LIBERTY UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF DIVINITY
Spheres and Stages of Discipleship
Submitted to Dr. Rodney Dempsey
in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the completion of
DSMN 500-D01 LUO
Discipleship Ministries
By
Timothy Wheaton
1
June 8, 2021
Table of Contents
Introduction....................................................................................................................................3
Three Areas of Spiritual Growth
First Area of Growth.............................................................................................................4
Second Area of Growth..........................................................................................................5
Third Area of Growth.............................................................................................................5
The Body and Spiritual Formation……………………………………………………………..8
Personal Growth Assessment Reflection...……………………………………………………..8
Habits and Disciplinary Improvement Implementation…………………………………….12
Bibliography..................................................................................................................................14
Appendix 1……………………………………………………………………………………….15
INSTRUCTIONS:
Items to include are outlined as follows:
All assignments must be at least 5 pages, not including the cover page and table of
contents, and must be in current Turabian format. Each assignment must include a
bibliography with a minimum of 5 scholarly sources, which can include the course
textbooks.
Format of assignment is Turabian.
Specific Prompts:
oFor this assignment, you will write a paper detailing the importance of spiritual
formation and how it relates to discipleship.
oGive an overview of the 3 areas related to spiritual growth (Chapters 1, 4, 6, 9, 10,
12 in Spiritual Formation Is) and detail how it affects the whole person.
oExplain how walking in and under the control of the Holy Spirit impacts our
spiritual development.
2
oTake the personal growth assessment (in the lecture notes for Module 2: Week 2)
and reflect on your strong points and weaker points.
oFinally, create and discuss some habits and disciplines for each of the 3 areas that
you need to work on.
Introduction
At the foundation of this journey of being a Christian is discipleship and spiritual
formation, and in the relationship between these two is the transition from total separation
from Christ or living a life that is more Christ like. At the moment of salvation, a person
confesses their inability to save themselves and places a trust and dependency in Jesus
Christ and ultimately as the Bible teaches us in 2 Corinthians 5:17 that they become “a new
creation and that all the old has passed away.”1 Even though one becomes saved at this
point, the journey and process of sanctification afterwards into one who looks more like
Christ may take a whole lifetime. For one to truly understand spiritual formation and
discipleship, they must fully understand what it means to be spiritually changes and
discipled. According to Early and Dempsey, Spiritual formation is the process where one is
being changed or transformed into the likeness of Jesus.2 As eluted to above this process of
sanctification is one that is gradual and ongoing, one that transforms the individual into the
image of God by the Spirit of God, which God has freely given to all believers as a results of
their honest and intentional seeking the face of God.3
1 Unless otherwise noted, all biblical passages referenced are in the English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL:
Crossway, 2008).
2 Dave Earley and Rod Dempsey, Spiritual Formation is…: How to Grow in Jesus with Passion and Confidence
(Nashville: B&H Academics, 20181), 4.
3 Ibid.
3
In comparison, discipleship is the process where the command from Jesus in
Matthew 28:19 is fulfilled, Jesus instructed his disciples to “go out therefore and make
disciples of all the nations.” In order for one to truly know what discipleship is, we need to
look at the examples that Christ had left for us, in as such looking at the disciples of Jesus
we know that to be a disciple we must be committed and follow in the footsteps of our Lord
Jesus Christ. Is as such based off these examples, then as stated by Hull, “discipleship is
what a disciple does.”4 We can gather more form this concept through Bonhoeffer who
relayed it this way, without the living Jesus Christ, Christianity remains a Christian
discipleship, but Christianity without discipleship is one without Jesus Christ.5 Based on
this one must look to see what is relationship between discipleship and spiritual formation?
According to Hull, Spiritual formation has become a staple for those who wish to
avoid what is perceived as baggage that discipleship has carried in recent years.6 However,
these items are both completely different from one another each with their own specific
characteristics and quirks. For example, spiritual formation, is not an act that emphasis
strictly imploring the use of spiritual disciplines, but a process, one that is intention as one
longs to become more like Christ.7 Hence this process of Spiritual formation become a
personal process between the Christian and Christ as they look inwardly at their own
nature and progression and allow the Spirit of God to transform them. Through this
process the individual becomes less like their old self and more like Christ as they seek to
4 Bill Hull, The Complete Book of Discipleship: On Being and Making followers of Christ (Colorado Springs, CO:
Navpress, 2006), 34.
