1. “Touching the Heart of God.”

A disciple in this phase ...

• is a seeker willing to be taught,
• believes that the God of the Bible exists and offers the only way to salvation,
• knows Jesus’ true identity,
• realizes his need for a Savior,
• desires to be saved, and
• understands and obeys God’s instructions on how to be saved.

2. “Establishing the Life of the Disciple”

By the end of this phase a disciple...

• has willingly submitted to the authority of the elders at a local congregation,
• has gained a solid understanding of the Christian faith, principles, and way of life,
• has proven to be a committed, willing and faithful student in God’s kingdom,
• knows God’s commands and strives to obey them in increasing measure,
• effectively deals with the sin in his own life as instructed in the Bible,
• has done his best to establish God-pleasing relationships with others,
• effectively shares his testimony and knows how to lead someone to faith in Christ,
• invites/urges unsaved friends to take advantage of opportunities to “meet” Jesus,
• practices God-honoring stewardship of possessions and time,
• invests generously and regularly in God’s kingdom through finances, time and talent(s),
• practices daily habits of meaningful prayer and Bible reading/meditation, and
• knows his spiritual gift(s) and how each gift is used in the building up of the church.

3. “Amplifying the Impact of the Mission.”

By the end of this phase a disciple...

• continues to practice the godly character qualities and life habits established in Phase 2,
• uses his ministry gift(s) properly and effectively for the building up of the church,
• willingly serves as an apprentice in the ministry for which he has been gifted,
• is alert to Satan’s schemes and can identify and resist them,
• willingly and effectively (with supervision) teaches others how to live for Christ,
• recognizes and imitates his mentor’s Christ-like qualities,
• recognizes and deals with sin in the lives of others as instructed in the Bible,
• recognizes false religions/cults and can counter their teachings with God’s truth,
• effectively gives truth, instruction and encouragement to others,
• recognizes those who would make quality leaders in the church,
• strives to give true and wholehearted agape love to others, and
• continues to develop a deeper personal relationship with Christ.

4. “Mentoring the Next Generation.”

A disciple in this phase...

• continues to practice godly character, habits and responsibilities gained in Phases 2 & 3,
• confidently does what is right and necessary in order to further the kingdom,
• effectively trains apprentices who will be able to make more disciples,
• teaches and guides those for whom he is responsible,
• communicates love especially when disciplining or correcting someone,
• evaluates potential church leaders and appoints those who are ready to lead,
• is always ready to give a defense of his faith,
• uses his time wisely and effectively in ministry,
• accurately identifies and effectively refutes false teachers and false doctrine,
• has an unshakeable faith in God’s power and promises, and
• is ready to sacrifice all, even his life, if God requires it.