Theology of Discipleship Paper_CHPL655

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Liberty University *

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655

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Apr 3, 2024

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Theology of Discipleship Paper Rebecca Leigh Bannister CHPL 655: Chaplain Evangelism and Discipleship January 21, 2024
Contents Building A Theological Foundation ............................................................................................. 1 The Call to Discipleship ...................................................................................................... 2 The Nature of Discipleship .................................................................................................. 2 The Role of Scripture ........................................................................................................... 3 The Power of the Holy Spirit ............................................................................................... 3 The Community of Believers ............................................................................................... 4 The Practice of Spiritual Disciplines ................................................................................... 4 Conclusion ...................................................................................................................................... 5 Bibliography ................................................................................................................................... 6 ii
1 Effective chaplaincy requires a strong and comprehensive theology that encompasses all aspects of ministry. Discipleship holds a central position in the Scriptures, underscoring the call to follow Jesus and cultivate a personal relationship with him. This paper aims to present a clear theology of discipleship founded on Scripture, highlighting fundamental practices that guide believers into becoming steadfast followers of Christ. Sound interpretation and biblical analysis are crucial for communicating a clear theology of discipleship. Chaplains embody God’s plan and purpose by cultivating and nurturing disciples, by way of the Word of God and the Holy Spirit. By applying guiding principles rooted in Scripture, chaplains are equipped to be disciples of Christ, to obey the First and Second Commandments (Matt. 22:36-40, English Standard Version), to fulfill the Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20) and bring honor and glory to God (1 Pet. 4:11; Heb. 13:20-21; 1 Cor. 10:31). Building A Theological Foundation Developing an individual theological and biblical foundation for discipleship requires an initial understanding of what it means to be Christ’s disciple. 1 “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31-32). Rod Dempsey and Dave Earley define a disciple as one “who has trusted Christ or salvation and has surrendered completely to him. He or she is committed to practicing the spiritual disciplines in the community and developing their full potential for Christ and his mission.” 2 The Word of 1 Catherine Mowry LaCugna, God For Us: The Trinity & Christian Life (New York, NY: HarperCollins, 1991), ix. “The doctrine of the Trinity is not above all a theory about God’s ‘internal self-relatedness but an effort to articulate the basic faith of Christians. In Jesus Christ, the ineffable and invisible God saves us from sin and death; by the power of the Holy Spirit, God continues to be altogether present to us, seeking everlasting communion with all creatures. Christianity and Christian theology simply cannot do without a trinitarian doctrine of God that articulates the heart of this faith.” 2 Rod Dempsey and Dave Earley, Disciple Making Is . . .: How to Live the Great Commission with Passion and Confidence (Nashville: B&H Academic, 2013), 28.
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