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Discipleship Makin Plan: Part 2-
Final Assignment
William C. King
DSMN500: Discipleship Ministries
August 10, 2025
Contents
Passages..........................................................................................................................................1
Principles.........................................................................................................................................3
Christ- Centered...............................................................................................................................4
Accountability..................................................................................................................................4
Mission............................................................................................................................................4
Philosophy.......................................................................................................................................5
Current Church Assessment............................................................................................................7
Strengths and Weaknesses..............................................................................................................7
Get Well Plan...................................................................................................................................8
Practices..........................................................................................................................................8
Proof..............................................................................................................................................11
Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................12
Bibliography..................................................................................................................................13
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When focusing on the process for discipleship, it becomes critical that one has an
intentional path they guide others down. This mentorship is one which cannot be just a
laissezfaire mentality but rather must be an intentional commitment to develop one into a deep
follower of Christ. Often times, this is the area that churches struggle the most in. With a very
basic understanding of my driving motivations, the reader will be able to understand how and
what Scriptures are guiding principles for my discipleship development, the core values of what
principles are important and why, and finally, the philosophy of key ministry perspectives.
Passages
First and foremost, the biggest passage driving discipleship for me is Matthew 6:33. “But
seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
(Matt. 6:33, NIV). Authors Jim Putman, Bobby Harrington, and Robert E. Coleman, reveal the
spheres of discipleship as being: “four main spheres of life: in his relationship to God, in his
relationship with God’s family, in his home life, and in his relationship to the world.”1 In
agreement with their first sphere, I believe everything in life should center around Christ.
Nothing in life will ever go right unless Christ is in it. Discipleship is no different. “In the first
place, Jesus communicated to them a theology of the kingdom of God…”2 The first area of focus
needs to be on strengthening the disciple’s relationship with Christ.
The second area of focus for a disciple is in family. The second verse is from the Apostle
Paul. “Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household,
has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” (1 Tim. 5:8, NIV). To me, the disciple
should provide not only physically, but spiritually as well. Part of the growth they will need to
1 Jim Putman, Bobby Harrington, and Robert E. Coleman, DiscipleShift: Five Steps That Help Your Church to
Make Disciples Who Make Disciples (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2013), 78.
2 Don N. Howell Jr., Servants of the Servant: A Biblical Theology of Leadership (Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock
Publishers, 2003), 130.
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experience is teaching those at home. While I believe the necessity for growing in church life as
expressed by Putman et al, I do not believe this should be the next focus as they reflect. God
instituted the family before He did the church (see Genesis 2:24 and Acts 2:42–47). The family
institution was centuries before the establishment of the church. This shows the hierarchy of
needs in discipleship. If the family balance is out of alignment, the church family will be out of
alignment as well. Therefore, this is necessity before moving to growth for the church body.
The third is discipleship itself. As the disciple is aligning themselves, they need to be
outward focused. Therefore, the scripture issuing the Great Commission is paramount to keep in
one’s mind (Matthew 28:19). As one grows, they must develop in their desire to reach beyond
the walls of the church and to others.
With discipleship, I believe that anyone can become a disciple. I do not think it is
necessary to close off my reach to a particular region, demographic, group, or age. I do feel that
I am personally equipped to reach adults better than I am with children or teens. I have
experienced a lot as an adult that I can help with in regard to life struggles and even ministry.
My childhood was okay for the most part. I had great parents but was bullied. That is the only
issue that I feel would be able to connect me with younger generations. I am not biased or racist
in any form so ethnicity does not and will not matter. I will say, however, there are some
limitations when it comes to mentoring women. I will not encounter one- on- one with women.
So, this may become somewhat of a limiting factor. But, my wife and I together can and will
disciple other women. It does not matter to me the background one comes from. It does not
matter the region nor the economic construct. God can and will use anyone He sees fit. I strive
to keep the same mindset. The only real hard stop is in how much they are will to chase after
God. I can teach with no issues. But, if someone is not willing to apply outside the classroom,
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there will never be any true discipleship. If someone is not willing to apply outside and grow
with God on their own, I will only put as much into their growth as they will embrace. I will
match their spiritual energy. If they desire to chase and grow, I will give them and teach them.
