marks of a disciple

A Heart for Christ Alone

This is the most important mark of a disciple. It may also be the most challenging. A heart for Christ alone often involves realignment of our priorities. We move from fitting Jesus into our agenda to being shaped by Jesus' agenda, from trusting in our plans and abilities to placing all our trust in Jesus. A heart for Christ alone transforms our lives as we relinquish our selfish pursuits and offer our whole selves into the service of Jesus.

A Mind Transformed by the Word

The Bible is the Word of God, given to teach us and guide our lives. Reading and studying the Bible are important to disciples because these practices help us to know God and to embrace God's love, mercy and grace. When we read the Bible, God addresses us with his Living Word, and we are led to Jesus Christ. We read the Bible not so much for information, but for transformation. "Transformation requires a plan to get started and perseverance to keep on track." (McDonald, The Disciple Making Church, p. 155)

Arms of Love

As we learn and follow the teachings of Jesus, "come alongside others in need, extend compassion, welcome the stranger, and live in a community of mutual care with other disciples. We are on a journey of unconditional love." (McDonald, The Disciple Making Church, p. 163) This mark of discipleship helps us understand the meaning of agape love, and helps us learn to love not only those around us, but difficult people, and even those who have hurt us.

Knees for Prayer

The ability to speak to and listen to God in prayer is a powerful gift. To have a faith that is active in shaping our lives, we must use this gift. A disciple uses prayer to submit to God, grow closer to God and to find God's will for his or her life. For a disciple, prayer is a way of asking for help, giving thanks for blessings received and seeking guidance in all situations, and surrendering to God.

A Voice to Speak the Good News

This can, admittedly, be the most intimidating of the "Marks" to develop. By intentionally exploring how to have "faith conversations" with others, we are answering God's call to share Jesus with those who don't know him, and to be a voice of hope in a world desperate for some good news. "Evangelism is not a single event; it is not merely an invitation extended several times. It is a lengthy relational process that incorporates listening, hearing, speaking, praying, and encouraging." (McDonald, The Disciple Making Church, p. 211)

The Feet of a Servant

Led by the Holy Spirit, we are passionate about relieving suffering and fighting injustice. Jesus calls his church to be a compelling force for good in the world, and we believe that the church is at its best when it serves, sacrifices, and loves caring about the things God cares about. We were created to pour ourselves out to others; we believe that we are blessed to be a blessing to others. A disciple understands that no deed is great enough to earn God's love. But a disciple who feels God's love is unable to keep from expressing gratitude for that love through service to others. Service is one of the ways disciples express their faith by participating in God's mission. Service, both to a congregation and outside the church, is not so much something we do to become a disciple as something we do as a result of being a disciple.