Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary

Liberty University





DISCIPLESHIP MINISTRIES PROJECT



Submitted to Dr. Allan England
in partial completion oI course requirements Ior
DSMN 500 Discipleship Ministries




Elke Speliopoulos
Downingtown, PA
July 8, 2011




iii
Contents

Introduction ................................................................................................................................ 1
Step 1: Diagnosis oI Need ........................................................................................................... 2
Mission Statement ................................................................................................................... 4
Goal Statement........................................................................................................................ 4
Vision based on Scripture verses) .......................................................................................... 5
Target Group........................................................................................................................... 5
Step 2: Formulation oI Obiectives ............................................................................................... 6
Competencies Expected oI Disciple-Followers ........................................................................ 6
Goals oI 'Cord oI Three Strands ............................................................................................ 7
Step 3: Selection oI Content ........................................................................................................ 8
Step 4: Organization oI Content .................................................................................................. 8
Step 5: Selection oI Learning Experiences .................................................................................. 9
Step 6: Organization oI Learning Experiences ........................................................................... 10
Step 7: Determination oI what to evaluate and the ways and means oI doing it. ......................... 14
Conclusion ................................................................................................................................ 15
SelI-Assessment oI How the 5 Essential Activities oI an Education that Produces Disciples Was
Incorporated and Integrated....................................................................................................... 16
Bibliography ............................................................................................................................. 18
Discipleship Bibliography ......................................................................................................... 19

iv
Attachment: Spiritual Maturity Assessment Tool ...................................................................... 21



1

Introduction

At Calvary Fellowship Church in Downingtown, PA, the motto is 'Love God. Love
People. LiIe Change., and the stated vision is '|t|o sacriIicially love God and all people leading
to liIe change through Iaith in Jesus Christ.
1
On top oI worship services on Sundays, there are
small groups targeted at various demographics, several traditional, usually somewhat age-based
men`s and women`s bible studies that meet during the week, and a strong Iocus on age-relevant
groups on Sunday mornings.
This appears to be a solid Ioundation Ior ministry. However, what this set-up does not
easily accommodate is a more cross-generational relationship-based learning, something that
used to happen more so in spiritual Iormation classes beIore the advent oI the liIe stage
ministries. Needless to say, there is both good and bad in an age-based approach, so the plan is
not to eliminate this oIIering, but to oIIer an alternative experience, allowing Ior these diIIerent
age groups to once again Iorm Iriendships more readily and learn Irom each other.
Making committed Iollowers oI Christ is much more than studying the Bible together. In
a church the size oI Calvary Fellowship, with over 2,000 Sunday morning worshipers, this
entails building relationships that need to reach beyond Sunday mornings and touch individual
lives in very individual ways, providing both a spiritual home and accountability.
At the same time, being a woman in the ministry world brings some level oI limitation
with it in some denominational settings, which included Calvary Fellowship Church in the past.
Until recently, women were restricted to teaching children or women`s ministries. Only recently,
Ventures has allowed one oI its own Iemales to become a regular part oI the teaching rotation.

1
Calvary Fellowship Church, Vision, http://www.calvary-Iellowship.org/vision.php
accessed July 7, 2011).
2

The younger groups, in particular Young Marrieds have long sought to Iind ways to
incorporate women more into active parts in all parts oI the church. Common to all three oI the
liIe stage ministries is the limited level oI participation oI the congregation, which ranges Irom
1.75 to about 4 on a regular basis, depending on group.
This discipleship ministries plan at hand thus has three goals at its Ioundation: 1) to bring
about accelerated adult discipleship, creating Iully devoted Iollowers oI the Lord Jesus, 2) to
raise the level oI participation across the congregation, and 3) to allow both men and women to
Iully engage in this eIIort. This new ministry will carry the name Cord oI Three Strands CTS).
In planning, it is critical to remember what Cheesman wrote: 'In Western culture . we
need to take especial care that the model oI academia and increasingly those models oI training
and business do not dominate the more integrative and holistic models oI discipleship and
community.
1
The program should not simply be an academic exercise, but one in which the
values oI loving community and intimate discipleship Ioster the understanding oI what it means
to live out the new commandment Jesus gave beIore He leIt to love one another John 13:34).
Step 1: Diagnosis of Need
There are three maior adult liIe stage groups at Calvary Fellowship Church. One oI these
is the Ventures Faith in Action ministry with an intended target group oI those 50 and over. Its
stated reason Ior existence is to be 'a liIe stage ministry that includes singles and couples serving
one another, serving inter-generationally, and serving both in our community and globally.
2

Another adult liIe stage ministry is Engage, which is targeted to 'anyone who is between the

1
World Evangelical Fellowship, Evangelical Review of Theologv. Jolume 17, electronic
ed. , Logos Library System; Evangelical Review oI Theology Carlisle, Cumbria, UK:
Paternoster Periodicals, 2000), 496-97.
2
Calvary Fellowship Church, Ventures Faith in Action, http://www.calvary-
Iellowship.org/ministry10.php accessed July 7, 2011).
3

