From the PhD Director

“ Go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19, 20 NKJV

Many church members—either intentionally or by default—take on the role of disciplers or religious educators. The problem is that these key Christians—parents, friends, teachers, pastors, and the local congregation—are often themselves not growing toward “the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:13, NASB).

Would-be disciplers often do not know how to implement the numerous New Testament commands describing how church members are to not only make new disciples, but also to care for and support one another. They have never seen this behavior modeled. Today’s “consumer religion” is often empty and ineffectual. As a result, many young people and newer believers lack positive models of Christianity and do not know how to develop a vibrant relationship with Jesus.

You can be an agent of change to turn consumers of religious goods and services into growing, fruitful disciples. The PhD (Discipleship in Lifespan Education), with a strong emphasis on Christian formation and discipleship or Theological Curriculum and Instruction or Customized Emphasis may be just the thing you need to follow that calling.

Jasmine Fraser