Discipleship Guidebook

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CaCHE Discipleship Guidebook If educating is indeed about properly ordering our loves then formation rather than information should become the primary end of our institutions.

1 CaCHE Discipleship Guidebook If educating is indeed about properly ordering our loves then formation rather than information should become the primary end of our institutions. (Miller) The goal is to push down through worldview to worship as the matrix from which a Christian worldview is born and to consider what that means for the task of Christian education. (Smith)

2 2 Introduction Discipleship is central to the CaCHE vision. The overarching goal for each CaCHE student is that he or she goes into the world as a disciple who makes disciples. We endeavor to do this by creating a wholistic discipleship culture that encourages abiding in Christ and obedience to him in every area of life. Our desire is that students understand that discipleship is not just about worshiping on Sunday morning but worshiping through all that they do be it washing dishes, taking an exam, writing new software, or starting a business. With this goal in mind, CaCHE aspires to create a learning culture where process (i.e., formation), not content (i.e., information), is foremost. There are six overarching premises that guide CaCHE s orientation to creating this type of learning culture, i.e., a culture where every act is part of discipleship. These premises clarify what we mean by our definition of a discipleship culture: 1. Discipleship is about a relationship with Jesus (Philippians 3:7-11) 2. Discipleship is about relationship with the community (1 John 4:7-12) 3. Discipleship is strengthened by the Word of God (John 17:17) 4. Discipleship is enabled by the Holy Spirit (Zechariah 4:6) 5. Discipleship is lived out in all areas of life (1 Corinthians 10:31) because Jesus is Lord over every area of life (Colossians 1:16-20) 6. Discipleship requires obedience, which is ultimately an act of love to Jesus (John 14:15) CaCHE desires to help our local sites create a discipleship culture that embodies these premises, and in the guide that follows, we have put together a practical framework to help our partners with this important task. References for the quotes in the cover page: (1) Miller, Eric. (August 18, 2009). Putting Worldview in Its Place. Christianity Today. Retrieved February 5, 2015 from (2) Quote from James. K.A. Smith in Putting Worldview in Its Place.

1. Relationship Is Central CaCHE Discipleship Guidebook 3 CaCHE follows an integrated learning model to help students grow as disciples of Jesus.

3 1. Relationship Is Central CaCHE Discipleship Guidebook 3 CaCHE follows an integrated learning model to help students grow as disciples of Jesus. This model focuses on cultivating a Christ-centered (biblical) worldview, character, calling, and community. However, at the core of this model is a desire that students first and foremost cultivate an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. Fruitfulness in all other areas comes from abiding deeply in Jesus: Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me (John 15:4). (Figure One: Relationship is Primary) 1.1 Encourage Their Relationship with Jesus In order to help our students focus on the primacy of their relationship with Jesus, we ask our Academic Mentors to prioritize the following characteristics as they serve in the CaCHE program: Model a life that shows your relationship with Jesus is your first priority. Build meaningful relationships with the students through small groups, class time, and serving together so that you can know how to encourage them to walk more closely with Jesus. Encourage students to spend personal time with the Lord in prayer, the Word, worship, journaling, etc.

4 1.2 Encourage Relationships in the Community As an expression of their love for God, students should be engaged in loving relationships with others.

It is vital that students see their relationships with others as a direct extension of the love that they possess for God.

