Monday, 26 December 2011 19:01

Ever since the section of the NavPress website was launched earlier this year, there is now a place to get advice from best-selling Christian authors on discipleship.
Most ministry leaders are well aware of their role in the church community to develop disciples and “send them out” to grow the ministry, but many are left wondering if they are doing it correctly.
Is there a right and wrong way of mentoring others in God’s Word?
Not surprisingly, many mature believers often ask “What is Discipleship?”
This must have been a question on the minds of leaders at NavPress as well, which may explain why they chose to create “Discipleship Inside Out,” a special section of the site designed to offer resources for ministry leaders and pastors. By offering books and advice on the work of the Holy Spirit can transform lives, the publisher has made a place where new believers and longtime Christians can gather to learn about discipleship.
New Christians will often come into a church and have trouble finding common ground with the body of believers. Oftentimes, unless someone take them aside and mentors them, they can easily become discouraged and move on. With Discipleship Inside Out, leaders are given the tools they need to Establish, Engage, Equip and Empower new believers by answering the question – “What is Discipleship?”
In a recent article published on DailyChristianAdvice.com (“Discipleship Inside Out” Answers the Question - What is Discipleship?”), the author recommends that ministry leaders spend some time learning about these four basic principles of discipleship as they look to transform themselves and those they serve. The gifts of the Holy Spirit have the power to transform one’s character, relationships, service and influence.
It is through these four guiding principles that the most effective discipleship takes place:
- Establish – By guiding and establishing their relationship with God and others, new believers can discover the truth and grace that helps them define who they really are and how they should live.
- Engage – In the pursuit of “Christlikeness,” believers engage in spiritual disciplines that have a profound impact on their behavior, character and decision-making ability.
- Equip – In order to transform oneself, the tools and support for growth must be available for one to serve in a ministry.
- Empower – Believers can only experience the total transformation of their being through the power of God. When they are fully empowered, the result is forgiveness, healing and freedom, allowing them to become a better influence on their friends, family and community.
If you find yourself asking the question, “What is Discipleship,” spend some time on the NavPress website and their new section – Discipleship Inside Out.