“A disciple of Jesus never stops learning the gospel, relating the gospel, and communicating the gospel.” (Jonathan Dodson)

The term “discipleship” is often thrown around in churches as a way to communicate one of two things: internal growth and maturity (programs) or external proclamation (evangelism). And often, we have Christians who side with one of these two options and I think we miss it.

Often, we reduce the gospel to a training program for new Christians or a ticket to exchange upon our death and arrival in heaven. If we’re going to be honest, I think we simply don’t know what discipleship really is.

Dodson’s definition of discipleship helps to provide us with clarity in a number of ways.

WORSHIP

We learn that as a disciple of Jesus, we are to worship God by knowing who He is and what He’s done for us in Christ. The grace of God is the air we never stop breathing because our worship and devotion points us back to the Lord Jesus and He reveals Himself to us through His word.

Never stop learning.

TRANSFORMATION

The Bible teaches that we are not only reconciled to God through Christ, but to one another as a result of the transformation of our hearts and minds through the Holy Spirit. While being relational may be difficult for many, it doesn’t mean that we’re not relational at all. The context of the gospel for the disciple is in relationships!

MISSIONAL

The gospel not only matures disciples of Jesus, but makes disciples of Jesus. Discipleship isn’t only maturity and it isn’t only evangelism; they’re not at odds with one another. In fact, they walk alongside of one another.

“The gospel integrates, not dichotomizes, evangelism and discipleship by announcing a grace that saves and sanctifies people!” (Dodson)

At Storehouse, we share life with one another primarily through community groups which means that all of the aspects of healthy disciples are present in each one of our community groups (worship, transformation, and mission).

We’re certainly not against programs or assimilation processes, but that’s ultimately not what is going to make and mature disciples. It’s going to be disciples making and maturing disciple of Jesus with the gospel.

Featured