GETTING THE MOST FROM DISCIPLESHIP ESSENTIALS

Role of the Discipler

DISCIPLESHIP ESSENTIALS CAN BE USED in a number of contexts (personal study, one on one, one on two or a discipleship group of ten), but whatever the context the key person is the discipler. Tools don't make disciples. God works through disciples to model life in Christ for those who are maturing. Simply covering the content violates the intent of this tool. The tool is a vehicle which helps create the context and provide content for disciplers who want to invest themselves in love and commitment to growing disciples. The tool raises the issues of discipleship, but the discipler embodies the principles in life patterns and convictions. Modeling will be where the real instruction occurs. Remember Jesus' words, Everyone when he is fully taught will be like his teacher (Luke 6:40 RSV).

The most recent studies in secular education reveal that modeling is still the most significant learning dynamic. Neither coercion nor rewards shape human behavior as much as a motivated attempt to resemble a specific person.¹ The lowestlevel of learning is compliance when one individual has control over another. The second level is identification. Influence is maintained because of a desire to remain in a satisfying relationship. Internalization is the third and highest step, for the desired behavior has become intrinsically rewarding. Modeling creates an atmosphere that effects values, attitudes and behavior.

Some of the specific roles a discipler will carry out are as follows:

1. The first and key role of the discipler is to issue an invitation to accountable relationship. The commitment is described and the covenant is signed (see p. 14 for The Disciple's Covenant). The disciple becomes the keeper of the covenant. The discipling process should not commence until the disciple has prayed over and signed the covenant of commitment. Without the covenant there are no mutually agreed-upon standards for accountability.

The action pages in Discipleship Essentials are the tools for facilitating this accountability role. After lessons eight and sixteen you are asked to review the original covenant and recovenant together. An action page after lesson twenty asks you to prayerfully consider who will be your discipleship partners to add to the next link in the discipleship chain.

2. Initially, the discipler is the group convener and guide. The lessons are laid out in such a way that the discipler simply walks the partners through the discussion format. Approximately one-quarter to one-third of the way through the discipling process, the members rotate the task of guiding the weekly format, as a way to equip and prepare for the next generation.

3. The discipler prepares the assignments of Discipleship Essentials just as the disciples do. Even though the discipling appointment will be guided by questions asked by the discipler, the guide shares his or her own response to the discovery questions in the natural flow of conversation.

4. The discipler models transparency by sharing personal struggles, prayer concerns and confession of sin. The discipler does not need to have all the answers to biblical and theological questions. Feel free to say, I don't know but I'll try to find the answer. The power of modeling is not dependent upon a false perfectionism. The discipler will gain as much insight into Scripture and the Christian life as those who are being discipled for the first time.