Discipleship at Dorking United Reformed Church
Studying Scripture, prayer, and deepening one’s understanding of Christian beliefs and principles
Learning from, and following the teachings of Jesus Christ
A disciple is a follower, one who accepts and assists in spreading the teachings of another. A Christian Disciple is a person who follows Jesus Christ and accepts, and assists in spreading, the good news of the Christian faith. A summary of the Christian faith is given here.
According to the Bible, being a Christian disciple involves:
1. Putting Jesus first in all things “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” Mark 8: 34-36
2. Following Jesus’ teachings “To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, ‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free’.” John 8: 31-32
3. Living a “fruitful” life which produces “good works” “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” John 15: 5 & 8
4. Loving other disciples “A new commandment I give you: love one another. As I have loved you, so must you love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13: 34-35
5. Making disciples of others “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.
And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28: 19-20 “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord.
Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” 1 Peter 3: 15
Small Groups (also called ‘Life Groups’) can help people to grow in discipleship.
The early Church met in small groups in people’s houses where it was easy to get to know each other. Currently there are two groups meeting as follows:
- The ‘Sow to Grow Group’ meets on Thursday mornings from 10.30 am to 1.00 pm to work in the church garden and for conversation. It meets at other times and for other activities at times which suit the group members.
- The ‘Narnia Group’ meets every other Monday evening (not counting Bank Holiday Mondays) at 7.30 pm at a local public house. It meets at other times and for other activities at times which suit the group members.
If you would like more information about these groups, please contact us through the ‘Contact us’ page of this website.
You can find examples of the material used by some former ‘Life Groups’ here: Life Groups
Study Groups and Courses can also help people to learn more about the Christian faith and become disciples of Jesus.
These seek to create an informal environment with absolutely no pressure for any ongoing commitment or to speak in front of the group; it is fine to simply come, listen, and ask any questions.
Over recent years these have been based around material from ‘Christianity Explored’, the ‘Emmaus Course’ and one based around the TV series ‘Broken’ which featured a Catholic priest wrestling with his own faith whilst trying to minister to a parish in a deprived inner city in Britain.