Continuing the discussion of definitions, here’s our current definition of the disciple-making community. We say current because all the definitions are fluid. In fact, it’s been suggested that if my definition of discipleship is the same today as it was 3 years ago, then that’s a good indicator that I probably haven’t been involved in much discipleship.
So I submit this definition to you for your critique. What would you add or subtract based on your understanding of Scripture and experience?
The disciple-making community is the regular fellowship of believers where the fruit of the Spirit is cultivated, the gifts of the Spirit are practiced, brokenness is accepted, and diversity celebrated. Corporate prayer, sacraments and the teaching of the word are the means of grace by which the Lord shapes his people to be a living witness to the gospel, a sign of the Kingdom of God, and a vehicle for discipling the nations.
The fruit of such a community is, among other things, the multiplication of disciples.
http://getupwithgod.com/evangelism/go-fish/
I like it, Rick! I would only change two things: First, I greatly appreciate the biblical emphasis upon the believing fellowship as a family, and, for many in the persecuted world, it is a surrogate family that sometimes is a rival to their biological families. Second, I would add “within biblical boundaries” following “diversity”, particularly for those of us in the relativistic West. Keep up the deep thought, my friend!
Thanks, Mike. It would be good to get a nod to relationship in the definition and using the word ‘family’ would move that direction. I’ll think about how it could be incorporated. Any ideas?
I understand the idea of biblical boundaries, though such a phrase could easily be used to kill diversity. A disciple-making community is itself composed of people who are in the process of becoming disciples. Defining the boundaries could be used to exclude people who are still in process. For true diversity to exist, there must always be an element of discomfort – that some of the people in the community are pushing the boundaries on who should be included.
I wonder if there’s a way to say it as a centered set rather than a bounded set. Maybe something like ‘Diversity among those who are seeking Christ is celebrated.’
Blessings …
Mike … here’s what I added: ‘While relating to one another as family, the believers practice corporate prayer, sacraments, and the teaching of the word as the means of grace …’