This can be reinforced by the words of Jesus. He said: “If anyone will not welcome you or listen
to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet.” (Matt. 10:14, NIV).
Dietrich Bonhoeffer explains that “The call goes out, and without any further ado the obedient
deed of the one called follows. The disciple’s answer is not a spoken confession of faith in Jesus.
Instead, it is the obedient deed.”3 I will empower all to grow by giving them the tools. Yet, I
focus on those willing to grow and who desire to become more like Christ and willing to put in
the effort. I believe just as Christ is not a respecter of persons, I cannot be either and must treat
all with the same opportunities, whether they choose to pursue or not.
Principles
Principles can become a topic that requires much discussion. However, it is paramount
to understand a few critical features. The core values of everything that I do fall back on seven
key items. They are: Christ- centered, Spirit-led, scriptural authenticity and authority, mission,
accountability, integrity, and discipleship. Each of these are important in every decision that I
make in regard to ministry. Christ centered, all others are achievable through Him. This is how I
guide others. But, in regard specifically to discipleship, the plan mostly comes from three areas:
Christ- centered, accountability, and mission.
Christ- Centered
At the core, everything must be Christ- centered. “Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of
3 Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Discipleship, ed. Martin Kuske et al., trans. Barbara Green and Reinhard Krauss, vol. 4,
Dietrich Bonhoeffer Works (Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2003), 57.
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God” (1 Cor. 10:31). As discussed earlier, all other things will falter without being based on
Christ. “Spiritual formation is not merely doing spiritual disciplines. It is not merely about
reading more chapters of the Bible or keeping a better spiritual journal. Those are merely means
of helping us gaze into the face of Jesus so we may be transformed to think, act, feel, and look
more like him.”4 The ultimate goal is to become more like Christ. So, my discipleship principles
are to help others become more like Christ.
Accountability
The second is accountability. Spiritual growth is a great part, built on accountability.
What is the motivations that drive someone to do daily devotions? The reality is, they made
need someone to remind them initially. Accountability also entails holding individuals to an
expectation. This may be through study, prayer, meetings, sharing with others, or just by things
to do or not do. But, this is based on individual needs.
Mission
The understanding is paramount that believers are not recommended to go into the
world and make disciples rather, they are given a direct order to Go! “The slow process of
raising multiplying leaders is the fastest way to fulfill the Great Commission.”5 I want to not only
train people to become more like Christ, but teach them to train people to become more like
Christ. As each replicate, more and more have the desire to grow in Christ. “One of the greatest
services
4 Dave Earley, “The Process of Being Changed to Be like Jesus,” in Spiritual Formation Is...: How to Grow in
Jesus with Passion and Confidence (Nashville, TN: B&H Academic, 2018), 7.
5 Dave Earley, “Discerning the Power of Multiplication,” in Disciple Making Is . . .: How to Live the Great
Commission with Passion and Confidence (Nashville, TN: B&H Academic, 2013), 118.
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that leaders can provide followers is constancy of purpose. When the going gets tough, when
temptations to short-term success arise, and when distractions or setbacks come, people will
look to their leaders to see how they respond. Will they stay on course and remain true to their
mission and values, or will they give up and give in to the pressures of the moment?”6 As the
disciple comes to the place they are moving into more of a leadership capacity, my leadership
pathway directs them to develop others.7 The necessity still resides with the individual to grow
others on their own as they continue to learn for themselves.
Philosophy
Ultimately, the goal of being a disciple of Christ is to become a spiritual parent to others.
“The word character comes from the Greek word kharakter, meaning “an engraver’s mark or
stamp.”8 The leader is the engraver which makes his mark on the ones that follow him and bear
his mark. The goal is to rip apart all presuppositions of Christianity is and show them who Jesus
really is. “Mentoring [discipleship] is different. There isn’t a curriculum per se. You can get dirty
mentoring people. They bring real issues to the table. And those issues require mentors to get
personal, transparent, and exposed.”9 Further, someone must be willing to talk about the hard
things in order to deal with underlying problems.
When looking at the people involved, the burden does not reside on only the individual
or even just myself. The local church, the pastor, other saints, and spiritual gifts all play an
important role. In Acts, it reads ‘They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to
6 Ken Blanchard and Phil Hodges, Lead like Jesus Revisited: Lessons from the Greatest Leadership Role Model
of All Time (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2016), 135.
