A Planned Progression In Discipleship

One of the most influential books I have read on discipleship and the process to make a Christ-centered follower is "Follow Me" by Greg L. Hawkins and Cally Parkinson. In this book the authors outline the findings of a study conducted on more than 1000 churches. Not only did they see clearly defined spiritual categories (based on attitudes, motivations and behaviors) but they also determined catalysts that generate movement from one category to another. Below are some highlight notes I compiled that show the top beliefs, practices, and actions necessary to move someone who is far from God toward a Christ-centered life:

Movement 1 Catalysts (Far from God to Exploring Christ)

1. The Trinity
2. Weekend Services
3. Prayer to Seek Guidance
4. Reflection on Scripture
5. Spiritual Friendships

Movement 2 Catalysts (Exploring Christ to Growing in Christ)

1. Salvation by Grace
2. The Trinity
3. Serve the Church
4. Prayer to Seek Guidance
5. Reflection on Scripture

Movement 3 Catalysts (Growing in Christ to Close to Christ)

1. Personal God
2. Prayer to Seek Guidance
3. Reflection on Scripture
4. Solitude
5. Evangelism

Movement 4 Catalysts (Close to Christ to Christ-Centered)

1. Giving Away My Life
2. Christ is First
3. Identity in Christ
4. Authority of the Bible
5. Reflection on Scripture

I am currently using this data as a framework for what I hope will be a discipleship plan drawing small groups to engage Scripture, reflect on the message of the text, and apply the central truths discussed to everyday life. My hope is that this process will also help believers progress through these 4 movements by studying passages that help them understand the central catalysts for each movement.