This research explored the development of a discipleship model that facilitates spiritual growth among new converts in Christ Apostolic Church Ikorodu Districts' Coordinating Council. The aim is to create a contextualized approach that addresses the unique needs of new converts, enhancing their spiritual development and maturity. The study reveals that while Christ Apostolic Church Ikorodu Districts' Coordinating Council has a strong commitment to discipleship, there are significant gaps in the current discipleship approach, which often fails to provide a structured program for new converts, leading to spiritual stagnation and departure from the church. This investigation employs a mixed-methods approach, incorporating surveys, interviews, and focus groups to gather data from new converts and church leaders. The findings highlight the importance of a discipleship model that integrates biblical teachings with contextual understanding, emphasizing mentorship, community engagement, and spiritual discipline. The study concluded that a tailored discipleship program is essential for fostering spiritual growth among new converts. Recommendations include the development of a structured discipleship program, training for church leaders and mentors, and the establishment of small groups for new converts. This research contributes to the development of a discipleship model that prioritizes spiritual growth and maturity among new converts in the Christ Apostolic Church.
Table of Contents
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
1.2 Statement of the Problem
1.3 Purpose of the Study
1.4 Thesis Statement
1.5 Significance of the Study
1.6 Research Methodology
1.7 Scope of the Study
1.8 Definition of Operational Terms
CHAPTER TWO: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURES
2.0 Introduction
2.1 Understanding Discipleship
2.2 Theological Foundations of Discipleship
2.2.1 The New Testament Emphasis
2.2.2 Becoming a Disciple
2.2.3 Spiritual Transformation and Discipleship
2.2.4 Discipleship and the Early Church
2.3 The biblical authority for discipleship
2.3.1 Philosophy of Discipleship
2.3.2 Psychology of Discipleship
2.3.3 Political Methods of Discipleship
2.3.4 Educational and Pedagogical Perspective of Discipleship
2.4 Basic concept of Pauline Discipleship model
2.5 New member Discipline Model
2.6 The Church’s role in Discipleship
2.7 The new convert’s role in Discipleship
2.8 Evangelism and Discipleship
2.9 The results of Discipleship
CHAPTER THREE: FOSTERING SPIRITUAL GROWTH AMONG NEW CONVERTS IN CAC IKORODU DCC
3.0 Introduction
3.1 Historical Background of CAC Ikorodu DCC
3.2 Theoretical Framework: Biblical Principles and Discipleship Models
3.3 Conceptual Framework: Defining Spiritual Growth and Maturity
3.4 Thesis Statement Expanded
3.5 Rationale and Justification: The logic and justification behind the thesis statement
CHAPTER FOUR: APPLICATION - FOSTERING SPIRITUAL GROWTH THROUGH DISCIPLESHIP
4.0 Introduction
4.1 Discipleship Model Development
4.1.1 Biblical Foundation
4.1.2 Contextual Considerations
4.1.3 Model Outline
4.2 Implementation Strategy
4.2.1 Leadership Training
4.2.2 Mentorship Program
4.2.3 Small Group Ministry
4.3 Evaluation and Monitoring
4.3.1 Assessment Tools
4.3.2 Progress Tracking
4.3.3 Adjustments and Refinements
4.4 Conclusion
CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 Summary of Findings
5.2 Conclusion
5.3 Recommendations
5.4 Suggestions for further Studies
Research Objectives and Themes
This study aims to develop a contextualized discipleship model to facilitate spiritual growth among new converts within the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Ikorodu Districts' Coordinating Council (DCC), addressing the current lack of structured programs that often leads to spiritual stagnation.
- Assessing current awareness and levels of participation in discipleship training within the CAC Ikorodu DCC.
- Examining existing implementation strategies for new converts and evaluating their perceived impact on spiritual development.
- Developing a biblically grounded and contextually relevant discipleship model tailored to the unique needs of the local assembly.
- Formulating actionable recommendations for church leadership, including mentorship programs and small group ministries, to enhance long-term spiritual maturity.