7 For more information on my leadership development pathway, visit
https://cogconquer.wordpress.com/aboutus/leadership-development/
8 Gary Bredfeldt. Great Leader; Great Teacher; Recovering the Biblical Vision for Leadership. Chicago:
Moody Publishers, 2006. 89.
9 Regi Campbell. Mentor Like Jesus: His Radical Approach to Building the Church. Atlanta, GA: RM Press,
2009.23.
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fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” (Acts 2:42, NIV). The disciple needs to be a
part of the local body of believers in order to receive from other spiritual family members.
Additionally, the pastor is also a huge part of this. A faithful pastor leads not only
through instruction but also by example—demonstrating prayerfulness, humility, integrity, and
love in daily life. Their investment in one-on-one mentoring, counseling, and encouragement
reinforces the truth preached from the pulpit.
Furthermore, the other saints in the church also offer help in the spiritual formation
process. Paul exhorts the believers at the Ephesian church to understand the roles of a pastor.
“So, Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to
equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” (Eph. 4:11-12,
NIV). As the pastor helps others grow, they are to in turn help disciple others. Older Christians
are called to guide the younger (Titus 2:3–5), and peers are called to “encourage one another
and build one another up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
Finally, spiritual gifts play a part in the spiritual formation as well. “Now to each one the
manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. Just as a body, though one, has many
parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.” (1 Cor. 12:7,12, NIV). Each
spiritual gift has its place. These gifts are not meant for personal status but for building up
others in the faith. Teaching, exhortation, wisdom, mercy, leadership, and hospitality are just a
few of the gifts that serve discipleship in action. Discipleship flourishes when the gifts are
identified, cultivated, and sent out in love.
It is critical for a person to understand that discipleship is not a program; it is a lifestyle—
formed in community, empowered by the Spirit, and anchored in Christ. The local church
provides the environment. The pastor gives guidance and instruction. Fellow believers offer
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encouragement and accountability. Spiritual gifts supply the means. Together, these
components fulfill God’s design for spiritual formation. So, although this is a philosophy that I
use to grow others, this is not a mere checklist of do’s and don’ts. It is a compass by which
decisions of growth can be steered, the knowledge of how to grow can be attained, and the
application can be grasped through searching and allowing the Holy Spirit to approach how He
wants to grow an individual. Ultimately, it is in the hands of the disciple how far they want to
approach and chase after a close relationship with Christ.
Current Church Assessment
We were asked to evaluate our current church or ministry in light of the “TAHO” chart.10
This charts provides an understanding where a church lies in light of T for Traditional, A for
Attractional, H for Hybrid, and O for Organic. Using the 25 various points of evaluation, the
“Traditional” column ranks at number one (22/25) placing this church in a traditional view. It
also evaluated highly on the “Attractional” scale as well although not high enough to make it
such. For focus, the church is a single pastor led, building located, pulpit driven body that has a
co-dependent philosophy of the leadership. There is minimal outreach and is more of a cheering
section style involvement from the parishioners.
Strengths and Weaknesses
In light of the “Healthy Church Assessment,” our church scored a 32/100. It was highly
ranked on the “Love for God” category. Here it ranked still at 48/100. Overall, it is a family
oriented church but the focus is out of alignment. The weakest area was “Love for One
Another,” where it scored 21/ 100. There is no real discipleship program at the church and
10 Rod Dempsey, “Evaluating Different Church Models,” in Disciple Making Is . . .: How to Live the Great
Commission with Passion and Confidence (Nashville, TN: B&H Academic, 2013), 236–237.
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everything is focused on what growth comes from weekly Sunday sermons and Wednesday
night digital videos as a bible study.
Get Well Plan
When it comes to this particular church, I cannot actually foresee a “get-well plan” as it
were. The current pastor evaluates his church as being a great church body but when
confronted with options to correct or fix things, he either procrastinates or does not perform at
all. He is a bivocational pastor and primarily focuses on teaching at school and his family
vacations. This is highly reflected in his pastoral leadership. If I were to hypothetically create a
get-well plan, it would be highly focused on equipping the people to work. It cannot be just
about preaching. I would start by structing a leadership team. Then, I would extend the church
body beyond the walls of the church to, at minimum, get out into the community to share with
others as a body together. Here I would also, begin to actually create discipleship through
intentional growth. Encouraging them, preparing them, and opening the opportunity for the
congregation to move outside the church is where I would focus. The love for each other is
amazing at this church, just not spiritual growth, evangelism, or discipleship.