Young Adult Ministry and Ventures Ministries and is looking to get connected with others in the
same age range.
3
Finally, there is a Young Marrieds group, which is geared towards those new
to married liIe. From an age perspective, this group is targeted Ior couples in their 20s to mid-
30s. The stated purpose is to provide a 'unique ministry in Chester County, providing a place Ior
young couples and Iamilies to Iocus on biblically principled teaching and marriage
development.
4

Each oI these ministries Iorms a very eIIective ministry within its targeted age group.
While Irom time to time, cross-group activities are planned, these very rarely are attended by
anyone but the hosting groups` members. This leads to a divide in the sense that younger
individuals and couples are not beneIiting Irom the liIe experience oI those who have
experienced liIe as Christ Iollowers Ior a number oI years longer and in a variety oI situations -
those who may already have Iound answers to questions that are yet unresolved.
At the same time, the ones that are older are not engaging suIIiciently with the younger
Christ Iollowers to understand what is happening in the church today that may be diIIerent Irom
how they were brought up in the church. Likewise, both groups will have those who are already
more spiritually mature, regardless oI age or gender, who can nurture those who are still 'babes
in Christ. As such, the desire is to not only create completely surrendered Iollowers oI the Lord
Jesus, but to also allow the various groups to not only interact with each other, but to carry each
other`s burdens.

3
Calvary Fellowship Church, Engage, http://www.calvary-Iellowship.org/ministry6.php
accessed July 7, 2011).
4
Calvary Fellowship Church, Young Marrieds Ministry, http://www.calvary-
Iellowship.org/ministry7.php accessed July 7, 2011).
4

Mission Statement
'To shape all adult Iollowers oI Christ at Calvary Fellowship Church, regardless oI age,
gender or marital status, to become biblically-trained, evangelistically-minded, non-preiudicial,
sacriIicially-serving, accountable worshipers oI Christ in this local body who will win others to
Christ.
Goal Statement
Calvary Fellowship`s broader mission statement is based on the intention to be a church
that loves God through vibrant and authentic worship, Iervent and dependent prayer, disciplined
and relevant time in God`s Word, and reIlected in obedience to Christ. This in turn serves to
change Calvary Fellowship attendees to love people through generous and practical acts oI
service, purposeIul and genuine relationships, bold and clear communication oI God`s Word, and
reIlected through intentional liIe choices. Ultimately, the goal is to have this lead to liIe change
in Jesus Christ reIlected in my liIe, Iamily, community and world.
5

Cord oI Three Strands is intended to support the church`s broader mission statement and
to enable Iollowers oI Christ in every manner possible by encouraging them to look across the
boundaries oI age, gender, race, or ability based on what Scripture teaches and to equip them Ior
every good work within the body oI Christ. The ministry will constitute a complimentary
element to existing programs to Ioster adult-intergenerational Bible study, prayer and ministry to
the broader body at Calvary Fellowship Church.
Cord oI Three Strands will also serve as a nurturing ground Ior Iuture leaders and
teachers within the church, regardless oI age, gender, race, or ability. This means that teaching
duties, but also ministry obligations will be ioyIully shared across all the traditional boundaries,

5. Calvary Fellowship Church, Jision.
5

encouraging Calvary Fellowship Church at large to become sensitive to the needs oI all groups
within the local body oI Christ.
Vision based on Scripture verses)
Biblical discernment 2 Timothy 3:16-17: 'All Scripture is God-breathed and is useIul
Ior teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man oI God may be
thoroughly equipped Ior every good work.
Evangelistic readiness 1 Peter 3:15: 'But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord.
Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason Ior the hope
that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. ESV)
Non-prejudicial community Romans 14:13: 'ThereIore let us stop passing iudgment
on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your
brother`s way.
Sacrificial service Hebrews 10:24: 'And let us consider how we may spur one another
on toward love and good deeds.
Willing accountability James 5:16: 'ThereIore conIess your sins to each other and
pray Ior each other so that you may be healed.
Life-changing worship Philippians 3:3: 'For it is we who are the circumcision, we
who worship by the Spirit oI God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no conIidence in the
Ilesh.
Target Group
The desired participants initially will come Irom the three adult liIe-stage ministries,
Young Marrieds, Engage and Ventures. Most oI the participants in these groups are already
evangelized and desire to learn more about the God they serve. They also seek biblical
community, as evidenced by current activity and ministry patterns.
6

