DSMN 500 Discipleship Ministries Module 1_Week 1 Discussion Post with Responses 2026-2027 Liberty University Discussion Thread: Characteristics of a Follower 1. Synthesize the readings from Dempsey & Earley and Putman et al. textbooks and give 3 characteristics of a follower of Jesus Christ. When I synthesize the readings from Dempsey & Early and Putman et al. textbooks, I see more than three characteristics but the immediate ones that caught my attention are: A. A characteristic of a follower of Jesus Christ is someone who continues in God’s Word and experiences freedom in Christ.1 It is important for an individual to consistently seek guidance and clarity by constantly searching Scripture. This is what it means to have a hunger for God’s Word and to know the Bible inside and out.2 A follower of Jesus is not only captured by the Word of God but is also captivated by the Word of God. The more the individual learns about God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, the more he or she wants to know. This is an ongoing developmental characteristic of the Christ follower and drives the individual towards spiritual maturity. B. Considering the cost of following Christ is important for the person that must make the decision. I like to say that if we understand that all things belong to God as the bible states; “Indeed heaven and the highest heavens belong to the Lord your God, also the earth and all that is in it.” (Deu. 10:14, New King James Version), then it is easier for us to understand that we are only stewards of what God has placed beneath us. When we consider the cost, we must decide to forsake all in trusting Him, that is the essence of faith. In other words, the decision to follow Christ will cost us our lives, but our lives already belong to Him. When we come to realize this, then it is only the decision and determination that can keep us from following Him. “God’s will and God’s plan cost Jesus His life; it cannot cost His followers anything less.”3 C. Being productive through sharing our faith is another important characteristic. We cannot be ashamed of our faith, our walk, or our commitment to Christ. Putman et al. states that “A mature disciple is a witness for Christ in every way.”4 This mean that we should be bold examples and advertisements for the Kingdom of God. Through every follower of Christ, God is providing the world with an example of what kingdom living looks like. We must be all in if we truly want to be followers of Christ. Does this mean that we will Dave Earley and Rod Dempsey. Disciple Making Is... How to Live the Great Commission with Passion and Confidence. 1st. (Brentwood, TN: B & H Publishing Group, 2013). 23 1
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Jim Putman, Bobby Harrington, and Robert E. Coleman. DiscipleShift: Five Steps That Help Your Church to Make Disciples Who Make Disciples. 2nd. (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan, 2013). 43 3
Dave Earley and Rod Dempsey. Disciple Making Is... How to Live the Great Commission with Passion and Confidence. 1st. (Brentwood, TN: B & H Publishing Group, 2013). 22
4 Jim Putman, Bobby Harrington, and Robert E. Coleman. DiscipleShift: Five Steps That Help Your Church to Make Disciples Who Make Disciples. 2nd. (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan, 2013). 43