Discipleship Process

The Discpleship Process

1. PLANTED in Faith

Something happens when a seed falls on good and healthy soil- the growing process begins, breaking from its fundamental element to produce a crop thirty, sixty, even one hundred times what was originally sown (Matt 13).  In a similar way, something profoundly spiritual takes place in people’s lives when they find themselves connected to God and to other people in God’s community- they become planted.  This is the start of a spiritual process. At “The Vine” the starting point is our worship service. In the worship service committed believers find challenging teaching, struggling believers find encouragement and seekers find grace.

Since the birth of the Christian Church some two thousand years ago, people have connected with God and his people by proclaiming their faith in Christ, being baptized, and by breaking bread with other believers in the symbolic and mysterious practice of the Lord’s Supper.

At “The Vine” people who want to be planted in faith: Attend worship services.

Benchmarks of the planted:

  • Confess Christ as Lord
  • Identify with Christ’s death burial and resurrection through baptism
  • Participate in the Lord’s Supper
  • Become a member of the community of faith
  • Grow as a worshiper

2. GROWING in community

Psalm 80 sings of God’s having planted his people like a great vine, brought out of Egypt (slavery) and planted in the Promised Land (salvation).

Spiritual life does not end with connection to God. Connection is the beginning of a new life. Planting is the first phase in the lifecycle of a plant. A seed represents potential, but in order to reach that potential the plant has to break the surface and grow. The nourishment for this growth is the very Spirit of God.  The signs of this growth are a Spirit-inspired desire to study God’s Word, a Spirit-led prayer life, and Spirit empowered fellowship with other believers.

At “The Vine” people who are growing in community: Attend a small group or midweek fellowship.

Benchmarks of the growing:

  • Draw close to Christ by becoming a student of the word
  • Draw close to Christ in prayer
  • Draw close to Christ by drawing close to others

3. PRODUCING in service

Jesus taught that anyone planted and attached to his roots would grow into a fruit-bearing vine (John 15).  The fact is - a plant that reaches its full potential will produce fruit. Though your spiritual journey may feel personal, it is more. You spiritual growth should ultimately benefit others.

When producing, the believer will surrender Time, Talent, and Treasure to the service of others in the faith community and to people who are distant from God.

At “The Vine”, people who are producing in service: Choose to serve in the ministries of the Church and actively disciple others.

Benchmarks of the producing:

  • Understand and exercise Spiritual gifts, talents, and desires
  • Lead/host a small group or serve in a ministry area
  • Invite others to church, small groups, and/or service opportunities