4 4 1.2 Encourage Relationships in the Community As an expression of their love for God, students should be engaged in loving relationships with others. 1 John 4:20 says that If anyone says, I love God, but hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. It is vital that students see their relationships with others as a direct extension of the love that they possess for God. Through their experience in the CaCHE program, students will be provided with many opportunities to demonstrate their love for others through small groups, service projects, and a discipleship tool called Discipline of Love that will help them engage in loving acts of service toward others. 1.3 Encourage Time in the Word An important part of the CaCHE vision is encouraging our students to think biblically about all areas of life. Although we seek to utilize formal worldview curricula to help cultivate a biblical outlook, we primarily want our students to derive their biblical worldview from the Bible itself. Thus, we want to help our students learn how to read and study the Bible for themselves, and most importantly, apply it to their lives. CaCHE students are encouraged to read the Bible on a daily basis and be accountable to a Mentor about their time in the Word. The Cross method and Inductive Bible Study method are two tools that local programs can use to encourage students to go deeper during their private time in the Word. Additionally, for ideas about other Bible study methods that can be introduced to students, visit: Cross Method The Cross Bible study method is one tool that CaCHE Academic Mentors and students are encouraged to use in their daily Bible reading time. The Cross method consists of four steps that help the reader connect more deeply with Jesus by reading the Word. The first step includes reading in the presence of Jesus and recognizing that it s only by his blood that we can enter the presence of our Father. The second step includes meditating with Jesus as we seek to understand what the passage truly means. The third step involves listening to Jesus in order to understand what he is saying to our hearts. Finally, the fourth step requires walking in obedience to what Jesus has revealed. ( image source: Millard, Jim. (2013). Cross Bible Study: Meeting Jesus in Your Daily Bible Reading.) Inductive Bible Study The Inductive Bible Study (IBS) method is an investigative approach to the Bible using three basic components: Observation, Interpretation, and Application. The graph below summarizes the prerequisite steps involved in the IBS method, as well as the key questions in the observation-interpretation-application cycle.

5 5 (***Chart compliments of Cliff Davis, YWAM LA) The chart below can be used as a practical tool to help students become more comfortable with using the Inductive Bible Study approach. Bible Passage Observation Who (Main Characters) Where/When What Happened How/Why Interpretation Application

6 6 1.4 Encourage Dependence on the Holy Spirit It is so important that students understand that abiding in Christ, treasuring his Word, and living as a disciple require the Holy Spirit s help. CaCHE is not about teaching students to live by a moral code; rather, we want to help our students follow the Spirit s leading in every part of their lives. Living this type of life requires dying to self and allowing the Holy Spirit to have full control. While not required, it may be helpful to encourage students to pray words such as the following on a daily basis: Without you I can do nothing; with you, all things Encourage Wholistic Discipleship The CaCHE model is structured in such a way that students are encouraged to live as disciples in every sphere of life. Academic studies and professional training can be the response of a disciple who is seeking to cultivate his or her gifts and skills. We are commanded that in whatever [you] do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him (Colossians 3:17). 1.6 Encourage Loving Obedience If the above four premises are the roots of discipleship, then the fruit of discipleship is manifested through loving obedience to the commands of Jesus. CaCHE utilizes two primary tools to help students practice obedience. These tools are called the Discipline of Love and Seed Projects. Discipline of Love The Discipline of Love is a spiritual discipline tool developed that is designed to help followers of Christ demonstrate God s love by serving others. The image of God is best reflected in man through sacrificial servanthood. Believers should become more aware of the need to personally reflect Christ s character in four areas of God s concern (wisdom, physical, spiritual, and social) in the world in which they live (family, church, and community). 2 Wisdom Physical Spiritual Social 1. May 2 2. May May May 27 Family Discuss one Proverb and how to apply it in family devotions each day this week. Wash dishes after evening meal three times this week. Take an initiative to lead family prayer each day with siblings Prepare for games to play with younger siblings 5. June 3 6. June June June 24 Church Focus my devotions this week on applying this week s sermon. Volunteer to help in the church office on the weekend. Take 15 min. each day this week to pray for our pastor and elders. Take a child of one of our single parents on an outing. Community Your World or a Culturally Different World 9. July 1 Visit elected leaders to learn about community needs and ask how I can help. 10. July 9 Pick up trash on the streets each day this week as I walk to work. 11. July 16 Ask my non-believer friend how I can pray for his family & pray for them each day this week. 12. July 25 Take doughnuts and a note of thanks to the police station. 1 Jyoti Guptara. 2. The Discipline of Love Notebook, November 2, 2014.

