Program Description
Jesus Christ commissioned his followers to help other people become his disciples. All believers are called to this ministry and are capable of doing it once they become established in their own discipleship with Christ. Because very few believers are actively discipling others today, there is a great need to train already mature believers in how to disciple and spiritually mentor others in following Jesus Christ. The Disciplemaker program provides this training through a combination of biblical and theological foundations, practical skills and tools which enable the student to become actively engaged in discipling other believers upon completion of the course. Participants will gain an understanding of the theology of discipleship, the processes of spiritual growth/transformation, the dynamics of mentoring relationships and proven means of helping people mature in Christ.
Program Design
Level One is open to the general public and involves attending four major teaching modules during the year. Recommended readings are encouraged but not required. A bibliography is provided for further in-depth study.
Level Two involves attending the four major teaching modules between September and May, plus the following:
- Assigned reading of selected books and brief articles (ranging from 300 to 500 pages per module); in addition, audio and video resources are utilized.
- Attendance at small group discussion sessions for all four modules.
Everyone who completes Level Two is awarded a Certificate from the Disciplemaker Program.
Thematic Overview
- Transforming discipleship
- Biblical theology of discipleship
- History of the care of souls
- Understanding human beings
- The process of spiritual transformation
- Listening to others in love and humility
Schedule
Modules meet in a weekend format, Friday night 7:30 to 9:00 and Saturday morning 8:30 to 1:00.
- Transforming Discipleship; Dr. Greg Ogden, Christ Church of Oak Brook, September 19-20, 2008
- The History of the Care of Souls; Dr. Lyle Dorsett, Beeson Divinity School, October 17-18, 2008
- The Process of Spiritual Transformation; C.S. Lewis Institute Staff, November 14-15, 2008
- Learning to Listen with Discernment and Love; Dr. Timothy Teague, January 23-24, 2009
Cost
Our approach to funding this program is to let you know our expenses and ask you to contribute as much as you can toward the cost of participation. Most people will find that the program makes a substantial impact in their lives and will wish to support it because they have benefited and because it is a good investment in God's kingdom.
Admission
Level One is open to the general public, has no admission requirements and does not require an application. Registration however is required.
For Level Two, an application is required and several factors are considered for acceptance into the program:
- Mature Christian experience and devotional life.
- A good working knowledge of the Bible, evidenced by acceptable performance on an English Bible exam.
- A strong desire on the part of the applicant to know and love God more deeply and to live out the gospel more faithfully.
- A strong desire to share the gospel of Christ with others and to help them grow as his disciples.
- A strong commitment to discipling/spiritual mentoring and a credible plan to begin such a relationship (or ministry) upon completion of the program, if not sooner.
- A reasonable expectation that the applicant will benefit from the program and become an effective disciplemaker/mentor.
- The applicant's commitment to engage with the program in terms of attendance, reading, group participation.
- Completion of an application, an interview with Institute staff, and two recommendations, one of which must be the applicant's pastor and the other two from someone who knows you well.
- Support of applicant's spouse, if married. (Applicant is also expected to negotiate an equitable arrangement with his or her spouse to prevent the spouse from being excessively burdened from applicant's participation in the program.)
- Availability of space in the group; compatibility with the group is also taken into consideration.
- Upon acceptance, completion of a Spiritual Autobiography, Personal Spiritual Inventory, Inventory of Spiritual and Emotional Health and a "Texture of My World" paper.
To Apply/Register:
C.S. Lewis Institute
8001 Braddock Road, Suite 300
Springfield, VA 22151
703.914.5602
