One-To-One Discipling

A.  WHAT IS ONE-TO-ONE DISCIPLING?

This One-to-One Discipling is a 9-week study to be used by one person to disciple another person, who will in turn disciple another.  (Men disciple men, and women disciple women).  It involves the following lessons:

• Lesson One        "How to be Sure You are a Christian"
• Lesson Two       "Attributes of God"
• Lesson Three     "How to Know the Bible"
• Lesson Four       "Prayer"
• Lesson Five        "The Spirit-filled Life"
• Lesson Six          "Fellowship"
• Lesson Seven    "Witnessing"
• Lesson Eight      "Temptation"
• Lesson Nine       "Obedience in the Christian Walk"

The two persons meet together once a week for 1 - 1 ˝ hours to discuss, share and pray.  There are assignments each week for the disciple.

To summarize, this One-to-One Discipling is a short term relationship between two people who desire to grow in obedience to Christ and to pass it on.

(In the short term One-to-One discipling is rapidly reproduced.  Also, each time a person disciples another disciple, learning and application are reinforced in the life of the discipler).

B.  WHY ONE-TO-ONE?

Since most ministries in a local church are group oriented, it is important to have a ministry that is one-to-one.  A new Christian is often left to find this way alone.  It is assumed that he will just automatically grow in a church setting.  But actually he may never learn even the basics of Christianity.  There is a great need for at least one person to be responsible for a new Christian's growth.  This is also true of someone who has been a Christian for a long time but has never been taught to obey the commands of Christ.

One-to-One gives opportunity for Christians to learn the basics well enough to transfer them effectively in word and lifestyle.  There is more freedom to share intimately and confidentially in a one-to-one relationship, which demonstrates the importance of the individual.

Couples should not disciple couples because there is often a difference in spiritual maturity between a husband and wife.  Using this material for group discipleship negates the benefits of a one-to-one relationship.

C.  WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF ONE-TO-ONE DISCIPLING?

  1.  Short-term one-to-one discipling is rapidly reproduced.
  2.  Almost anyone can do individual discipling.  What a person has learned can be passed
       on.  Not all have the leadership skills to lead a group.
  3.  Potential leaders surface.
  4.  Accountability is easier on a one-to-one basis.  We are to "teach to obey." 
       Encouragement, exhortation, correction, and admonition are quickly and more
       Easily given.
  5.  The discipler grows as he gives of himself in obedience to Christ.
  6.  The life of the discipler reinforces the truth of the message, and is in close view
       of the disciple.
  7.  Quality time can be given to those who desire spiritual growth.
  8.  The needs of the disciple surface.
  9.  There is opportunity for close friendships to develop.
10.  There is flexibility in scheduling and in teaching.

D.  WHERE DOES ONE-TO-ONE DISCIPLING FIT INTO THE WHOLE PROCESS OF MAKING DISCIPLES?

All of the ministries of Pole Creek are involved in the process of making disciples or attracting people toward that process.  For example, FAITH, One-to-One discipling, Spiritual Life University, Bible studies, Sunday School, worship service, etc. are all part of that process.

One-to-One is only one of many discipleship opportunities within the church.   A one-to-one discipler should be aware of other ministries and be ready to encourage the disciple to be a part of them in the one-going process of being discipled.

It is the responsibility of the leaders of One-to-One discipling to teach disciplers and disciples the strategy for personal growth offered by Pole Creek Baptist Church.