Over the centuries writers have puzzled about how Jesus made disciples. Before departing this earth he gave the believers their marching orders: Make disciples of every people group everywhere. Since that time the Church has had a mixed review as to achieving this end. It is apparently much easier to make converts that disciples. If we define a disciple of Jesus as one who is becoming more like Jesus while fulfilling the mission of making disciples of every nation, then we have had only moderate success through the ages. Maybe it is time to revisit the Jesus Model of Discipleship.
Virtually every book written about Jesus and discipleship has been done from the limited vantage point of trying to discern what Jesus did rather than why Jesus did it. When analyzing the "what" we have very little room to maneuver around the "why." The emphasis is on the method that Jesus used rather than the principles that he used. This is an important distinction as it limits our recognizable options. The methods of Jesus are fairly straight forward:
As a theological educator I am very concerned that we have swallowed a model of education that flows out of the Enlightenment and its emphasis on rationality and the scientific method. While both play an important part in helping us understand our world they also lead us down a path dead end when it comes to developing virtues and values.
We need to return to the Jesus Model to discover the principles. Jesus understood that discipleship is a process and he developed a model that was culturally appropriate for the time in which he lived. We need to return to the model and discover the underlying principles so that we can develop methods that are compatible with theological education and the time in which we live. We MUST incorporate into our current methods of theological education teaching and training that transforms our students and makes them transformers for their churches and communities. I am reminded of a short poem by Rick Warren
Methods are many
Principles are few
Methods change often
Principles never do
Let's go beyond the methods and find the principles from which to construct new methods that achieve the mission to make disciples of all nations.
Phil
Virtually every book written about Jesus and discipleship has been done from the limited vantage point of trying to discern what Jesus did rather than why Jesus did it. When analyzing the "what" we have very little room to maneuver around the "why." The emphasis is on the method that Jesus used rather than the principles that he used. This is an important distinction as it limits our recognizable options. The methods of Jesus are fairly straight forward:
- He made disciples while pursuing a higher vision
- While many disciples chose to follow him, his core team was hand picked.
- Rather than pouring over Biblical texts the disciples listened to Jesus
- Rather than an event, they experienced a major life style change by joining his team
- While interacting with Jesus the disciples spent a lot of time interacting with one another
- The disciples did not stop at listening, Jesus sent them out to experience ministry by doing
- Jesus was a master at taking experiences and turning them into learning opportunities
As a theological educator I am very concerned that we have swallowed a model of education that flows out of the Enlightenment and its emphasis on rationality and the scientific method. While both play an important part in helping us understand our world they also lead us down a path dead end when it comes to developing virtues and values.
We need to return to the Jesus Model to discover the principles. Jesus understood that discipleship is a process and he developed a model that was culturally appropriate for the time in which he lived. We need to return to the model and discover the underlying principles so that we can develop methods that are compatible with theological education and the time in which we live. We MUST incorporate into our current methods of theological education teaching and training that transforms our students and makes them transformers for their churches and communities. I am reminded of a short poem by Rick Warren
Methods are many
Principles are few
Methods change often
Principles never do
Let's go beyond the methods and find the principles from which to construct new methods that achieve the mission to make disciples of all nations.
Phil
ReplyDeleteI really loved reading your blog. It was very well authored and easy to undertand. Unlike additional blogs I have read which are really not tht good. I also found your posts very interesting. In fact after reading, I had to go show it to my friend and he ejoyed it as well!
