Discipleship Triad

A discipleship triad is a small group (three or four) committed to learning and growing in Christ. Discipleship is: "a process, empowered by the Holy Spirit, in which a person comes to a life saving relationship with Jesus; accepts and embraces the content of the one, holy, and apostolic faith; lives a transformed life through faith-filled obedience to all that Jesus commands; and is willing to become a spiritually mature leader in the church" (from Membership or Discipleship, by Pr. John F. Bradosky, Lutheran Partners, ELCA, April 2005).

The groups use Discipleship Essentials, by Greg Ogden (Intervarsity Press, 1998), as a study guide for their journey together. Groups meet weekly, engage in mutual fellowship, bible study, devotion and prayer. From the outset, you will learn "discipling is an intentional relationship in which we walk alongside other disciples in order to encourage, equip, and challenge one another in love to grow toward maturity in Christ. This includes equipping the disciple to teach others as well."

This model of ministry comes from Christ, as he called, trained, and sent forth his disciples. Again, to quote Pr. Bradosky: "[discipleship ministry] is filled with exciting possibilities... a major change in our culture. Changing cultures is not for the weak or timid. To take seriously the call to discipleship will require persistence, devotion, commitment, perseverance, honesty, discernment, wisdom, and action."