Why Discipleship Should Be Intentional
CHAPTER ONE
Objective of the Study
The purpose of this study is to examine the importance of intentionality in discipleship and to develop a framework for implementing intentional discipleship practices. The specific objectives are:
- To identify the essential components and characteristics of intentional discipleship.
- To evaluate the impact of intentional discipleship on the spiritual growth and development of individuals.
- To provide practical recommendations for church leaders and practitioners to effectively implement intentional discipleship strategies.
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
Conceptual Review
Definition of Discipleship
Discipleship, as a concept within Christian contexts, has been defined in various ways depending on historical, theological, and cultural perspectives. Traditionally, discipleship refers to the process of following Jesus Christ, learning from His teachings, and striving to emulate His example in one’s own life. This foundational understanding can be traced back to the New Testament, where discipleship is closely linked to being a follower of Christ and partaking in His mission (Nelson, 2022).
In early Christian contexts, discipleship was primarily about a personal commitment to Christ and a communal effort to spread His teachings. The term itself, derived from the Latin “disciples” meaning “learner” or “pupil,” emphasizes the learning aspect inherent in the relationship between a disciple and their teacher (Oikonomou, 2002). This definition highlights the foundational role of education and mentorship in discipleship, with early Christians being mentored directly by the apostles or early church leaders.
Over time, the concept of discipleship has evolved to incorporate a broader range of practices and understandings. During the Reformation, for instance, discipleship was redefined in the context of challenging existing church structures and emphasizing personal faith and scriptural engagement (Wilson, 2017). Reformers like Martin Luther and John Calvin introduced ideas that emphasized individual responsibility in spiritual growth and a personal relationship with God, which expanded the traditional definition of discipleship to include personal Bible study and communal worship as essential components (Smith, 2020).
In contemporary Christian contexts, discipleship is increasingly seen as an intentional, structured process aimed at spiritual growth and maturity. This modern interpretation incorporates various elements such as regular study, accountability, and active participation in church life (Byler, 2020). It reflects a shift from the more passive, informal practices of earlier periods to a more deliberate approach that seeks to integrate faith into all aspects of life.
The evolution of the concept of discipleship reflects broader changes in Christian practice and thought. From its roots in the teachings of Jesus and the early church to its current manifestations in diverse Christian traditions, discipleship has adapted to meet the spiritual needs of believers across different eras and contexts. This ongoing evolution underscores the dynamic nature of discipleship and its ability to address the changing landscape of Christian life and practice (Horr, 2020).
CHAPTER THREE
METHODOLOGY
Research Design
The study employed a quantitative survey research design to explore intentional discipleship practices. A quantitative approach was selected due to its ability to systematically measure variables, quantify relationships, and generate generalizable results across a larger population (Saunders, Lewis, & Thornhill, 2019). This design allowed for the collection of numerical data through structured questionnaires, which were analyzed to identify patterns and correlations. By using a quantitative survey, the study aimed to objectively assess the effectiveness and prevalence of intentional discipleship methods, providing empirical evidence that can inform practical applications and theoretical development.
Population of the Study
The target population for this study consisted of 1,200 respondents, including church leaders, discipleship coordinators, and church members actively engaged in discipleship programs. This population was chosen based on its relevance to the study’s objectives and its representation of diverse perspectives within the Christian community. Including a broad sample of individuals involved in discipleship ensures that the findings are reflective of various practices and experiences, thereby enhancing the generalizability of the results (Bell, 2022).
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION
Data Presentation
The results from Table 4.1 indicate that out of the 120 questionnaires distributed, 109 were returned and completed, representing 90.8% of the total sample. This high response rate suggests that the respondents were highly engaged and motivated to participate in the study, contributing to the overall success of the data collection process. The remaining 11 questionnaires, or 9.2%, were either not returned or left incomplete. This relatively small percentage of non-responses or incomplete submissions is minimal and does not significantly impact the representativeness or reliability of the study’s findings.
A 90.8% response rate is generally considered excellent in research, as it reduces the likelihood of non-response bias, where the opinions of those who do not participate might differ from those who do. The high rate of completed responses ensures that the data is comprehensive and accurately reflects the views of the target population. This completeness of data allows for a more accurate and reliable analysis, making the study’s conclusions more valid. The non-respondents, making up only 9.2% of the sample, are unlikely to have a substantial effect on the overall results, especially given the strong participation from the majority of the respondents.
