Discipleship

"Discipleship is the process of becoming who Jesus would be if he were you."
– Dallas Willard

At Radiant our mission as a church is to make and mobilize disciples for the glory of
God and the good of the city.

But what is a disciple? How do we know if we are successful individually or as a church in our mission to make and mobilize disciples.

At Radiant we define a disciple as someone who applies the whole bible to their whole life, and helps others do the same. At first glance this definition may seem a bit overwhelming. We should keep in mind that this is a work of the Spirit in us.

All growth in the Christian life is a work of the Spirit, by the grace available to us because of Jesus.

"Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him." – Philippians 2:12-13

These verses show the relationship between our efforts and the work of the Spirit. Although we must make choices to grow in godliness and avoid sin, even those choices are a gift from God by the Spirit working in us to change our desires and give us the power to grow in obedience.

Marks of a Disciple

We must keep in mind discipleship is less about our effort, and more about our surrender.

"Our Lord's conception of discipleship is not that we work for God, but that God works through us." ~ Oswald Chambers

At Radiant we use the “marks” of a disciple listed below to help focus our efforts and help us celebrate growth.
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These “marks” of a disciple are three different areas that we should be growing in and focusing on as a disciple. These three marks focus on the three relationships that all of the commands of scripture fit it.

Abiding in Christ
Belonging in Community
Committing to the Mission

With each mark of a disciple you’ll be given a definition, an action step, and a goal. The goal is to help illustrate for you the fruit of continued faithfulness in this area.

01. Abide in Christ
(John 15:1-17; John 17:3)

Definition: Abiding in Christ is being connected to Jesus, by the spirit, so that you believe and receive all that Jesus accomplished for you.
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Action: Develop personal rhythms of devotion that produce transformed attitudes, affections, and actions.
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Goal: To go from doing (for God) to being (with God)

02. Belong in Community
(Acts 2:41-47; Hebrews 10:19-25; Galatians 6:2; Romans 13:8-10; 2 Corinthians 6:16-18)

Definition: Belonging in community is responding to your need for, and unique contribution to, persistent, personal, and particular christian community.
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Action: Make space in your schedule to be in regular fellowship with a defined group of other believers. Community Groups are a great way to live this out at Radiant.
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Goal: To go from gathering together to growing together.

03. Commit to the Mission
(Ephesians 2:8-10; Ephesians 4:11-12)

Definition: Committing to the mission refers to being all-in as an agent of restoration, redemption, and reconciliation.
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Action: Use your time, talents, and resources to advance God’s mission personally in your sphere of influence, and corporately with the Radiant Family.

Goal: To go from believing the Whole Gospel to sharing the Whole Gospel.

Discipleship

"Discipleship is the process of becoming who Jesus would be if he were you." – Dallas Willard

At Radiant our mission as a church is to make and mobilize disciples for the glory of God and the good of the city.