The telos of this study is the development of disciples, who passionately pursue
Christlikeness and actively seek to fulfill the Great Commission. A commitment to be a
Christlike disciple and to make Christlike disciples must be the goal of every Christian
and every church.
This objective is consistent with Scripture and the Evangelical tradition that exists
in cooperation with the Church of the Nazarene’s mission “to make Christlike disciples in
the nations.” As a response to Christ’s command “to go and make disciples,” this study
focuses on the historical, philosophical, and theological foundation for the thesis
“Discipleship for Life, An Evangelical Approach to Making Christlike Disciples at the
Bel Air Church of the Nazarene.”
Research for this study included exploring the history and philosophy of Christian
education, completing an exegesis on the Great Commission, and studying discipleship
and spiritual transformation. Methodology included administering a congregational
survey, developing a curriculum entitled Discipleship for Life, and teaching a class on
discipleship.
This study confirmed that discipleship and spiritual formation are biblically and
theologically grounded, and the telos is always transformation to the image of Christ. A
person learns in order to be changed from depravity to grace. Based on student feedback
at the conclusion of the class, thirteen of the fourteen students who participated in the
Discipleship for Life class can be described as “a more Christlike disciple.”