What does intentional discipleship look like at Axess Church?
What is discipleship?
There is only one kind of discipleship and that’s intentional discipleship. In the church, we don’t like to talk about the biblical kind of discipleship. Why? Because it’s messy and it requires a lot of time and energy. Yet, this is what Jesus modeled for us and calls us to replicate. Jesus called twelve men to come and follow him. To be clear, that meant follow him all the time, everywhere. For over three years, these men spent all their time with Jesus, learning and practicing what they’ve been taught. Disciples aren’t made by accident. Disciples are made intentionally.
Disciples aren’t made by accident.
Discipleship Structure
Curriculum
There are many different ways you can structure your discipleship program. At Axess Church, we’ve chosen a 33-week curriculum published by The Navigators. This ministry group has been producing high-quality, fruitful discipleship material for decades. We’ve chosen to utilize the 2:7 series. This format is based on Colossians 2:7 which encourages the believer to rooted and built up in Christ. We appreciated the Biblical foundation building of the material as well as the practical training in Bible study, prayer time, and evangelism. This is a good balance of information and transformation.
Qualified Leaders
Each discipleship cohort is led by a qualified leader that has either completed discipleship and been commissioned by Axess Church to lead a cohort, or has been selected by the pastoral team and is a part of the discipleship training process. In discipleship, it is crucial to have leaders of outstanding spiritual maturity and discipline because you impart who you are. More is caught than taught.
Group Size
Group sizes are limited to one leader and no more than three disciples. Discipleship is not a small group, it’s an intimate, intentional process that requires engagement and transparency. When groups remain small, each member is able to share and engage with each other in a meaningful and transformative manner.
Frequency
The impact of discipleship comes from the weekly study, meditation, and application of the scriptures. Upon starting, the group will come to a consensus on a time and location that works for everyone. This time and location will be protected and prioritized by each member of the group.
Discipleship Outcomes
Identity
Without an identity that is based on the truth of God says we are as beloved children, all we’ve done is built religion instead of genuine disciples. Discipleship imparts the truth of God’s incredible gift of sonship into each disciple. Disciples are taught to live from the love of God instead of working to earn the love of God.
Prayer & Bible Study Habits
From the beginning, disciples are taught ways to create a habit of studying scripture and developing a fruitful prayer life with God. A key aspect is the word study. This is not a casual reading of scripture, but a meaningful examination with the intent of application.
Foundational Doctrine
Our theology impacts every area of our worship. Discipleship offers a survey of many theological concepts such as Christology, Missiology, Soteriology, Pneumatology, Ecclesiology, Soteriology, and more.
Memorized Scriptures
Each week, there is a Bible verse that needs to be memorized and recited before the group. These verses reinforce the key topics studied that week. The point is the plant the scripture in the memory of the disciple so they are able to fight the good fight of faith as they move through life, speaking truth over themselves and sharing the truth with those they come in contact with.
A proven process for discipleship
Discipleship is meant to be passed on to the next person. This means that each person who goes through discipleship is meant to go and invite two more into discipleship which they will then lead. This is an easy and impactful way to fulfill the Great Commission to go and make disciples of all nations.
Graduation
Sunday Service
Because we highly value the work of disciple-making, we dedicate time on Sunday morning to celebrate and commission those who complete the 33-week process. Disciples will be recognized in front of the church and will be prayed over and sent out to make disciples!
