Discipleship

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Nipawin Bible College’s Approach to Discipleship

Simply put, as a school we believe discipleship is both relationship and teaching together, intrinsically focused on Jesus Christ. The following questions and brief answers provide a “model” that shapes our approach to discipleship:

    Why make disciples?

    • From the big picture viewpoint disciples of Jesus make disciples because God’s goal for His world and those He made is to glorify His Son in the midst of those He has rescued and transformed (Col. 1:13-14; Titus 2:11-14; Rev. 7:9-12).
    • As well, this is the directive Jesus gives His disciples at the great commission to go and make disciples (Matt. 28:18-20).

      What is a disciple?

      • Disciples (learners) are those who have repented and believe the gospel by faith, and now, are forgiven sinners who are learning Christ and helping others to the same (Luke 6:40; 11:1; Matt. 11:27-30; Phil. 4:9; Col. 1:5-7; Eph. 4:19-24; 2 Tim. 2:2; Titus 2:3-4).
      • Disciples of Jesus Christ form transformational-communities called “churches” where Pastors and Ministry Leaders are called to equip disciples for the work of ministry and the making of more disciples (Eph. 4:7-16; 1 Tim. 3:1-7; 2 Tim. 2:2).

      How are disciples made?

      • Colin Marshall & Tony Payne say it well, “The making of disciples is God’s work, achieved as His word and Spirit work through the activity of Christian disciples and in the lives of those they speak to. We summarized that activity as the persevering proclamation of the word of God by the people of God in prayerful dependance on the Spirit of God.” (The Vine Project, 145)

        Otherwise known as the Four P’s…

        1. Proclamation of the Word of God in a variety of ways (Prov. 30:5; 2 Tim. 3:14-17).
        2. People of God serving God and others (Jn. 13:35; Phil. 1:27-30; 2 Cor. 5:18-20).
        3. Prayerful Dependance on the Spirit of God (Jn. 7:37-39; Eph. 6:18-20).
        4. Perseverance, step by step (Lk. 18:1; Col. 1:28-29).

        Where does making disciples happen?

        • Making disciples happens in every aspect and activity in the life the church & through our churches, it is to happen in every corner of God’s world (Matt. 20:14; 28:18-20; Acts 1:8; Rom. 12; 15:7, 18-20; Col. 3; 1 Pet. 2:9-10)

        What is NBC’s role in the discipleship of a student?

        • NBC’s unique role of discipleship in the life of a student is to provide a temporary, accelerated, learning community that equips learners of Jesus to better serve their churches, eventually lead in churches, and be on mission for God’s glory.

        The following graphic displays the variety of ways we contribute to the discipleship of our students:

        Colin Marshall & Tony Payne. The Vine Project: Shaping your ministry culture around disciple-making. Sydney, AUS: Matthias Media, 2016, 143-49.