work of the Holy Spirit in partnership with the individual
to continually reform our thinking and habits to align with
God’s. Discipleship is the process by which an individual
who has received new life takes on the character of Jesus and
commits to living in obedience to God’s commands. What
we love, how we think, and how we live are all components
of discipleship.
Paul’s list in 2 Timothy 3:10-11 is a multi-faceted picture of
discipleship. Paul states, “You followed my...” He provides a
list of important areas of life which I summarize as conduct,
character, teaching, purpose, and suffering. These are useful
in the selection of leaders, evaluation of our life, and assess-
ment of the spiritual state of individuals.
• Conduct: Are we above reproach? Do we have anything
to hide?
• Character: Do we practice what we preach? Do we
display the fruit of the Spirit?
• Teaching: Do we teach Christ crucified and the Word
of God?
• Purpose: Are we living a life of self-indulgence or a life
of service to Jesus?
• Suffering: What is our demeanor when we face a trial?
Churches need to develop a biblical plan and a path for
discipleship and help individuals take steps to grow spiritu-
ally and serve the Lord fruitfully. It would be time well spent
to set aside a full day or a staff retreat to develop this plan.
If assistance is desired, Renewanation’s church revitalization
process is designed to facilitate toward this outcome.
CONCLUSION
It is my hope and prayer that these three characteristics
will be found in increasing measure in your church so that
we can be faithful shepherds of the flock God has entrusted
to us. May we reject the practices and principles we have
imported from the world and return to Scripture as our
rule and guide for ministry. Let us say with the apostle
Paul, “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly
than all that we ask or think, according to the power at
work within us, to him be the glory in the church and in
Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever.
Amen” (Eph 3:20-21). ■
ENDNOTES
1. Max De Pree, Leadership is an Art (New York, NY: Doubleday, 2004), 11.
2. George Barna, “Parents Accept Responsibility for their Child’s Spiritual Development but
Struggle with Effectiveness,” Barna Group, accessed October 11, 2016, https://barna.com/
research/parents-accept-responsibility-for-their-childs-spiritual-development-but-strug-
gle-with-effectiveness.
3. Larry Fowler, The Question Nobody Asks About our Children (Streamwood, IL: Awana,
2014), 11.
4. Ibid., 18.
5. Josh Mulvihill, Biblical Grandparenting: Exploring God’s Design for Disciple-Making and
Passing Faith to Future Generations (Minneapolis, MN: Bethany House, 2018).
Renewanation Church & Family
Ministry Division
Need help equipping the parents and
children in your church or school
with a biblical worldview?
Parenting and grandparenting seminars
Pastoral mentoring and volunteer training
Full assessment of church ministry
to 0-18 year olds
Strategic planning for children’s, youth,
and family ministry
Biblical worldview, family worship, and
family discipleship toolkits
Sermons and seminars on the importance
of biblical worldview training
Led by Dr. Josh Mulvihill—a 20-year family pastor
veteran—this ministry is here to help you assess,
design, and maximize your children’s and youth
ministry, as well as equip families to disciple the next
generation so that children treasure Christ, build life-
long faith, and impact the world for Jesus. For more
info, please contact [email protected].
1-855-TO-RENEW
renewanation.org
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