What does a mature disciple look like?  What is the goal we are shooting for in our discipleship ministries ?  Is there a vision we can offer that will fire people up and move them to action?

Without a compelling vision, why would people be excited about pursuing discipleship with all of their heart, mind and strength?  And if we don’t have a clear picture of what a mature disciple looks like, how will we know how to help people become one?

I’d like to hear from you.  I believe the best answer will come from the combination of our thoughts and experiences.  So, please jump in.  We need to hear from each other.

To comment, whether it’s a few sentences off the top of your head or an essay, scroll down to the bottom of this article and click on comment and add your thoughts.

Together, I am sure we can come up with a powerful and compelling vision of a disciple that will move people to be sold-out followers of Christ.  It will also, I hope, energize our own discipleship as we gain a clear picture of where we want to go.

I’m really looking forward to hearing from you.  And bring a friend in on this conversation by forwarding this post to them.

to “What Motivates a Fired-Up Disciple”

1. Teddi Deppner on August 23rd, 2011 12:48 pm

   I think people get fired up when they realize that God knows them personally, that He has a purpose and plan for their life, and when they begin to see that He has given them gifts and the power and partnership of His Spirit to REALLY make a difference in their own circle of influence.

   Once you realize there’s a purpose for your life, you want to explore it and fulfill it. Once you realize you have special abilities in a unique combination, you want to use them. Once you realize you can make a life-saving difference to others like Jesus made a difference in your life… you want to do it.

   Maybe it’s not this way for everyone, but it’s like once you see God’s vision for your life, living any other life just seems to fall short. Nothing else will satisfy, it’s just a shadow compared to what He made you for.

   I think it all starts when someone either gets this message or vision in a church service (from the preaching) or from a Christian friend who personally says, “I believe that God has a plan for you and you’re special!”

2. Glenn Kaiser on August 24th, 2011 9:29 am

   What Motivates a Fired-up Disciple of Jesus Christ?

   In biblical Greek, a disciple is “a listener, a learner”.

   I happen to be a musician. By definition, that’s not a person who owns music gear, rather it’s one who practices and actually plays/uses the instrument(s). A listener who is truly a learner becomes one who acts out rather than merely thinks or talks about it.

   Direct answer to your question re. detail:

   God the Holy Spirit, intentional response to Him and His Word (Bible), application of John chapter 15 regardless of what happens or doesn’t happen, choosing authentic, accountable relationships with people who are serious disciples and who clearly love Jesus, you and others -outside- as well as within the church. Simple obedience given in love over the long haul rather than short-term service which we bail on soon as we’re not getting what we want out of the relationships or area(s) of service.

   By the way, I’ve never met a pastor or leader in the body of Christ (I mean, world-wide) who doesn’t have deep concern over the need for discipleship among the people they serve. Thanks for the question and responses coming! -Glenn

3. Tim Fretheim on December 2nd, 2011 1:39 pm

   I read an article on boredom recently and the writer suggested that bordedom is a lack of meaning or purpose. He further suggested that there are three things a person needs to combat boredom: a group of friends who are significant, meaning labor (paid or not) and some control over your own life.
   This might sound strange, if we’re talknig about fired up disciples, but I think these three concepts are helpful in looking at our spiritual lives. We get excited when we’re doing something purposeful, with friends, and we have some control over the project. Often disciples lack of these three items in their spiritual lives. The fire gets quenched.

4. Stuart Uggen on March 21st, 2012 3:22 pm

   Wow! I’d suggest three core ingredients: (1) In-dwelling Holy Spirit w/at least daily refills, (2) intimate relationship with Jesus Christ, and (3) eager receipt of Holy Spirit gifts as per the Apostle Paul. Vibrant Spirit-filled churches that seem to harbor “fired-up disciples” also seem to be paying close attention to Yeshua’s admonitions in Revelation 2 & 3, and also the verse re: having ears to hear what the Spirit says to the churches (note 7 repetitions of that verse). The short answer: Holy Spirit

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