The Four Earmarks of Discipleship
Striving to achieve these four earmarks within a personal apostolate or parish ministry will make all the difference in the world!
The Four Earmarks of Discipleship have proven to be one of the most effective set of teaching tools in helping others understand what discipleship is and what it isn’t. I first came across the Four Earmarks of Discipleship in a book by Greg Ogden titled Transforming Discipleship: Making Disciples a Few at a Time. Discipleship is a pedagogy (a way of teaching) and when we are striving to form disciples, these four earmarks are what are needed to create an ideal atmosphere for Discipleship.
Here is a quick overview of the four earmarks of discipleship:
Intimacy
In order for someone to really take ownership over the teachings of a mentor, there must be an intimacy established between them. This intimacy opens up possibilities for growth, that otherwise would not be possible. Intimacy grows through shared experiences, deeper knowledge of one another, and an openness to the gift of the other.
Mutual Responsibility
In discipleship, both people involved have skin in the game. The mentor must be committed to helping teach the student and the student must have a commitment to learning. In discipleship groups, a commitment is necessary to create the most ideal atmosphere for growth for everyone involved.
Customization
Discipleship involves a customized plan for the one in discipleship. This means that the teacher is teaching in a way that most effective for the student based upon the student’s capacity to receive and where they need to grow. In discipleship groups, the plans and vision for the group should be determined on the need’s and goals of the group as a whole. In short, customization is a response to the observation of the student on the part of the teacher and makes discipleship formation unique to the individual being taught.
Accountability to Life Change
Discipleship requires accountability. Typically because there is an investment of time and energy given on both sides, it makes sense to demand growth in return. If one is not growing as a result of the time they are spending as a disciple, they are not truly a disciple!
I’ve learned over the years that these earmarks are truly what make a notable difference in the effectiveness of a discipleship model. Striving to achieve these four earmarks within a personal apostolate or parish ministry will make all the difference in the world!
I write about these earmarks in my book Discipleship Focused Youth Ministry as well as share how they can be utilized in the context of ministry.