A presentation of the stages of disciple growth based on Jim Putnam's disciple pathway.

2. Matthew 4:19
“Follow me and
I will make you
fishers of men.”

3. What Is A Disciple?
Follows
A disciple knows and
follows Christ
Changed
A disciple is being changed
by Christ
On Mission
A disciple is committed to
the mission of Christ

4. Matthew 28:20
“As you are going, MAKE DISCIPLES of all
nations, baptizing 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.”

5. Stages of Disciple Growth
2 Peter 3:17-18

6. 2 Peter 3:17-18
“But grow in the grace and knowledge of
our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him
be glory both now and forever! Amen.”

7. THE STAGES OF GROWTH
FOR A DISCIPLE

8. SPIRITUALLY
DEAD

9. Ephesians 2:1-5
“As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and
sins, in which you used to live when you followed the
ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of
the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are
disobedient.”

10. Spiritually Dead
Feature Rebellion, Disbelief
Phrase
“I don’t believe there is a God”
“The Bible is a bunch of myths.”
“I’ve been a good person so I’ll be
okay.”

11. INFANT

12. John 3:3
"I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God
unless he is born again."

13. Spiritual Infant
Feature
Ignorance, Confusion,
Dependence
Phrase
“I didn’t know the Bible said that.”
“What do I do about all my non-
believing friends?”
“I know Jesus is Savior and Lord, but
is karma real?”

14. CHILD

15. 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12
“For you know that we dealt with each of you as a
father deals with his own children, encouraging,
comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God,
who calls you into his kingdom and glory.”

16. Spiritual Child
Feature
Self-Centeredness, Idealism,
Over or Under-Confidence
Phrase
“I’m not being fed.”
“Who are all these new people at
church? We’re getting too big.”
“My small group isn’t meeting my
needs like they should.”

17. YOUNG ADULT

18. 1 John 2:12-13
“I write to you, dear children, because your sins have
been forgiven on account of his name. I write to you,
fathers, because you have known him who is from the
beginning. I write to you, young men, because you
have overcome the evil one. I write to you, dear
children, because you have known the Father.”

19. Spiritual Young Adult
Feature God-centered, Others-centered
Phrase
“In my time alone with God, the Spirit
is changing my priorities.”
“I love my group, but there are others
who need a group like this.”
“I deeply enjoy serving the church
out of my giftedness.”

20. PARENT

21. 1 John 2:12-13
“I write to you, dear children, because your
sins have been forgiven on account of his
name. I write to you, fathers, because you
have known him who is from the beginning. I
write to you, young men, because you have
overcome the evil one. I write to you, dear
children, because you have known the Father.”

22. Spiritual Parent
Feature
Feed themselves & others; share
their faith & help others grow
Phrase
“I realize discipleship happens at
home, too.”
“I’m training an apprentice leader in
my small group.”
“This guy at work asked me to explain
the Bible to him. Pray for me.”

24. Spiritually
Dead
Infant
Child
Young
Adult
Parent

25. Matthew 28:20
“As you are going, MAKE DISCIPLES of all
nations, baptizing 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.”

26. IBCB 1:8
“But you, IBC Berlin, will receive power when
the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my
witnesses in Berlin, and in all Germany and
Europe, and to the ends of the earth."