| | [Started 3/3/2009]
I am looking for discipleship materials for I need to disciple a group of young Christians. I believe discipleship is a God-given mandate for the Church (Matthew 28:16-20). I also think a weekly dosage of Bible on Sunday alone is insufficient. We need to remember mess used to be done daily and the Reformers preached almost daily, sometimes more than once a day. Today's evangelicals have an emphasis on personal daily devotion; however, quality may suffer because each reads the Bible according to his/her own presuppositions. I still struggle with how discipleship can be done more effective so that a greater dosage of the Gospel truth can be given to these Christians. My goal is to disciple my group following the flow of the biblical text on Sunday while using other materials to present a doctrinal framework that addresses their life issues (during the week). I am looking for materials that do more than just proof-texting. I am looking for materials that present a rich biblical-theological framework. I just want to write down what I have found so far.
Philosophically, I am inspired by the work of Rev. Steve Smallman who has pointed out that discipleship "is a process of calling people to follow Jesus and then walking with them through that process, both before and after they confess faith." Discipleship is not only for the committed Christians. You can read more in his book Spiritual Birthline: Understanding How We Experience the New Birth.
(1) Sonship - Materials written and published by World Harvest Mission. Materials were inspired by Rev. Dr. C. John Miller's (also known as Jack Miller) work. (He has written books like A Faith Worth Sharing, The Heart of A Servant Leader, etc. His wife has also authored From Fear To Freedom) It was originally written for their missionaries in the field; however, it was subsequently used by many churches. There are videos or MP3 lectures accompanying the workbook. The set has 16 lessons. The materials present doctrines and practical maters so that Christians are prepared to handle tough issues in life. [more details]
(2) Gospel Transformation - Materials also written and published by World Harvest Mission. Materials are divided into 6 units with 6 lessons each. Now at its second edition. The first edition has been translated into Chinese by a team at Houston Chinese Church. This is a rewriting of the Sonship materials to make it more approachable to the lay people in the Church. Materials can be used in a small group setting and the book comes with materials for the group leader. [more details]
(3) The Journey - Materials written by Rev. Dr. Randy Pope at Perimeter Church, the author of The Intentional Church.
It is a three-year program. Materials including group materials and MP3s.
(4) Materials from Redeemer Presbyterian Church - Materials written by Rev. Dr. Tim Keller, former professor of Westminster Theological Seminary, are available from Redeemer's website. All those materials come with leader's guides. The three-part series on Gospel Christianity is a good start [sample].
(5) NEW!! Gospel-Centered Life - A 9-week discipleship course with low commitment requirements. It is probably available on World Harvest Mission's website within a week. This course condenses and simplifies materials from Sonship and Gospel Transformation. [more details]
Let me know what you have found also.
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| | Posted 11/4/2009 10:39 AM - 78 Views - 6 eProps - 4 comments
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