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A Discipleship Model for Evangelism in Northeast Brazil

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A Discipleship Model for Evangelism in Northeast Brazil Andrews University Digital Commons @ Andrews University Dissertation Projects DMin Graduate Research 2005 A Discipleship Model for Evangelism in Northeast Brazil Emilio Abdala Dutra Andrews University Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.andrews.edu/dmin Part of the Practical Theology Commons Recommended Citation Dutra, Emilio Abdala, "A Discipleship Model for Evangelism in Northeast Brazil" (2005). Dissertation Projects DMin. 467. https://digitalcommons.andrews.edu/dmin/467 This Project Report is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate Research at Digital Commons @ Andrews University. It has been accepted for inclusion in Dissertation Projects DMin by an authorized administrator of Digital Commons @ Andrews University. For more information, please contact [email protected]. ABSTRACT A DISCIPLESHIP MODEL FOR EVANGELISM IN NORTHEAST BRAZIL by Emilio Abdala Dutra Adviser: Ricardo Norton ABSTRACT OF THE GRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCH Dissertation Andrews University Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary Title: A DISCIPLESHIP MODEL FOR EVANGELISM IN NORTHEAST BRAZIL Name of researcher: Emilio Abdala Dutra Name and degree of faculty adviser: Ricardo Norton, D.Min. Date completed: April 2005 Problem Churches in Northeast Brazil (NB), including the Seventh-day Adventist Church, have been growing rapidly. Their numerical growth is phenomenal by any estimation. However, these churches are growing numerically and not in depth. We see a discipleship deficit among new believers in the form of a high rate of backdoor losses, unawareness of the meaning and duties of discipleship, spiritually undisciplined members, absence of intentional relationships to share faith, biblical illiteracy, and lack of church fellowship. How can churches in Northeast Brazil grow in quality, reproducing fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ? Method Current literature related to the problem was reviewed, including books and articles on the principles, strategies, and programs to enrich my notion of discipleship in the context of evangelization. Factors responsible for the superficial discipleship that has contributed to the loss of new members in Teresina-one of the principal cities of Northeast Brazil-were also investigated. Personal and corporate models of discipleship were examined in order to create a holistic scheme that provides an integrative strategy of the various components of evangelism toward the end of making disciples for the NB territory. Conclusion Christian churches lose ground because they lack plans for developing spiritual maturity in the fives of believers. A mature believer is one who is growing in his/her love for Christ, is growing in his/her love for other believers, and is growing in his/her ability to reach the world. Jesus’ ministry and teachings put spiritual maturity at the heart of the gospel’s mandate (Matt 28:19, 20). As a result of this research, a discipleship model was created to help new converts become responsible members. This model suggests an intentional strategy for shaping and molding the fives of believers into the image of Jesus Chris. The model consists of a simple organizational structure that encourages and enables ministry to occur, and emphasizes spiritual multiplication through training. The model releases people into ministry according to their spiritual gifts. Andrews University Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary A DISCIPLESHIP MODEL FOR EVANGELISM IN NORTHEAST BRAZIL A Dissertation Presented in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Doctor in Ministry by Emilio Abdala Dutra April 2005 A DISCIPLESHIP MODEL FOR EVANGELISM IN NORTHEAST BRAZIL A dissertation presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Doctor in Ministry by Emilio Abdala Dutra APPROVAL BY THE COMMITTEE: Adviser Director of D. Min. Program Ricardo Norton John McVay Nancy V; sr TABLE OF CONTENTS LIST OF TABLES................................................................................................................... ix LIST OF FIGURES.................................................................................................................. x ACKNOWLEDGMENTS........................................................................................................ xi Chapter I. INTRODUCTION.............................................................................................................. 1 Statement o f the Problem....................................................................................... 1 Statement o f the Task.............................................................................................. 2 Justification for the Dissertation............................................................................. 2 Definition o f Terms................................................................................................. 3 Delimitations o f the Dissertation............................................................................ 5 Description o f the Dissertation Process............................................................... 5 II. FOUNDATIONS FOR DISCIPLESHIP........................................................................ 7 The Great Commission........................................................................................... 7 Definitions.............................................................................................................. 10 Disciple............................................................................................................. 11 Discipling and Discipleship............................................................................ 14 Jesus’ Discipleship Model.................................................................................... 16 The Seeker/Selection Phase........................................................................... 17 The Life Transference Phase........................................................................ 20 The Instruction Phase................................................................................... 22 The Deployment Phase.................................................................................. 25 The Reproduction Phase............................................................................... 27 Paul’s Discipleship Model.................................................................................... 29 Patterns in Paul’s Missionary Journey....................................................... 29 Conversion and Church Planting............................................................. 30 Recruitment and Organization................................................................. 31 IV Nurture and Relationships....................................................................... 31 Apprenticeship and Reproduction........................................................... 32 Paul’s Personal Model................................................................................... 34 Demonstration............................................................................................ 34 Imitation...................................................................................................... 34 Reproduction............................................................................................... 35 Paul’s Corporate Model................................................................................ 36 The Ephesian Church Strategy................................................................ 36 The Ephesian Discipling Ministry............................................................ 38 The Ephesian Discipleship Model........................................................... 40 Progression............................................................................................ 41 Equipping........................................................................................ 41 Service............................................................................................. 42 Building up..................................................................................... 42 Purpose.................................................................................................. 43 Power.................................................................................................... 43 Ellen G White’s Approach to Discipleship...................................................... 44 The Pastor/Evangelists Role in Discipleship................................................ 44 Training for Ministry................................................................................ 45 Planning Work........................................................................................... 46 Discipling with Different Approaches.................................................. 46 The Churches Role in Discipleship................................................................ 47 Watchful Attention and Encouragement............................................... 47 Coaching New Converts......................................................................... 48 The New Convert’s Role in Discipleship...................................................... 48 Cultivate Spiritual Formation................................................................... 49 Avoid General Dangers............................................................................ 49 Discover and Use Spiritual Gifts............................................................. 50 New
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