LIBERTY UNIVERSITY BAPTIST THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

Spheres and Stages of Discipleship

Submitted To Dr. Douglas White

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Completion Of

DSMN 500-B05 GLST

DISCIPLESHIP MINISTRIES

By

Clarence Hudson

Contents

Introduction......................................................................................................................................1
The five stages of Discipleship........................................................................................................4
My Discipleship...............................................................................................................................7
The 4 spheres of Discipleship..........................................................................................................7
Sphere submitted to the Centrality of Christ....................................................................................9
Submitting to Christ.......................................................................................................................10
Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................11
Bibliography..................................................................................................................................12

Introduction
When Christ Jesus commanded the disciple in Matthew 28:19, to go and make disciples
of all nations, he provided a blueprint, along with an adequate source of power. From this
blueprint the first thing we need is to understand where we and others are in the discipleship
process and know what we and others need to be doing next. The task of being a disciple of
Christ requires one to be in right relationship with the Lord as well as obeying His commands. In
which the discipleship making process has become more productive when we are concern with
the life growth of disciple. To know in where the disciple current processing stage is paramount
in order for an accurate plan according in the disciple life.1Putman text recognize, that
discipleship growth is not linear, and that there is a progressive path or steps in which one must
take in order to grow. 2Using his plan has a guide will aid in both determining where the disciple
is in their journey and where the need to go.
The stages and spheres of discipleship give a path for growing disciples; just the same,
more is needed than a path. All parties involved must be one. That is the teacher must teach and
the disciple must be willing to learn. Like all training process the trainee (disciple) must be
dedicated to completing their part in the process or there will there is no growth. Their
cooperation brings about the transformation of grow by the g race of God. 3There it is very
important to understand gods part in the process in order to maintain patience in both the
disciple and disciple.

1 Putman, Harrington and Coleman 2013

2 Ibid.
3 Ibid. 57
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The five Stages of Discipleship

As mention earlier Putman text have introduce a simple growth level process, drawn from
the scriptures. These growth levels are called stages, and they give the discipler and the disciple a
view of where the disciple was, where they are, and where they are going. 4It is important to
know that although the disciple always look forward to the next stage, they can slip back into
immaturity if they are not careful. Based on these scriptures, there are five (5) stages of
discipleship that focus on the natural progression of a disciple, within the focus of spheres. The
direction stages of discipleship are, stage one spiritually dead, stage two spiritually infant, stage
three a spiritual young adult, stage four is spiritual young adult, and stage five a spiritual parent.
In addition, 5the four (4) main spheres of life in which the disciple grows are, the relationship
between God and disciple, the disciple relationship with the church, the disciple relationship in
his home, and the disciple relationship to the world. The stages take an organic process in which
the disciple grows spiritually, while interacting in their internal and external environments.
(Spheres).
The first level is the spiritually dead stage. Apostle Paul told the Ephesian church in
chapter 2, verse 1; as for you, you are dead in your transgressions and sins. That is they have
not accepted Christ as Lord and Savior and is spending life apart from God. This is the
beginning point for all people in search of being Christ disciple. Many in this this stage are
denying the divine inspiration of the bible and believes there are many ways to get to heaven,
and believe that all good people will go to heaven. Thats where a disciple comes in and share the

4 Putman, Harrington and Coleman 2013

5 Ibid. 78
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gospel, in hope of one reaching Christ and willing to take the next step to infant in faith.
Basically they will need to be introduce Jesus, and provided answers to their questions about the
bible, God and being a Christian Not all will listen and understand, however6the key concept is
that a spiritually dead person does not have the life of Jesus within. This life is not there because
they have no faith in Jesus as Savior and Lord. John 3:3-5, provides the way in how the
spiritually dead can see the kingdom of God.
The second level is the infant in Christ stage. 7They have experience salvation and
accepted Christ as their savior, but that is as far as theyve gotten. Some are new believers, many
have already been believers, but have remained stagnant in their faith. They will show the lack of
knowledge about church attendance scripture reading, and the role of fellowship. 8Their lives are
generally all about them and what they think works to fulfill their needs. The description of
disciples at this level is describe in 1 Peter 2. Like a baby, they desire and grow from the milk of
their mother, seeking the word so they can grow in their salvation. 9This desire will not be a
natural desire but one that the disciple must foster through intentional effort and steady attention.
The disciple must care for and feed, and lead them with the word of God in order for them to
grow and thrive. In addition they must be lead, directed and protected at this level to prevent
from going down the wrong path that may seem correct but not entirely biblical.
The third level is the spiritual child stage. The disciple is continuing to grow in their
relationship with God, and beginning to grow in their relationship with other Christians. First
6 Putman, Harrington and Coleman 2013
7 Ibid. 63
8 Ibid.
9 Michaels 1988
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Thessalonian 2 describes this child in Christ stage. In verses 10-12, apostle Paul tells the church
of Thessalonica they are his spiritual children, so he encouraged, comforted, urging them to lives
worthy of God and taught them with affection and authority. Todays disciples need guidance and
protection has they grow, just as much as the Thessalonica required. Putnam text remind us that
this stage is similar to stage one or the infant stage in the characteristics of self-centeredness and
needing attention. They need to know their position in Christ, build strong relationships and learn
what to expect from other believers. 10They must develop a heart of a servant. This should be
provided by someone who will help them to make the developmental transition from dependency
to learning how to spiritually feed themselves.
The fourth level is the stage of being a spiritual young adult. 11They are making the
transitional from being self-centered to being God and other centered. In this stage they the
disciple is beginning to understand that they were created for a purpose and their priorities have
to change. They are now forming a heart of a servant, beginning to talk with others about God
and spending time alone in His present for guidance. Although they are off and running, they still
guidance, from a different perspective. They need a spiritual mentor to coach them on their
ministry experiences. According to the Putnam text, accountability becomes a determine factor
for young adults in Christ and that they need to establish boundaries.
The final level is the spiritual parent stage. 12Second Timothy 2:1-2 describes people who
are strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. In this stage the disciple is a mature believer who
leads others to Christ. Not only did they grasped a full understanding of their own faith, but also
10 Putman, Harrington and Coleman 2013
11 Ibid. 67
12 Ibid. 69
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how to reproduce this process I the lives of others. They are intentional going out to reach and
bring others to Christ. Dave Earley explains what the final stage of discipleship looked like for
followers of Jesus:
The decision to follow [Christ] meant total commitment. They would have to memorize
His words and replicate His lifestyle. By following Him, they were choosing to be with Him, to
learn from Him and become like Him. In order to accept his invitation, hey would have to
abandon everything else to follow Him.

