Men in Discipleship

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…” (Matthew 28:19) “By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13:35) Scripture Passages

"If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14:26) “As Jesus passed on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, "Follow me." So he arose and followed Him.” (Matthew 9:9) Scripture Passages

“Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in my word, you are my disciples indeed.” (John 8:31) “By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be my disciples.” (John 15:8) Scripture Passages

Defining Discipleship Pastor Rick Warren defines discipleship as, “The process of becoming like Christ; it always begins with a decision.”

What is a Disciple? The New Testament meaning of a disciple is a pupil or learner. As Jesus tells us, "A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher” (Luke 6:40). The goal of being a disciple is to be like Jesus Christ. A Disciple is a person committed to loving, following, and serving Jesus Christ in every sphere of life.

Consider. . . Since 1990 the number of men attending church has decreased from 43% to 28%. Since 1991 the number of men born again has not changed. Only half of men who are born again attend church on a regular basis.

Only 1 in 7 men are involved in ongoing discipleship or spiritual formation.

What are we going to do? “Recruit” and “Train”

The Jesus Model Jesus was a recruiter and trainer. Then He said to them, "Follow Me, (Recruiting) and I will make you (Training) fishers of men.“ (Matthew 4:19)

Discipleship A disciple is one who is called to walk with Christ, equipped to live like Christ, and sent to work for Christ.

Case Study – 2 Timothy 3:15-17 “You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right. It is God's way of preparing us in every way, fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do.”

Timothy Called Equipped Sent

When you have a question about discipling men, where do you go for help? Votes Ratio Local Pastor 69 32% A friend or mentor 65 30% A leader in my church 40 18% Denominational leaders 4 2% Leader from another ministry 218 votes total Making Disciples

Methodology Ask – Never underestimate the power of asking. Read – There are excellent resources available on discipleship. Study – We become disciples when we discover God in His Word. Attend – Make a commitment to attend and participate. Listen – The preaching and teaching of God’s Word is for your benefit.

Discipleship Flows out of Relationship “Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. He appointed twelve—designating them apostles—that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons.” (Mark 3:13-15) “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35)