www.sit.edu.sg/training-rooms-for-rent
Thank you for you kind words Robert. We are seeking to take the model into the marketplace. You might like the blog of my coworker in this regard: http://reedsinthewind.blogspot.com.ng/
ReplyDeletethank you for a great post. Training room rental in Singapore
ReplyDeleteE-mail can be a convenient method for conveying information however the written record of communication also is a source of liability should it enter the wrong hands. cyber security hyderabad
ReplyDeleteNice practices posted, this is so amazing! Keep it up lacasaspa.com/
ReplyDeleteMethods are many
ReplyDeletePrinciples are few
Methods change often
Principles never do
Nice Poem | crownsterling.io/
Good. I am really impressed with your writing talents and also with the layout on your weblog. Appreciate, Is this a paid subject matter or did you customize it yourself? Either way keep up the nice quality writing, it is rare to peer a nice weblog like this one nowadays. Thank you, check also virtual edge and Pricing Strategy
ReplyDeleteĐặt vé máy bay tại Aivivu, tham khảo
ReplyDeletevé máy bay đi Mỹ hạng thương gia
lịch bay từ mỹ về việt nam
đặt vé máy bay hải phòng đi nha trang
vé máy bay sài gòn đi phú quốc
giá vé máy bay đi Huế
Aw, this was a very nice post. Few minutes and real effort to make a really good article…visa requirements for Chinese citizen. You can check all visa requirements in Turkey via the Turkish e-visa website.The process is very simple, all you have to do is fill our online application form.
ReplyDeleteThis is a very useful article. emergency e visa India, urgent Indian visa you can get a visa within 1 to 3 working days by filling the fast India visa application form.
ReplyDeletemmorpg oyunlar
ReplyDeleteİnstagram Takipci Satin Al
tiktok jeton hilesi
Tiktok Jeton Hilesi
Antalya Sac Ekimi
takipci satin al
instagram takipçi satın al
METİN PVP
instagram takipçi satın al
Thanks for taking the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about it and love learning more on this topic. The online process allows visa India USA to be applied for and tracked easily and quickly for 30 day, 1 year, and 5 year visas.
ReplyDeletependik beko klima servisi
ReplyDeleteüsküdar lg klima servisi
beykoz alarko carrier klima servisi
tuzla arçelik klima servisi
çekmeköy mitsubishi klima servisi
ataşehir mitsubishi klima servisi
maltepe arçelik klima servisi
kadıköy arçelik klima servisi
kartal samsung klima servisi
Hii friends, I wanted to write a little Info related to Visa. Are you interested in traveling to any country? Yes, you can evisa apply online . You can fill out your visa application form online within 5 to 10 minutes via our Visacent website. We offer visas to citizens of over 190 countries. You can read more info about visas via our website.
ReplyDeleteYou can see for yourself sort of|the type of} merchandise we’ve produced for our valued clients. They might concentrate on fabrication, set up, or maintenance, but might perform duties in day dreamer lounger all three areas. Specialize in architectural steel elements similar to handrails, stairways, gates, fencing, entrance methods, and interior decor. Ornamental ironworkers are highly expert at arc welding and are sometimes called finishers as they are liable for ending structures after the reinforcement and structural work is completed. Erect the framework of bridges, buildings, stadiums, amusement park rides, financial institution vaults, and different large-scale industrial steel projects.
ReplyDelete"This blog post is a real eye-opener. The practical tips you've shared are bound to make a positive impact in my life. Thank you for your valuable insights." Do you know Egypt Introduces New Residency Fees, now need to furnish proof of converting all relevant fees from U.S. dollars or their equivalent foreign currencies into Egyptian pounds, as per the new regulation.
ReplyDeleteYour writing is sheer brilliance! As a dedicated follower of your work, I'm absolutely spellbound by this paragraph. I'm on the edge of my seat, eagerly awaiting more posts that match this remarkable standard. I want to share something about Japan visa free countries. Japan allows visa-free entry to nationals of several countries for short-term visits.
ReplyDeleteYour insights are both enlightening and profoundly reflective, and your writing style is an absolute joy to read. I'm eagerly anticipating your future posts!"."This is information I believe is worth sharing."
ReplyDelete"Turkey entry requirements vary by nationality. It's essential to research and comply with the specific visa and documentation regulations before traveling. Adhering to Turkey's entry requirements ensures a smooth and enjoyable visit to this beautiful country."