My Discipleship
To be obvious and intentional would be great right now. Currently, I am transitioning from infant
to a spiritual adult. It has been only 4 years since I confess my sins and what a struggle I am
having, those past sins are constantly knocking at my door in almost everything I do. Satan is a
liar. I do know, my desires and drive comes from God and the past sins will stay there, due to the
fact that they have been forgiven and I am looking forward to being with our Lord and Savior in
paradise. Under my own roof is the first place in which I want to disciple, but first I must
continue to be infant, so that I can at least demonstrate to my family that I am walking the right
path (especially my wife) and learn the right way in which to direct them. My sons, daughter and
grandchild should learn from me, what walking with God is like and want the same for
themselves. There are many things I need to learn which is why I am in seminary. Compare to
where I should be and where Christ wants me to be and needs me to be as an effective disciple, I
am work in progress. Just the same, I extremely surprised that Christ took the time to stop me in
my track and sees fit to use me.

The 4 Spheres of Discipleship

The four spheres outlines disciple grows in their spiritual life. These spheres are: the
sphere of relationship between God and the disciple, the sphere of the church, the sphere of the
family and the sphere of the world.

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Each sphere affords a disciple to understand Gods

commands and submits to his authority (head), to be transformed by Jesus (heart), and to join
Jesus on a kingdom mission (hands) in all areas of their lives. Jesus said in John 15:5, I am the
vine, you are the branches. If you abide in me, and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from
me you can do nothing. This command is self-explanatory and is the main ingredient of the
check and balances of discipleship.
Sphere 1 is the centrality of a relationship with God and is the representative to the core of being.
Putnam, et al. conveys sphere 1 as the core, the hub that unites the other spheres together and
without it, there is no personal relationship with Jesus. For by grace you are saved through faith,
and that not yourselves, for it is the gift of God; not of works that no man nay glory. For we are
his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus in good work s, which God hath prepared that we
should walk in them. 14Simple obedience is all that God requires from us.
Sphere 2 is the relationships within the family of God, the church. 15It is the where we grow as
the body of Christ, in establishing a relationship with other believers and to work toward the
common goal of being obedient to Christ and working collectively in the kingdom expansion.

13 Putman, Harrington and Coleman 2013

14 Bonhoeffer 2003
15 Putman, Harrington and Coleman 2013
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Our lives as Christians was not meant to be lived alone, but has a community with other
believers. 16This sphere provides the true relationship with others should reflect.
Sphere 3 is the relationship at home. Ephesians 5 & 6 speaks of the family and how they are to
interact within a Christian home. 17That is, it is possible for people to grasp the concepts of the
gospel but fail to apply them in the home. How can we save the world when we cannot even save
our own family? In todays society, and their independence, families are going in all kinds of
direction. This is not what God wanted. He operates within laws and elements there a set of rules
in which we are to abide by. If we are to serve Him, then we are to have a balance in our lives.
Interaction is the key in allowing smooth transition and progression in ones journey. Apostle Paul
understood that compartmentalize our relationships is wrong, in that the Holy Spirit wants to
influence every believers life, and that the best place to make disciples is in our families.
The final sphere is the relationships with the world. As disciples of Christ Jesus, we are expected
to act, walk, and interact, with and among the world in a distinct manner. 18Apostles Paul makes
it clear that we are in the world, not of the world, we represent Christ, and in what we do, we do
not simply work for other people; we work for the Lord. We are no different than the rest of the
world when it comes to work, vacation, experiencing pain, heartache, etc Therefore no matter
where we are, home, work, and/or the marketplace, we are to represent Christ through our head,
heart and hands.

