5 Stages Of Discipleship Essay

Spiritual growth and maturity are essential to developing as a Christian and reaching the highest potential in Christ. As a novice cannot be expected to perform a task as a master, the same holds true for an infant in Christ. Paul in verse two of chapter three of his Letter to the Church of Corinth, states that he had to treat them as infants in Christ feeding them milk instead of solid food because they desired to please their flesh instead of the spirit. So understanding an individual’s spiritual maturity is important to ensure healthy growth.

As believers grow in the knowledge of the truth and understanding of God’s word, the manifestation of sinful and fleshly desires gradually dissipate. Peter shares that goodness, faith, knowledge, self-control,

Next, it will identify the current stage of discipleship that I am in, while identifying the spheres that I need to submit to in relation to the centrality of Christ. Finally, this paper will conclude with what it means to be in submission to Christ.

The 5 Stages of Discipleship

Spiritual growth requires followers to experience a change from the time the gospel is shared to the acceptance of Christ. Christian development and maturity continue until the disciple ultimately becomes a disciple maker. Jim Putman and Bobby Harrington share a unique concept called the “Five Stages of Discipleship” process. Discipleship develops as the believer moves through the stages of spiritually dead, infant, children, young adult, and parent.

As the believer moves through the process, growth and maturity becomes dependent upon acquiring knowledge, wisdom, and understanding of God’s plan. Throughout the process, there must be an incremental progression towards identity, maturity and spiritual growth. Before determining the maturity level of any person, the gospel must be shared so that the unbeliever can believe in Jesus Christ.

This phase can either make or break the discipleship process. Putman shares, “They have learned enough of the Christian “language” – the teachings of Jesus and the Scripture–to be able to converse with other believers.” Although true, the spiritual young adults have learned enough of the Christian “language” and the word of God to be influential in the discipleship process. Their understanding, but lack of wisdom may thrust them into parenting faster than they are ready. Leaders must be careful in releasing the young adult to early. Through the equipping process, the leader should be able to access the young adult level of spiritual growth and maturity before releasing