Details for NAT11088001 Induct disciples into the central beliefs and practices of a church

Understanding the central beliefs and practices of a church is foundational for effective discipleship. This subject trains students to induct others into these principles, blending theological education with practical guidance. Students will learn to prepare and implement a discipleship plan, communicate key doctrines, and facilitate participation in sacraments. They will also assist new disciples in integrating into church life.

Quick Stats

• Currently offered by Alphacrucis: Yes
• Course code: NAT11088001
• Credit points: 10

Subject Coordinator

Prerequisite

Unit Content

Outcomes

1. Prepare to disciple church members

• A local church’s discipleship strategy is familiarized
• Disciple candidates are identified
• Candidates are invited into a discipleship relationship
• A discipleship plan is developed in consultation with willing disciples which details the discipleship schedule and resources needed and abides by the church’s discipleship strategy
• Required resources are gathered

2. Explain the basic theology and sacraments of Christian orthodoxy to disciples

• Spiritual and emotional support are provided to disciples throughout the discipleship relationship to facilitate an open learning environment
• The basic theology of Christian orthodoxy is communicated
• Questions from the disciple(s) are encouraged and answered
• Resources for further study are referred where necessary

3. Encourage disciples to participate in the sacraments

• The sacraments the local church recognises are identified and their theological significance summarised
• The local church’s particular process of participating in these sacraments is explained
• Disciples are invited to follow the process of participating in relevant sacraments
• Spiritual, emotional and practical support are provided to disciple(s) who pursue participation

4. Assist disciples’ integration into the life and service of the church

• The local church’s structure, its ministries and opportunities for service are outlined
• Disciple(s) are assisted to identify their interests and gifting
• Disciple(s) are introduced to key people and ministries most aligned to their demographic, interests and gifting
• Disciples are encouraged to join one or more of the church’s ministries where appropriate Feedback on the discipleship received is obtained from the disciple

Subject Content

This course may be offered in the following formats

Please check the timetable to see when this subject will next be offered at Alphacrucis University College.

Assessment Methods

Assessment 1: Disciple others into the foundational beliefs, practices and ministry of your church.

Assessment 2: Christian Orthodoxy Knowledge Quiz

Prescribed Text

Level 1 (easiest to digest)

Bird, Michael F. What Christians Ought to Believe: An Introduction to Christian Doctrine Through the Apostles’ Creed. Grand Rapids: HarperCollins Christian Publishing, 2016.

Level 2

McGrath, Alister E. Theology: the Basics. Third edition. Malden, MA: Wiley-Blackwell, 2012.

or

Jones, Beth Felker. Practicing Christian Doctrine: an Introduction to Thinking and Living Theologically. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, a division of Baker Publishing Group, 2014.

Level 3 (more complicated and technical)

McGrath, Alister E., Christian Theology: An Introduction. Hoboken. John Wiley & Sons, Incorporated, 2010.