Phase Three
EXPAND: “Be with me…”
John 15:3-5, “You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.”
Major Intent:
To develop the growing Christian in discipling others, continuing ministry service, and, if so gifted, leadership skills.
General Description:
The disciple, with relevant ministry experience and a demonstrated dependence upon God and His Word, exemplifies this commitment by humbly and lovingly modeling the life of Christ in self-sacrifice, servant leadership, and ministry while discipling others to spiritual maturity.
The Goal:
To develop growth in the character of Christ as one develops in ministry service, Scripture study and application, and preparation to be a disciple maker.
Duration: 18-24 months.
The Phase 3 Disciple:
- is developing a biblical worldview as he/she listens to and obeys God’s immutable Word (Lk. 16:17), knowing that the more they obey, the more God reveals Himself to them (John 14:21).
- realizes that his/her desire to love and serve others (Mk. 9:35) comes as a result of inner holiness as God is glorified in him/her (Eph. 1:3-14).
- perseveres in believing and proclaiming Jesus’ Word, conforming their lives to it as they live in obedience to Him (Mt. 10:7; Jn. 15:9-17).
- seeks “first the kingdom of God and His righteousness,” letting God provide the things of life (Mt. 6:33).
- prioritizes Christ and obedience to Him above everything else in life (Lk. 9:23-26) and desiring His praise above humanity’s (Jn. 12:43).
- as the salt of the earth, exposes all that is true and good in God’s creation as they set an example worthy of imitation (Mt. 5:13; 1 Cor. 4:16-17).
- assumes the attitude of a servant submitting himself/herself to God’s authority and the earthly authority He has ordained, honoring others above themselves (Mt. 22:19-21; Rom. 12:10).
- observes and lives out the whole counsel of God (Mt. 5:19).
- diligently pursues a ministry of reconciliation, practicing his/her spiritual gifts as an ambassador of Jesus Christ (Rom. 12:1-8; 2 Cor. 5:18-21).