7 7 Seed Projects 3 Overview Statement Planning is biblical. Seed Project planning is a simple model for identifying, planning and carrying out smallscale Kingdom projects in local communities. Main ideas 1. Planning reflects our Creator. He is a God of order. 2. Seed Projects reflect God s concern for a specific area of brokenness in our communities. 3. Seed Project planning identifies one small step we will take toward that concern. 4. Good planning helps us to identify the sequence of steps and responsibilities needed to achieve the final goal. 5. The plan must intentionally consider all Seed Project characteristics. Outcomes Now»» To grasp and express the main ideas of the lesson in their own words.»» To identify an area of God s concern in their communities outside the church and plan one Seed Project during the lesson. Beyond»» To recognize the need for ongoing, balanced, and focused Seed Projects being done in their communities, and to commit to plan additional Seed Projects as a form of wholistic evangelism.»» To work as leaders to complete one Seed Project with a group in their local churches in the next month. Rubric 4 Poor Fair Good Excellent Christ-centered worldview Understand the root issue of the problem and God s intention for it Character Carrying out the work with love and integrity Taking initiative Commitment to completing tasks Community Addressing an area of real need in the community Coordinate the project in collaboration with the community Demonstration of strong collaboration skills with the other students Calling/Skills Demonstration of excellence in performing the service activities Use of new skills/knowledge in real-world settings Demonstration of critical thinking in planning and problem-solving 3. From Seed Projects Planning and Reporting by Bob Moffitt. 4. Rubric developed by CaCHE Global based on our 4-C learning framework.

8 8 2. Mentoring/Discipleship Guidelines The six premises listed above are practically applied in the Discipleship Group structure that CaCHE seeks to utilize. We encourage Academic Mentors to meet with small groups of students (3-4 students, ideally) on a weekly basis for structured mentoring/discipleship time. The point of these Discipleship Groups is that students have the opportunity to learn in the context of community. The guidelines below are designed to be utilized during these regular Discipleship Group meetings. Mentoring/Discipleship Guidelines Every CaCHE student will have a small group discipleship time on a weekly basis during each semester. Each meeting will last 45 minutes - 1 hour. A small group of 3-4 students should be assigned to an Academic Mentor with the same gender. Academic Mentors are required to schedule an ongoing mentoring time with their students prior to the beginning of each semester. During the first meeting, the group members will decide their group name. The local site leader (and CaCHE Global) will hold mentors accountable for consistently meeting with their mentees each week. 1. Personal walk with God How has your time in the Bible been? How did God speak to you this week? Where are you struggling to trust Him and how can you rely on the Holy Spirit in this area? How can I pray for you? 2. Studies How are your studies going this week? What has been challenging? Do you have any suggestions for the program? 3. Discipline of Love What did you do? What were the results? What did you learn? (***Students will share their Discipline of Love journal of the week AND the following week s plan)

3. CaCHE 4-C Learning Framework 9 The CaCHE program is built upon a learning framework that emphasizes the cultivation of a Christ-centered (i.e., biblical) worldview, character, calling, and community.

9 3. CaCHE 4-C Learning Framework 9 The CaCHE program is built upon a learning framework that emphasizes the cultivation of a Christ-centered (i.e., biblical) worldview, character, calling, and community. These components will be intentionally built into the CaCHE curriculum so that students are growing in these areas during their CaCHE studies. The diagram below outlines the elements of each of these four areas. (Figure Two: 4-C Learning Framework)

10 4. Helping Students Order Their Loves The quote at the opening of this guidebook talks about education being a process of ordering our loves 5.

10 10 4. Helping Students Order Their Loves The quote at the opening of this guidebook talks about education being a process of ordering our loves 5. Ultimately, this will be the greatest battle we face as we encourage our students to walk with Jesus and live as his disciples in every area of life. Our students will come with many loves vying for their attention, be they in the form of entertainment, friends, sleep, money, or pleasure, just to name a few. Part of the process we are walking through with our students is to help them orient their love toward something greater; namely, Jesus and his Kingdom. This is ultimately a work of the Holy Spirit who changes us (Ezekiel 36:26-27), but he also uses human agents to be part of his work of transformation in the lives of others. The two diagrams below illustrate how we can begin to help our students reorient their affections to the things that matter most. The first diagram illustrates the key components in the process of helping our students love the things of the Kingdom, and the second diagram provides more detail about how the elements of the CaCHE model are building blocks in this process. (Figure 3) 5. This is a belief held by James K.A. Smith, who follows Augustine in this belief. Referenced in Eric Miller (August 18, 2009). Putting Worldview in Its Place. Christianity Today.

11 11 (Figure 4)

12 12

Relate... Begin your group time by engaging in relational conversations and prayer that may include the following elements:

Relate... Begin your group time by engaging in relational conversations and prayer that may include the following elements: This guide is a tool to help you lead your group into spiritual transformation. Use it as a resource to train your group into potential disciple-makers and lead your group in discovering, owning, and applying