Spheres submitted to the Centrality of Christ

16 Bonhoeffer 2003
17 Putman, Harrington and Coleman 2013
18 Ibid. 89
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The relational sphere between God and disciple, the church, the family and the world are
perfection combination of Gods plan for my life. .Therefore, it is paramount that I submit myself
to all four spheres. Totally submitting myself to Christ is not easy, but a decision that allows me
to process in becoming his disciple. My walk is not an easy one, after living has the world lived.
I am now walking in His light to get close to Him. Since that day 4 years ago, I have grown in
the church and call myself a Christian, but is confused when it comes down to the Holy Spirit
and how to I know that Spirit is in me. I know I have cease doing things that I use to, and some
say it was cold turkey. I say the Trinity has a lot to do with me. My relations with others are of
Christ. There are many of times in which I have to adjust the way in which I interact with others
when Christ is the mediator between me and them.
I have not been openly ridiculed, but I have been defriend off of Facebook, from what I
was told for being Holy Moly. Acquaintance I thought were friends do not call or come
around. New friends, brothers and sister in Christ are great when we are together. Since being in
the Infant stage, I have constantly attached myself to believers in which I feel I can learn from.
They in turn see me has being hungry for the Word. I still feel like I am missing something. What
is next? I vowed that I would get through the required steps necessary to aid others in accepting
Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. What a constant struggle I go through, going back and
forth wondering if I am doing the right thing.
I am tormented by clinging to my worldly processions, and leading somewhat of a
successful life. I feel fear and pain of the unknown, constantly, and it is prevents me from
submitting totally under the law of the law of the cross. To know freedom, I have to let go and
continue to lean on Jesus for truth.

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Submitting to Christ
The submission of Christ helps us in keeping difficult topics in perspective. After Christs
enemies have been subdued, the Son himself will be made subject to him who put everything
under him, so that God may be all in all. (1 Corinthians 15:28) Jesus is equal with the Father in
essence. According to John 10:30, He and the Father are one. However, during His incarnation
Jesus voluntarily submitted to the Father in His role as our representative. He obeyed Gods law
in behalf of us and died for our sins. This voluntary submission did not diminish the Saviors
status as Gods Son. (1 Corinthian 15:24) Although he were the Son, He learned obedience from
what he suffered. (Hebrew 5:8).
A disciple submission to Christ is one who does not resist but obeys in everything and
resists the devil. James directs believers to submit to God and then tells them to resist the devil.
Submission to Christ has a positive aspects in what the disciple does for Christ and a negative
aspect in what the disciple does not do. 19The devil opposes all that God does and desires.
The submission of Christ reflects a difference in function, not in essence. Here we can see the
dignity of submission in our own context. Although you find in the bible requirements to submit,
it does not imply superiority or inferiority. It merely reflects a difference in function. Admittedly,
those to whom submission must be rendered do not always act in a way that is worthy of respect
or obedience. Husbands can be selfish (1 Peter 3:7). Any slave master has the capacity to be
cruel and even abusive (1 Peter 2:1820). However, when we obey in circumstances where
submission is appropriately required, we render service to God. 20We can take comfort, in the

19 Richardson 1997
20 Koessler, et al. 2008
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knowledge that God will one day call all those who exercise authority to account. They must
answer to Him.

Conclusion
The disciple goes through five stages of growth: spiritually dead, infant, child, young adult and
parent. The stages similar to the stages of life, with the exception of the discipleship stage must
be intentionally engaged. Growing as a disciple is knowing where are currently, where you need
to be, and putting yourself in the position to grow to the next stage .By submitting all of your life
to Christ is the only way in which this can be accomplished. Submission to Christ involves the
totally surrendering yourself to Christ and intentional resisting of the devil. By submitting to
Christ and keeping Him centered in all things will bring the disciple to maturity.

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Bibliography

Bonhoeffer, Dietrich. Dietrich Bonhoeffer Works: Discipleship. Vol. 4. Minnrapolis: Fortress

Press, 2003.
Earley, Dave, and Rod Dempsey. Disciple Making Is...a; How toLove the Great Commission
with Passion and Confidence. B&H Publishing Group, 2013.
Koessler, John M, David Woodall, David Finkbeiner, David Fetzer, and Kelli Worrall. The
Moody Handbook of Preaching. Chicago, IL: Moody Publishers, 2008.
Michaels, J. Ramsey. Word Biblical Commentary #49: 1 Peter. Waco, TX: Thomas Nelson, 1988.
Putman, Jim, Bobby Harrington, and Robert E. Coleman. Discipleshift: Five Steps That Help
Your Church to Make Disciples Who will Make Disciples. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan,
2013.
Richardson, Kurt A.,. The New American Commentary: James. Nashville, TN: Broadman &
Holman, 1997

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