Project – The role of discipleship in equipping the 21st century church for the end time harvest
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
- Background to the Study
Discipleship, in its essence, is the process of nurturing and equipping individuals in their faith journey to become more like Christ, thereby preparing them for the work of the ministry (Matthew 28:19-20). It holds a pivotal role in the modern church, particularly in the context of the end-time harvest, when Christians are called to reach out to the lost and fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 24:14). As the 21st century progresses, the church faces a rapidly changing world, requiring a renewed focus on effective discipleship strategies that are relevant, adaptable, and biblically sound. Discipleship equips believers with the spiritual formation, biblical understanding, and missional mindset needed for a fruitful harvest in the last days (Gibbs, 2010).
One crucial aspect of modern discipleship is its emphasis on spiritual maturity, which fosters both personal transformation and active participation in God’s mission. According to Bonhoeffer (1959), true discipleship leads to a total surrender of one’s life to Christ and a commitment to living out His teachings in every sphere of life. This transformative journey is essential for the church to effectively engage in the harvest, especially as secularism and postmodernism challenge the faith of believers and the worldview of the wider culture (Stott, 2007). Discipleship that emphasizes the renewal of mind, heart, and actions is key for preparing the church for the challenges and opportunities of the end times (Romans 12:2). In the face of societal decay and confusion, mature disciples are equipped to stand firm and share the hope of Christ with others.
Furthermore, discipleship plays a critical role in fostering a missional community that can collectively engage in the end-time harvest. The New Testament consistently presents the church as a body of believers, each playing a vital part in the mission of God (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). Discipleship, therefore, is not merely an individual journey but also a communal effort to train, equip, and send out believers for ministry. The church must be intentional in creating environments where disciples can grow in their understanding of Scripture, practice their spiritual gifts, and engage in outreach efforts, both locally and globally (Horton, 2014). The role of the church is not only to equip believers for personal growth but also to send them out into the world as witnesses of the gospel, reflecting the heart of Christ’s mission on earth.
In the context of the 21st century, technological advances have also opened new avenues for discipleship and evangelism. The global interconnectedness enabled by social media, online platforms, and digital resources presents unprecedented opportunities for reaching people with the gospel. Discipleship, when integrated with these tools, can reach a broader audience and offer ongoing support for spiritual growth. As the church anticipates the end-time harvest, digital discipleship initiatives, such as online Bible studies, virtual small groups, and digital evangelism campaigns, offer new ways for believers to grow in faith and extend the reach of the gospel (Keller, 2012). Technology, when used responsibly and effectively, can be a powerful tool to equip disciples for global outreach in the last days.
Moreover, the role of leadership in discipleship cannot be overstated. The Apostle Paul’s letters to Timothy and Titus emphasize the importance of equipping leaders who can pass on the faith to others (2 Timothy 2:2). Church leaders today must not only model Christ-like behavior but also actively invest in the spiritual growth of others. This includes providing sound biblical teaching, mentoring emerging leaders, and cultivating a church culture that prioritizes discipleship (Chan & Beuving, 2014). As leaders raise up disciples, they simultaneously prepare the body of Christ to engage in the harvest with urgency and compassion. Effective leadership within the church ensures that the gospel message is passed down through generations, equipping the church to be ready for Christ’s return.
Finally, as the end-time harvest is ultimately about the expansion of God’s Kingdom, discipleship must also include an eschatological dimension. The understanding that Christ will return to establish His kingdom and bring final judgment should fuel the church’s sense of urgency and mission (Revelation 22:20). Discipleship that keeps the end in mind encourages believers to live with an eternal perspective, focusing on the things that matter for God’s glory and the salvation of souls. An eschatological framework in discipleship shapes how the church prepares for and participates in the great harvest, not only through evangelism but also in building communities of faith that reflect the coming kingdom. Through intentional discipleship, the church can be equipped and empowered to witness to the world, making a lasting impact in the preparation for Christ’s return.
