DSMN 820
COURSE TITLE: HISTORICAL AND PRACTICAL DISCIPLESHIP SYSTEMS
FACULTY NAME: DR. ROD DEMPSEY
PHONE NUMBER: 434-592-4159
E-MAIL: RDEMPSEY@LIBERTY.EDU
OFFICE LOCATION: 169 CARTER BUILDING
I.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course will examine the biblical and philosophical foundations of making disciples by
examining disciple-making in the Gospels, the book of Acts and in the Epistles. Careful
attention will be given to the commands of Christ and the practice (interpretation) of the early
disciples. Disciple- making down through church history will also be reviewed.
II.
RATIONALE
How does the church of Jesus Christ make disciples today? Part of the answer to that question
is to go back to the beginning of the disciple making movement and examine the passages,
extract core principles (philosophy), determine Biblical practices and create verifiable proof of
mission accomplishment. The mission statement of L.B.T.S. is to “come alongside of the local
church in fulfillment of the Great Commission.”
III.
PREREQUISITES
No Prerequisites apply
IV.
MATERIALS LIST
Stark, Rodney- “The Triumph of Christianity- How the Jesus Movement became the World’s
largest Religion.” ISBN-10: 0062007696- HarperOne; Reprint edition (November 6,
2012)
Anderson, Leith- “The Jesus Revolution: Learning from Christ’s First Followers.” ISBN-10:
0687653983 Abingdon Press (August 2009)
Cole, Neil- “Church 3.0- Upgrades for the future of the Church.” ISBN-10: 0470529458
Jossey-Bass; 1 edition (February 15, 2010)
Willard, Dallas- “Discipleship” - http://www.dwillard.org/articles/artview.asp?artID=134
DSMN 820
Dempsey, Rodney- Articles posted on Blackboard. “What is a Disciple?” and “What is
Discipleship?”
Recommended Reading (but not required)
Koessler, John. “True Discipleship- The Art of Following Jesus” ISBN-10: 080241642X
Moody Publishers; New Edition edition (March 1, 2003)
V.
MEASURABLE LEARNING OUTCOMES
(LUBTS PLOs 1, 2, 4, 5, 6)
A. Examine the scriptural foundations for discipleship for the Gospels (Day 1)
B. Evaluate the scriptural implications of discipleship methods used in the book of Acts (Day
2)
C. Analyze the Scriptural from the early churches in the Epistles (Day 3)
D. Investigate the historical Discipleship methods and practices (Day 4)
E. Synthesize the Biblical, historical and practical implications of Christian Discipleship (Day
5)
VI.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND ASSIGNMENTS:
Pre-Course Work:
The student will:
1.
Write a 5 page summary/ reflection of each of the required textbooks.
a.
Answer the following questions:
i. Who wrote the book?
ii. What is the main thesis of the book
iii. How is book structured?
iv. Does the author accomplish his/ her purpose?
v. What are 2-3 most important elements you learned from the book?
vi. What are 1-2 elements you can apply to your ministry context?
vii. Would you recommend the book to a friend? Explain why or why
not.
2.
Disciple/ Discipleship summaries (3 pages each article- follow outline above)
In- Class Work:
1.
2.
Participate in class discussions
Participate in small groups interaction
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DSMN 820
Post Course Work:
1. The student will develop a 15-page project on the Biblical, historical and practical foundations
and implications of Christian discipleship. Suggested Outline:
a. Biblical Foundations
b. Discipleship in the Gospels
c. Discipleship in the book of Acts
d. Discipleship in the Epistles
e. Discipleship down through the centuries
f. Practical discipleship model for today based upon Biblical, historical and practical
considerations (On the basis of your research… you are to create a discipleship system
and structure for your context) How will you make disciples who make disciples?
2. Read 2000 pages, in addition to the required textbooks, regarding Small Group Leadership and
complete a one page summary of each book read. (See attached Bibliography)
VII.
COURSE GRADING AND POLICIES
A.
POINTS
1.
2.
3.
4.
B.
3 Pre-Course Article Summaries
Pre- Course Required Text Reviews
Post Course Assignment
2000 pages of additional reading
a. 1 Page each book
Total:
200 pts.