In addition, the desire is to expand Irom the current limited turn-out based on the general
attendance numbers at Calvary and to get more believers to become an active and well plugged-
in part oI the Calvary Fellowship Church Iamily. To this end, targeted program attendees are
everyone who attends Calvary Fellowship Church on a regular basis.
Finally, it is the strong desire to diversiIy the attendance oI the Cord oI Three Strands
group. Calvary Fellowship Church is a predominantly Caucasian church, but more and more
attendees come Irom other racial backgrounds. It is very desirable to build an example oI ethnic
diversity within a group such as Cord oI Three Strands to model it to the church body at large.
Likewise, leadership has traditionally been delegated to men at Calvary Fellowship
Church. Cord oI Three Strands wants to intentionally target women as leaders and teachers as
this is believed to be within the boundaries oI biblical prescription. We know a pool oI talented
and giIted women exists, yet they need to be encouraged to share their giIts with mixed adult
groups.
Step 2: Formulation of Objectives
Competencies Expected oI Disciple-Followers
Being modeled on Scripture, much oI what this ministry is about is depicted in Romans
12-4-8, where Paul instructs us that many members Iorm the body oI Christ and that each
member belongs to the other. Though we have varying giIts, all serve to build up the body. As
such, each participant should complete a spiritual giIts assessment to understand how they best
serve within the local body. In addition, a spiritual maturity assessment will be given to establish
which type oI learning or discipleship will prove most beneIicial. This would also allow the
leader to establish a pool oI spiritually mature men and women to tap Ior leadership Iunctions
within the ministry. Based on experience, those who are asked whether they would agree to do a
task based on acknowledged capabilities will agree. II they are simply asked whether they would
7

like to somehow participate or volunteer, the answer is much more readily 'no or 'not now.
With knowledge about the person in hand, tasks can be pre-assigned and consent obtained.
Goals oI 'Cord oI Three Strands
Participants in Cord oI Three Strands will seek to build a Ioundational layer oI devoted
Iollowers oI Jesus who will participate not iust in community, but will carry their Iaith out the
doors and into the community and the rest oI the world. They will hold a solid Ioundation oI
biblical knowledge, giving them the discernment needed to deIend and share their Iaith in the
secular world they enter Monday through Friday.
The participants will understand scriptural values and apply them to their lives. They will
seek to live holy lives, which honor their Creator and Savior. They will be able to work within
any context, whether old or young, healthy or ill, rich or poor, educated or non-educated, and
ultimately believing or non-believing, without regard to gender and race.
A participant`s essential knowledge set will consist oI:
O Knowledge and understanding oI all 66 books oI the Bible
O Understanding oI limitations and opportunities within diverse groups
O Know-how about ministries within the broader range oI Calvary Fellowship
Church they can tap into to successIully minister to each other and others
Participants will hold the Iollowing skills:
O Listening skills
O Evangelism skills
O Skills based on their spiritual giIts
O Skills based on their natural talents outside oI spiritual giIts
8

Step 3: Selection of Content
Due to the somewhat tight budget situation running on cost containment budget), the
decision was made to Iorego teaching materials other than the Scriptures. In addition, assessment
tests will initially be managed through Iree online tools. In order to iumpstart the ministry, a
Two-Year Bible Reading Plan will be printed and distributed to all Sunday morning attendees
with an initial verbal invitation in the Video Ministry Announcements VMA) to ioin the
Iorming Cord oI Three Strands activities. These announcements will also be repeated in the
Sunday bulletin and on the church website on a regular basis. In addition, Cord oI Three Strands
will be regularly Ieatured when ministry updates are given in business meetings.

Step 4: Organization of Content
Calvary Fellowship Church is blessed to have a good basis oI Bible teachers to choose
Irom due to its existing programs. These can be tapped Ior the initial start oI Cord oI Three
Strands. As such, additional teachers can slowly grow into the program as believers mature and
become equipped. A Iocus shall be given on tapping Iemale teachers who may not naturally step
Iorward. There should be a good mix, both gender and age-wise.
The Iormat oI each session, which will be held in parallel to both Sunday services, will
consist oI one third oI the hour as an overview oI the week`s teaching content based on the
Two-Year Bible Reading Plan), including background, author, location, time oI writing and
audience. This should be done in a semi-seminary introductory course level. Access will be
provided to extensive commentary collections available in the pastors` oIIices. In addition,
Logos will be installed in the Iuture as Iunding status permits on a publicly accessible computer
at the church, also permitting learners in the groups to study there.
9

The second third oI the hour will consist oI a group discussion around what was learned
with the expectation oI not only the teacher providing back answers and comments, but each
participant to contribute according to their ability. It is clear that some oI these discussions need
to be gently guided into biblical reality again. In this case, the teacher will be drawing the class
back to Scripture. The teacher will also make sure that evangelistic concepts are regularly
discussed and approaches Ior evangelistic outreach become a staple oI the discussions around the
Scripture reading.
The Iinal third will be dedicated to identiIying and praying Ior the needs oI the group or
the wider body with solutions being sought oI how they can be met either within the group or by
identiIying non-group members who are capable oI providing the aid. In addition, prayer
requests are captured and circulated by the group throughout the week, so the prayer time is
spent praying Ior these identiIied requests, rather than collecting them.
Step 5: Selection of Learning Experiences
The expectation Ior participants oI Cord oI Three Strands is that some level oI homework
preparation is expected as the reading Ior each week will be according to that week`s Bible
reading schedule. Participants are also expected to bring with them relevant experiences or share
stories that contribute to the group`s overall understanding oI the reading and its applicability to
a believer`s liIe.
Teachers need to be chosen with this deIinition oI 'truly great teachers
6
in mind: great
teachers have credibility, which is a combination oI oIIering reliable inIormation, purity oI
motives, warmth and Iriendliness, reputation, expertise and passion. Likewise, great teachers
communicate clearly by having a clarity oI concept, purpose, structure and presentation. Great

