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Contents
Contents........................................................................................................................................... 1
Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s Discipleship................................................................................................. 2
Discipleship Plan............................................................................................................................. 3
Core Passages...................................................................................................................................3
Principles and Practices................................................................................................................... 4
Conclusion....................................................................................................................................... 6
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Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s Discipleship
At the core of Bonhoeffer’s view on discipleship is this idea of “costly grace.”
Bonhoeffer believes that while grace is freely given, it does indeed command an act of obedience
in discipleship. This idea stems from the his belief that Jesus’ call to follow is not an invitation to
comfort but instead “when Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die.” Bonhoeffer goes on to
explain this idea of “costly grace” as the gospel that must be sought for. It is costly because it
requires the believer to follow, and it is grace because it calls the believer to follow the person of
Jesus. Yet, it costs a man his life only to give him the only true life in Jesus. In Mark chapter 8
Jesus tells us that in order for one to be a disciple, they must deny themselves, take up their cross
and follow him. “For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life
for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it. For what will it profit them to gain the
whole world and forfeit their life? Indeed, what can they give in return for their life?” Bonhoeffer
explains that discipleship should be focused solely on the person doing the calling and the
authority which Jesus holds. Therefore, the call to discipleship is a commitment to Jesus by the
grace of Jesus. Bonhoeffer sums up the importance of obedience and discipleship by stating
“Christianity without the living Jesus Christ remains necessarily a Christianity without
discipleship; and a Christianity without discipleship is always a Christianity without Jesus Christ.
It is an idea, a myth.” Furthering the idea of “costly grace,” Bonhoeffer explains that in order to
be a disciple of Jesus, there must be a response to His calling. Obedience is not only a
consequence of faith but it also a prerequisite of faith. Dietrich Bonhoeffer's views on
discipleship emphasizes the transformative nature of real faith. Because of Bonhoeffer’s
teachings I have been challenged to embrace a "costly grace," sacrificially following Christ's
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commands, even through the midst of challenges. His emphasis on wholehearted commitment,
self-sacrifice, and community has challenged me to live a life that looks differently.
Discipleship Plan
Not only has Bonhoeffer’s views on discipleship impacted the way in which I obey
Christ, but through the assignment of creating a discipleship plan challenged me in practical
ways in which I can reflect my obedience to Christ. I'm amazed at how this process has not only
deepened my understanding of discipleship but also guided me towards practical ways to truly
live it out in my everyday life. Through the act of formulating a concrete plan for discipleship, I
began to understand the significance and methods of effectiveness for becoming His image.
Creating the discipleship plan forced me to delve into the core principles and teachings that
underpin the concept of discipleship. I had to examine the life of Jesus and how he mentored his
disciples, leading by example, teaching through parables, and investing time in meaningful
relationships. The plan made me realize that discipleship wasn't just about imparting knowledge,
but about modelying love, compassion, and guidance. Even more so, the process of creating the
plan helped keep me accountable while also encouraging me to endure in the calling of Christ.
Just as Jesus held his disciples accountable for their actions and growth, my plan discussed ways
to measure success and vital steps for effectiveness. I am excited to implement this discipleship
plan into my life and witness the ways in which God will move in the lives of my students and in
the life of my own.
Core Passages
Ephesians 4 is a driving passage that guides the ministry as it paints an overarching
picture of spiritual formation and discipleship. The scripture explains, my ultimate goal of
ministry will be to equip the saints, build up the body of Christ, and help young Christians
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mature in their faith. By demonstrating the gospel, I desire to teach middle school boys to know,
love, and obey Jesus in everything they do. I want to ensure I am not just passing on knowledge
about our Savior, but instead, I want to empower and equip the younger generation with skills to
participate in God’s mission as well. Maturity in the faith is not a one-time thing, instead, it is a
slow process that takes place over the lifetime of a believer. The God we worship is infinite and
it would take an eternity to know the depth of His love and richness. Therefore, the goal is not
head knowledge but instead heart transformation. As 2 Corinthians 3:18 states: “And we all, with
unveiled face, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another.” I
desire for every boy that participates in the small group to be awakened to their need for a savior
and behold the glory of God, enabling them to be transformed into the image of Christ. No small
group can grow a student into the full maturity of Christlikeness. Still, little by little I hope the
group can grow as each member uses his unique gift of God to participate in the process of
sanctification. Colossians 1:28 is a complimentary verse that will help support the goal of the
ministry. Paul writes about the importance of teaching, nurturing, and guiding believers towards
a deeper understanding of their relationship with Christ, with the ultimate aspiration of
presenting them as complete and mature followers of his teachings.
Principles and Practices
One of the core beliefs within the ministry is to be dependent on prayer on a daily basis in
order to be empowered by the Holy Spirit which is alive in us. Prayer is essential in a
relationship with God as it is a personal communion and expression of trust in Him. Paul writes
in Philippians 4 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication
with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which
surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Prayer
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involves entrusting your life to God, bringing your sin, struggles, wants, and needs before Him,
and submitting to His sovereignty in all things.
Through the power of the Holy Spirit, I will strive to create a culture that practices and
emphasizes prayer in the day-to-day. We are commanded to put off the old self with its deceitful
desires and to put on the new self created in the likeness of God. Through the practice of meeting
consistently with a “Discipleship Group”, in order to hold one another accountable to being
faithful disciples in everyday life. A portion of the time spent together as a group is dedicated to
coming before the Lord in prayer. The group is there to encourage, exhort, and pray for one
another while also bringing forth their sins, struggles, hopes, and requests to the light.
Another one of the core beliefs within the ministry will be the covenant community
amongst brothers and sisters in Christ. It is evident throughout scripture that believers are not
made to walk alone. Consistent involvement within a community group is vital for an individuals
soul and overall wellbeing of the church. Therefore, I aim to implement the practice of being in
each other’s day-to-day life and not just a one time meet up. I want to practice showing up to
sporting events, take students to coffee, and play an active role in lives on my students. The
incarnation of Jesus models what discipleship ought to look like, and we see Jesus build
authentic relationships by being involved in the life of others. Discipleship no longer only takes
place on Sunday mornings, instead, it becomes apart of everyday life. Small groups allow for
believers to walk together through every season of life in an intimate and transperative way,
allowing for the heart to stay anchored in Christ at all times. Evangelism, discipleship, spiritual
gifts, pastoral care, counseling, leadership development, prayer, accountability, and confession
should all take place on a consistent basis with small groups.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, this class on Discipleship Ministries has deepened my faith and equipped
me to guide others on their own spiritual journeys. I've learned that discipleship is about
obedience, spiritual formation, accountability, transparency, and intentionally doing life with
other. As I become a disciple who disciples others, I strive to glorify the lord in my words,
thoughts, and actions as I become more like His image and build up the church. This class has
encouraged me to live on mission and in turn encourage others to become who God intended
them to be.
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