300 pts.
300 pts.
200 pts.
100%
1000 points
SCALE
940-1000
920-939
900-929
860–899
840–859
820–839
780–819
760–779
740–759
700–739
680–699
BELOW 679
C.
20%
30%
30%
20%
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CD+
D
DF
Assignment Policies:
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DSMN 820
Each assignment should be completed by the end of the module in which it is assigned.
All late work will be assessed a deduction of 5% per day of the assignment’s point value.
Late work may not be penalized at the instructor’s discretion in the event of a military
deployment, medical emergency, death in the family, or other extenuating circumstances.
D.
Attendance Policies
The student is obliged to follow the attendance policies identified in the graduate catalog.
E.
Academic Misconduct Policies
Academic misconduct is strictly prohibited. See the graduate catalog for specific
definitions, penalties, and processes for reporting.
F.
Drop/Add Policies
The student is obliged to follow the drop/add policies identified in the graduate catalog.
G.
Dress Code
The student is expected to maintain a neat, professional appearance while in class. The
code is described in the graduate catalog and may be amended with guidelines by the
school of study.
H.
Classroom Policies
The use of cell phones will not be permitted. The use of computers is provisional. The
student will only be allowed to use a computer if he/she is taking notes during class.
Surfing of the web, social networking, or any other activity on a computer that distracts
the student from the lecture (in the opinion of the professor) will result in the forfeiture
of the privilege of the use of the computer in class. Should one student’s behavior result
in the forfeiture of the use of a computer for that student, the entire class may lose the
privilege of the use of computers.
I.
Disability Assistance
Students with a documented disability may contact the Office of Disability Academic
Support (ODAS) in Green Hall 2668 to make arrangements for academic
accommodations. For all disability testing accommodation requests (i.e. quieter
environment, extended time, oral testing, etc.) the Testing Center (Green Hall 2700) is
the officially designated place for all tests administered outside of the regular
classroom.
J.
Student Conduct Policy
The student is expected to conduct himself/herself in a Godly and civil manner when
addressing the professor or other students. While good healthy discussion will be
expected and encouraged, at no time will personal attacks be tolerated.
IX.
CALENDAR
Day
Monday
Tuesday
Topic
Gospel Foundations
Acts Foundations
Assignment
Articles
Anderson Book
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Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
X.
Epistles Implications
Historical
Synthesize
Cole Book
Stark Book
In class summary
BIBLIOGRAPHY (Optional, but this is a good place to fully cite books upon which the course is
based as well as documents that are posted/excerpted in the Bb course. Format citations
according to style required in course.)
Anderson, Lynn. They Smell Like Sheep: Spiritual Leadership for the Twenty-First Century. West
Monroe, LA.: Howard Publishing, 1997.
Ayling, Stanley. John Wesley. Cleveland, OH: Collins, 1979.
Bacon, Francis. “Essays.” In The Oxford Essential Quotations Dictionary, American Edition, 1998.
Barna, George. Growing True Disciples. Ventura, CA: Regal, 2003.
________. The Habits of Highly Effective Churches. Ventura, CA: Regal, 1999.
________. The Power of Vision. Ventura, CA: Regal, 1992.
________. Today’s Pastors. Ventura, CA: Regal, 1993.
Barna, George, ed. Leaders on Leadership. Ventura, CA: Regal, 1997.
Barrett, Lois. Building the House Church. Scottsdale, PA: Herald, 1986.
Bilezikian, Gilbert. Community 101. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1997.
Blackaby, Henry T., and Richard Blackaby. Experiencing God Day-By-Day. Nashville, TN: Broadman
& Holman, 1997.
Bonhoeffer, Dietrich. Life Together. New York: Harper and Row, 1954.
Bruce, Alexander B. Training of the Twelve. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel, 1971.
Bugbee, Bruce. What You Do Best in the Body of Christ. Grand Rapids: Zonderan, 1995.
Cho, Paul Yonggi with Harold Hostetler. Successful Home Cell Groups. Plainfeld, NJ: Logos
International, 1981.
Cho, Paul Yongii with R. Whitney Manzano. Prayer: Key to Revival. Waco, TX: Word, 1984.
