Spiritual development program for young church leaders in Magwi District: Focus on discipleship

Abstract

The reason for the existence of the church is to reach out and be a blessing to the community. There is a need for a vibrant church that can meet the challenges of these last days lukewarmness. This research ventured into the vision, mission and the resources of the churches in Magwi district. Understanding of how to align and empower the human resource for the mission was the primary focus of the research. Purposeful sampling methods, utilizing researcher-designed questionnaires to collect data, and data analysis were applied to achieve the goal of the study. Appropriate sources were used for the research. Of these sources, the Holy Scripture was foremost. Besides the Scriptures, the contributions of Ellen G. White related to this study, and the literature of the other writers on discipleship were applied. Furthermore, sociological writers on this topic were consulted. Finally, a survey was carried out among the Seventh-day Adventist first converts in the region and concerned leaders in the community to have their input regarding this topic. The conclusion of this study was based on two observations. The first was the Biblical teaching regarding discipleship. The second was the result of the survey done which indicated that the degree of good small group leadership and the conviction that every member of the church is responsible for the growth of the church was as low as 20%. The study, therefore, proposed several strategies to raise the degree of good small group leadership and conviction of the responsibility for the mission – making disciples. From this standpoint, the study was beneficial when the recommendations and the strategies for the change are implemented. The sense of, the value of, and love for the Great Commission will be stirred in the minds and hearts of the members. Disciples made will become disciple makers. The church as a whole will grow and experience the righteousness of God and His coming kingdom.