The cumulative percentage shows that the response rate continued to accumulate consistently, with 90.8% of valid responses contributing to the study’s findings. This consistency implies that the research design, including how the questionnaires were distributed and structured, was effective in encouraging participation. The minimal drop-off in response suggests that the questions were likely clear and relevant to the respondents, which could also reflect the effectiveness of the engagement strategy used to involve participants in the study.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary of Findings
The study on intentional discipleship within Christian communities yielded several significant findings that provide insights into the current practices, perceptions, and implications of discipleship efforts. The research aimed to explore key elements that define intentional discipleship, its influence on spiritual growth, and practical strategies for effective implementation.
Firstly, the high response rate of 90.8% indicates a strong engagement with the topic of intentional discipleship among the respondents. This high level of participation suggests that intentional discipleship is a relevant and critical subject within the Christian community. The demographic data reveals a predominance of male respondents (84.4%), which may reflect a greater involvement of men in church activities or leadership roles. The age distribution shows a significant majority of younger respondents, particularly those aged 18-24 years (70.6%). This indicates that younger individuals are particularly engaged with or interested in discussions about discipleship and spiritual growth.
Conclusion
The results from the hypotheses tested in this study confirm that intentional discipleship significantly impacts spiritual growth and community cohesion within Christian settings. The data demonstrated a strong correlation between clear, measurable spiritual goals and the effectiveness of discipleship, highlighting the importance of goal-setting in guiding spiritual development. Additionally, the necessity of regular mentoring and structured teaching was affirmed, indicating that consistent support and education are vital for fostering spiritual maturity.
The study also validated the importance of personalized spiritual development plans and the role of accountability and regular evaluation in enhancing discipleship outcomes. The positive responses regarding the integration of discipleship into existing church programs further reinforce the value of aligning discipleship practices with broader church activities. Furthermore, the findings underscored the benefit of providing training and clear guidelines for church leaders and mentors, suggesting that well-supported leadership is crucial for successful implementation.
Recommendations
Based on the research objectives and findings, the following recommendations are proposed to enhance the practice of intentional discipleship:
- Develop Clear, Measurable Spiritual Goals: Churches should implement well-defined, measurable spiritual goals within their discipleship programs. Setting clear objectives helps participants track their progress and provides a structured path for spiritual growth. These goals should be tailored to individual needs while aligning with broader community values to ensure relevance and effectiveness.
- Integrate Regular Mentoring and Structured Teaching: Regular mentoring and structured teaching are essential components of effective discipleship. Churches should establish consistent mentoring programs and develop a structured curriculum that includes both theoretical and practical elements. This approach ensures continuous guidance and support, which are crucial for fostering long-term spiritual development.
- Personalize Spiritual Development Plans: Intentional discipleship should emphasize personalized spiritual development plans that cater to the unique needs of each participant. By customizing these plans, churches can address individual spiritual needs and challenges more effectively, leading to deeper and more meaningful growth.
References
- Alemayehu Tsegaw, M. (2019). Refocusing on discipleship: The heart of the great commission and the hub of all local church ministries. Ministry Magazine. https://cdn.ministrymagazine.org/issues/2019/issues/MIN2019-04.pdf.
- Asamoah‐Gyadu, J. K. (2017). ‘Go near and join thyself to this chariot…’: African pneumatic movements and transformational discipleship. International Review of Mission, 106(2), 336–355. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/irom.12190.
- Baab, L. M. (2009). Fasting: Spiritual freedom beyond our appetites. InterVarsity Press.
- Boyd, L. A. (2020). Discipleship and the church. Bibliotheca Sacra. Dallas Theological Seminary. https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1250&context=lts_fac_pubs.
- Byler, J. (2020). The heart of a Christian leader. Global Disciples.
- Carr-Chellman, D. J., & Kroth, M. (2020). The spiritual disciplines as practices of transformation. In Religion and theology: Breakthroughs in research and practice (pp. 293–307). IGI Global. https://www.igi-global.com/chapter/the-spiritual-disciplines-as-practices-of-transformation/246193
- Chery, S. (2023). Best Bible study methods for discipleship formation: How Bible study as a spiritual discipline shapes believer. Southeastern University, Fire Scholars. https://firescholars.seu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1002&context=mdiv
