Biblical and Theological Foundations of Discipleship: Historically, many organizations have gradually shifted from their original vision and become something quite different in the following generations. The initial mission is forgotten - even scorned; and the new, fully embraced and promoted. Jesus Christ, however, never abolished or modified His strategy for world evangelisation or implied that the task could be accomplished through programs or mass evangelism alone. Any possibility of success would depend on the commitment of His followers who believe in and practice “spiritual multiplication,” the exponential growth of the body of Christ which occurs when mature believers lead others to Christ and then disciple them until they themselves grow to maturity in Christ and are trained to effectively live out their faith before the watching world. Forming a solid biblical and theological foundation for discipleship will help us answer the question that every generation of believers must ask: “Will my ministry be built upon pragmatic and methodological concerns or upon careful exegetical activity related to the life and ministry of Jesus Christ?” Establishing a sound biblical and theological framework for discipleship will ensure that what we do and say in the name of Christ will have lasting value and preserve His strategy for lasting fruitfulness.
The Disciple’s Square, What Jesus’ Disciples Need to Learn: By definition, disciples are learners. The prevalent word used in the New Testament for "learn" has the basic meaning “to direct one’s mind to something.” An intellectual process is always implied. A disciple, then, is one who thinks, who concentrates, and who prayerfully apprehends what his Master wants him to be, to know, or to do as revealed in the Bible.
