I was a part of a group of pastors whose passion is developing community and disciples through small groups. In a previous post I pondered the question, How to Spot a Disciple of Jesus, but I recently found this definition of a disciple from Rick Leineweber, founding pastor at Virginia Beach Missional Church. Rick is a small groups expert from whom I have learned much about how to develop, grow, lead, train, and birth small groups.
A Fully Devoted Disciple is Actively:
Depending on the Spirit: A person who is actively depending on the Holy Spirit to transform and empower him/her to walk as Jesus walked (John 14:26).
Interacting in Community: A person who is actively interacting with other believers in a small group for mutual care and spiritual formation (John 13:35)
Submitting to His Lordship: A person who is actively submitting to Christ’s Lordship in every area of his/her life (Luke 6:46).
Communing with the Father: A person who is actively developing intimacy with God through the spiritual disciplines (John 8:31).
Investing His Resources: A person who actively sees himself/herself as a steward of his/her resources (time, treasure & talents) rather than an owner, and invests them to advance God’s work (Matthew 6:20-21).
Participating in Service: A person who is actively participating in acts of service toward those inside and outside the church for the glory of God (Matthew 20:27-28).
Leading People to Christ: A person who is actively seeking opportunities to share his/her faith with lost people through his/her personal style of evangelism (John 4:35).
Expanding the Kingdom: A person who is actively committed to a ministry of multiplication both here at home and abroad (Matthew 6:33).