5 Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Dietrich Bonhoeffer Works, Volume 4: Disscipleship (Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press,
2003), 59.
6 Bill Hull, The Complete Book of Discipleship: On Being and Making followers of Christ (Colorado Springs, CO:
Navpress, 2006), 35.
7 Dave Earley and Rod Dempsey, Spiritual Formation is…: How to Grow in Jesus with Passion and Confidence
(Nashville: B&H Academics, 20181), 4.
4
bring glory to God through the accomplishment of Gods will in their life which comes
through surrendering of self and through the process of discipleship. Hence discipleship
and spiritual formation becomes inextricably linked because “God’s will for us and God’s
glory are inextricably linked,”8
Three Areas of Spiritual Growth
Since spiritual growth is personal as one cannot have them forced upon them as one
needs to surrender their old self and embrace the changes that God wants to do to and
through the believer. Essentially, there are three separate areas in which a person needs to
develop and grow in their Christian walk, the development of these areas leads one into
true Christian maturity.
First
The first of these emphasis growths within the individuals own relationship with God
and includes their personal understanding of Gods nature. This type of growth only comes
from the submission of the believer to the Holy Spirit who teaches the individual. However,
God primarily uses His Word, which is considered by some to be Gods most favorite tool of
teaching His children.”9 Scripture edifies this, as according to 2 Timothy 3:16 , that “All
scriptures is breathed out by God and is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction
and for the training in righteousness.” In it, God has revealed Himself to humanity, and
God is rightly known as the Author of all Scripture.”10 Thus, making the study of God’s
Word for the revelation to the believer.
8 Dave Earley and Rod Dempsey, Disciple Making is…: How to live the Great Commission with Passion and
Confidence (Nashville: B&H Academics, 2013), 16.
9 Dave Earley and Rod Dempsey, Spiritual Formation is…: How to Grow in Jesus with Passion and Confidence
(Nashville: B&H Academics, 2018), 30.
10Charles S. Kelley Jr., Richard Land, and R. Albert Mohler Jr., The Baptist Faith and Message (Nashville:
LifeWay Press, 2012), 8.
5
Second
The second area of growth occurs through relationships with other believers. Man
was created not to be alone but to dwell in communities with likeminded individuals. This
revelation that man was never meant to be alone comes from Genesis 2:18 where the Bible
states that “it is not good that the man should be alone”. Furthermore, Hebrews 10:25 tells
the believer to “not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one
another...” Moreover, Proverbs 27:17 states that “Iron sharpens iron, and one man
sharpens another.” Finally, Galatians 6:2 tells us to “bear one another’s burdens, and so
fulfill the law of Christ.” Bonhoeffer, reiterates this in his book Life Together that “it is by
God’s grace that a congregation is permitted to gather visibly around God’s word and
sacrament in the world”11 Echoing the notion that one is meant to have fellowship with one
another. This is because God also uses the natural as well as the supernatural and in it
utilizes people to help one another, to be Christ’s hands and feet. What is evident is that
from the beginning of creation is was God’s intent for mankind to have a community, so
that we can fellowship and help one another, which also includes spiritual growth.
Third
Finally, through spiritual growth the believer becomes empowered to follow Christ’s
command to go into all the nations and share the good news of the Gospel through the
evangelism. If believers want to be more like Christ than they must be obedient to his
commands. As mentioned in the introduction, Christ ushers the command in Matthew
28:19 to spread the Gospel which only comes from the sharing of it with others. All
believers are called to do this not just the selected. Each have a testimony they are able to
share that may be the equivalent that someone needed to hear to bring them forth in to the
11 Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Life Together (Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2015), 2.
