What is Discipleship?
“Disciple” isn’t a word that we hear every day, but it’s all over the Bible. A “disciple” is a follower, or student, of Jesus. We believe that there are at least four things that characterize the life of a disciple of Jesus Christ. They’re present in the simple phrase Jesus used when He called His first disciples in Matthew 4:19.
19 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”
- Matthew 4:19
We believe that disciples of Jesus are people who:
Follow God
Jesus invites each of us into a personal relationship with Him.
Fish for Men
Engaging people who are far from God in order to share Jesus with them.
Fellowship with the Church
Following Jesus as a part of an established community of Believers.
Being Formed into the Image of Christ
Beginning to look like Jesus and love Him more through the transformation of our inner being.
How do we become Disciples?
19 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said...”
- Matthew 4:19
“9 And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10 so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God…”
- Colossians 1:9
How does someone learn to follow Jesus? How does one grow as a child of God? We grow as Christians when we “walk” with God in a personal and purposeful relationship over time. When we’re walking (or running) toward a destination, our steps are intentional and consistent. (Other biblical analogies for Christian growth also communicate the importance of intentional and consistent connection to God and His people.) There are milestones and important decisions to be made along the way; however, Christian growth is meant to take place over the course of our lives. Discipleship is a journey.
“The Discipleship Journey” is the pathway to Christian growth one takes as a member of ENLV. It is a collection of individual and community efforts; small and large meetings; resources and activities. They’re all designed with growth in mind.
It may be best to describe The Discipleship Journey as a path leading toward a bright horizon and endless possibilities. Imagine yourself on this path. The path has two sides; these two sides represent our Worship Services and our Life Groups. These two things are meant to be a part of your journey with God in every season when you’re a part of the Every Nation Church Las Vegas. They help everyone grow.
We like to imagine progress in The Disciple Journey as taking place in “levels.” These levels are stages of growth that require active involvement. They include personal disciplines, relationally-driven activities, resources, materials, and more.
Level One is “One 2 One.” The One 2 One is a discipleship guide, presented in both mobile application or book form. This guide is a tool to start conversations; ask and answer questions about the Christian faith; and, establish important Biblical foundations. It’s an incredible introduction to the Christian Faith and the Every Nation family.
Other “Early Levels” include reading the Bible and praying. These spiritual disciplines are God-given opportunities to communicate with Him and grow in His love. Baptism is another “Early Level” that is covered in the One 2 One Book. The Purple Book exists as a powerful discipleship guide that leads us directly into God’s Word, to learn from it and interact with it ourselves. The Purple Book is available for study in both Life Group and classroom settings. Giving and serving are acts that help us become more like Jesus and make a difference.
The Discipleship Journey’s path widens when you complete these Early Levels. You gain the freedom to explore, as your individual growth in God becomes more and more unique. ENLV will aid your growth through “Level Up Activities.” These activities include seasonal classes that are designed to equip you with basic skills for ministry, or to find freedom in God. Other Level Up Activities might include periods of church-wide fasting or corporate prayer and worship nights. At the same time, “Level Up Resources” will be made available for you to explore. These resources will be trusted, recommend books, podcasts, media, and more that we recommend for further study.
We hope you’ll undertake and enjoy The Discipleship Journey with us!