and compassion, which serves as a blueprint for how we should interact with
others. Rejecting the love of our peers is essentially rejecting God’s love. The essential principle
of God’s love is in the comprehension of God and fulfilling the purpose of His children.
4 Ibid. 51.
5 Dave Earley and Rod Dempsey, Disciple Making Is .).). How to Live the Great Commission with Passion
and Confidence (B&H Publishing Group, 2014).
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Moreover, fostering a spirit of gratitude and positivity is vital in spreading joy and happiness in
God's name. In a world filled with negativity and dissatisfaction, it is crucial to remember that
true success stems from following God's will and embracing His love.
The disciples were called by Christ to follow him, and Jesus invited them to embrace a
life centered on community6. In this context, there are two distinct types of communities to
consider. One type of this is the fellow believer's community within the church ministry, this
allows individuals to come together as equals. This community provides a sense of belonging
and familiarity, where like-minded individuals engage in discussions and study the Holy Bible
collectively. James 5:16 emphasizes the community importance within the ministry, highlighting
the confession of sins to each other within the community around our spiritual growth. Today,
many churches prioritize the concept of community, this is essential for the community to grow
and spread the word of Christ.
Another essential principle is leadership. You will observe that some leaders are naturally
gifted. However, individuals can also become leaders through determination and strong
leadership skills. The development of leadership is important to the development of disciples
within the community. Matthew 20:25-28 helps us understand that within the church ministry,
the verses are to help empower leaders and to help raise leaders in the church, this allows Jesus
to instruct that leaders are not to lord over others. Instead, true greatness comes from serving
others; Leaders understand that serving is the key to leading with humility, devoid of pride and
arrogance.7 As we are trying to create leaders within our church there is a moment when we get
comfortable in our doings and ministry but to be able to fulfill the Great Commission, one must
not become complacent. These five principles should form the foundation of any thriving church.
6 Ibid. 75.
7 Dave Earley and Rod Dempsey, Disciple Making Is .).). How to Live the Great Commission with Passion
and Confidence (B&H Publishing Group, 2014).
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The essential principle that closes out the passages is the Courage of the community.
Courage is acknowledged as the forefront of the church and the lives of faithful individuals. The
responsibility to directly confront animosity, fully cognizant of the pledge is given to us by God.
Even though the life of a Christian believer may not always be effortless, and there may be
moments when we feel hesitant, it is through the profound bravery instilled by God's pledge that
we confront obstacles directly, surpassing our previous boundaries.
Philosophy around Christ
We are all products of a mindful state of mind and intention, and to some extent, a
reflection of divine design. God created humanity with great passion. We have the freedom to
choose what is honorable or dishonorable. There are aspects of our nature that God instilled in us
to guide us on the right path in life. We are dedicated to realizing God's vision for us and
motivating others to discover the unique purpose designed for their lives. The community plays a
crucial role in executing the divine plan set by God. The local church serves as the foundation of
the Christian community and the development of its leaders.
The ministry's essence is of paramount significance. A healthy soul leads to a healthy
ministry. The thirteen letters that are within the Pauline Epistles, serve as the foundational
teachings of the doctrine and beliefs.8 Paul establishes within the epistle how to operate the
church ministry and what Christ wants of us. Many of the epistles address issues within local
churches. Paul reminds us that we are all "one body in Christ Jesus and individually members of
one another" (Romans 12:5).9
As the number of followers starts to grow and the church starts to overflow so does the
heart of Christ as he watches his kingdom grow. The community around the local churches can
8 Allister McGrath, Christianity’s Dangerous Idea: The Protestant Revolution: A History from the Sixteenth
Century to the Twenty-First (London: SPCK, 2007).
9 Unless otherwise noted scriptures are of English Standard Version
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engage with their communities in various ways to spread the Gospel of Jesus. Activities such as
hosting sports events, participating in parades, and engaging in charity work can help churches
connect with their communities. Our ministry includes initiatives such as back-to-school events,
Thanksgiving dinner handouts to the community, toy drives, and Easter services. These activities
also provide the congregation with opportunities to serve and impact the lives of others in the
community.
Practice
The primary objective of the leadership and congregation is to establish a sacred bond
that enables believers to experience the profound impact of God's presence in their lives,
ultimately guiding them toward eternal life. To achieve this, followers must acknowledge the
authority of the ministry leader, as stated in Hebrews 13:17. This recognition can be attained
through the ministry team and pastor's focus on two key areas: (a) instructing them to truly
comprehend God's teachings, allowing them to grow in leadership Experience a profound change
through the Holy Spirit by receiving deliverance, strengthening your faith, and embracing love.
(1 Corinthians 11:1; Proverbs 27:17; 2 Corinthians 3:18); and (b) fostering open communication
and accountability with the congregation, facilitating their spiritual growth in following Christ (1
John 1:5-7).10
By adhering to these principles, the ministry leader and team can effectively guide
believers in their spiritual journey. The church must be adequately prepared to equip and
empower its members for effective ministry. Neglecting these principles can result in division
and conflict. Leaders and pastors need to contemplate the teachings found in Genesis 11:1-9 and
stress the importance of unity and cooperation within the church. By embracing divine principles
10 Unless otherwise noted scriptures are of English Standard Version
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and sharing a common language of faith, the church can become a resilient and devoted
community of Christ's followers.
The term "disciple" in the New Testament was more frequently utilized to describe the
followers of Jesus Christ rather than "Believers." Jesus Christ not only instructed the members of
the church to preach to the lost but also to emulate his teachings. As a result, discipleship has
become a common practice in contemporary churches. The following principles are essential in
preparing disciples for future generations. Disciple-making requires a systematic approach:
Many families are currently facing challenges. Numerous believers today struggle to show
respect for authority, comprehend a father's affection, maintain the covenant, and build a
household that reveres God. The church serves as a familial unit and operates as the dwelling
place of God. Ultimately, the main objective of the church should be to mold new followers,
which can be a lengthy process. In the disciple-making process, a pastor and their leadership
team must take on the roles of spiritual parents and the Pastor.