6
realization that they need to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior. According to Coleman, it was
Jesus, intent to “save out of the world a people for himself and to build a church of the
spirit which would never perish.”12 God is faithful to assist those through the process of
sanctification, especially when his children set their eyes on him and desire to know his
nature (UP), while assisting other Christians grow (IN), and while emphasizing the
commandment to go and make disciples by spreading the gospel message to all the nations
(OUT) then God.
The Body and Spiritual Formation
Spiritual formation is a full process that covers the whole person, the individuals mind,
body and spirit, all aspects are used to glorify God, and since this process requires the
whole body, then one must use their whole mind, whole body and spirit and soul in the
process.13 The Apostle Paul tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5:23 “Now may the God of peace
himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept
blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” In this verse, Paul is telling us that the
process of sanctification utilizes the whole person, not just the mind, it’s all encompassing.
God created it all and wants all of it in return to worship and glorify him. In looking at
each aspect independently, we are instructed in Romans 12:2 “ do not be conformed to this
world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”. In this verse we are reminded
by the Apostle Paul that “If we are not systematically renewing our minds, we will too
easily fall prey to the world’s values and priorities”14 as mentioned above in Romans 12:2
we are called to renew our mind daily, not only does this include spending time in the Word
12 Robert E. Coleman, The Master Plan of Evangelism (Grand Rapids, MI: Revell, 1993), 18.
13 Dave Earley and Rod Dempsey, Spiritual Formation is…: How to Grow in Jesus with Passion and Confidence
(Nashville: B&H Academics, 2018), 50.
14 Ibid., 51.
7
of God, but also guarding our minds and hearts from the toxicity of this fallen word. We
should question, is the things we are watching, listening to, reading or physically doing
bring glory to God? If not than we should strive more to do those things that are honoring
and turn our eyes from things that do not feed us spiritually.
Personal Growth Assessment Reflection
After reflecting on the content found in the reading of the chapters as well as
reflecting on the results from the Personal Spiritual Assessment, I believe that I have been
given guidance on some areas of personal sanctification. The process of sanctification
begins and ends with Christ, and this lifelong process matures and equips the believer for
the good works that God is calling them, through the works of the Holy Spirit. I can
appreciate the different foundations of thenSpiritual,Assessment, and even while answering
the question, found some areas of growth that I had not really though of before. In
reflection, the results of my own personal assessment has provided myself with some
personal areas for further growth and also provided some areas that I had not previously
considered. Otherwise, I can see some areas of growth that God has brought forth over the
last few years, to me that was the most powerful aspect being able to see that I am further
along than I was a few years ago, and I give God the praise and glory for that, in Christ
Jesus.
Habits and Disciplinary Improvement Implementation
The process of sanctification is an “ongoing process of glorious
transformation into the image of Jesus.”15 In as such, one should strive for continuous
15 Dave Earley and Rod Dempsey, Spiritual Formation is…: How to Grow in Jesus with Passion and Confidence
(Nashville: B&H Academics, 2018), 4.
8
spiritual growth. As part of this reflection and with a heart that desires to grow deeper in
my relationship with Christ Jesus, I believe that there are some areas of growth that I
would like to focus on and pray for the Holy Spirit to work on within me. Firstly, No one is
able to do any growth without the help of the Holy Spirit, my prayer is that I would trust in
the Lord to provided insight as he leads me by his Holy Spirit. Secondly, it’s important to
remember that it is not about my feelings, our mind, will and emotions is the construct of
our soul and it in this reality that the battle is fought, I learned in the last year that it is not
about my feelings and emotions as these can be manipulated, it is about being like Christ. It
is about being obedient, just as Christ was obedient to the Father up until the point of
death. In as such my desire to walk in obedience to Christ Jesus and do whatever it is that
he is calling me to do, even despite my desire at times may not want to. Finally, Spiritual
Formation is difficult, all growth is meant to be, in order for us to grow we have to step out
of our comfort level. Just as it says in Isiah 64:8, we are clay in the potters hands. The
interesting part of this is that clay once formed needs to go into the fire to be hardened.
