Prioritize Scripture
A mature disciple has a world view that is saturated in the truth of Scripture. They have a good knowledge of the Bible and can apply its truth to their situations, as well as use it to encourage and admonish others in love. They spend time daily sitting before Jesus with their Bibles open and reading it transformationally, not just informationally. They understand that the Bible is one large story of God’s rescue mission that climaxes in the arrival of Jesus.
Key Scriptures
Psalm 1 | Colossians 3:16 | Acts 17:11 | Deuteronomy 6:4-7
Contribute Your Gifts
A mature disciple has a clear understanding of the unique gifts God has given them. They regularly use them in ways that build up and serve others. They have learned how to develop and refine their God-given gifts, not in pursuit of their own glory, but of God’s.
Key Scriptures
Ephesians 2:10 | 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 | 1 Peter 4:10-11 | 1 Timothy 1:6
Cultivate Community
A mature disciple has shed anonymity. They have incorporated authentic, life-giving relationships with other believers into their lives. They regularly invest in these spiritual relationships in ways that fit their own unique personality. They are also catalysts for community, helping and encouraging others to connect into such community.
Key Scriptures
Ephesians 4:9-12 | 1 Thessalonians 2:8 | Romans 15:7 | Acts 2:42
Give Generously
A mature disciple worships God with their finances by giving regularly to initiatives and endeavors that advance God’s mission. They are invested emotionally in "God’s thing” not just “our things”. Their minds, hearts, and prayers are invested about the advancement of the gospel, the salvation of people, the growth of disciples, the care for the needy, and the expansion of the mission. They give regularly, cheerfully and generously.
Key Scriptures
Haggai 2:8 | Proverbs 3:9-10 | Matthew 6:19-21 | 2 Corinthians 9:7
Engage The Mission
A mature disciple lives in their community with the intentionality of a missionary. They genuinely love people and pray regularly for the Lord to save those who are not yet followers of Jesus. They have learned how to share their story and the gospel with gentleness and respect. They have earned a good reputation by living a life of good works that adorn the gospel.
Key Scriptures
Matthew 28:18-20 | Ephesians 6:19-20 | 1 Peter3:14-15 | John 20:21
Pass On The Faith
A mature disciple understands that the community of faith must pass on the faith to the next generation. They read the Bible with their children and talk about the gospel regularly at the dinner table. They approach the children and students of our community with an “Our Kids” mentality and finds ways, big and small, to invest in their spiritual growth. They spend time with younger disciples, teaching them how to follow Jesus’ ways.
Key Scriptures
Psalm 145:4 | Deuteronomy 6:6-9 | 2 Timothy 1:5-6 | Judges 2:10
Depend On God In Prayer
A mature disciple knows that apart from God, we can do nothing. They daily spend time with God pouring out their hearts in prayer. They intercede regularly on behalf of other believers and their leaders, having learned to organize their prayer life with a high degree of intentionality. In addition to set aside times of prayer, they practice God’s presence regularly, knowing He is with them.
Key Scriptures
Proverbs 3:5-6 | Colossians 4:2 | Philippians 4:6 | Matthew 6:5-15