Practices
Part of the discipleship practices lie in how the process will be implemented. The Church
of God has a church structure which is outlined in detail in their bi-annual guidebook, which is
written and voted on biannually. In section S46-S65, the Church of God explains the governance
of the local church body. The structure flows (in the local church only) from pastor to elders
(where applicable) to pastor’s council/ deacon board. When churches are larger in number
there can be an associate pastor appointed by state leadership.11 Simply because I am
11 Daniel L. Black, ed. Minutes of the General Assembly; 2024. Cleveland, Tennessee: Church of God
Publishing House, 2024.139-170.
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credentialled as a denominational leader, the structure will fall within the guidelines of the
Church of God. These are scripturally sound structures of polity in our denomination.
Additionally, there are also guidelines in those same minutes which explain the
requirements for a church treasurer and finance committee. They meet quarterly to budget and
adjust budget as needed and this in turn is brought to the local church congregation to vote on
the actual budget. In between, if there is needed, there can be a called conference at which the
body can change course during the quarter. Each year, during January, the council and I will sit
down and discuss the vision for that year. Part of this is where discussion on the calendar and
events planned for that year will be discussed. Furthermore, once this is decided in the local
council, this will be presented to the church in the first quarter meeting which will be within
that same month. Depending on the church, the church location, the church motivations, vision,
and mission, the slogans will come. Any curriculum used will be either vetted by or created by
myself. If it is purchased curriculum, others will be allowed to present it to the council or myself
and these recommendations will be taken into consideration, but I am very particular about
making sure things are scriptural and that the lessons taught are deep enough to build on.
There is too much shallow biblical guidance.
This brings me to the thing I believe is the most important — discipleship and saint
development. My philosophy on small group is a simple word — necessity. I believe small
groups are important in that they build each of the individuals but they also focus on a smaller
group of individuals. This will be something that I empower the leaders of said small groups to
engage with their people. Furthermore, as the principles mentioned earlier, accountability will
play a huge factor in this as well. If they are only functioning in the “Sunday school” setting then
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there will come change. Either they can change tactics or change personnel. “The Savior gave
the church its mission statement in Matthew 28:19–20—to make and mature disciples!”12
We will encourage all become scripturally sound, Christ- centered, and growing into
functioning leaders of the church. “The disciples were being trained to be instruments for
kingdom advancement, and were to pray that the Lord who ensures the harvest will produce
through them even more harvesters.”13 This will implore people to sacrifice their time and
commitments to grow deeper together. “Second, sacrifice, self-denial, suffering, and even
physical death—all symbolized by the cross—are the willing experiences of the worthy
disciple.”14 Additionally, the underlying premise for this is becoming a sacrificial servant. Jesus
was a servant leader and that is exactly the undertone of development I want to highlight. “By
norms of faithfulness, love, service, devotion, and self-sacrifice, it is certain that many
individuals of extraordinary eternal impact have been known to God but completely overlooked
in standard historical accounts.”14 Knowing that someone should serve may not necessarily
come with a leadership promotion but emphasize that they should lead or even follow in the
ways Jesus did.
Proof
There is an adage which states: “The proof is in the pudding.” How exactly can a pastor
or a leader measure success in growth? I do not believe that growth of a church is defined
simply by the number added to the local body of believers. Nor, do I believe that a church
growth replicates healthy church standing. Rather, I think more simply that growth is measured
12 Aubrey Malphurs, Being Leaders: The Nature of Authentic Christian Leadership (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker
Books, 2003), 178.
13 Don N. Howell Jr., Servants of the Servant: A Biblical Theology of Leadership (Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock
Publishers, 2003), 140. 14 Ibid. 143.
14 Mark A. Noll, Turning Points: Decisive Moments in the History of Christianity, Third Edition (Grand Rapids,
MI: Baker Academic, 2012), 309.
