The Nature of Discipleship
Dr. Karen Rouggly
September 9, 2024
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Main Topics Discussed
Introduction: Welcoming and Setting the Stage
Opening Remarks by Andre:
Introduction of self as a graduate intern for the Office of Service and Discipleship (OSD).
Warm welcome to Discipleship Chapel, introducing the theme of discipleship for the day.
Brief introduction of the key question: "What is discipleship?"
Simple definition: Discipleship is a relationship with Jesus and others with Jesus at the center.
Spiritual Exercise (Led by Andre)
Communal Spiritual Practice:
Invitation for everyone to stand up and prepare for a communal exercise.
Breathing Exercise:
Leading the congregation to take deep breaths together in sync.
Reciting verses from Psalm 77, with the audience repeating after Andre.
Reflection on the Exercise:
Connecting the spiritual exercise to the concept of discipleship:
Connecting with God: Through the repetition of God’s Word.
Connecting with One Another: Through syncing breath and hearts in communal worship.
Emphasis on the communal nature of discipleship—discipleship cannot be done alone.
Dr. Karen Rouggly’s Message: Foundations of Discipleship
APU's Commitment to Discipleship:
APU values discipleship, aiming to create a deep foundation for lifelong discipleship.
Discipleship is more than a college practice—it’s a lifetime journey of following Jesus.
Defining Discipleship:
Basic Definition: A disciple follows and spreads the teachings of a master teacher.
Applying it to Jesus:
Discipleship to Jesus is not just about learning information, but imitating His life, values, and actions.
A disciple does what the teacher (Jesus) does.
John Mark Comer’s Definition:
"Being with Jesus, becoming like Jesus, and doing what Jesus did."
Being with Jesus: The foundation of discipleship. Your discipleship is to Jesus first, not to any other authority.
Becoming Like Jesus: The transformation that occurs as you spend time with Him.
Doing What Jesus Did: The natural outflow of discipleship.
The Power of Formation
Formation Happens Constantly:
If you’re not being formed by Jesus, you’re being formed by something else (media, social influences, etc.).
Question: What is shaping your view of the "good life"? Is it money, success, or relationships?
Discipleship teaches that true security and joy come from Jesus alone—not material things.
The Good Life According to Jesus:
Loving God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength (Matthew 22:37-39).
Illustration: Even great relationships, financial success, and family cannot provide the deep joy and peace that discipleship with Jesus does.
Becoming Like Jesus: The Role of Attention
Proximity to Jesus Shapes You:
The more time you spend with someone, the more you become like them.
Examples: Common jingles and slogans stick with us because of repeated exposure.
Likewise, what you spend time focusing on shapes you—whether it’s Jesus or other distractions.
Active Role in Discipleship:
Discipleship is not accidental; it’s intentional. You have a choice in how you spend your time and energy.
Ownership of Choices:
You choose what you consume, who you spend time with, and how you prioritize your relationship with Jesus.
Following Jesus Together: Community in Discipleship
The Power of Community:
Discipleship is not an individual pursuit; it’s meant to be done in community.
No Movement Happens Alone: Every major movement is backed by a community, not just an individual.
Jesus’ Example:
Jesus had His own group of disciples with whom He lived and shared life.
Authentic relationships and personal growth happen within this kind of close-knit community.
Discipleship for All: No Special Qualifications Required
Breaking the Myth:
Discipleship is not reserved for pastors, teachers, or leaders. It’s for every believer.
It’s not about following a special curriculum or reading a bestselling book—it’s about growing closer to Jesus through personal relationships.
The Core of Discipleship:
Spending time with Jesus, growing in Christlikeness, and doing the things that Jesus did.
Emphasizing the shared responsibility of all believers to engage in discipleship.
Testimonies of Students Impacted by Discipleship (Video Presentation)
Student Testimony 1:
Sharing how a close relationship with God has transformed their life.
Emphasizing the deep connection with God and the beauty of connecting with others through the Holy Spirit.
Student Testimony 2:
Describing how discipleship ministry at APU became a home and fostered deeper relationships.
The importance of being with people and experiencing personal growth through community.
Conclusion
Final Call:
Discipleship is about being with Jesus, becoming like Him, and doing what He did—both individually and in community.
Key Takeaway: Discipleship is a lifelong journey, not just a college activity.
Biblical References
Psalm 77:1, 11, 19 (Used in the Spiritual Exercise)
"I cry out to God... But then I recall all you have done... Your road led through the sea, a pathway no one knew was there."
2. Matthew 22:37-39 (Implied in "The Good Life")
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind... Love your neighbor as yourself."
3. Romans 12:2 (Implied in "Formation")
"Do not conform to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."
4. John 15:4-5 (Implied in "Being with Jesus")
"Remain in me, and I will remain in you... Apart from me, you can do nothing."
Reflection Questions
Personal Formation: In what ways are you being shaped by the influences around you (e.g., social media, culture, relationships)? How can you intentionally shift your focus to be formed by Jesus in your daily life?
Defining the "Good Life":When you think about the "good life," what comes to mind? How does this align or differ from Jesus’ definition of a life centered on loving God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength?
Intentional Discipleship: Discipleship is intentional, not accidental. What choices can you make this week to actively follow Jesus and prioritize your relationship with Him?
Community in Discipleship: How are you engaging with others in your journey of discipleship? What role does community play in your spiritual growth, and how can you strengthen those communal relationships?
Living Like Jesus:Reflect on the idea of "doing what Jesus did." What are some practical ways you can embody Jesus’ love, grace, and service to others in your everyday interactions this week?
Daily Activities
Start Your Day with Psalm 77
Activity: Begin your day by reading Psalm 77:1, 11, and 19, reflecting on how God’s presence has led you through difficult moments in the past. Take a few deep breaths and repeat the verses aloud to yourself, syncing your breath with the words, just like the spiritual exercise during the chapel.
Application: This practice helps center your thoughts on God’s guidance and reminds you of His past faithfulness as you start your week with Him.
Evaluate Your Influences
Activity: Take some time today to journal about the things that influence you. Reflect on the question: “What is shaping my view of the good life?” Identify media, relationships, or habits that are shaping your worldview.
Application: Evaluate whether these influences align with the teachings of Jesus. Identify one specific change you can make to ensure your daily influences lead you toward Jesus and not away from Him.
Intentional Community Connection
Activity: Reach out to a fellow believer or a small group member and share a meaningful conversation about discipleship and community. Plan to pray together or share how your relationship with Jesus is shaping your life.
Application: This aligns with the idea that discipleship is not a solo journey, and that you need a supportive community to grow. Commit to nurturing relationships that lead you and others closer to Jesus.
Imitate Jesus in Your Actions
Activity: Today, intentionally practice “doing what Jesus did.” Focus on one act of service or kindness that reflects Jesus’ love for others. Whether it’s helping someone in need, offering encouragement, or simply being present for someone, make it a deliberate choice.
Application: This mirrors the sermon’s call to action—discipleship is not just being with Jesus but also doing what He did. Reflect on how this action connects you more deeply to Jesus’ mission.
Set a Weekend Discipleship Goal
Activity: Reflect on your week and set a small but tangible discipleship goal for the weekend. It could be spending more time in prayer, reading scripture, or committing to a longer period of solitude with God.
Application: Discipleship is about intentionality. This goal will help you continue growing in your walk with Jesus, ensuring that your weekend is not just rest, but a time of spiritual renewal as well.
