Project – An exploration of the impacts of Discipleship on church growth: A study of Luke 9:1-6.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
- Background to the Study
Discipleship has long been regarded as a foundational element in the growth and development of Christian communities. The relationship between discipleship and church growth has attracted substantial scholarly attention, with various perspectives on how intentional discipleship impacts the health, sustainability, and outreach of churches. Luke 9:1-6 serves as a pivotal text in understanding the principles of discipleship in the early church. In this passage, Jesus empowers his disciples, sending them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and heal the sick. This action underscores the essential role of discipleship in both spiritual and numerical growth within the church, as disciples are sent to fulfill the mission of the gospel (Luke 9:1-6, NIV). Scholars argue that the process of discipleship, as exemplified in Luke’s gospel, directly impacts the expansion of the Christian community by fostering evangelism and deepening faith.
A key area of research has been the direct relationship between the practice of discipleship and church growth. Various studies emphasize that the strength of discipleship is often correlated with the vitality of church growth. In their work, “Discipleship and Church Growth: A Strategic Approach,” McGavran and Wagner (2010) argue that discipleship is a critical strategy for sustaining church growth because it creates a vibrant, mission-driven community. Through personal transformation and commitment to Jesus, disciples of Christ multiply, thereby resulting in the expansion of the church. In line with this perspective, Luke 9:1-6 can be viewed as an early example of strategic discipleship, where Jesus directly instructs his followers to engage in mission work, an activity central to the church’s outreach and growth.
Building upon this, the concept of missional discipleship has been explored as an essential catalyst for church growth. Missional discipleship goes beyond personal sanctification and emphasizes the calling of believers to actively engage in the mission of God in their local and global communities. As highlighted in the work of Hunsberger (2012), the church is not a static entity but a dynamic, missional movement that grows through its members’ engagement with the world. The passage in Luke 9:1-6 illustrates this missional dimension of discipleship, as the disciples are entrusted with the authority to heal and preach the good news, marking a shift from passive learning to active, outward-facing service. This active mission-driven discipleship model supports church growth by transforming the church into a hub for outreach and evangelism.
Additionally, research on discipleship and church growth often examines the importance of spiritual formation in producing committed, effective disciples. Spiritual formation refers to the process by which disciples are nurtured in their faith, growing in their knowledge of Scripture, prayer, and fellowship with one another. This aspect of discipleship has been shown to produce deeper commitment to the church and its mission. In their study on spiritual formation and church growth, Mulholland and Johnson (2015) highlight that churches committed to fostering spiritual growth among their members experience greater cohesion and long-term growth. Luke 9:1-6 provides insight into this aspect, as the disciples, after spending time with Jesus, are empowered with the Holy Spirit to carry out the mission, demonstrating that deep spiritual formation results in more fruitful and sustainable growth.
The impact of discipleship on church growth is also reflected in the role of leadership within the church. Research by Barna Group (2019) identifies strong, servant-oriented leadership as a key factor in nurturing disciples and fostering church growth. In the context of Luke 9:1-6, Jesus’ role as the primary leader and mentor of the disciples models the importance of empowering others for ministry. The disciples are not merely recipients of information but are entrusted with authority and responsibility. This concept of servant leadership, where leaders actively invest in the development of others, has been associated with increased church vitality and expansion. Effective discipleship, according to the teachings of Jesus in this passage, involves equipping others to lead, thus multiplying the reach of the church and facilitating growth.
Finally, scholars have noted the importance of community and relationships in discipleship and its direct connection to church growth. Discipleship is not an individualistic endeavor but is rooted in communal life and relational bonds among believers. According to Kinnaman and Lyons (2016), the relational aspects of discipleship, where individuals grow together in their understanding of the gospel, contribute significantly to church health and growth. In Luke 9:1-6, the disciples are sent out in pairs, emphasizing the need for partnership and mutual support in ministry. This relational dimension of discipleship fosters a sense of belonging and accountability, which is crucial for sustaining long-term church growth. When disciples grow together in community, they are more likely to be motivated to engage in evangelism and service, leading to increased outreach and church expansion.
1.2. Statement of the Problem
The relationship between discipleship and church growth remains a central issue in contemporary Christian ministry. Despite the substantial theological and pastoral focus on discipleship within the church, many congregations still struggle to experience sustained, meaningful growth. While there has been an increasing recognition of the importance of discipleship in nurturing individuals’ spiritual lives, the direct connection between discipleship and church growth is not always clearly understood or effectively implemented. This creates a gap in how churches approach discipleship as a tool for both personal transformation and community outreach. Luke 9:1-6 offers a critical model for understanding how discipleship is not just about personal sanctification, but is intrinsically tied to the mission of spreading the gospel and growing the church. Therefore, this study seeks to examine how the practice of discipleship, as illustrated in this passage, impacts the growth and development of the church.
One significant issue lies in the church’s current approach to discipleship. Many churches emphasize discipleship as an internal, often passive process, focusing on deepening individual faith through Bible study, prayer, and worship. While these elements are important, there is a lack of integration between discipleship and outward-facing mission. Luke 9:1-6 challenges this narrow understanding of discipleship by demonstrating that true discipleship involves active engagement with the world through preaching, healing, and evangelism. However, many modern churches seem to disconnect discipleship from active mission, thereby limiting their growth potential. This creates a situation where discipleship is practiced in isolation, without a clear connection to the broader church mission of reaching out to others.
