MSSN 577 Growing Disciples and Mission

About the Course

This course discusses the biblical basis for mission and for the growth of disciples in both the Old and the New Testaments. It illustrates the fact that God grows churches by growing individual disciples in the local congregation. This course will engage students with a discussion of church growth principles and practices on nurturing new as well as growing established members, with the goal of developing disciple-making disciples. The course will include the practical activity of assessing the growth needs of members of selected Adventist congregations, as well as the development of a one-year curriculum for growing disciples in that particular congregation.

Who Needs This Course?

• Graduate students:
  • MDiv/ MMin
• This course may also be taken by
  • Pastors for continuing education
  • Pastors as a non-degree course for professional development
  • Graduate students of other schools as transfer credit

Time Investment

Minimum of 3 hours per week.

Course Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the students will be able to:

1. Developed a biblical understanding of evangelism and discipleship.
2. Studied different models of discipleship.
3. Acquired the skills to develop an effective discipleship growth plan for a local church.
4. Reflected upon current pastoral discipleship practices.
5. Experienced in developing a series of Growth Bible lessons for church members.
6. Developed study habits that will make the student an effective nurturer, mentor, and mobilizer of disciple-making disciples.

Topics to Cover

Week 1 Biblical Foundations of Discipleship – The Great Commission Mandate

Week 2 Evangelism and Discipleship

Week 3 Assessment and Growth Materials

Week 4 Discipleship and Spiritual Disciplines

Week 5 Small Group & Disciples-making

Week 6 Discipleship and Spiritual Warfare

Week 7 Worship Services & Discipleship

Week 8 Developing Disciple-making Disciples

Week 9 Completion of the course & Evaluation