Spiritual Formation Discipleship, Part 4 -- Differientiating Methods

I recently wrote a long post on Spiritual Formation Discipleship.  This post identifies 10 principles and associated practices for a relational discipleship model.  The story of how this came about is in two other posts, and each of these are linked to in the above referenced post.  I also put links to the SFD posts in the blog Mission, Vision, and Practices (see links on main blog page.  With all this in mind, the question I have is:  "How do all these methods, principles, and practices relate?  What differientiates these from each other?"  In this post, I will reflect on the answers to these questions.

The Spiritual Formation Discipleship (SPD) model was for me the predicessor to the other models I have written about in this blog, even though I just now finished documenting it.  The best way to understand the SPD model is to read the story of how it sprung up from our spiritual retreat ministry.  In the retreat ministry, we setup a loose structure that allowed people to encounter God.  We provided some pointers and general practices that might be helpful, but it was really up to God to respond.  It was a faith thing, where we trusted the Holy Spirit to meet each person during the retreat.  He always did.

In the same way, the SPD model is a loose structure that sets up an environment for encountering God, and for engaging the natural process of spiritual formation which the Holy Spirit desires for all followers of Jesus.  It does not tell you how to do anything, but just notes some guidelines.  It is also a model aimed at someone who is going to disciple someone else.  The principle of uniqueness, for instance, reminds us that we cannot use the same methods, starting points, and process for everyone.  Each person starts with their uniqueness (see the principle commentary), and goes on from there.

The idea of SPD is that the individual starts where they are at, and learns these principles and practices, and applies them to their life.  For example, we start with uniqueness, and using Holy Listening, and other practices, explore our uniqueness.  Our mentors help us understand the practices, such as journaling, lectio divina, or various types of prayer.  The goal is to learn the basic tools of the practices, and to make the paradigm shift into being a disciple.  Ideally, this includes having a mentor who has gone on ahead of us.  Our mentors ideally should be someone who shares some of our unique qualities.

The Mission, Vision, and Values of this blog represents a focused definition of the practice of Christ.  It is related to being a disciple, and the principles and practices of SPD are assumed.  This provides a type of structure and vision for the blog, but it also is a good summary of what it means to practice Christ, which in turn, is a good summary of what a disciple might "look like."

There are many ways one might define a disciple of Jesus, but each must have certain qualities.  It must be love centered, reflecting loving God and loving others and abiding love.  It needs to include intimacy with God, and collaboration with the Holy Spirit.  Holiness (purity), generosity, and justice are also key to Jesus' teachings, and therefore to being his follower.  Jesus also specifically emphsized the way of the cross -- dying to self.  We are not to be isolated from others (even if we are hermits), but rather, to work out our discipleship in fellowship and community with others.  Finally, we are sent ones, who are sent out to be ambassors for the Kingdom of God; ministers of reconcilliation.  These are key attributes that any definition of being a disciple needs to include.

Of course, there is a rich depth to Christianity, and many other things that spring out of what I have noted above.  We are to look forward to Jesus' return and the consummation of the ages (eschatology).  It is good to understand the Bible and Jesus as the promised Messiah.  Good theology is helpful, and bad theology can be damaging.  We should be able to discern betweent the two.  We live in a spiritual world, so we should understand what that means and how to discern spiritual things.  All of this and more is a part of the Christian faith.  What we must be careful about, though, is universalizing our own uniqness and expect or judge others to live out their faith just like us.  I would also suggest that our particular denominational association reflects our uniqueness, so we should not consider one denomination more "correct" than another.  My point here is that there is more to discover about Christianity than these simple models.  However, these models center in on the core principles and practices that will lead us in the way of being a disciple of Jesus.

I also have noted IHOP's Sacred Charge, which is summarized in the "7 Committments of a Forerunner."  This is more of a measure or challenge goal, specifically aimed at preparing oneself as a forerunner (like John the Baptist) for the time when Jesus returns.  Still, it embodies the core requirements of being a follower of Jesus, and it has as one of its goals, that of making disciples.  This is particularly emphasized in the "Lead Diligently" and "Speak Boldly" committments.  As stated elsewhere, Bickle's 12 characteristics of a diligent leader are excellent leadership principles that we can all learn from. 

For me though, the 7 Committments is a measure of how I am doing on a day to day basis.  Am I praying (including worship and scripture reading) daily?  Am I fasting at all during the week?  Am I seeking to live in purity or to be generous?  These seven committments are easy challenge questions that we can ask ourselves regularly, to see if we are living out the fullness of what it means to be a disciple and a maker of disciples.  The point is not to measure performance, but rather to check to see if we are engaging discipleship.  It is a matter of being honest with ourselves, and assessing areas that might need attention, as the Holy Spirit leads.  If we don't use the 7 Committments, we should use something to evaluate our walk with the Lord.  Like the other models I have mentioned here, the 7 Committments are not an exhaustive definition of the Christian faith.

So there you have it.  The SPD principles and practices are a framework or guides to setup an environment in our lives for the Holy Spirit to disciple us in Christ, and to form Christ in us.  The Mission, Vision, and Practices of this blog attempt to define the scope of this blog, and what it means to practice Christ.  They answer the question at a high level, "What does it mean to practice Christ?"  The 7 Committments of a Forerunner are also good guides to the practice of Christ, and they allow us to measure our daily walk with the Lord.  

What does it mean to you, my reader?  Well, remember you are unique.  Start where you are at, and start learning and applying these principles.  Allow the Holy Spirit to guide you along the way.  Ask God to bring people into your life that you can share this walk with, and who might mentor you, or who you might be able to mentor.  Also, I welcome you to comment on this blog, as I have always hoped to forster discussion as we reflect together on what it means to practice Christ.

Comments

[sacred journeys Hawaii]

Very well put..
The methodology and the process was almost the same to the spiritual process we had in our Church.
So nice!

[Christopher W]

Thanks for the feedback! I would be interested in hearing more about how they got it started in your church.