1.2. Statement of the Problem
In the context of the 21st century, the church faces a significant challenge in equipping believers for the spiritual demands of the end-time harvest. As the world becomes increasingly secularized and polarized, the church struggles to maintain its relevance and effectiveness in fulfilling the Great Commission. The concept of discipleship, while foundational to the New Testament church, has often been reduced to surface-level teaching and is sometimes disconnected from the transformative, missional process it is intended to be. Without a renewed commitment to deeper, more comprehensive discipleship practices, the church risks failing to prepare its members to fully engage in the harvest that is imminent in the eschatological narrative of the Bible. Thus, the central problem is how to effectively equip the 21st century church through discipleship so that it can rise to the challenge of reaching the lost in the final days.
Despite its importance, modern discipleship efforts are often inadequate in nurturing mature believers capable of sustaining and multiplying the gospel. Traditional models of discipleship, which focus on doctrinal teaching alone, fail to address the need for holistic transformation—spiritual, emotional, and relational. The fast-paced, technology-driven world of today, along with shifting cultural norms, complicates the ability of the church to maintain deep, meaningful discipleship practices. Consequently, many believers may be ill-prepared to handle the theological, moral, and cultural challenges of the current age. This is particularly pressing as the global church is faced with the urgency of spreading the gospel and preparing for the return of Christ. There is a need for a more robust and adaptable approach to discipleship that integrates personal transformation with a sense of mission to effectively reach the world.
Another critical problem facing the church is the lack of alignment between discipleship efforts and the church’s overall mission to reach the lost. Discipleship is often seen as a personal, inward journey rather than a communal, outward one. Many churches have focused on programs that foster individual growth but fail to emphasize the collective mission of evangelism and service. As a result, even well-intentioned discipleship efforts can become self-focused, disconnected from the broader objective of advancing God’s kingdom on earth. This disconnect undermines the ability of the church to mobilize its members for the end-time harvest, where every believer must actively participate in God’s redemptive work in the world. There is a pressing need for discipleship models that clearly connect personal growth to global mission, urging disciples to be active witnesses of the gospel in both word and deed.
Furthermore, there is a significant gap in the integration of technological advancements with discipleship practices. While the digital age presents tremendous opportunities for global outreach, many churches fail to effectively leverage these tools for discipleship. The use of social media, online courses, and digital resources for spiritual formation has been underutilized, leaving many churches ill-equipped to reach and disciple the global population in a rapidly changing world. This oversight poses a significant challenge to the 21st-century church, particularly when considering the rise of online communities and digital evangelism. The church’s inability to adapt to the digital age risks missing vital opportunities to engage with a tech-savvy generation that is increasingly disconnected from traditional church structures. Consequently, the challenge becomes how the church can effectively integrate digital tools into its discipleship efforts while maintaining a commitment to biblical truth and personal transformation.
Additionally, the problem extends to church leadership and their role in discipleship. While there is a call for church leaders to train and equip others, many leaders themselves may not be adequately prepared to guide their congregations through the complex landscape of discipleship. Some may not possess the necessary training or theological depth to foster holistic discipleship that incorporates both spiritual formation and missional outreach. As a result, the church faces a leadership crisis where insufficiently equipped leaders struggle to disciple their members in a way that prepares them for the end-time harvest. Without a clear vision of discipleship rooted in Scripture, church leaders may inadvertently perpetuate shallow, ineffective models of discipleship that fail to prepare the body of Christ for the challenges of the coming days.
Lastly, the broader issue of eschatological urgency in discipleship remains inadequately addressed in many church settings. While the Bible clearly communicates the urgency of preparing for Christ’s return and the global harvest of souls (Matthew 24:14), this end-time perspective is often overlooked in contemporary discipleship practices. The lack of an eschatological framework within discipleship programs leaves believers unprepared to engage with the world in the light of Christ’s imminent return. As the church prepares for the end-time harvest, it must develop discipleship practices that inspire urgency, awareness, and readiness among its members. Without this eschatological focus, the church risks losing sight of its mission in the world, and believers may become complacent, failing to fully embrace their role in the global, redemptive mission of God.
