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Verbum et Ecclesia

On-line version ISSN 2074-7705
Print version ISSN 1609-9982

Verbum Eccles. (Online) vol.30 n.2 Pretoria  2009

http://dx.doi.org/10.4102/ve.v30i2.344 

ORIGINAL RESEARCH

 

Inviting and initiating youth into a life of discipleship

 

 

Malan Nel

Centre for Contextual Ministry, University of Pretoria, South Africa

Correspondence

 

 


ABSTRACT

The research question/problem with which this article deals is whether we have lost the radical nature of the faith community as disciples of Jesus and seekers of the Kingdom of God? In youth ministry children and adolescents are often invited to make a decision for Christ as if such a decision comprises the totality of being a Christian. Being a Christian, as with being a disciple, consists of more than a mere decision. Both the Old and New Testaments reveal greater depth to such a commitment. Discipleship involves following Christ in a more considered way. Such a commitment requires the willingness to be initiated and guided into the acquisition of wisdom which enables one to discern what the more appropriate options are for a Christian to make. Given such a positioning, the role of the faith community as a people demands consideration. This article argues that we are the invitation and recommends how to frame the invitation.

Keywords: youth; discipleship; youth ministry; commitment; Christian message


 

 

Full text available only in PDF format.

 

 

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Correspondence:
Malan Nel
PO Box 12549
Hatfield
Gauteng, 0028
South Africa
E-mail: malan.nel@up.ac.za

Received: 14 Apr. 2009
Accepted: 04 Nov. 2009
Published: 16 Dec. 2009

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