A
disciple is a believer who is in a process
of becoming more like Jesus Christ
throughout one’s lifetime through practicing spiritual habits
of prayer, Bible study, fellowship, evangelism, and service to others.
Stages of Spiritual
Growth
|
Growth Stage |
Lookers |
Listeners |
Learners |
Laborers |
Leaders |
|
Examples from Jesus’
ministry: |
John 1:35-42 |
Matthew 4:18-22 |
Mark 3:7,
13-15 |
Mark 6:7-13
John 6:1-14 |
John 15:4
Luke 24:45-49 |
|
Task of the Disciple
Maker: |
Evangelize |
Establish |
Edify |
Equip |
Empower |
Characteristics of People
at the End of Each Stage
Lookers
-
They are aware of and observe the lives of Christians.
(John 4:16-22)
-
They may attend church. (John 4:20-24; Hebrews 10:25)
-
They may know facts about Christ, but lack a personal relationship with Him.
(John3:1-19)
-
They recognize that Jesus is God. (Mark 1:11)
-
They have an understanding of Christ as the way to salvation.
(John 1:39,
14:6)
-
They are being challenged to trust Christ as Savior.
(John 6:60-66)
-
They have confessed their sins, repented, & have been baptized.
(Matthew 3:6; Mark 1:15)
-
They have settled their decision to trust Christ as Savior.
(John
3:16-18)
-
They are given time to consider the call to commitment to growth in Christ.
(2 Peter 3:18)
Listeners
-
They have a hunger for spiritual growth.
(1 Peter 2:2-3)
-
They want to spend time with other Christians.
(John 2:2, 3:22)
-
They learn to trust God’s Word in the face of doubts.
(Matthew 4:4)
-
They have assurance of salvation. (1 John
5:11-13)
-
They understand the need for worship, Bible study, prayer, fellowship &
witness. (John 4:23-24)
-
They share their faith with others. (John 1:40-42)
-
They are led by the Spirit.
(Luke 4:1, 14, 18;
Romans 8:14-16)
-
Their lifestyle begins to reflect a change in values & priorities.
(Matthew 3:8)
-
They are challenged to a deeper level of discipleship. (Matthew 4:19;
Luke 5:1-11)
Learners
-
They have a deepening awareness of the need to make Christ the first
priority in their lives.
(Luke 5:11, 27-28)
-
They have a growing hunger for the Word of God.
(Luke 5:1)
-
They are increasing in their awareness of and sensitivity to the movement of
God in their lives.
(John 5:17)
-
They share their faith regularly.
(Luke 8:39;
Mark 1:45; John 5:19-20)
-
They are growing more aware of sin in their lives.
(Luke 5:8)
-
They have a hunger for the things of God.
(Luke 6:20-27)
-
They are learning the principles of giving. (Luke 6:38)
-
They are establishing a solid foundation for spiritual growth.
(Luke
6:46-48)
-
They demonstrate compassion for hurting people.
(Luke 7:12-13)
-
They practice lessons learned from Bible Study. (Luke 8:14, 21; Mark 3:35)
Laborers
-
They are willing to give Christ first priority in their lives. (Matthew
8:19-22)
-
They are personally involved in ministry.
(Matthew 10:1-42)
-
They realize the importance of continued spiritual growth.
(Matthew
10:24-25)
-
They are gaining an understanding of the Kingdom of God.
(Matthew 10:7)
-
They are aware of the spiritual authority they possess in Christ.
(Matthew 10:7)
-
Their lives glorify God. (Matthew 5:13-16)
-
They focus on what lasts for eternity instead of temporal gain.
(Matthew
6:19-34; 10:42)
-
They become selective in terms of whom they allow to instruct them &
demonstrate spiritual stability. (Mark 4:24-25;
Matt. 16:6, 12; Ephesians
4:11-16)
-
They understand the centrality and role of the Church in God’s Kingdom.
(Matthew 16:16-18)
-
They usually minister as a team and not in isolation.
(Luke 10:1)
-
They consistently practice spiritual habits of worship, Bible study, prayer,
fellowship, & witness. (Luke 11:1-13; 8:1-8)
-
They practice sacrificial giving.
(Mark 12:41-44; 2 Samuel 24:18-25)
Leaders
-
They lead a life filled & guided by the Spirit.
(Jn 14:17, 16:13,
20:22; Acts 1:8)
-
They abide in Christ and are obedient to Christ’s commands.
(John 15:5,
14, 21:16; Matthew 28:10, 16:
Acts 1:4)
-
They experience contrition, repentance and restoration after failure.
(Matthew 26:19-20; Luke 24:53; John 21:15-19)
-
They pray on the basis of the Word and in the authority of Christ.
(John
15:7, 16:33)
-
They are growing in godly character.
(Colossians 1:27-28; John 15:5)
-
They recognize and respond to the activity of God in daily life.
(Luke
24:30-31; John 8:47; John 20:15-17)
-
They are sent into the world to bear witness to Christ.
(John 15:17;
17:18, 20:21; Matthew 28:19-20;
Luke 24:53; Mark 16:18-20)
-
They produce lasting spiritual fruit.
(John 15:8, 16)
-
They take care of the physical needs of others.
(John 15:12-13, 17;
19:26-27;
Acts 4:32-37)
-
They don’t let opposition deter them.
(Acts 8:1b, 4)
-
They function in Christ’s absence as reproducing disciple makers.
(Acts
1:9-11; 2:14-47)
-
They see disciple making as a lifestyle, not an activity.
(2 Timothy 2:2)
Cradock Baptist Church - 96 Afton Parkway - Portsmouth,
Virginia 23702
Office: 757-485-3500 -- Fax: 757-485-3501
Copyright (c) 2008, Cradock Baptist Church