1.3. Aim and Objectives of the Study
The aim of the study is to examine the role of discipleship in equipping the 21st century church for the end time harvest. The specific objectives are:
- To examine the biblical foundation of discipleship and its importance in the context of the modern church.
- To assess the current practices of discipleship within 21st century churches and identify areas for improvement.
- To explore the impact of effective discipleship on the spiritual growth and maturity of church members.
- To investigate how discipleship can better prepare the church for the challenges and opportunities of the end time harvest.
1.4. Research Questions
The research questions are buttressed below:
- What is the biblical foundation of discipleship and why is it important in the context of the modern church?
- How are discipleship practices currently implemented in 21st century churches, and what areas can be improved?
- What is the impact of effective discipleship on the spiritual growth and maturity of church members?
- How can discipleship better prepare the church for the challenges and opportunities of the end time harvest?
1.5. Research Hypothesis
The hypothetical statement of the study is buttressed below:
Ho: Discipleship has no significant impact on the spiritual growth and maturity of church members.
H1: Discipleship has significant impact on the spiritual growth and maturity of church members
1.6. Significance of the Study
The significance of this study lies in its potential to provide a clear and actionable framework for the 21st-century church to effectively engage in discipleship and prepare for the end-time harvest. As global dynamics continue to evolve, the church faces increasing challenges related to secularism, cultural shifts, and theological confusion. By focusing on the role of discipleship in preparing believers for the harvest, this study aims to bridge the gap between traditional discipleship practices and the urgent mission of reaching the world for Christ in the last days. It offers a timely opportunity for church leaders to rethink and reimagine how discipleship can be effectively leveraged to fulfill the Great Commission in an increasingly complex and digitally connected world.
One of the primary contributions of this study is its potential to address the gap between spiritual formation and missional engagement. In many churches, discipleship programs have been focused primarily on personal spiritual growth without adequate emphasis on equipping believers to actively participate in evangelism and global outreach. By exploring the role of discipleship in preparing individuals for mission, this study will highlight how a comprehensive, biblically grounded discipleship model can empower believers to engage in the work of the kingdom. It emphasizes that the mission of the church is not an optional add-on but an intrinsic part of every believer’s spiritual journey, particularly in light of the impending return of Christ. The study will provide practical insights on how to integrate these two aspects—spiritual formation and mission—into a unified discipleship process.
Furthermore, this study is significant in its ability to offer strategies for the church to adapt to the ever-changing technological landscape. As digital tools become central to communication, learning, and community, the church must find ways to incorporate these technologies into its discipleship efforts. The research will shed light on how online resources, virtual gatherings, and social media platforms can be effectively used to disciple believers across geographical and cultural boundaries. By doing so, the study seeks to help the church overcome its resistance to digital transformation and ensure that its discipleship practices remain relevant in a rapidly advancing digital age. This adaptability is crucial for preparing believers to reach a global audience, aligning with the church’s mission to preach the gospel to all nations in the end-time harvest.
In addition, the study’s significance extends to the role of church leadership in driving effective discipleship programs. Strong, theologically sound leadership is key to fostering a culture of discipleship that goes beyond mere knowledge transfer to one of transformation and active service. This research will underscore the importance of well-equipped leaders who can model Christ-like behavior, mentor emerging leaders, and mobilize the congregation for outreach. By addressing the need for intentional and effective leadership in discipleship, the study will contribute to the development of leaders who are not only capable of guiding believers through personal spiritual formation but also prepared to equip them for mission in the world. This, in turn, will help the church develop a leadership structure that supports and sustains the discipleship process necessary for the end-time harvest.
