Discipleship Commission

Vision: The Commission on Spirit-Empowered Discipleship in the 21st Century has been set forth by the Empowered21 USA cabinet to assist in addressing the need for increased Spirit-filled discipleship in the American church today. The USA cabinet has identified this as one of the significant issues that must be addressed for the future of the movement.

Goal: The Commission on Spirit-Empowered Discipleship will form an outcome based model for Spirit-filled discipleship.

Initial Questions to be Addressed:

- What should a Spirit-empowered disciple look like in 21st Century America?
- What are the appropriate stages of spiritual development for children and youth in Pentecostal/Charismatic ministries? For new converts in these ministries?
- What difference does the Holy Spirit make to the discipleship process? To the disciple?
- What steps can local churches take to ensure that they are developing Spirit-empowered disciples in their ministry?

Note: Other questions will be developed by the Commission leadership team as the process continues.

Composition: The commission will be co-chaired by Dr.’s Cheryl and Jackie Johns who serve at the Pentecostal Theological Seminary. Commission participants will be suggested by Cabinet and Commission members and approved by the Empowered21 USA Cabinet. The Commission will be a blend of scholars and practitioners including senior pastors, youth and children’s workers, and Christian education leaders.

Timeline: The Commission will work toward developing a preliminary report for Converge21 USA that will be conducted at Regent University in March of 2012. It is anticipated that the Commission will function over a period of three to four years.

Scope and Impact:  The Commission’s work will focus primarily on the United States during the initial stages. However, it is also anticipated that the Empowered21 Global Council will desire that this function serve the global movement in the months and years ahead. Distinctive understandings for the United States context as well as trans-global principles will be explored by the Commission.