Abstract
The implications of a closer Scriptural definition of disciple and discipling for church development In the field of Practical Theology the term “discipling” is often used as a synonym for both spiritual growth and for teaching. To define the term as such can contribute to a dilution of the term “disciple” and to an inaccurate understanding of the process of discipling. In this article the concept of “disciple” is critically analysed. The following conclusion is arrived at: “Discipling” entails the lifelong process by which people are guided and encouraged to progressively become followers and pupils (disciples) of Jesus. The purpose of such a process implies that a person will become more and more like Jesus and will live according to the spirit of Jesus. A correct understanding of the concept of discipleship as a process has far-reaching implications for strategising congregational development.
Highlights
In die veld van Praktiese Teologie word die Engelse term “discipling” redelik algemeen gebruik as sinoniem vir geestelike groei asook vir toerusting of lering (“teaching”)
Eerstens word die algemene gebruik van die term dissipelmaking in vakliteratuur oor gemeentebou ondersoek
Die vraag hoe dissipelmaking en dissipelskap in vakliteratuur oor gemeentebou verstaan moet word, moet egter nagegaan word
Summary
In vakliteratuur oor gemeentebou word die Engelse term discipling (in hierdie artikel vertaal as “dissipelmaking”) redelik algemeen gebruik as sinoniem vir geestelike groei asook die proses van toerusting of lering (teaching). Dissipelmaking (discipling) word dus deur bogenoemde skrywers verstaan asn proses van verdere onderrig en geestelike groei in die lewe van mense wat reeds Christene is. Elders onderskei Schwarz (1999:210) weer tussen discipling en perfecting en waarsku dat laasgenoemde nien voorvereiste vir bekering is nie: Fifth we should distinguish between ‘discipling’ and ‘perfecting’. It is not a symptom of a superficial view of the gospel that evangelism is largely kept free from a discussion of the ethical consequences of the faith. Vir hom lê dissipelmaking semanties nader aan die “evangeliseringsmoment” wanneer Christus as Verlosser aangeneem word, as aan geestelike groei in die voortgaande leerproses (perfecting)
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