6
Lawrence O. Richards and Gary J. BredIeldt, 7eative Bible Teaching Chicago, IL:
Moody Publishers, 1998), 213-26.
10

teachers stimulate interest by hooking the learner, involving him or her, and equipping the
learner. They teach with style, shown through their vivid words, purposeIul actions, eye contact,
vocal variety, visual display, and note-Iree delivery. In addition, great teachers take the risk oI
creativity, meaning what they are trying may or may not work. Finally, great teachers value and
respect their students: 'Great teachers do more than teach. They value their students and treat
them as people should be treated.
7
We have these types oI teachers already at Calvary
Fellowship Church, and a core group has been identiIied. The hope is that this ministry will
produce more oI them and will thus selI-Ieed and expand the program into the Iuture.

Step 6: Organization of Learning Experiences
Cord oI Three Strands will by the nature oI using the Two-Year Bible Reading Guide
limited in its Iirst run to a two year duration. However, the hope is that this Iormat will allow Ior
another group to start with a time oII-set, such as possibly in three to six months intervals. This
largely depends on the ability to nurture additional teachers Ior the meetings, but is also limited
by the available Iacility space on Sunday morning. There may be consideration given to oIIering
a course on a weeknight to accommodate those who can`t be there on Sunday nights, however
there should be no interIerence or overlap with other ministries running during the week.
Administratively, it is important that a leader is quickly identiIied. This leader needs to
develop a team oI 'leadership understudies who can then launch new groups or take over when
a leader can`t be there. Also these leaders need to model the Christian Teacher`s Triad, promoted
by Yount, which Ieatures three intersecting circles, Think, Feel, and Do. What I think represents
'the rational side oI liIe: knowing, conceptualizing, problem solving, analyzing, synthesizing,
evaluating. Without a clear Iocus on correctly handl|ing| the word oI truth` 2 Tim. 2:15), we

7
Ibid., 226.
11

open ourselves and our learners to deception and delusion.
8
In the 'What I Feel circle, the
emotional, or aIIective, side oI liIe is depicted, which includes Ieelings, attitudes, values and
priorities. 'II the rational represents what we think our head`), we might consider the aIIective
representing what we value our heart`).
9
The Iinal circle depicts What I Do. This is the
behavioral, or action, side oI how we live. 'What I do with my liIe, what I do in my liIe, is a
window on who I am.
10
The leadership oI Cord oI Three Strands needs to incorporate this into
their ministry approach to demonstrate the holistic image oI a true Christ Iollower.
From a budget requirement, a short plan is summarized below.
A Ministry Action Proposal
For: Cord oI Three Strands Ministry
1. desc7iption of p7oposed plan and how it 7elates to the chu7chs basic pu7pose.
Having Iormed successIul adult liIe stage ministries, the need is now existent to Iind links
between these groups to allow them to become stronger as an interlinked community than as
individual groups within Calvary Fellowship Church. In addition, Calvary Fellowship Church
desires to allow both men and women to Iully exercise their giIts within the new ministry setting.
The Cord oI Three Strands Ministry will 1) bring about accelerated adult discipleship, creating
Iully devoted Iollowers oI the Lord Jesus, 2) raise the level oI participation across the
congregation, and 3) allow both men and women to Iully engage in this eIIort. This new ministry
will carry the name Cord oI Three Strands.
. Whv this minist7v is needed.

8
William R. Yount, 7eated to Lea7n. h7istian Teache7s Int7oduction to Educational
Psvchologv Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman, 1996), 250.
9
Ibid., 251.
10
Ibid., 252.
12

Calvary Fellowship Church has launched three successIul adult liIe stage ministries,
Young Marrieds, Engage and Ventures. These groups have established themselves well over the
past Iew years and the attendees are quite regular. However, there are virtually non-existent links
between these three groups due to the diIIerence in age and the natural relationships that have
Iormed within the groups. This is seen as a hindrance to church-wide engagement oI all
believers, e.g. when there are believers oI a certain age group, which don`t Iit into the 'natural
proIile oI a particular group. This brings with it the threat oI leaving members out oI Iellowship.
In addition, Calvary Fellowship Church sees the many giIts the members oI each oI the groups
has and would like to see both men and women Iully leverage them, including in teaching mixed
audiences under the guidance and leadership oI the senior pastor.
. The costs to the chu7ch (in detail).
The desire is to keep the cost to a minimum as church budget does not allow Ior
additional ministry expenses at this point in time. As we trust God to provide more Iinances,
additional Iunds might be requested, but this is not deemed necessary to launch the ministry.
Printing oI a two-year Bible reading plan Ior church body
8-page brochure, halI-Iold, 2000 pieces - one per adult) - price quoted initially:
Base Printing Price: $348.00
Paper Upgrade: $74.80
Folding: $20.00
Printing Subtotal: $442.80
Printing Cost Each: $0.22
Shipping/Handling: $35.75
Order Total: $478.55
In the Iuture, as ministry budgets permits, a copy oI Logos Bible study soItware will be
purchased and installed on a publicly accessible computer in the church`s library.
13

