Building a Path of Discipleship

Pre-Evangelization (meeting human needs)

• Friendship – build trust
• Spiritual Curiosity – asking questions
• Spiritual Openness – ready to learn more
• Spiritual Seeking – actively seeking God

Discipleship (“learner”/follower of Jesus)

• Encounter – open to discipleship
• Beginning Disciple – committed to Jesus

Stewardship (recognizing everything is a gift from God; grateful & generous lifestyle)

• Growing Disciple – observable changes in behavior
• Commissioned Disciple – take part in the mission of the Church

Evangelization/Apostleship (proclaiming the Gospel through word and action/one who is “sent”)

• Disciple Maker – lead someone to Jesus
• Spiritual Multiplier – train and equip others to evangelize
• Social Justice

Notes:

• This is not a linear process.
• Steps can happen at the same time, happen very quickly or backslide.
• Focus on the “why” and not the “what”.
• God reveals Himself gradually to man. (Old Testament – God, New Testament – Jesus, Jesus’s Ascension – Holy Spirit.
• God’s method of teaching (similar process to any good coach):
  • He meets us where we are at.
  • He challenges us to the next level.
  • He helps us to the next level.
• St. Paul 1 Corinthians 3:2 “I fed you milk, not solid food, because you were unable to take it.”
• A disciple should develop a divine mindset – mind controlled by God to be able to understand the things of God.

• Two crucial aspects of discipleship:
  • Self-denial: make God the center of your life, not yourself.
  • Take up your cross: forsake all to follow Jesus.