Being and Making Christlike Disciples

In the Christian Church, the central theme of the Christian life is being and making Christlike disciples of all nations. This declaration has been stated and restated in many ways for over 2,000 years. The slogan has been stated and restated so well that Christians find it difficult to explain what discipleship is, let alone share its meaning. Thus this research begins with a definition.

In the article, Apprentices or Pupils? An Analysis of Teaching in the New Testament, Huizing and James (2019) analyzed the terms meaning apprentice and pupil in the New Testament. Their evaluation uncovered that both words are equally used and that the learner's character determines the level of apprenticeship or being a pupil. Furthermore, the authors showed that what the Christian understands as discipleship is an apprenticeship or, in modern language, mentorship is a discipline of teaching and learning practiced by Greek, Roman, and Jewish scholars. In biblical Greek, the word that becomes central is μαθητ?? (mathétés pronounced math-ay-tes,') and is a disciple or a learner. When Jesus gave the command to be and make disciples, he was explicit; therefore, defining discipleship is not negotiable. Thus, it is critical to understand the fullness of what it means to be a disciple and to understand the teacher and learner relationship.?

Vines' Expository Dictionary defines the words of the Bible according to their usage. Using Vines' format allowed identifying the parts of the word disciple and established a process to describe the definition of the word disciple. The verbal form (original form) of μαθητ?? comes from μανθ?νω (manthanó pronounced man-than'-o), which is a verb. Thus, the verb to learn also implies that a disciple actively seeks to know something. Therefore, this word also means to learn to become like the person who is the object of knowledge. Said differently, being a learner meant to process or think through something then endeavor to carry out the actions of the process.?

A comparison and contrast with the word disciple and the word διδ?σκαλο? (didaskalos pronounced did-as'-Kal-os), which means teacher or master teacher, pointed to the implication the learner learns from and follows the example of the master teacher. Vine's Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words concluded that a disciple was a learner and was adherent to the teacher. Thus, the learner is referred to as the imitators of their teacher. The independent word study of the terms disciple and teacher from the Greek adds meaning to discipleship when the disciple of Jesus Christ chooses Christ and begins to live according to the character, teachings, and purpose of Christ, making Jesus' will their own demonstrated that the disciple desires to be like His teacher. Within Christian ministry, the form of leadership draws the learner to the desire to emulate the leader in the highest form and calling of servant leadership. In Scripture, to teach like Jesus is to be a servant leader. Servant leadership is not autocratic leadership that may be coercive or manipulative. Instead, servant leadership is built on a loving and trusting relationship with Christ. These definitions clarify that teacher and learner relationships should focus on the highest leadership form, built-in love, and trust. The relationship serves as an example of what is right and holy, as a model for upcoming leaders to follow and emulate in an individual's life and ministry.

The second important definition is the definition of practical theology. An academic-focused definition of practical theology was seeking to address perceived disconnections between immovable or foundational theology (Dogmatics) on the one hand and the life and practice of the Church on the other. Boston University, Center for Practical Theology explained that practical theology intends to mutually strengthen the academic-theological learning and research at the Seminary level and equally balance the experiences and needs of the Christian Church. Practical theology embraces God's vision, mission, and ministry of the Christian Church, academics, and social institutions that mutually sustain excellence in pastoral care, leadership, and healthy, vibrant Christian communities.

This research aims to discern how the discipline of Christian discipleship will work to equip transformational, Christian servant leaders for service in the local community of faith. The anticipated outcome of this applied research project is to witness noticeably increased participation in the activities of the Church to build the community and the congregation into a healthy and vital Christian community. The guiding principle for this research is the development of a leadership training program that generates, collaborates, and connects academic education with congregations and pastoral leaders through the establishment and ongoing nurture of healthy Christian relationships.?

The rift between academics and practicality began to emerge when Hall stated that denominational leaders view the Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree as the "gold standard" in preparing people for the Gospel Ministry. However, academia alone does not prepare someone for ministry. Hall (2017), Beeley (2020), and Huizing (2011) illuminated the point that academia and leadership models do not make anyone a Christian minister. These publications agreed that leadership in Christian ministry goes beyond education, leadership models, and business plans. Beeley (2020) identified a need for further study to begin to "bridge the gap" between academia and the practical ministry, which led to the development of this project.?

This applied research project aims to measure the value of an intentionally prescribed discipleship program and the effectiveness of using discipleship principles to train Christian leaders in Western Illinois. The research question for this project is to evaluate if preparing and teaching a system of discipleship disciplines in rural Illinois empowers Christians to become influential leaders in the Christian Church?