OUR STRATEGY - As disciples, we are called to take an active part in affecting our society for the Kingdom of God. This is a three part activity where faith becomes action:
1. ACADEMICS - To see God’s heart and His purpose for fruitful, effective discipleship through a time of daily prayer, Bible reading, journaling, Scripture memorization, as well as Bible teaching and accountability.
- 2 Timothy 2:15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (Proverbs 8:34)
2. SERVICE - To develop a willing servant’s heart and to assist the church in all areas of service. A servant is engaged in furthering the vision of the church and accomplishing the goals given to the leadership by the Holy Spirit.
- Ephesians 4:16 ...from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.
3. MISSIONS - To allow the Holy Spirit to impart to us a passion for the lost and to be involved in the Lord’s Harvest locally and to the ends of the earth.
- Matthew 9:37-38 Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” (Acts 1:8)
STUDENT REQUIREMENTS
1. Class attendance
- Proverbs 10:4 He who has a slack hand becomes poor, but the hand of the diligent makes rich…
- Classes will begin at exactly 7:00 pm. Students must attend every class unless cleared with the instructor. You cannot be discipled you if you are not here.
2. Dedicate at least one hour each day to the Lord for daily devotions
- Proverbs 8:34 Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at my doors.
- Intentionally set aside one hour a day for devotions. This is a time you are giving to the Lord to do the work associated with this course: prayer, Bible reading, journaling, reading the lesson & Scripture memorization.
3. Fasting
- Hebrews 12:1 Therefore… let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us …
- Fast distractions (cell phones, TV, internet, gaming, movies, etc.) during your time of devotions. Cell phones should only be used for emergencies during this time.
- Absolutely no alcohol, any illegal substance or misuse of prescription medication. Students of Basic Training must also disconnect with all R-rated movies.
4. Weekly assignments
- 2 Timothy 2:15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
- Read the assigned Scriptures and journal.
- Read the lesson notes the week prior to coming to class.
- Memorize the assigned Bible verse(s) and be ready to recite it in class.
- Use the Weekly Time Sheet. Check each box as you do the activity for that day. This must be an accurate record of your Discipleship activities through the week.
5. Scripture memorization
- Psalm 119:11 Your Word I have hidden in my heart that I might not sin against you.
- The assigned memory verses will be recitated at the beginning of each class. Preferred translations are NKJV, KJV, NIV, NASB.
6. Accountability group
- Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up.
- Each student must choose up to four, same gender, accountability partners in the class and meet each week.
7. Church attendance
- Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
- Students are to attend the weekly Sunday morning and Wednesday evening services and take notes on the sermon. The weekly quiz during class will include the sermon.
8. Service
- John 13:14-17 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you… Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
- Students are to be involved at one of two scheduled Saturdays for a service day at the church from 9:00 am to noon. You are also encouraged to serve weekly as your schedule allows.
9. Being an example.
- Be an example in lifestyle. 1 Timothy 4:12 …be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in spirit, in faith, in purity…
- Be an example in submission to leaders. Hebrews 13:17 Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.
10. Evangelism & outreach.
- Be involved with our Peeps Ministry, evangelism & Missions (Giving, communicating, raising funds, going).
- Luke 14:23 Then the master said to the servant, “Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.” (Also John 4:35)
MY DISCIPLESHIP COMMITMENT
As a student of Christian Life Center’s Discipleship Development Class I commit myself to God and to the members of my church.
1. I will protect the unity of my church (Ephesians 4:3) by…
- Acting in love toward other members. (1 John 4:7; Romans 14:19; 1 Peter 1:22)
- Dealing with slander, gossip, etc. in a Biblical, pro-active way. (Proverbs 6:16-19, 16:28, 20:19; Psalm 101:5, Hebrews 12:15
- Furthering the vision God has given to the Pastors. (Matthew 8:5-13; Romans 15:5-6; Hebrews 13:17)
2. I will help carry the responsibilities of my church by…
- Praying for its growth and welfare. (1 Thessalonians 1:1-2)
- Inviting the un-churched to come with me to church. (John 1:45-46)
- Embracing all who attend the services. (Romans 15:7; 1 John 4:7)
- Involvement in the financial responsibility of my church. (Malachi 3:10-12)
3. I will serve within the ministries of my church by…
- Developing a servant’s heart and serve where needed. (Philippians 2:3-4, 7)
- Helping others to serve Jesus and His church. (Ephesians 4:11-12)
4. I will properly represent Christ and His Body by…
- Faithfully attending the corporate services. (Hebrews 10:25)
- Living a godly lifestyle in this society. (Philippians 2:14-15; 1 Timothy 3:2)
- I ask that the Holy Spirit empower me to accomplish this commitment by His power and Might. Amen.
