LIBERTY UNIVERSITY BAPTIST THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
Sphere and Stages of Discipleship
(Assignment 2)
Submitted to Dr. Andy Gowins
In fulfillment of the requirement for partial completion of
DSMN 500
By
Tracey Mills
January 30, 2017
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Introduction ……………………………………………………………. 3
Stages of Discipleship
Spiritually Dead ………………………………………………. 4
Infant …………………………………………………………. 5
Child …………………………………………………………. 5
Young Adult …………………………………………………. 6
Parent ………………………………………………………… 6
Spheres of Life
Sphere 1 ………………………………………………………. 7
Sphere 2 ………………………………………………………. 7
Sphere 3 ………………………………………………………. 8
Sphere 4 ………………………………………………………. 9
My Stage ……………………………………………………………… 9
Submitted Areas ……………………………………………………… 10
The Cross ……………………………………………………………. 10
Conclusion …………………………………………………………… 11
Bibliography …………………………………………………………. 12
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INTRODUCTION
Not knowing the direction is the key to understanding his or her destination. Hebrews
11:8, Abraham obeyed God even when he did not know where he was going. It is essential that
he or she know the goal and the steps taken to reach their objective. With anything in life there is
a process. Discipleship is a process of stages according to Jim Putnam in the book Discipleshift.
Before one comes into the knowledge of Jesus Christ he or she is considered lost. This paper will
address the stages of discipleship and its growth process. There are five stages of discipleship
and four spheres of life which are the avenues one takes in reaching their purpose. In addition,
the writer will provide the centrality of Christ as it relates to the cross and HIS submission.
STAGES OF DISCIPLESHIP
The Jewish leaders rejected the prophets and rejected the Son of God therefore, Jesus
would be offered to everyone that would believe and receive HIM. God loved humanity that HE
sacrificed his only SON wherein one could have life more abundantly. A relationship is what
God desires from humankind. Admitting that he or she is a sinner leads to a heart posture of
accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
As he or she grows in their relationship with Christ, his or her purpose is revealed. The
connection to God by reading the word of God daily gives him or her knowledge of this Great
God. The knowledge leads to faith, hope and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. Prior to his or her
faith, one is spiritually dead. In Jesus suffering and death on the cross an atonement was made. In
view of Christ sacrifice, he or she can know God; be conformed in heart and transformed in mind
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to be like HIM. One is forgiven by Jesus who is perfect in all HIS ways. The closer his or her
relationship is with God, the greater the hunger is for God. The hunger for God gives him or her
a new identity, and as saved disciples he or she grows into their new identity.1 The spiritual
growth rate differs per person but the primary focus is their path and direction which ultimately
leads to their development.
Level one: Spiritually Dead.
In Ephesian 2:1-5, Paul writes “You were dead in your transgressions and sin.” In this
stage one has not accepted Christ into their lives therefore he or she is spiritually dead. A
decompose individual can offer nothing spiritually but unbelief and rebellion. The spiritually
dead person characteristics are that of anger, hurt and God blaming. There may be some level of
spiritual interest but to the end the individual is disconnected from God. The spiritually dead
individual does not believe that God exist however, he or she consider themselves spiritual. If
one listens carefully he or she can hear the heart level of the individual commitment to God. The
term “phrase from the stage” is used to depict the statements a spiritually dead person might
share such as: “The Bible is just a bunch of myths, or I don’t believe there’s a God.2 The
spiritual dead individuals are lost and must be introduced to the Lord Jesus and the disciples are
responsible for leading them to Christ. Explanation and invitation in love must be shared of the
death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ followed by confession of his or her sins by the
lost.
1Jim Putman, Bobby Harrington, and Robert E. Coleman. DiscipleShift: Five Steps That Help Your
Church to Make Disciples Who Make Disciples. Pg. 60.
2Ibid., pg. 62.
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Level Two: Infant
In I Peter 2:2-3 describes new born baby stage that can grow in their salvation.3 The
infant stage describes one that has made a conscious decision to follow Jesus. Whether one is a
longtime Christian or a new convert, they are spiritually alive but remain stagnant in their faith.
The individuals are uninformed but culturally defined. Although the Holy Spirit is working in
their lives of the infants, world philosophy is close to their ears and eyes. They are somewhat
self-absorb and trained by the world system. Infants are needy yet they are growing with the
correct nourishment. The infant phrase from the stage statements are: “I need to go to church
regularly, tithing? What’s that?” Infants ask several questions because they are curious and seek
personal attention. They are often gullible to other religions that would lead them astray. Seeking
a new pattern of relationship and habits is what one needs, Jesus Christ is the answer.
