What does a "mature" disciple of Jesus look like? by Traver Dougherty
Around 2000 I became a little frustrated with the lack of literature on discipleship. No, it wasn't that the bible wasn't enough; it is enough. At the same time, I knew Christian authors/thinkers most often wrote about those things they were entirely passionate about (...and what sells has a little something to do with it, too). Below is an excerpt from yours truly (as I look to fill the literature void). What's outlined is actually one quarter of a "Discipleship Matrix." The other three categories outlined are (1) Misguided "Christian," (2) Nominal "Christian," and (3) "Disciple of Jesus." The forth category, outlined below, is "Mature Disciple of Jesus."
The Mature Disciple of Jesus Excerpt from A Theory of Communication and Cognition for Making Disciples by Traver Dougherty
1) Primary life orientation centers on Jesus and his kingdom (e.g. Sermon on the Mount)
2) Sees the totality of his or her life as on mission with God, being sensitive to the Spirit's guiding
3) Social status unimportant, views social groupings missiologically and often seeks reconciliation
4) Primary allegiance to God's kingdom, not a human government (although appropriately submits to a human government)
5) Often suffers on account of Jesus and is willing to risk possible death and/or martyrdom
6) Sees value in Christian leadership, submits accordingly, and provides leadership when necessary
7) Adheres to Jesus' teachings and knows what those teachings (commands) are
8) Life is lived to the fullest when God's goals are attained via the disciple's life
9) Costly sacrifice is the norm, usually monetary
10) Deeply involved in Christian community, will not leave community unless directed by God
11) Relies on God for all needs continually and actually due to a perpetually sacrificial life
12) Is humble, considers others better than self, gives others the advantage
13) Genuinely loves an increasingly accurate understanding of God and demonstrates that love via obedience to Jesus's commands and intimate prayer
Jesus commanded us to "make disciples," so it stands to reason that we'd better know what one looks like (at least in broad strokes). Although I know you're not perfect, here's a good question: Do the above thirteen qualities characterize your life? If not, why not? What needs to change? Remember, Paul the Apostle implores us, "...let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity..." (Heb 6:1). I'd write more, but I think that's enough for now.
My friend, Neil Cole, is right; we westerners have a tendency to be educated beyond our obedience. So, as we continue to move forward as the church of Jesus Christ, fluidly, organically, let's be soberly reminded that the quality of the ecclesia is only as good as the disciples of which she is made.
Traver Dougherty
The Banqueting Table
© 2008 Traver Dougherty - sent as an email originally on September 29, 2008.
Traver Dougherty lives in Roseville, CA (Sacramento area) with his wife Aimee and two sons, Keith and Keagan. Before his encounter with the organic church, Traver served as a college pastor, missionary to the Philippines, conventional church planter, and senior pastor. Today, Traver equips organic church planters, functions as an elder in his own missional community of faith (The Banqueting Table), and serves as an adjunct professor of missiology at William Jessup University. www.tbtroseville.com. Archives of Traver's "Tid Bits for the Organic Church" articles HERE.
See also the article What is a Real Hero in God's Kingdom?