A related problem is that many church leaders and members are uncertain about how to effectively implement discipleship strategies that lead to church growth. While various strategies for church growth exist, few emphasize the integral role of discipleship in fostering both spiritual depth and outward expansion. In light of Luke 9:1-6, where Jesus not only trains but also sends out his disciples to actively engage in ministry, the modern church must ask how it can align its discipleship practices with the broader goal of church multiplication. This raises the question of whether current discipleship programs adequately equip members for the active, mission-driven role that Luke’s gospel suggests is essential for church growth.
Furthermore, the lack of spiritual formation that connects personal discipleship with communal action is a pressing issue in many churches. In Luke 9:1-6, the disciples’ spiritual growth is not merely for personal edification but is meant to prepare them for service and outreach. However, many modern discipleship programs focus primarily on intellectual knowledge and spiritual formation without emphasizing the practical application of this growth in a broader community context. This results in a gap between the personal transformation experienced through discipleship and the tangible outcomes such as church growth or community impact. The failure to emphasize relational and missional discipleship can therefore stunt the potential growth of both individuals and congregations.
Additionally, the issue of leadership in discipleship programs is another area of concern. Effective leadership is critical to fostering an environment where discipleship leads to growth, both in terms of spiritual maturity and numerical expansion. Many churches struggle with leadership models that are either too centralized or not equipped to engage the congregation in meaningful discipleship. According to Luke 9:1-6, Jesus empowers his disciples, giving them authority to act and proclaim the kingdom of God. This servant-leader model emphasizes the importance of leaders who actively invest in the development and empowerment of others. Without such leadership, churches may experience stagnation rather than growth. This research will explore the disconnect between leadership practices and discipleship outcomes, identifying how churches can cultivate effective leaders who are focused on multiplying disciples.
Finally, the problem of relational dynamics in discipleship must be addressed. Discipleship in Luke 9:1-6 is not an isolated activity but is performed in the context of community and partnership. Jesus sends the disciples out in pairs, emphasizing the importance of mutual support and accountability. Modern churches, however, often lack strong relational frameworks that foster this kind of cooperative discipleship. Without fostering strong, interdependent relationships among believers, churches may fail to create a supportive environment that encourages disciples to take bold steps in their faith and ministry. This lack of relational discipleship may limit the growth potential of the church, both spiritually and numerically, as believers are not equipped to support one another in their mission to reach others.
In summary, the problem addressed by this study is the insufficient connection between discipleship practices and church growth. While discipleship is essential to the spiritual formation of believers, its impact on the expansion of the church has not been fully realized in many contemporary settings. By examining the example of Luke 9:1-6, this research aims to clarify how effective discipleship, rooted in mission, community, leadership, and spiritual formation, can directly contribute to the growth and multiplication of the church. The lack of a holistic approach to discipleship—one that integrates both personal and communal dimensions of faith—poses a significant challenge to churches striving for long-term growth and outreach.
1.3. Aim and Objectives of the Study
The aim of the study is to examine an exploration of the impacts of Discipleship on church growth: A study of Luke 9:1-6. The specific objectives:
- To analyze the concept of discipleship as presented in Luke 9:1-6.
- To examine the relationship between discipleship and church growth.
- To identify specific ways in which discipleship can impact church growth.
- To explore the practical implications of implementing discipleship strategies based on the teachings in Luke 9:1-6.
1.4. Research Questions
The research questions are buttressed below:
- What is the concept of discipleship as presented in Luke 9:1-6?
- What is the relationship between discipleship and church growth?
- What are the specific ways in which discipleship can impact church growth?
- What are the practical implications of implementing discipleship strategies based on the teachings in Luke 9:1-6?
1.5 Significance of the Study
The significance of this study lies in its potential to bridge the gap between discipleship practices and church growth, offering valuable insights for both theological reflection and practical application within church ministry. Understanding the relationship between discipleship and church growth, particularly through the lens of Luke 9:1-6, can provide church leaders and congregations with a clearer framework for fostering vibrant, mission-driven communities. By exploring how discipleship leads to the expansion of the church, this study will contribute to the growing body of research that highlights the importance of a holistic approach to discipleship—one that integrates personal spiritual development with outward-focused evangelism and service.
One of the primary contributions of this study is its emphasis on the missional nature of discipleship. Luke 9:1-6 provides a clear example of how discipleship, when understood in its broader, missional context, is not merely about personal spiritual growth but also about engaging with the world to share the message of the gospel. This study will challenge conventional discipleship models that primarily focus on internal spiritual formation and will encourage churches to adopt a more outward-facing approach to discipleship. As churches grapple with the challenge of stagnation or declining attendance, understanding the missional aspect of discipleship is crucial for fostering sustainable church growth. This study, therefore, offers practical implications for church leaders seeking to reinvigorate their discipleship programs in ways that directly impact outreach and growth.
