DSMN 500 Discipleship Ministries

This course will examine the biblical, general and specific steps to enable a person first to be a disciple, then to discover systems, biblical principles, and methods that create a disciple making context. The connection between spiritual formation and discipleship will be analyzed in the context of a biblical community in a local church. The practical methods and models of discipleship will be thoroughly discussed and designed.

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.

Course Guide

View this course’s outcomes, policies, schedule, and more.*

*The information contained in our Course Guides is provided as a sample. Specific course curriculum and requirements for each course are provided by individual instructors each semester. Students should not use Course Guides to find and complete assignments, class prerequisites, or order books.


DSMN 500 is a portal course serving as an introduction to discipleship ministries. The purpose of the course is to equip the student with a comprehensive description of what is discipleship from a biblical and Christ-centered perspective. This course will also explore the structure of the discipline as well as address the essential activities of disciple making. Whether for individual or church ministries, these principles form the underlying and foundational components necessary for effective ministry within the local church context.


Textbook readings and lecture notes/presentations

No details available.

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview. 

Discussions (2)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student will participate in 2 Discussions that will consist of a thread and 2 replies in response to the provided prompt. (CLO: A, B, C, D)

Essay Assignments (3)

The Written Assignments will address 4 critical areas: spiritual formation, discipleship, healthy church and small group ministries. Understanding how spiritual formation is connected to discipleship in the local church from a Biblical perspective. Each assignment must be at least 5 pages and must utilize at least 5 scholarly sources. (CLO: A, B, C, D)

Disciple Making Plan Assignments (2)

The student will create a comprehensive discipleship ministry plan as a personal strategy to develop disciples for Christ. Based on the written assignments completed for this course, the student will thoroughly discuss 5 major areas of discipleship and disciple making in ministry. The student will develop a coordinated plan that covers the 5 V’s of ministry (Vision, Values, Views, Vehicles, and Verifiers) and that can be implemented in a local church or other ministry organization context. (CLOs A, B, C, D)

Course Reflection Assignment

This essay will answer the question “How has this course shaped your thinking in the following areas related to the ministry of discipleship: 1) stages of discipleship, 2) discipleship in the local church, and 3) healthy church characteristics?” (CLO: A, B, C, D)


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