Jesus’ model of discipleship as means for church growth

Abstract

I do not know of any church that does not desire growth, be it quantitative or qualitative and as a result we find all kinds of methods that are being used to achieve this goal. One of the key methods that majorities have embraced is the discipleship model that is found in the gospels and the application of this principle has been interpreted in different ways. The interesting fact is that the end result is not the same in these churches, as some claim to have mature and reproducing disciples of Christ, while others have a people who I will call religious but not really disciples of Christ. I have spent seven years working under different discipleship organizations, consequently, I developed a concern as to how the whole discipleship principle should be applied as well as interpreted. But with the Jesus model of discipleship the church should experience growth which is not numbers as many assume, or miracles, signs and wonders together with the prosperity aspect, but true followers of Christ who have the heart to help others reach that goal as well.