IPHC Disciple3

Making Disciples is an ongoing part of the ministry of the Church. New converts must be brought to the Lord, and those babes in Christ must grow to become mature in the faith. Each local church should have an ongoing ministry of discipleship which will involve the continuous teaching of the following core discipleship components. These classes may be held in a variety of formats, times, and structures.

Basic Christian Beliefs

What does it mean to be a Christian? How does one relate to the Almighty? The Bible describes the Christian as being “in Christ.” What does this mean? Obviously being “in Christ” has a multitude of benefits and responsibilities. Now that I am “in Christ” and God is my heavenly Father, what are my rights and responsibilities? These questions are addressed in this area of study. Every new Christian should be enrolled in a basic Christian beliefs course soon after beginning his/her Christian walk.

Suggested Resource: First Things First, Russell Board (LifeSprings Resources)

Spiritual Formation

Prayer, reading and meditating on God's Word, worship, stewardship, and service are some of the spiritual disciplines the Christian must make a daily lifestyle.

Suggested Resource: The Purpose-Driven Life, Rick Warren (Zondervan)

Lifestyle Evangelism

All Christians should desire to share their faith. The Great Commission compels us to preach the gospel to every person on earth. Methods for evangelizing naturally and effectively must be part of the Christian lifestyle.

Suggested Resource: Friendship Evangelism, Evangelism USA and Men's Ministries (LifeSprings Resources)

You and Your Ministry

One benefit of the Christian life is Holy Spirit empowerment. When the Christian is filled with the Spirit, he/she is empowered for service. This empowerment is manifested in one or more spiritual gifts being given by the Holy Spirit. All Christians should be filled with the Holy Spirit and discover, develop, and deploy their gifts.

Suggested Resource: Spiritual Gifts: Ministries and Manifestations, B.E. Underwood (LifeSprings Resources)