Coleman, Robert E. The Master Plan of Discipleship. Old Tappan, NJ: Fleming H. Revell, 1987.
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________. The Master Plan of Evangelism. Old Tappan, NJ: Fleming H. Revell, 1964.
Comiskey, Joel. “Cell-Based Ministry: A Positive Factor for Church Growth in Latin America.” Ph.D.
diss., Fuller Theological Seminary, 1997.
________. Groups of 12: A New Way to Mobilize Leaders and Multiply Groups in Your Church.
Houston, TX: Touch, 1999.
________. Home Cell Group Explosion: How Your Small Group Can Grow and Multiply. Houston,
TX: Touch, 1998.
________. Leadership Explosion: Multiplying Cell Group Leaders to Reap the Harvest. Houston,
TX: Touch, 2000.
________. Reap the Harvest: How a Small-Group System Can Grow Your Church. Houston, TX:
Touch, 1999.
________. “The Senior Pastor’s Role.” www.comiskey.org. Accessed February 2004.
________. “Yoido Full Gospel Church.” Journal of the American Society for Church Growth 10
(Spring 1999), 65-81.
________. How to Lead a Great Cell Group Meeting. Houston, TX: Touch, 2001.
Cordeiro, Wayne. Doing Church as a Team. Honolulu, HI: New Hope, 1998.
Dawson, John. Taking Our Cities for God: How to Break Spiritual Strongholds. Lake Mary, FL:
Creation House, 1989.
Earley, Dave. 8 Habits of Effective Small Group Leaders. Houston, TX: Touch, 2001.
________. Turning Members into Leaders. Houston, TX: Touch, 2001.
Easum, William M. Dancing with Dinosaurs: Ministry in a Hostile and Hurting World. Nashville, TN:
Abingdon, 1993.
Egli, Jim. “A Second Reformation? A History Of The Cell Church Movement In The Twentieth
Century.” Journal of the American Society for Church Growth, 11 (2000): 3-16.
________. “Successful Cell Groups: Critical Factors in Small Group Growth.” Ph.D. diss., Regent
University, 2002.
________. “The Ten Commandments of Transitioning.” CellChurch Magazine, 5 (Summer 1996), 1215.
________. Upward, Inward, Outward, Forward: Improving the Four Dynamics of Your Cell Group.
Houston, TX: Touch, 2000.
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Egli, Jim, and Dwight Marable. Strategic Growth for Small Groups. Nashville, TN: Missions
International, 2003.
Eims, Leroy. The Lost Art of Disciple Making. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1980.
Frazee, Randy. The Comeback Congregation: New Life for a Troubled Ministry. Nashville, TN:
Abingdon, 1995.
________. The Connecting Church. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2001.
Galloway, Dale E. Lay Pastor Training Manual for Successful Home Group Meetings.
OR: New Hope Community Church, N.d.
Portland,
________. The Small Group Book. Old Tappan NJ: Fleming H. Revell, 1995.
________. 20/20 Vision: How to Create a Successful Church. Portland, OR: Scott, 1986.
Garlow, James L. Partners in Ministry: Laity and Pastors Working Together. Kansas City, MO:
Beacon Hill, 1981.
George, Carl. Nine Effective Keys to Effective Small Group Leadership. Mansfield, PA: Kingdom,
1997.
________. Prepare Your Church for the Future. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 1991.
George, Carl, and Robert Logan. Leading and Managing Your Church. Old Tappan, NJ: Fleming H.
Revell, 1987.
Getz, Gene A. Building Up One Another. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1976.
Goslin, Thomas S., II. The Church Without Walls. Pasadena, CA: Hope, 1984.
Greenleaf, Robert K. Servant Leadership. New York: Paulist, 1977.
Hadaway, C. Kirk, Stuart A. Wright, and Francis M. DuBose. Home Cell Groups and House
Churches. Nashville, TN: Broadman, 1987.
Harper, Michael. Let My People Grow: Ministry and Leadership in the Church. London: Hodder &
Stoughton, 1977.
Haugk, Kenneth C., and William J. McKay. Christian Caregiving – A Way of Life. Minneapolis, MN:
Augsburg, 1986.