Additionally, this research will contribute to the understanding of leadership in the context of discipleship. Luke 9:1-6 presents a model of leadership where Jesus actively empowers his disciples, sending them out with authority to preach and heal. This serves as a reminder that leadership is not about accumulating power but about equipping and empowering others for ministry. By exploring this leadership model, the study will highlight how church leaders can transform their approach to discipleship, empowering members to take on active roles in mission and ministry. The significance of this is profound, as it emphasizes a leadership style that values servant leadership, collaboration, and the multiplication of ministry efforts, which are key for effective church growth.
Moreover, the study will shed light on the relational dynamics of discipleship, a critical component that is often overlooked in contemporary discipleship models. Luke 9:1-6 reveals the importance of the disciples working in pairs, emphasizing the role of community in the discipleship process. This study will underscore how relational discipleship fosters accountability, mutual support, and partnership, all of which are essential for long-term spiritual growth and outreach. In many modern churches, individualistic discipleship practices can undermine the relational aspects of community life. By revisiting the communal nature of discipleship in the biblical text, this study will encourage churches to cultivate stronger relational ties among members, which can be instrumental in fostering a more dynamic and engaging church environment.
Furthermore, this study is significant in its potential to challenge and reshape church practices that focus primarily on internal church growth without considering the importance of external engagement. Many churches have internalized their growth strategies, focusing on building larger congregations without adequately connecting their growth to active mission and outreach. By examining how Luke 9:1-6 presents discipleship as both an internal and external journey, this research will encourage churches to rethink their approach to growth, shifting from a static model of increase to a dynamic model of multiplication. This approach is particularly important in today’s context, where church attendance is declining in many regions, and churches are increasingly required to be outward-facing, engaging their surrounding communities in meaningful ways.
Finally, the significance of this study extends to its potential to inspire church growth initiatives that are rooted in a biblical understanding of discipleship. Many existing church growth strategies are often secular or pragmatic in nature, focusing on attendance, programs, or marketing without giving adequate attention to the spiritual formation of disciples. By revisiting Luke 9:1-6, which presents a biblical model for how discipleship leads to growth through empowerment, active participation, and mission, this study will provide a theological and scriptural foundation for churches to build their growth strategies. The focus will not only be on increasing numbers but on deepening the faith of existing members and equipping them for ministry, ensuring that church growth is both meaningful and lasting.
This study holds significant value for church leaders, scholars, and practitioners seeking to understand and implement effective discipleship practices that lead to sustainable church growth. By focusing on the relationship between discipleship and church growth through the lens of Luke 9:1-6, the research will offer both theoretical and practical insights that can reshape how churches approach discipleship in the 21st century. From empowering leaders to strengthening community dynamics and fostering a missional focus, the findings of this study have the potential to contribute to more vibrant, missionally engaged, and growing churches.
1.6. Scope of the Study
The study examines an exploration of the impacts of Discipleship on church growth: A study of Luke 9:1-6.
1.7. Operational Definition of Terms
1. Exploration: Exploration refers to the act of thoroughly examining, investigating, or studying a subject or topic to uncover new insights or deeper understanding. In the context of academic or theological studies, exploration often involves critically analyzing various aspects of a particular theme or concept. It seeks to uncover underlying meanings, patterns, and connections through a detailed and methodical approach.
2. Impacts: Impacts refer to the effects or outcomes produced by a particular action, event, or phenomenon. In the context of a study, impacts examine how certain variables or practices influence or alter specific aspects of a system, group, or process. In this case, “impacts” would refer to how discipleship influences or shapes church growth—whether it leads to positive growth, transformation, or challenges within the church.
3. Discipleship: Discipleship is the process by which individuals commit themselves to learning from, following, and imitating the teachings and example of a leader, particularly Jesus Christ in the Christian context. It involves spiritual formation, personal growth in faith, and the development of one’s relationship with God. Discipleship includes the practice of spreading the teachings of Christianity, as well as serving others and living according to biblical principles. It is often seen as both a personal journey and a communal activity, aimed at becoming more like Christ and spreading the Gospel message.
4. Church Growth: Church growth refers to the process by which a church increases in size, both spiritually and numerically. It encompasses the expansion of the congregation, but also the deepening of spiritual maturity and outreach. Church growth can result from increased attendance, new conversions, and strengthened members, as well as greater involvement in the community and in missionary work. It involves both internal growth—strengthening the faith and commitment of existing members—and external growth—reaching new individuals and communities with the Christian message.
5. Luke 9:1-6: Luke 9:1-6 is a passage from the New Testament of the Bible, where Jesus sends out His twelve disciples to preach the Kingdom of God and heal the sick. In this passage, Jesus empowers His disciples by giving them authority over demons and diseases, instructing them to travel light, stay in the homes of those who welcome them, and move on from towns that reject their message. This passage is significant for understanding the early missionary practices of Jesus’ followers and underscores the role of discipleship in actively engaging with the world through preaching and healing. It exemplifies the active nature of discipleship, where believers are trained to spread the Gospel and participate in God’s mission.
Project – An exploration of the impacts of Discipleship on church growth: A study of Luke 9:1-6.
