The New Disciple:
Lesson 3: The Cultivation of a new Disciple
Lesson 4: The Care of a new Disciple
Lesson 5: The Comfort Zone of a new Disciple
Lesson 6: The Cost Effectiveness of Teaching a
New Disciple
1. Recap
Added to
the church
Learner
(Disciple)
Teacher
• The Greek word disciple “Mathetes” means a
learner, one who accepts & follows the teaching
(didaskalos) of his teacher.
• Christians were first called disciples from the
beginning of the church (Acts 6:1) Only later in
Acts 11:26, the disciples were called Christians.
• Everyone added to the church is a disciple.
Hence Christian = disciple. A person cannot be
a Christian and not be a disciple.
2. Basis of a new Disciple
1. God calls disciples to singleness of mind:
Lk. 14:33 – “Whoever does not forsake all
that he has cannot be my disciple.”
1. The definition of a
Christian Disciple
2. The disciple’s main preoccupation is to
learn: Jn. 8:31 – “…if you abide in My
word, you are My disciples indeed.”
3. To be a disciple one must follow Christ: 1
Peter 2:21 “Christ also suffered for you,
leaving you an example, that ye should
follow his steps.”
3. Period of being a new Disciple
Added to
the church
1. The definition of a
Christian Disciple
2. The basis of a
Christian Disciple
Learner
(Disciple)
Teacher
The span of remaining a disciple (learner) is time
sensitive - ie a probation or grace period
Hebrews 5:12 'For when for the time ye ought to be
teachers, ye have need that one teach you
again’
Acts 8:1 ‘At that time there was a great persecution
against the church which was at Jerusalem; and
they were all scattered abroad’
Acts 8:4 ‘Therefore they that were scattered abroad
went everywhere preaching the word.'
4. New Disciple’s Growth Process
Added to
the church
1. The definition of a
Christian Disciple
2. The basis of a
Christian Disciple
3. The period of being
a Christian Disciple
Learner
(Disciple)
Teacher
As soon as a convert is added to the church as a
disciple, he is a learner to be established in faith
– Matt. 28:19.
New disciples are taught the basic truths so that they
are firmly rooted – Col. 2:7.
Their main preoccupation is to learn – 2 Tim. 2:15.
1. Offer and assign faithful, mature and exemplary
members to mentor them.
2. Join a Care team.
3. Conduct special classes periodically to nurture,
build and help new converts grow in grace and
knowledge.
5. Lessons for a new Disciple
Objective: Being Firmly Rooted in Christ - Colossians 2:6-7 As ye have
therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and
built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught,
abounding therein with thanksgiving.
1. Existence of God
2. Reliability of the Scriptures
3. How to pray and study the Bible
4. Spiritual walk and growth
5. Understand the church, worship, mission and ministry
6. The Christian’s discipleship, responsibilities and duties
7. How to live a godly life in an ungodly world
8. Drawing near to God and remaining faithful
Summary
Where are you? – Not yet a Christian
Added to
the church
John 14:1-2 Let not your heart be troubled: believe in God,
believe also in me. In my Father's house are many
mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to
prepare a place for you.
Acts 2:41 They then that received his word were baptized:
and there were added unto them in that day about three
thousand souls.
Summary
Where are you? – a new disciple
Added to
the church
Learner
(Disciple)
Acts 2:42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles'
teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and the
prayers.
Summary
Where are you? – a Christian disciple
Added to
the church
Learner
(Disciple)
Teacher
Ephesians 2:21 In whom all the building fitly framed
together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord.
Summary
Where are you? – not yet sharing your faith
Added to
the church
Learner
(Disciple)
Teacher
Hebrews 5:12, 'For when for the time ye ought to be
teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be
the first principles of the oracles of God’
Bottom Line: Growth of the church depends on every
member reaching out with the gospel - Acts 6:7 And the
word of God increased; and the number of the disciples
multiplied in Jerusalem greatly.
Discussion Questions
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1. What do you think is the missing link in our
attempt to train Christians to disciple others?
How can we as a church improve in this
important mission of making disciples?
2. The church needs Christians who will move
beyond their small circle to minister to the whole
church as their family. We also need members
who will have initiative to follow-up visitors,
mentor new members, visit absentees. Discuss
ways to get this done.