Henrichsen, Walter A. Disciples are Made; Not Born. Wheaton, IL: Victor, 1979.
Hipp, Jeanne. How to Start and Grow Small Groups in Your Church. Monrovia, CA: Church Growth,,
1989.
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Hocking, David. The Seven Laws of Christian Leadership. Ventura, CA: Regal, 1991.
Hull, Bill. The Disciple Making Church. Old Tappan, NJ: Fleming H. Revell, 1990.
________. The Disciple Making Pastor. Old Tappan, NJ: Fleming H. Revell, 1988.
________. Jesus Christ Disciple Maker. Old Tappan, NJ: Fleming H. Revell, 1990.
Hurston, John, comp. Home Fellowships International Training Manual. Vol. 2. Dallas, TX: Word of
Faith World Outreach Center, 1986.
Hurston, John W., and Karen Hurston. Caught in the Web. Anaheim, CA: Church Growth International
and Mountain Press, 1977.
Hurston, Karen. “The Importance of Small Group Multiplication.” Global Church Growth, XXXII,
no. 4 (1995):
Icenogle, Gareth. Biblical Foundations for Small Group Ministry. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity,
1994.
Jacks, Bob, and Betty Jacks, with Ron Wormser, Sr. Your Home, a Lighthouse. San Bernardino, CA:
Churches Alive!, 1986.
Kincaid, Ron. A Celebration of Disciple-Making. Wheaton, IL: Victor, 1990.
Lavin, Ronald J. You Can Grow In a Small Group. Lima, OH: C.S.S. Publishing, 1976.
Logan, Robert E. Beyond Church Growth. Old Tappan, NJ: Fleming H. Revell, 1989.
Macchia, Stephen A. Becoming a Healthy Church: 10 Characteristics. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker,
1999.
MacKenzie, Marilyn, and Gail Moore. The Volunteer Development Toolbox. Darien, IL: Heritage Arts,
1993.
Malphurs, Aubrey. Advanced Strategic Planning: A New Model For Church And Ministry Leaders.
Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 2000.
________. Developing A Vision for the Twenty-first Century. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 1991.
________. Planting Growing Churches for the 21st Century. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 1992.
________. Values-Driven Leadership. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 1996.
McGinnis, Alan Loy. Bringing Out the Best in People. Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg, 1985.
McNeal, Reggie. Revolution in Leadership: Training Apostles for Tomorrow’s Church. Nashville,
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Miller, David. “Fetch Me Buster.” Christianity Today, December 1991, 28.
Moore, Waylon B. Multiplying Disciples. Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 1981.
Nanus, Burt. Visionary Leadership. San Francisco, CA: Jossey Bass, 1992.
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Navpress, 1982.
Neighbour, Ralph W., Jr. The Shepherd’s Guidebook. Houston, TX: Touch, 1989.
Neighbour, Ralph W., Jr. Where Do We Go From Here? A Guidebook for the Cell Group Church.
Houston, TX: Touch, 1990.
Neighbour, Randall. Answers to Your Cell Group Questions. Houston, TX: Touch, 2000.
Nouwen, Henri. In the Name of Jesus. New York: Crossroad/Herder & Herder, 1993.
________. Making All Things New. San Francisco, CA: Harper San Francisco, 1998.
Ogden, Greg. The New Reformation: Returning the Ministry to the People of God. Grand Rapids, MI:
Zondervan, 1990.
Peace, Richard. Small Group Evangelism. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 1985.
Robinson, Russ, and Bill Donahue. Building a Church of Small Groups. Grand Rapids, MI:
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Schaller, Lyle E. Create Your Own Future! Alternatives for the Long Range Planning Committee.
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________. 44 Questions for Congregational Self-Appraisal. Nashville, TN: Abingdon, 1998.
________. It’s a Different World. Nashville, TN: Abingdon, 1987.
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Schwanz, Floyd . Growing Small Groups. Kansas City, MO: Beacon Hill, 1995.
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Slater, Michael. Stretcher Bearers. Ventura, CA: Regal, 1985.
Snyder, Howard A. The Problem of Wineskins. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 1977.
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