Discipleship Training

Complementary Tools and Frameworks to the Discipleship Series

1. Our Primary Evangelism Tool

We use a lesson called The Path to God with those in our networks as both a diagnostic and educational tool. For non-Christians, it explains how they can know God through Jesus Christ. For Christians, it clarifies how they can be assured of their salvation. Since we cannot assume that people understand the basics of the Christian faith, beginning with this tool allows us to discern where they are spiritually while also teaching the foundations of the faith. For those who are already Christians, we then encourage regular study of The Discipleship Series (see the lessons below) on a weekly basis, so that they are established in the apostles’ teaching (sound doctrine) and learn to disciple others.

2. Ministry Coaching

Ministry coaching serves as the relational and spiritual glue that holds generations of disciples together. Through intentional guidance, prayer, and accountability, it helps believers, by God’s grace, grow in maturity and faithfully create the next link in the disciple-making chain.

  • Individual Coaching and Prayer – One-on-one ministry coaching two or more times a month provides personal accountability, encouragement, and prayer for making disciples of Jesus Christ.

  • Group Coaching and Prayer – Men and women gather regularly for shared learning, encouragement, and prayer as they advance Jesus’s mission together.

The Discipleship Series

Part One: Foundations of the Faith

Part One serves as a one-year curriculum designed to ground disciples in sound doctrine and sound living. It equips believers to know God truly and follow Christ under his authority in every sphere of life—personal, family, and church. From conversion and spiritual disciplines to church life and spiritual warfare, these studies build a comprehensive foundation for growth in Christ and participation in his mission.

  1. Becoming a Christian (eight lessons) – Explains core truths about God the Father, sin and judgment, Jesus and the gospel, repentance and saving faith, and baptism.

  2. Our New Life in Christ (seven lessons) – Teaches believers about their new position in Christ and priorities as Christians.

  3. The Gathering of the Church: 1 Corinthians 11:2–14:40 (six lessons) – Builds understanding of the weekly assembly of the church.

  4. Reaching Our Networks for Christ (seven lessons) – Equips believers to share the gospel within their networks of relationships.

  5. The God-centered Family (seven lessons) – Trains households to order their lives according to God’s plan.

  6. Private Disciplines for Christian Growth (four lessons) – Cultivates habits such as private prayer and Bible intake.

  7. Public Disciplines for Christian Growth (six lessons) – Cultivates habits such as devoting ourselves to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking bread (the Lord’s Supper), and prayer.

  8. The Sermon on the Mount: Matthew 5–7 (seven lessons) – Shapes kingdom character and actions.

  9. Loving One Another in Christian Community (six lessons) – Calls believers to love one another through practices such as speaking the truth, encouraging one another, and reconciling with one another.

  10. Resisting the Opposition to God’s Will (three lessons) – Trains disciples to stand firm against the world, the flesh, and the devil.

Part Two: The Apostles’ Teaching: Strengthening and Protecting the Churches

Part Two traces the unfolding revelation of God as the apostles strengthened and protected early Christian communities through their teaching. The stories of Scripture together form the foundation of a Christian worldview, showing how God’s truth shapes all of life. Studying the New Testament in its chronological order—from James to Revelation—allows disciples to follow how the apostles addressed the real challenges of faith, doctrine, and endurance as the church spread and matured. From the earliest letters that grounded believers in genuine faith and perseverance, to the middle writings that refined doctrine and order, and finally to the later writings that preserved truth and sustained hope, we witness God’s revelation unfolding through lived history. This approach deepens faith, sharpens discernment, and forms a biblical way of seeing the world.

The Stories of Scripture

The apostles proclaimed one unified story: that God’s redemptive purpose unfolds from creation to new creation through Jesus Christ. They taught believers to see all of Scripture fulfilled in him—his life, death, resurrection, reign from heaven, and promised return—so that faith rests securely in God’s saving work and purpose.

  • The Story of the Bible: From Creation to the Return of Christ – Traces God’s plan to create, redeem, and restore all things in Christ, revealing the unbroken thread of his covenant purpose from beginning to end.