In addition, there are Iree tools Ior spiritual giIts assessments available on the internet. As
Iuture budget allows, Calvary Fellowship Church could invest in a church-wide spiritual giIts
database, as is made available by Churchgrowth.org
http://store.churchgrowth.org/epages/ChurchGrowth.sI/EN/Product/901?Irameyes&pagegrou
psub.html&submitButtonNameClickhere).
This service is available Ior a one-time set-up Iee oI $59 and a $129 yearly subscription
Iee.
. What this will mean to the chu7ch in oppo7tunities and cost in 5 vea7s.
Better equipped disciples will be those who share their Iaith with others.
The start-up cost is minimal as the Bible will be the main source oI teaching.
The retail price Ior Logos Scholar Package currently is $ 629.95 with 20-25 oII coupons
regularly oIIered. This should be suIIicient Ior the immediate purposes at Calvary Fellowship
Church.
A laptop capable oI running Logos retails Ior around $700. This may be needed iI another
machine cannot be used.
A continued cost oI $129 annual subscription Iee to Churchgrowth.org.
Facilities are available in existing location at Calvary Fellowship Church. Operational cost is
included in church`s running budget Ior operations.
5. lte7native.
Continue the three liIe-stage ministries, but oIIer more opportunities to meet and interact at
Iunctions.
Concern:
O Human nature dictates that groups that know each other tend to stay together at such
events
14

O II evening events, babysitting might not be easily accessible
11

Step 7: Determination of what to evaluate and the ways and means of doing it.
Rubric Ior evaluating the success oI Cords oI Three Strands:
O Participation has increased Irom a current 0.05 at best to 10 oI the church
body within the Iirst two years.
4 This will be measured through regular attendance taking via attendance
sheets.
O Participants include various age groups, genders, races, income levels, education
levels, etc.
4 This is measured by more subiective reports on attendance by the teachers
/ leaders.
O Relationships have visibly Iormed between diIIerent generations and races.
4 The measure Ior this obiective:
attendance at Iunctions that Cord oI Three Strands hosts are they
attended by members across generational boundaries and Irom
diIIerent racial backgrounds?
Sunday morning distribution across tables are certain age groups
/ races sitting together or is true integration visible?
O Participants 'carrying) each other`s burdens, according to Galatians 6:2, has
become visible

11
Based on the proposal Ior a ministry-action budgeting approach in Charles A. Tidwell,
hu7ch dminist7ation. Effective Leade7ship fo7 Minist7v Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman
Publishers, 1985), 165.
15

4 Measured through visits with the aged who can`t get out, babysitting by
older attendees oI younger attendees` children to set them Iree Ior an
evening, Iinancially and physically helping each other, etc.
Conclusion
The desire Ior the Cord oI Three Strands ministry is to Ioster interaction and true
community between all believers attending Calvary Fellowship Church and to put away with
generational, gender and race barriers, which we believe are not the intention oI a body oI
believers in the model Christ presented to us.
We intend to achieve this through diligent targeting oI participants, raising up godly
leaders and teachers and promoting the permeating spirit oI discipleship within Calvary
Fellowship Church. At the same time, we want to thoroughly equip attendees to be able to
deIend their Iaith in their workplaces and communities and to attract others to the truth and
beauty oI the gospel.
Calvary Fellowship Church is blessed with abundance oI good teachers who Iit the
models described. Where Calvary Fellowship Church is lacking is adult inter-generational
teaching that not only equips the body oI Christ, but also ensures that all members are equally
well developed and using their giIts Ior the good oI the body.
Cord oI Three Strands is designed to promote this concept by augmenting existing
programs. Members may swap in and out oI existing groups, but the hope is that ultimately all
members understand and value the great treasure all generations, genders and races bring to the
Christian community. Ultimately all participants will come to the realization oI the great truth
Irom 2 Corinthians 12:8-9: 'My grace is suIIicient Ior you, Ior my power is made perIect in
weakness. Where they lack, Christ will be strong Ior them.
16