Level Three: Child
The developmental stage is the child stage. This is the level of growing in which he or
she has learned to connect with God and connect with the community of believers. Articulating
the word of God well enough for others to understand that he or she is a Christian. Whether one
is a new Christian or a seasoned Christian he or she is considered a child. It is not how long one
has been a Christian but what he or she has experienced as the result of their Christian
relationship that speaks of his or her level of maturity. One should allow the Holy Spirit to
operate in his or her life to become more Christ like. The spiritual child is independent yet
dependent. This is the stage in which he or she learns right, wrong and boundaries. This is the
3Ibid., pg. 63.
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communicative, impressionable and learning stage. He or she is learning to trust God and see
God in all.
Fourth Level: Young Adult
In this stage, he or she has shift from self-centeredness to God-centeredness.4 The focus is
the fulfilling his or her purpose in ministry. At this point, ministry is understood as the Body of
Christ for the young adult. The goal is to serve God with all his or her heart, mind and soul. The
young adult has a passion for serving others and submitting to Jesus Christ. Involved in church
ministry gives the adult momentum to follow Christ. The phrase for the stages statements are “I
know God has big plans for my life, I have friends that I have been witnessing to.” The spiritual
young adults need a place where she can serve and their gifts can be utilized. Encouragement,
training and accountability are necessary for their continued growth.
Fifth Level: Parent
This is the final stage of leadership or discipling other new believers. Our responsibility
is to train and disciple others. If he or she as a spiritual parent are unable to disciple someone
else, then he or she is considered a young adult. No one is perfect, all are striving to be better and
do better. Yet the parent is intentional about witnessing, sharing the Gospel and mentoring others
to be Christ-oriented. The parent gains strength from God and other parent relationship. The
phrase of stage statements is: “I wonder if God is leading me to invest in Liberty University, our
small group is going on a mission trip and I want to invest, I must seek God as to how much to
give.”
.
4 Ibid., pg. 67.
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FOUR SPHERES OF LIFE
Each area of a disciple life is transformed if he or she abides in Jesus Christ. There are
specific and intentional way a disciple grows per the authors. The four ways are: (1) In his or her
relationship to God, (2) In his or her relationship with God’s family, the church, (3) In his or her
home life and (4) In his or her relationship to the world.5 A disciple is a humble individual that
submits and honor God’s authority and is transformed is mind, soul and body. However, as he or
she reviews the spheres it is detrimental that he or she keeps realistic expectations to assist the
disciple maker in the growth process.
Sphere one: The Centrality of a Relationship with God
In this first sphere Paul remind him or her that although he or she are sinners, our mere
existence is to accept Jesus the Christ as the true and living God. Again, relationship is what God
desires. This phase unites all the other phases to come. He or she should remember that one is
saved by grace and everything one has or desires, it can be obtained through Jesus Christ. He or
she is created to make a difference in the world by discipling others. This section gears towards
the relational question to the head, heart, and hands.
Sphere two: Relationships within the Family of God, the Church
In the second sphere, Paul shifts from his or her personal relationship with Christ to the
effect that his or he personal relationship with Christ has on other Christians. Christ is our
example as to how to fellowship and disciple others. This involves living, loving and serving
others. One must come out of his or her comfort zone to present the Good News to the lost and
5Ibid., pg. 78.
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hurting world. Jesus has shown his love towards him or her, demonstrating love to the body of
believers is a requirement to becoming a disciple. “The opposite of discipleship is being
ashamed of Christ, being ashamed of the cross, being scandalized by the cross.” 6 It is understood
that the Church is the body of Christ which is a community that represents individual diversity.
Sphere three: Relationships at Home
The third sphere is in Ephesians five and six, family and home. This sphere provides
instructions for husband and wife in the home. Specifically, how the husband is to love his wife
and provide guidance and how the wife is to honor the husband. Furthermore, Paul highlights
parenting skills while including the responsibility of children to their parents. This sphere is
important because many can present Godly concepts but fail to do so in the home. Paul reminds
one that the Holy Spirit is available to guide and not to compartmentalize his or her relationship.
The ability to lead is not in everyone however, the gift to disciple others is in every matured
believer. Becoming a Christian is one aspect while becoming a Christian family is a struggle to
many. Therefore, his or her relationship with God causes a change in understanding the family
dynamics. The Holy Spirit can assist one in building, restoring and reconciling the family if he or
she open to hear the voice of God.
.
6Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Dietrich Bonhoeffer Works, Volume 4. Minneapolis: pg. 89
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Sphere fourth: Relationships with the World
Ephesians 6 support the world sphere which is the last sphere. How one relates to God
determines his or her relationship to the world. Although one lives in the world he or she is an
ambassador of Jesus Christ. Everything one does represent Christ. Therefore, one should make
sure that he or she is presenting a life that is pleasing to God because the world is watching. Paul
address behaviors at work while Romans 12:11 states, “Be not slothful in business; fervent in
spirit; serving the Lord.” It is important how one lives and how one works. The word of God
must be applicable in his or her life and not hearing only.
My stage
My current stage is young adult however, there are instances in which I am a child. I am
inconsistent in my study habits of the Word of God. But I know that God has called me to do the
greater works. I am an ordained deacon, I teach church school, also I teach during our healing
and deliverance service once a month, I also make visits to the sick and shut in. It is rewarding to
serve this population because often time the elderly is overlooked. I desire to do more however,
there are times I have no energy to do anything. I am excited about ministry but I get
overwhelmed with ministry. My faith is strong for other but not for myself. I believe that I am
called to pastor others but I sometimes question my knowledge. I am confident in sharing the
Good News or an encouraging word with anyone I meet. With the exception of my pastor I have
no spiritual mentors because I find myself unavailable in many instances. The more I am writing,
the more I believe that I do what is necessary for the ministry even when I am exhausted. “And
he said unto me, my grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.
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Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon
me”, II Corinthians 12:9.
Areas Needing Submission
The areas that I need to submit to God are having value, Multiple Sclerosis and consistent
study habits. I remind myself that I am valuable to God even when the enemy discourages me.
Christ has displayed his love by suffering and dying on the cross. All that Christ endured was
because of his love for humanity (me). I am worthy of HIS love
Isaiah 53:5, But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. Multiple
Sclerosis has no place in my life but I must use wisdom. My faith is increased to know that this
dis-ease is a testimony for someone else. I must trust God for the healing process and live out my
testimony.
My inconsistency to study the word of God is due to fatigue and lack of concentration
however, the more I study the word of God, the more of HIS attributes are revealed in my life. I
am made in the image of God. It is up to me to maintain my relationship with God through the
word of God. The word of God breathes life and exudes growth so that I may mature in Christ
and win souls for the kingdom.
The Cross
Bonhoeffer shares that “the call to discipleship relates to the proclamation of Jesus Christ
suffering. Jesus Christ had to suffer and be rejected. God promise requires this, so that the
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scripture may be fulfilled.”7 To follow Jesus requires one to deny self, endure suffering and
rejection which represents Calvary’s cross. To be a disciple one must suffer and count the cost.
Self- denial entailed knowing Christ, following Christ, and obeying Christ with one entire being.
His or her focus is Jesus only with no distraction, all allegiance to HIM. Christ suffering provides
reconciliation. He or she must die daily as a follower and the cross is the payment that spared
one from destruction. Jesus Christ suffered, bleed and died for humankind, now one have life
more abundantly.
CONCLUSION
Confessing his or her sins and accepting Jesus Christ aligns one with their destiny as a
new creature. Jesus died that he or she may live for HIM. Living for Christ requires sacrifice and
commitment just as Jesus did for humanity. To live this Christian life, his or her desire is to
follow Jesus example of suffering in humility, commitment and love for humanity. Through
Jesus death one is willing to grow from the discipleship stage of spiritual infancy to spiritual
parenting as Putnam indicates. The sphere indicates his or her relationship and oneness with God
while encouraging the brother and sister in Christ. Progressing from stages and spheres to the
next is growth towards God’s purpose of discipling others. The entire reason he or she lives is in
pursuit to win the lost. Giving his or her life to God so that one can give their time, talent and
gifts to God to build the body of Christ is beneficial. The desire to be controlled by God is
fruitful because God is omnipotent and sovereign. Therefore, suffering for the Gospel is
worthwhile considering all that Jesus encountered. Becoming a disciple and growing as a
disciple allows righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost to be operative in his or her life.
7Ibid., pg. 84.
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Bibliography
Bonhoeffer, Dietrich. Dietrich Bonhoeffer Works, Volume 4: Discipleship. Minneapolis, MN:
First Fortress Press, 2003.
Bonhoeffer, Dietrich. Ethics, ed. Clifford J. Green, trans. Reinhard Krauss, Charles C. West, and
Douglas W. Stott. Minneapolis: Augsburg Fortress, 2005.
Bruce, F.F. The New International Commentary on the New Testament – The Epistle to the
Colossians, to Philemon, and to the Ephesians. Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans
Publishing Co., 1984
Putnam, 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.
Thomas, V. M. The Centrality of Christ and Inter-Religious Dialogue in the Theology of Leslie
Newbigin 1996. Available from ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.
Whitney, Donald S. Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life. Colorado Springs, CO:
NavPress, 2014.
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