Head: The Marks of Knowing

Now that we have considered a few foundational issues, we can move on to lay the framework for a disciple-making process in a local congregation. A good starting point is to define what we mean when we say that our goal is to make mature disciples of Christ. Books have been written on the subject of the marks of a mature disciple and because of the vast amount of material in the New Testament on this subject, there is no one right approach to this question. The following framework is an attempt to narrow the focus on what we mean by a mature disciple. Depending on your theological commitments or how you use the list, you may choose to divide these categories (Head, Heart, and Hand) further or add or subtract some of them. Feel free to use any of the material posted on this blog but please cite the source.

1. Head (Marks of Knowing):

     1.1 Knows that the Bible is the word of God and our only rule of faith and practice (authority).

     1.2 Understands the concept of salvation by Grace alone (Gospel)

     1.3 Understands the concepts of idolatry, repentance, and faith (biblical change)

     1.4 Understands the flow of redemptive history (biblical theology)

     1.5 Understands the general content of the Scripture (biblical knowledge)

     1.6 Understands basic biblical doctrine as expressed in the Westminster Confession of Faith (doctrine)

     1.7 Understands how to effectively study and apply the Scripture (biblical        interpretation)

    

     1.8 Understands the nature and mission of the Church and that the church is God’s primary instrument to accomplish His purposes (ecclesiology).

     1.9 Understands church government and discipline (church government). 

     1.10 Understand the impact of their Identification with Christ in his crucifixion, death, burial and resurrection (union).