Self-Assessment of How the 5 Essential Activities of an
Education that Produces Disciples Was Incorporated and Integrated
Mitchell lists the Iive essential activities oI an education that produces disciples. An
assessment oI how these elements were addressed in the Cord oI Three Strands ministry plan is
shown below.
1. Make a disciple who worships Jesus answering the What question)
a. This is addressed by equipping program participants with the Word oI God
Iirst and Ioremost.
b. It is elevated by the identiIication oI giIts and intercessory prayer.
2. Construct a curricular plan answering the Content question)
a. The Iramework is a Two-Year Bible Reading Plan.
b. Lessons are divided up based on that week`s reading.
3. Prepare a plan Ior teaching and learning answering the Processes question)
a. Teachers use the Two-Year Bible Reading Plan to prepare each week`s lesson.
b. Participants are expected to have read and meditated on the passages Ior the
week.
4. Establish an environment Ior education answering the Context question)
a. The group is set up Ior group interaction and adding liIe experiences.
b. The group is challenged to Iind application to the biblical reading through a
teacher-guided discussion.
5. Have a heart Ior and serve people answering the People question)
12


12
Michael R. Mitchell, Leading Teaching Making Disciples Bloomington, IN:
Crossbooks, 2010), 12.
17

a. The group regularly identiIies needs within the group itselI as well as the
larger church.
b. It seeks to Iind answers Irom either within the group or by pinpointing
individuals who possess the needed time, Iinances, and skills.


18

Bibliography
Calvary Fellowship Church. Jentu7es Faith in ction. http://www.calvary-
Iellowship.org/ministry10.php accessed July 7, 2011).
Calvary Fellowship Church. Engage. http://www.calvary-Iellowship.org/ministry6.php accessed
July 7, 2011).
Calvary Fellowship Church. Young Ma77ieds Minist7v. http://www.calvary-
Iellowship.org/ministry7.php accessed July 7, 2011).
Calvary Fellowship Church. Jision. http://www.calvary-Iellowship.org/vision.php accessed July
7, 2011).
Mitchell, Michael R. Leading Teaching Making Disciples. Bloomington, IN: Crossbooks, 2010.
Richards, Lawrence O., and Gary J. BredIeldt. 7eative Bible Teaching. Chicago, IL: Moody
Publishers, 1998.
Tidwell, Charles A. hu7ch dminist7ation. Effective Leade7ship fo7 Minist7v. Nashville, TN:
Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1985.
Yount, William R. 7eated to Lea7n. h7istian Teache7s Int7oduction to Educational
Psvchologv. Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman, 1996.

19

Discipleship Bibliography
Arnold, JeIIrey, and Stephanie Black. The Big Book on Small G7oups. Downers Grove, Ill.:
InterVarsity Press, 1997.
Bergstrom, Richard L. Gary Fenton and Wayne A. Pohl. Maste7ing hu7ch Finances Maste7ing
minist7v. Christianity Today, 1992.
Cheesman, Grahame. Competing Paradigms in Theological Education Today. Evangelical
Review of Theologv: Volume 17. Electronic ed. , Logos Library System; Evangelical
Review oI Theology. Carlisle, Cumbria, UK: Paternoster Periodicals, 2000.
HayIord, Jack W., Greg Howse, and Michael Posey. Race and Reconciliation. Healing the
Wounds. Winning the Harvest, Spirit-Filled LiIe Kingdom Dynamics Study Guides.
Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1997.
HayIord, Jack W., and Herman Rosenberger. ppointed to Leade7ship. Gods P7inciples fo7
Spi7itual Leade7s. Spirit-Filled LiIe Kingdom Dynamics Study Guides. Nashville:
Thomas Nelson, 1997.
Hegg, David W. P7oven ha7acte7. P7elude to Position. In ReIormation and Revival Volume 7.
Carol Stream, Illinois: ReIormation and Revival Ministries, 1998.
Icenogle, Gareth Weldon. Biblical Foundations fo7 Small G7oup Minist7v. n Integ7ative
pp7oach. Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity Press, 1994.
MacArthur, John Jr. How to Studv the Bible. John MacArthur's Bible Studies. Chicago: Moody
Press, 1996.
Shelley, Marshall. G7owing You7 hu7ch Th7ough T7aining and Motivation. St7ategies to
T7ansfo7m You7 Minist7v. Library oI leadership development. Minneapolis, Minn.:
Bethany House, 1997.
McKinney, Larry J. A Theology oI Theological Education: Pedagogical Implications. In.
Evangelical Review of Theologv. Jolume . Exeter, England: Paternoster Periodicals,
2005.
Mitchell, Michael R. Leading Teaching Making Disciples. Bloomington, IN: Crossbooks, 2010.
Nicholls, Bruce J.. The Role oI Spiritual Development in Theological Education. In Evangelical
Review of Theologv. Jolume 1. Electronic ed. , Logos Library System; Evangelical
Review oI Theology. Carlisle, Cumbria, UK: Paternoster Periodicals, 2000.
Osborne, Larry W. The Unitv Facto7. Getting You7 hu7ch Leade7s Wo7king Togethe7. The
leadership library. Carol Stream, Ill.: CTI, 1989.
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Richards, Lawrence O., and Gary J. BredIeldt. 7eative Bible Teaching. Chicago, IL: Moody
Publishers, 1998.
Tidwell, Charles A. hu7ch dminist7ation. Effective Leade7ship fo7 Minist7v. Nashville, TN:
Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1985.
Yount, William R. 7eated to Lea7n. h7istian Teache7s Int7oduction to Educational
Psvchologv. Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman, 1996.