Moreover, this study will underscore the importance of an eschatological perspective in discipleship, which is often overlooked in contemporary church life. The understanding that Christ will return soon and the urgency of the global harvest should shape every aspect of discipleship, motivating believers to live with an eternal perspective. This study’s exploration of the eschatological dimension of discipleship will be significant because it helps the church understand that preparing for the end-time harvest is not merely about individual readiness but a collective, global mission. By aligning discipleship with the anticipation of Christ’s return, the church can be more proactive in reaching the lost and fulfilling its mission before the close of this age. This approach encourages believers to live with intentionality and urgency, focusing on the things of eternal significance.
Finally, the significance of this study lies in its potential to contribute to a broader understanding of discipleship as both a personal and communal practice. Discipleship is not merely an individual pursuit but is meant to be lived out within the context of the Christian community. This study will emphasize how discipleship fosters a missional community, wherein believers are equipped not only for personal growth but also for collective service. The church must be intentional about building communities of faith that are actively engaged in outreach and equipped to handle the complexities of a world in need of the gospel. By highlighting the communal aspect of discipleship, this research aims to strengthen the church’s collective effort in preparing for the end-time harvest, ensuring that every member plays a part in the mission of God.
1.7. Scope of the Study
The study examines the role of discipleship in equipping the 21st century church for the end time harvest.. The study is limited to some selected Churches in Lagos.
1.8. Operational Definition of Terms
Role: The term “role” refers to the function, responsibility, or position that someone or something has within a particular context or system. In this context, the “role” refers to the specific function or purpose that discipleship serves within the church, particularly in relation to preparing believers for the mission of reaching the lost and fulfilling God’s kingdom purposes in the last days.
Discipleship: Discipleship is the process of guiding and nurturing individuals in their spiritual growth to become more like Christ. It involves teaching, mentoring, and equipping believers with biblical knowledge, spiritual practices, and a heart for mission, ultimately empowering them to live out their faith in every aspect of life. Discipleship is central to the Christian journey, as it fosters both personal transformation and a missional lifestyle, making it an essential element for preparing believers for the work of God’s Kingdom.
Equipping: Equipping refers to the process of providing individuals with the tools, knowledge, skills, and resources they need to accomplish a specific task or mission. In the context of the church, “equipping” refers to preparing believers through teaching, training, and spiritual formation, so they can actively engage in fulfilling the Great Commission and participate in the end-time harvest. This includes nurturing their faith, developing their spiritual gifts, and preparing them to live out their calling in the world.
21st Century: The 21st century refers to the current era in human history, specifically the time period from the year 2001 to 2100. It is characterized by rapid technological advances, cultural shifts, global interconnectedness, and significant changes in how society functions. For the church, the 21st century presents unique challenges and opportunities, such as navigating secularism, embracing digital technology for ministry, and responding to global crises, all of which influence how discipleship and the mission of the church are carried out in contemporary contexts.
Church: The “church” refers to the community of believers in Jesus Christ who gather for worship, fellowship, teaching, and mission. It is both a local body of believers and a universal body that spans across time and geography. The church’s primary mission is to worship God, grow in faith, and spread the gospel message to the world, helping others to become disciples of Jesus Christ. The church serves as a support system for believers, equipping them for service and fostering spiritual growth and community.
End-Time: The “end-time” refers to the period in human history leading up to the return of Jesus Christ and the fulfillment of God’s ultimate plan for creation. It includes events such as the final judgment, the establishment of God’s eternal Kingdom, and the ultimate defeat of evil. In Christian theology, the end-time is often associated with prophecy and eschatology, encouraging believers to live with an awareness of Christ’s imminent return, which motivates the church to actively engage in spreading the gospel and preparing the world for His arrival.
Harvest: In a biblical context, “harvest” is a metaphor used to describe the gathering of souls or the spread of the gospel. It represents the mission of bringing people into the Kingdom of God, often with an emphasis on evangelism, outreach, and discipleship. The “end-time harvest” specifically refers to the global gathering of people into God’s Kingdom before the return of Christ, with believers being called to actively participate in sharing the message of salvation and preparing for the completion of God’s redemptive work.