COURSE TOPICS
1. Course Overview & Memorizing Scripture
- Joshua 1:8 Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
2. Knowing God
- Jeremiah 9:23-24 This is what the LORD says: “Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches, but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,” declares the LORD.
- The Character of God.
- The four-fold ministry of Jesus Christ.
3. The Discipleship Decision
- Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
- Developing a wholehearted commitment to follow Christ at all cost.
- Lordship & Biblical convictions.
4. The Disciple & God’s Word
- 2 Timothy 2:15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
- Overview of the Bible.
5. The Disciple’s Life of Worship
- John 4:-24 ...But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”
- The power of genuine praise & worship.
6. Prayer & Spiritual Warfare
- Matthew 6:9-13 This, then, is how you should pray: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”
- James 4:7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
- The disciple’s prayer life.
- Living victoriously over our old nature, the world and the demonic.
7. Called & Equipped With Divine Purpose
- Ephesians 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
- Discovering our passion, spiritual gifts & personal style of ministry.
- Identifying God’s purpose for our lives.
8. Discipling: God’s Plan For Kingdom Growth
- Matthew 28:18-20 Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
- Making disciples (mentoring) & fulfilling Christ’s Commission.
SCRIPTURE MEMORIZATION
The following Scriptures, corresponding with the lessons, are to be memorized each week. Students may pick one out of the two.
Knowing God
- ROMANS 5:8-9 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. (Romans 5:8-9)
- 2 CORINTHIANS 5:21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5:21)
The Discipleship Decision
- MARK 8:34-35 Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. (Mark 8:34-35)
- GALATIANS 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)
The Disciple & God’s Word
- 2 TIMOTHY 3:16-17 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
- JOSHUA 1:8-9 Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:8-9)
The Disciple’s Life of Worship
- JOHN 4:23-24 ...A time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth. (John 4:23-24)
- PSALM 100:4-5 Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His Name. For the LORD is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations. (Psalm 100:4-5)
Prayer & Spiritual Warfare
- EPHESIANS 6:10-13 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
- MATTHEW 6:9-13 Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. (Matthew 6:9-13)
Called & Equipped With Divine Purpose
- EPHESIAN 2:8-10 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. (Ephesians2:8-10)
- EPHESIANS 3:20-21 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21)
Discipling: God’s Plan For Kingdom Growth
- MATTHEW 28:18-20 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20)
- JOHN 3:16-18 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (John 3:16-18)
REQUIREMENTS FOR A CERTIFICATE
- Attend all the classes. (A student may miss a pre-approved class for emergencies)
- Read the lessons before class and take the weekly quizzes.
- Memorize the assigned Scriptures.
- Hand in the Weekly Time Sheet and Journal.
- Be a part of an accountability group.
- Serve in an area of the church and at one of the two workdays.
- Attend Sunday & Wednesday services.
- Sign the Discipleship Commitment & show an attitude of dedication to the Institute.
“PEEPS,” AN OUTREACH MINISTRY
A “Peep” is simply a random act of kindness! We want to show people in Riverside through practical acts of God’s love that we care for them. Here’s how it works:
- Pick up several Peep cards in class and have them with you at all times.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to show you a need and when the Lord highlights a need, respond. The opportunities are endless. They include:
- Buying someone’s lunch or coffee while waiting in line of a drive through. As you pay for your order, pay for the order placed by the person behind you and ask the attendant to give them a Peep Card.
- Giving away your umbrella when it rains or helping loading and carrying groceries for someone who is elderly.
- Offering to help your neighbor rake the lawn or any other yard work.
- Then, give the person you have “peep’d” a card, bless them and go about your day.
- Be creative and sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Typically, this is not a time to preach. However, the Lord may certainly lead you to pray for them and go from there. The idea is to do this with no hidden motive and with no hidden agenda, except to show God’s unconditional love.
- As people receive the Peep card, they are encouraged to visit our Peeps website, www.weloveriverside.com, and leave a Facebook comment. Periodically visit the sight to see the comments.