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by the measure of a man. I try to look at the spiritual growth as Christ would. The growth that I
would track and measure progress on is not on the number. It is in the quality of the church.
Defining and answering questions such as:
•Is the church displaying love for God (ie: “Healthy Church Assessment”)?
•Do they self-replicate and drive a desire for passionate relationship with God not merely
a Sunday morning fix?
•Does the church minister to others not affiliated with the church and what is the impact
on the local area surrounding the church?
•Does the church utilize and incorporate all who are attached to the church in a way
which allows each individual to use their spiritual gifts?
•Are leaders replicated and grown?
•Is the church mission driven or church building driven? Do they focus primarily on
themselves or “proclaiming the gospel to the world?”
These are fundamental principles which I believe a healthy church substantiates and
demonstrates its existence. If I had to numerically quantify, I would place substantial stock into
the amount of scripture verses memorized, completion of bible reading plans, baptism count,
community engagement frequency, periodic surveys of spiritual maturity (ie: spiritual gift
awareness and cultivation, character development, and fruit of the Spirit production). I would
look at things such as punctuality to church as this this indicated commitment, personal
devotions, and prayer time. Without healthy believers, the church will not be healthy as a
whole. Trying to measure spiritual success on the basis of numerical evidence is indicative of
leadership novelty. Inevitably, the evidence will be provided so long as there is proven spiritual
growth. I would love the church to grow numerically but if it does and there is no spiritual
maturity or spiritual growth to go along with it, then there is zero success. We do not need any
more mega churches that cannot preach truth. What we need is truth speaking churches,
scripturally foundational and sound, Spiritual churches which replicate themselves.
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Furthermore, if part of the developmental process is that mature believers are now
creating curriculum for the small groups, this forces them to have a deeper relationship with
God as it requires them to study deeper. So, by developing leaders into more mature leaders,
the disciples naturally move to another deeper place in God. Preparing and paring mentors with
mentees will also allow the leader to develop a deeper relationship with others ultimately
creating a stronger community. This will inevitably be evidenced in the underlying reach of the
leader.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the reader has discovered the plan of which I incorporate into my church
growth processes. The reader has covered a very basic understanding of my driving motivations,
and the reader is now able to understand how and what Scriptures are guiding principles for my
discipleship development, the core values of what principles are important and why, and finally,
the philosophy of key ministry perspectives. No matter how much we prepare, the growth will
come only when applied by each individual to their specific growth processes and needs. It is
not a cookie cutter template but a compass needle to stay on track.
Bibliography
Black, Daniel L., ed. Minutes of the General Assembly; 2024. Cleveland, Tennessee: Church of
God Publishing House, 2024.
Blanchard, Ken, and Phil Hodges. Lead Like Jesus Revisited: Lessons from the Greatest Leadership
and Role Model of All Time. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2016.
Bonhoeffer, Dietrich. Discipleship. Edited by Martin Kuske. Translated by Barbara Green, &
Reinhard Krauss. Vol. 4. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2003.
Bredfeldt, Gary. Great Leader, Great Teacher: Recovering the Biblical Vision for Leadership.
Chicago, IL: Moody Publishers, 2006.
Campbell, Regi. Mentor Like Jesus: His Radical Approach to Building the Church. Atlanta, GA: RM
Press, 2009.
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Dempsey, Rod. Disciple Making Is . . .: How to Live the Great Commission with Passion and
Confidence. Nashville, TN: B&H Academic, 2013.
Earley, Dave. "Spiritual Formation Is... How to Grow in Jesus with Passion and Confidence." 4.
Nashville, TN: B&H Academic, 2018.
Howell Jr., Don N. Servants of the Servant: A Biblical Theology of Leadership. Eugene, OR: Wipf &
Stock Publishers, 2003.
Malphurs, Aubrey . Being Leaders: The Nature of Authentic Christian Leadership. Grand Rapids,
MI: Baker Books, 2003.
Noll, Mark A. Turning Points: Decisive Moments in the History of Christianity. 3. Grand Rapids,
MI: Baker Academic, 2010.
Putman, Jim , Bobby Harrington, and Robert E. Coleman. DiscipleShift: Five Steps That Help Your
Church to Make Disciples Who Make Disciples. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2013.
