Ripe for Harvest

S ESSION 4: N URTURE AND T RANSITION • 361

II. The Whys and the Whats of Discipling in the Church

A. Why disciple in the church?

1. The church is the locus of God’s concern in the world – his desire is to form a new humanity in the church.

2. The church is the agent of God in his mission to reconcile the world to himself.

3. The church is the body of Christ , the revelation of himself to a fallen generation.

4. Reasons why making disciples in and through the church makes good sense

a. Discipling is in the church

b. Discipling is through the church

c. Discipling is for the church

B. What are some biblical examples of discipling?

1. Moses and Joshua, Num. 27.15-20; cf. Josh. 1.1-2

2. Elijah and Elisha, 1 Kings 19; 2 Kings 2

3. David and his “mighty men”, 1 Chron. 12

4. Naomi and Ruth, Ruth 1

5. Jesus and the Twelve, Mark 3.14

6. Paul and Timothy (and his band), Acts 20.4; cf. Phil.2.20-22

Discipling in the church is the process of modeling, mentoring, and befriending another in the church in order to enable them to become incorporated into the Body of Christ, to become established in the faith, and then to be equipped to minister in Christ’s name in the church and world, as the Holy Spirit will lead.

Context Values/Vision

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