Excerpt from the Book
2.2.1 The New Testament Emphasis
In the New Testament, the term ‘disciple,’ μαθητής, inherently implies a attachment that is personal, the one which profoundly shapes the entire life of the individual described as such, with this attachment leaving no doubt as to who wields the transformative influence. Jesus’ disciples exemplified this deep devotion when they declared to Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (John 6:68). At the Last Supper, Jesus Himself underscored His power over the disciples, as seen in His exchange with Peter: “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me” (John 13:8).
In the New Testament, the term ‘disciple,’ μαθητής, carries a more profound connotation than merely that of a learner or pupil. It denotes an adherents that do not only receives but also integrates the received instruction as the guiding principle of their conduct. Examples include the John’ disciples (Mark 2:18; John 3:25; Luke 5:33; 7:18;Matthew 11:2) and the Pharisees’ disciples (Mark 2:18). According to gospel of John, in John 9:28, there account for Pharisees who distinguish between the healed blind man, whom they identify as ‘his disciple,’ and themselves, as ‘Moses’ disciples.’
Summary of Chapters
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION: This chapter provides the foundation for the research, establishing the biblical mandate of the Great Commission and identifying the need for structured discipleship programs for new converts in the CAC Ikorodu DCC.
CHAPTER TWO: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURES: This section explores the theological foundations of discipleship, examining historical and contemporary models and their application to spiritual formation and psychological well-being.
CHAPTER THREE: FOSTERING SPIRITUAL GROWTH AMONG NEW CONVERTS IN CAC IKORODU DCC: This chapter contextualizes the research by providing a historical overview of the CAC Ikorodu DCC and establishing the theoretical framework based on biblical principles.
CHAPTER FOUR: APPLICATION - FOSTERING SPIRITUAL GROWTH THROUGH DISCIPLESHIP: This part details the practical development of a three-phase discipleship model and implementation strategies, including leadership training, mentorship, and small group ministries.
CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS: This final chapter synthesizes the research findings and provides specific, actionable recommendations for church leaders to improve the spiritual growth of new converts.
Keywords
Discipleship, Spiritual Growth, New Converts, Christ Apostolic Church, Mentorship, Biblical Principles, Church Growth, Spiritual Maturity, Leadership Training, Small Group Ministry, Evangelism, Christian Faith, Theological Foundation, Discipleship Model, Spiritual Transformation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research?
The research focuses on fostering spiritual growth among new converts within the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Ikorodu Districts' Coordinating Council (DCC) by developing a tailored, structured discipleship model.
What are the central themes of the work?
The central themes include the biblical basis for discipleship, the importance of mentorship and leadership training, the role of spiritual disciplines, and the necessity of contextualizing discipleship programs to meet the specific needs of new converts.
What is the primary goal of the study?
The primary goal is to address the gap in current discipleship approaches that lead to spiritual stagnation by creating a contextualized discipleship program that promotes spiritual maturity and integration into the church community.
Which scientific methodology is applied in the study?
The research employs a mixed-methods approach, utilizing library research for theoretical foundations and field work, including surveys, interviews, and focus groups, to gather data from church members and leaders.
What does the main body of the research address?
The main body covers the biblical and theological foundations of discipleship, examines various discipleship models (Jesus, Apostolic, and Pauline), analyzes the role of the church and individual converts, and proposes a three-phase practical application model.
Which keywords characterize this work?
Key terms include Discipleship, Spiritual Growth, New Converts, Christ Apostolic Church, Mentorship, Biblical Principles, Church Growth, and Spiritual Maturity.
How does the author define the Pauline Discipleship Model?
The author defines the Pauline model as a mentorship-based approach that emphasizes teaching, spiritual fatherhood, and the imitation of Christ, grounded in the apostle Paul's instruction to follow his example as he follows Christ.
What practical recommendations does the research provide for the CAC Ikorodu DCC?
The research recommends creating a structured discipleship training manual, implementing mandatory training for leaders and mentors, assigning mentors for one-on-one guidance, and establishing small groups to foster accountability and fellowship.
- Quote paper
- Timilehin Olabiyi (Author), 2024, Fostering Spiritual Growth Among New Converts. A Study of Discipleship Models in Christ Apostolic Church Ikorodu Districts' Coordinating Council, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1728625