21

Attachment: Spiritual Maturity Assessment Tool

Personal public commitment to Jesus DeIinition oI 'I believe in Jesus)
O I believe God exists.
O I believe God made me.
O I believe I`m separated Irom God by my humanity and my actions see deI`n oI sin).
O I believe Jesus is the bridge to Iix that separation.
O I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son* oI God and that he died Ior my sins* and rose again
O Irom the dead.
O Through Iaith, I have received Jesus as my personal Savior* and Lord*.
O I have promised to be IaithIul and loyal to him day by day.
O I have been baptized as an adult* made a public proIession oI my Iaith).
Total: /8
My assessment reveals: please circle the appropriate one)
O 0-7 : I am still seeking and gaining an understanding oI Jesus and the Christian Iaith, but
have not yet personally trusted Jesus Ior the Iorgiveness oI my sins and become part oI
His Iamily. I am still investigating the claims oI Christ.
O 8 : I understand what it means to be a Christian and declare myselI to be one.
Personal walk with God
O Prayer
4 I regularly pray Ior others and Ior me regular is deIined as 5 days out oI 7)
4 My prayers contain more than requests. They reIlect conIession, adoration*, and
4 thanksgiving.
4 I keep a log oI my prayers and I watch Ior God`s answers to them.
4 I have experienced God`s Spirit prompting me to action, conduct, or speech in
my day.
22

4 I try to listen to the Spirit`s promptings though the day.
4 My gut response to crisis/problems/the unexpected is to pray.
4 I recognize an increasing depth and proIoundness in my prayer liIe. It is a time
Ior
4 restoration and reIocusing. It oIIers perspective, insight, and strength.
4 When I pray I am sometimes prompted to action; I obey these promptings.
O Total: /8
O My assessment reveals: please circle the appropriate one)
4 0-2 : I am lacking an understanding oI this aspect oI being a Christian.
4 3-4 : I am weak in this area, or I am a young Christian.
4 5-6 : I am stable and growing in this category
4 7-8 : I am able to guide others in this category.
O Bible reading and study
4 I believe the Bible is this Word oI God and thereIore authoritative Ior my liIe.
4 I read and study the Bible regularly regularly deIined as intentionally planned in
the
4 week)
4 When I read the Bible, I read with comprehension, remember it, and apply it to
liIe.
4 I take speciIic time to reIlect upon and apply God`s Word.
4 I seek to bring my behavior in line with Biblical deIinitions Ior normal Christian
behavior
4 Sometimes, when I read the Bible, I experience a speciIic chastisement or
4 encouragement Irom the Spirit.
4 I seek answers to questions I have about the Bible by reading other books or
talking with
4 other Christians.
23

4 When I read the Bible, I am oIten prompted to pray Ior certain things.
4 I want to obey what I learn Irom the Bible.
O Total: /9
O My assessment reveals: please circle the appropriate one)
4 0-2 : I am lacking an understanding oI this aspect oI being a Christian.
4 3-4 : I am weak in this area, or I am a young Christian.
4 5-7 : I am stable and growing in this category
4 8-9 : I am able to guide others in this category.
Character change
O I see the Iruits oI the Spirit* in my character, as evidenced through my thoughts, speech,
and actions.
4 love,
4 ioy,
4 peace,
4 patience,
4 kindness,
4 goodness,
4 IaithIulness,
4 gentleness,
4 selI-control.
O Total: /9
O When I sin, I am quick to conIess it to God and re-establish my walk with him.
O When I sin against another person, I am quick to conIess that sin and seek Iorgiveness
and reconciliation.
O I take speciIic time to reIlect upon my recent behavior and consider, iI necessary, how to
bring it in line with Christ-likeness.
24

