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Defining discipleship
dis.ci.ple.ship
Discipleship is the process of spiritual formation by which the character and image of Christ are shaped in a person's life, equipping them to reproduce that same work in the lives of others. It is expressed through intentional care, teaching, example and accompaniment, forming disciples who make disciples. In this way, people are cared for so that they can care for others, in an ongoing movement of multiplication and transformation into the likeness of Christ.
The goal and mission of discipleship
To have caregivers faithful to the gospel and to the mission, skilled ministers of the Word in the context of one another's ordinary lives within the relationships of the Church — allowing the word of Christ to dwell among the Church and equipping every Christian in our local church to be a skilled minister of the Word, even as a layperson.
Listen
Build a culture in which members are ready to listen to the Word before any opinion or decision, aligning their way of life with the Gospel.
Speak
Constantly cultivate conversations about the Gospel, Sunday's exposition and all teaching, so that every Christian in our church embodies the Gospel.
Act
Turn every member not only into a hearer and knower, but a doer of the Word, echoing the Gospel through their actions in everyday life.
The discipleship process
“What you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.”
2 Timothy 2:2
We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and increasing — as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth.
Colossians 1:3-6
The discipleship track
Welcome, root, cooperate, train, lead and send.
01
Welcome
Welcome is the entry point of the discipleship journey at ImagoDei. Here we intentionally walk alongside non-Christians, new believers, brothers and sisters coming from contexts that are not very Gospel-centered, and Christians who still need to consolidate the foundations of the faith. Our goal is to serve, care for and accompany each person so that they come to know the Gospel deeply, take root in Christ and in His Word, and find in the church a spiritual family to walk toward Christian maturity.
02
Root
After the first encounter with the Gospel comes a season of intentional accompaniment, in which the person is helped to set their roots in Christ, in the Word and in the community of faith. This is the stage of the foundations of the Christian life, of forming spiritual habits and of consolidating faith. The process can take months or years, respecting each person's individual journey and always recognizing the indispensable work of the Holy Spirit in transforming the heart.
03
Cooperate
As the roots go deeper, the disciple grows in the knowledge of God, in the formation of Christ's character and in active participation in the life of the church. In this phase, the person learns to serve, care for and walk alongside other believers, putting their gifts and talents at the service of the body of Christ. Christian growth happens as biblical truth is taught, lived and applied, while the Holy Spirit continues His work of sanctification and maturing.
04
Train
Discipleship matures into multiplication. At this stage, people are equipped, encouraged and enabled to serve in ever more intentional and fruitful ways in God's mission. Developing biblical convictions, godly character and ministry skills prepares disciples to take on greater responsibilities in caring for people and spreading the Gospel.
05
Lead
For those called to take on responsibilities of care, discipleship, coordination and leadership within the local church, serving the body and developing their ability to lead and govern the church, becoming elders or deacons.
06
Send
Sending happens when trained disciples are equipped and commissioned to multiply the life of Christ in others. This includes both those sent to new ministry, missionary and church-planting fronts and those who remain in the local church to serve as disciplers, leaders and trainers of new disciples.
The focus of discipleship
Conviction, character and competence.
Conviction
Growing the disciple in the knowledge of God and the understanding of the Bible.
Character
Growing the disciple in the character and holy life that accord with sound doctrine.
Competence
Growing the disciple in the ability to speak God's Word to others in a distinctive way.