Additionally, churches may place significance on numerical growth, resources, and
financial stability. Many modern churches primarily focus on attracting large congregations
through advertising and encouraging active participation in worship. To truly make disciples,
churches need to actively engage with individuals committed to following Jesus. A thriving
church embraces a divine, intentional, and inclusive community. Putting people first, rather than
just focusing on agendas, is crucial. Discipleship isn't about sticking to a strict plan or relying
solely on preaching. Like the Apostle Paul, investing in relationships and sharing life is key. It's
not just about attending gatherings or Bible studies. A clear vision for the church's direction is
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essential for leaders to know where they're headed and how to get there. Discerning the right
purpose and taking the necessary steps is vital for effective ministry.11
The ultimate aim is to cultivate believers who are mature in their faith in Christ. The key
to accomplishing this objective of forming disciples lies in establishing a solid foundation for the
church, which will in turn foster the growth of the community of Jesus Christ. This process
should persist until we all share a common understanding and commitment to the principles and
teachings of the Lamb of God, enabling us to attain spiritual maturity and embody the entirety of
Jesus Christ. To truly honor and worship Him, we must strive to develop every aspect of our
relationship with Him, acknowledging His authority as our leader. When we come together,
offering support, and equipping one another, and when each individual plays their part
effectively, the community of Christ will flourish and make progress.12
Proof
The evaluation of a church's progress is often based on secular criteria rather than
spiritual principles. However, relying solely on metrics such as attendance and budget to assess a
church's ministry is ineffective due to two primary reasons. Initially, evaluating the church's
achievement solely on attendance numbers overlooks the spiritual progress and maturation of its
members. Merely counting heads does not provide an accurate reflection of the impact the
church has on its members' lives. Secondly, using the size of a church congregation as a metric
11 Trevor B. William “Frankenstein: A Theological Meditation on Spiritual Death.” Perspective in Religious
Studies 47, no. 3 (January 2020), 322.
12 Allister McGrath, Christianity’s Dangerous Idea: The Protestant Revolution: A History from the
Sixteenth Century to the Twenty-First (London: SPCK, 2007).
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for success is an inadequate measure of the ministry's efficacy. Church leaders should distance
themselves from worldly perspectives and avoid adopting business strategies to evaluate their
ministry. Instead, they should prioritize more meaningful aspects that reflect the qualities and
values of those involved.13
This qualitative approach, which emphasizes attributes such as reflecting Christ,
willingness to serve, sharing God's truth, love for others, and compassion, holds greater
significance than a purely quantitative analysis. While financial management is an important
aspect of a ministry, it should not be the sole determinant of success. Church leaders must
prioritize serving the needs of the congregation and ensuring transparency in financial dealings.
By focusing on how funds are used to advance the ministry's mission, by backing the Kingdom
of God, and disseminating the truth, the ministry can bring about a substantial change in the lives
of its members and the community it serves.
Regular assessments of spiritual growth, disciple-making, leadership development, and
dedication to truth-sharing are crucial in ensuring the effectiveness of the ministry. Rather than
merely scratching the surface to measure success, the author is resolute in evaluating the impact
of this disciple-making approach through a series of inquiries. These inquiries encompass the
following: Is there tangible evidence of genuine transformation occurring in the lives of
believers? How many individuals who have undergone this disciple-making program have
evolved into devoted followers of Christ? Are there emerging leaders who exhibit potential in
guiding small groups and establishing new churches? Is there a noticeable increase in the
inclination to share the message of Christ with family, friends, colleagues, neighbors, and even
strangers? Are meaningful and biblically grounded relationships being nurtured among
believers? Lastly, are believers advancing in their spiritual journey with Christ?
13 Ibid.
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Conclusion
As pastors and leaders, it is our responsibility to nurture individuals in the divine
principles of God. This entails adapting to their needs, providing guidance, sharing knowledge,
establishing financial plans, and cultivating a deep understanding of doctrine, all per the
teachings of Christ. To further my understanding and ability to promote Jesus in the way He
desires, I am pursuing a master’s in divinity degree. My passion lies in empowering believers to
grow spiritually and make a positive impact on our nation through Jesus Christ. Followers of
Christ must possess a strong moral compass to uplift others. By allowing the Holy Spirit to lead
us, we can serve as influential examples, inspiring others to wholeheartedly follow Jesus and
positively influence society. This transformation equips Christ with more disciples to spread His
teachings.
Bibliography
Bonhoeffer, Dietrich. The cost of discipleship. Hassell Street Press, 2021.
Discipleship, NavPress. Growing in discipleship. Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 1980.
Earley, Dave, and Rod Dempsey. Disciple-making is .).). how to live the great commission with
passion and confidence. B&H Publishing Group, 2014.
McGrath, Allister, Christianity’s Dangerous Idea: The Protestant Revolution: A History from the
Sixteenth Century to the Twenty-First (London: SPCK, 2007),
Putman, Jim, Bobby Harrington, and Robert Emerson Coleman. DiscipleShift five steps that help
your church to make disciples who make disciples. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2013.
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Welch, Edward T. Side by side: Walking with others in wisdom and Love. Wheaton, IL:
Crossway, 2015.
William, Trevor B. “Frankenstein: A Theological Meditation on Spiritual Death.” Perspective in
Religious Studies 47, no. 3 (January 2020), 322.