  • The Story of Jesus: Luke (early 60s) – Portrays Jesus as the compassionate Savior who brings God’s mercy to the poor and outcast, teaches the way of righteousness and faith, and fulfills God’s saving work through his death and resurrection.

  • The Story of the Church: Acts (early 60s) – Shows how the risen Christ continues his work through the Spirit, spreading the gospel from Jerusalem to the nations and forming communities that live under his reign.

Early Writings (AD 45–51)

The apostles sought to establish believers in the essentials of faith and obedience. They addressed confusion, persecution, and moral testing with practical guidance rooted in the gospel. These letters clarified genuine faith and taught believers how to endure with hope.

  • James (45–48) – Calls believers to live out genuine faith through obedience, integrity, and mercy that reflect God’s wisdom.

  • Galatians (48–49) – Defends the gospel of grace and protects believers from returning to law, preserving their freedom in Christ.

  • 1 Thessalonians (50) – Encourages holiness, brotherly love, and endurance as believers await the return of Christ.

  • 2 Thessalonians (50–51) – Corrects confusion about the Lord’s coming, urging steady faith, diligent work, and courage under pressure.

Middle Writings (AD 55–68)

As the gospel advanced, the apostles refined and clarified doctrine, addressed disorder, and organized maturing congregations. They strengthened believers in holiness, unity, and endurance, urging them to hold fast to sound teaching and the transforming power of the gospel.

  • Mark (55–60) – Portrays Jesus as the suffering Son of God whose cross defines true discipleship and leads to glory.

  • 1 Corinthians (55) – Confronts division and moral disorder, calling believers to unity and holiness grounded in the gospel.

  • 2 Corinthians (56) – Displays humble, authentic ministry that rebuilds trust and strengthens confidence in God’s power through weakness.

  • Romans (57) – Unfolds the righteousness of God in salvation, joining Jew and Gentile in one faith and one mission centered around the gospel.

  • Ephesians (60–62) – Proclaims the mystery of the gospel that unites all people in Christ and equips them for spiritual maturity and good works.

  • Philippians (60–62) – Encourages joy and perseverance through humility and partnership in the gospel, even in suffering.

  • Colossians (60–62) – Exalts Christ as supreme over all things and fully sufficient for salvation and maturity.

  • Philemon (60–62) – Appeals for reconciliation between brothers in Christ, showing how the gospel transforms relationships.

  • Hebrews (60s, pre-70) – Strengthens weary believers by revealing Jesus as the final high priest whose sacrifice and covenant surpass all others.

  • Matthew (60s) – Reveals Jesus as the promised Messiah and teacher who fulfills Scripture and commands his followers to live out the kingdom of heaven.

  • 1 Peter (62–64) – Encourages believers to stand firm in suffering, living holy lives that testify to the grace of God.

  • 1 Timothy (63–65) – Instructs leaders to teach sound doctrine, model godliness, and organize the household of faith wisely.

  • Titus (63–65) – Guides young congregations to establish healthy leadership and display good works that honor the gospel.

  • 2 Peter (64–65) – Warns against false teachers and moral corruption, urging believers to remember the apostolic word and grow in godliness.

  • 2 Timothy (64–67) – Charges the next generation to guard the truth, endure hardship, and proclaim the Word faithfully.

  • Jude (65–68) – Calls believers to contend for the faith and to persevere in mercy, truth, and prayer.

Later Writings (AD 85–96)

In these final writings of the Bible, the apostle John preserved the truth of Christ’s person and work for the next generation. He encouraged believers to remain faithful amid deception and opposition, grounding their confidence in Jesus’ love and the certainty of his return.

  • John (85–90) – Reveals Jesus as the eternal Son who gives life through belief, inviting all to know and abide in him.

  • 1 John (90–95) – Strengthens confidence and purity through the tests of love, obedience, and truth about Christ.

  • 2 John (90–95) – Cautions believers to reject deceivers who deny Christ’s incarnation and to continue walking in truth and love.

  • 3 John (90–95) – Commends faithful servants and warns against prideful resistance that hinders gospel partnership.

  • Revelation (94–96) – Unveils the victory of the Lamb over evil, strengthening believers to endure, worship, and hope for his return.