Jesus confirms this in John 16:33, that in this life there will be troubles, but we are to fear
not for he has overcome the world. However I take heart in knowing that God is always
with me, just like shad-rack, me-shack and abendigo I am not in the fiery furnace alone,
formGod is with me. As we go through the process of spiritual formation we should desire to
grow, 2 Peter 3:18 tells us that “but grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus
Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.”
9
Bibliography
Bonhoeffer, Dietrich. Dietrich Bonhoeffer Works, Volume 4: Discipleship. Minneapolis, MN:
Fortress Press, 2003.
Bonhoeffer, Dietrich. Life Together. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2015.
Coleman, Robert E. The Master Plan of Evangelism. Grand Rapids, MI: Revell, 1993.
Earley, David and Rod Dempsey. Disciple Making Is…: How to Live the Great Commission with
Passion and Confidence. Nashville, TN: B&H Academics, 2013.
Earley, David and Rod Dempsey. Spiritual Formation Is…: How to Grow in Jesus with Passion
and Confidence. Nashville, TN: B&H Academics, 2018.
10
Hull, Bill. The Complete Book of Discipleship: ON Being and Making Followers of Christ.
Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress Publishing, 2006.
Kelley, Chrles S. Jr., Richard Land, and R. Albert Mohler Jr. The Baptist Faith and Message.
Nashville, TN: Lifeway Press, 2007
Appendix 1
PERSONAL SPIRITUAL GROWTH ASSESSMENT:
On the left side of each statement, rate yourself on a scale from 1 to 10 (low to high).
Love for God (Up)
_10 1. I am daily reading God’s Word.
_7 2. I am systematically memorizing God’s Word.
_5. 3. I am writing out key passages and meditating on God’s Word for application.
_10 4. I have a daily prayer time and plan.
_5 5. I have a dated prayer request list for people and requests.
_10 6. I pray daily to be filled with the Holy Spirit.
_3 7. I keep a journal and record how the Lord is at work in my life and around me.
_8 8. I regularly practice fasting from food and other areas for my spiritual development.
_7 9. I regularly disconnect from the world (including all media) and in solitude connect to Jesus.
_6 10. I try daily to listen and follow the still small voice of Jesus.
11
Add up the section _71 and divide by 10 = _7.1
Love for One Another (In)
_3 1. I meet weekly in a small group with other believers.
_7 2. I have discovered my spiritual gift.
_7 3. I am using my spiritual gift to build up others in the body of Christ.
_9 4. I am daily praying for other believers.
_8 5. I am guarding against the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life.
_10 6. I am confessing my faults, sins, and shortcomings to other believers.
_8 7. I am not involved in gossip against other believers.
_10 8. I am not holding a grudge or offense toward any person.
_10 9. I regularly clear up/ resolve hurts and offenses toward other believers.
_10 10. I am daily praying with my family or for my family.
Add up the section _82 and divide by 10 = _8.2
Love for Our Neighbors (Out)
_3 1. I have a prayer list for people who do not know Christ.
_8 2. I am praying specific requests for their salvation.
_7 3. I am seeking friendships and relationships with people who do not know Christ.
_7 4. I am listening first to what they have to say.
_3 5. I am planning for opportunities to eat with people who don’t know Christ.
_10 6. I am seeking to use my spiritual gift to serve others outside the body of Christ.
_8 7. I am praying for opportunities to show and share the good news of the gospel.
_1 8. I have prepared a simple explanation of the gospel to share with others as God opens the door.
_7 9. I am seeking to become a blessing and serve the poor and under- resourced in my community.
_8 10. I am seeking to build bridges with people who have hurt me and to love them like Christ.
Add up the section _62 and divide by 10 = _6.2
Overall Score Add up the three sections __205 and divide by 3 for an overall score = _68.3
• Discuss: What is your strongest area?
12
• Discuss: What is your weakest area?
Dempsey, Rod; Earley, Dave. Spiritual Formation Is...: How to Grow in Jesus with Passion and Confidence
(Kindle Locations 4542-4580). B&H Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.
13