O I see my character being shaped by diIIiculty and vulnerability and I don`t hold it against
God.
O In Iact, I view it as a time to be stretched in my spiritual maturity.
O I regularly seek God`s wisdom as I live each day.
O Regularly, I am content with what I have. I praise God Ior what I have and don`t Iocus
on what I don`t have.)
O I am not busy pursing the things oI the world, but instead I simpliIy and Iocus my liIe
according to Jesus` priorities.
O Christ`s agenda has a growing priority in my liIe.
O Total: /17 including the Iruits oI the Spirit total)
O My assessment reveals: please circle the appropriate one)
4 0-7 : I am lacking an understanding oI this aspect oI being a Christian.
4 8-11 : I am weak in this area, or I am a young Christian.
4 12-13 : I am stable and growing in this category
4 14-17 : I am able to guide others in this category.
Sunday worship and learning
O I attend Sunday morning worship services regularly 3 out oI 4 Sundays per month
unless there are unchangeable work commitments)
O I come to honor and bless* God through my participation in the service.
O I come to learn and apply what I have learned to my liIe.
O I come to bless others at my church through my time with the larger church Iamily.
O I participate in the Sunday experience wholeheartedly.
O Total: /5
O My assessment reveals: please circle the appropriate one)
4 0-2 : I am lacking an understanding oI this aspect oI being a Christian.
4 3 : I am weak in this area, or I am a young Christian.
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4 4-5: I am stable and growing in this category
Fellowship oI Believers oIten, but not exclusively, reIerred to as a 'small group)
O I see myselI as an integral part oI my church and am committed to sharing my liIe with
people in that community.
O I have a small group oI Christian Iriends with whom I express and experience genuine
Christ-like love, encouragement, Iorgiveness, and help.
O I have a growing sense oI gladness and thankIulness Ior other believers and their
inIluence in my liIe.
O I am honest with a couple oI) others about the condition oI my heart - my personal
struggles, questions, conIessions, and anxieties.
O I experience others sharing the condition oI their heart with me.
O I seek to love, Iorgive, encourage, and help others.
O I am open to others commenting / giving Ieedback about my character, behavior, or liIe
decisions, especially when they are not consistent with Iollowing Jesus.
O My community oI believers practices truth telling even iI it may cause conIlict.
O Total: /8
O My assessment reveals: please circle the appropriate one)
4 0-2 : I am lacking an understanding oI this aspect oI being a Christian.
4 3-4 : I am weak in this area, or I am a young Christian.
4 5-6 : I am stable and growing in this category
4 7-8 : I am able to guide others in this category.
Part oI the Body oI Christ
O I have committed myselI to be an active part oI my church.
O I have made that commitment public by becoming a member.
O I regularly contribute to the liIe and health oI the church by serving/volunteering.
O The ministry I serve with expresses my unique spiritual giIts, abilities, and perspective.
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O Serving in ministry is a chance to express my gratitude and devotion to God, thereIore
when I serve, I give my best eIIort.
O I pray Ior my ministry responsibilities, being aware oI my dependence on God yet my
responsibility to be IaithIul with the eIIort.
O I view preparing Ior my ministry responsibility as another opportunity to honor Jesus.
O I sometimes serve even iI I`m not comIortable or am out oI my comIort zone.
O I return a percentage oI my income to God`s work, using the Old Testament tithe 10)
as a guide.
O Total: /9
O My assessment reveals: please circle the appropriate one)
4 0-2 : I am lacking an understanding oI this aspect oI being a Christian.
4 3-4 : I am weak in this area, or I am a young Christian.
4 5-7 : I am stable and growing in this category
4 8-9 : I am able to guide others in this category.
Being a missionary in our world
O I seek to help those who do not know Jesus to understand who He is and to invite them
to be part oI God`s Iamily.
O I seek to express being a Christian at home, in my vocation, and as a citizen.
O I can identiIy how I help other people know Jesus.
O I Iind myselI trying to understand things Irom God`s perspective. In complicated or
conIusing issues I Iind myselI asking 'What might God be doing here?)
O I Iind myselI taking risks to help others know Jesus, even when it comes at a personal
cost.
O I sacriIicially donate money to causes that help the poor, bring truth and iustice to the
world, or help spread the Gospel.
O I seek to help others in my daily liIe believers and non-believers).
O I pray Ior our government and the leadership oI other countries.
O I pray Ior other missionaries and the spread oI the Kingdom oI God.
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O I pray Ior Christians that are persecuted around the world.
O I stay inIormed and involved with at least one world concern; seeking to spiritually and
practically impact my community and our world with compassion.
O Total: /11
O My assessment reveals: please circle the appropriate one)
4 0-3 : I am lacking an understanding oI this aspect oI being a Christian.
4 4-5 : I am weak in this area, or I am a young Christian.
4 6-8 : I am stable and growing in this category
4 9-11 : I am able to guide others in this category.

Current Maturity ProIile. Year:
O The purpose oI this page is to help you get a general perspective on your current spiritual
health. A regular assessment oI your spiritual health such as once a year) will also help
you track your growth, or conversely help you see spiritual decline.
O Please transIer your results Irom the category assessments to this page by circling the
appropriate results.
O Personal public commitment to Jesus:
4 I am still seeking; I am a Christian
O Personal walk with God
4 Prayer:
Lack understanding; weak/new; stable/growing; able to guide
4 Bible Reading & Study:
Lack understanding; weak/new; stable/growing; able to guide
4 Character Change:
Lack understanding; weak/new; stable/growing; able to guide
4 Sunday morning worship and learning:
Lack understanding; weak/new; stable/growing
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O Fellowship oI Believers:
O Lack understanding; weak/new; stable/growing; able to guide
O Being Part oI the Body oI Christ:
O Lack understanding; weak/new; stable/growing; able to guide
O Being a missionary in our world:
O Lack understanding; weak/new; stable/growing; able to guide
13


13. Based on Bethesda Church, Spiritual Maturity Assessment Tool,
http://www.bethesdachurchonline.ca/pdI/spiritual-maturity-assessment-tool-2005.pdI accessed
July 8, 2011).