Missional Discipleship in the OPC Church
In the Orthodox Presbyterian Church (OPC), missional discipleship is understood through the lens of Reformed theology, where the work of the church is defined fundamentally as missions. This perspective shifts the focus from programs to the active participation of every member in the Great Commission, rooted in the ordinary means of grace—Word, sacraments, and prayer. [1, 2, 3]
Core Components in the OPC
- The Foundation (Kerygma): Discipleship is built on the proclamation of the gospel (kerygma) and the doctrine of baptism. It is not just about personal spiritual growth but about being formed into a witness for Christ's kingdom.
- The "Ordinary" Life of the Member: Missional discipleship means that every member's daily life—including prayer, financial offerings, and nurturing the next generation—is an integral part of foreign and local missions.
- Church Planting Focus: A key marker of a maturing OPC congregation is a "built-in vision" to reach others and plant new churches, with members intimately involved in the work of mission.
- Relationship-Driven Outreach: Effective discipleship occurs where the interests of the congregation intersect with the community, allowing members to build relationships that open doors for gospel witness. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]
Comparison with Broader Missional Concepts
While the OPC emphasizes ecclesiastical order and doctrinal purity, the broader "missional" movement often highlights: [1]
- Incarnational Living: Living as a "Jesus-shaped and Spirit-filled presence" within the culture rather than withdrawing from it.
- Holistic Redemption: Engaging with all of creation—not just individual souls—to restore culture and society.
- Everyday Mission: Viewing one's workplace and neighborhood as a primary mission field where "social holiness" is practiced. [1, 2, 3, 4]
In summary, for the OPC, missional discipleship is the maturing of a believer within a confessional local church so they are equipped to "make known the gospel to the lost" in every facet of their life. [1, 2]
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Orthodox Presbyterian Church (OPC) resources for missional discipleship focus on reformed theology, personal evangelism, and structured, small-group training. Key resources include Great Commission Publications (GCP) for all ages, specialized studies in Reformed faith, and intentional, life-on-life training methods aimed at equipping members to share their faith. [1, 2, 3, 4]
Core OPC and Reformed Resources
- Great Commission Publications (GCP): Jointly owned by the PCA and OPC, this is a primary source for curriculum, offering materials designed for church education that emphasize theological depth.
- Committee on Foreign Missions & Home Missions: The OPC offers resources and studies focused on making disciples of all nations, including personal evangelism training and forming Bible studies for systematic instruction in the Reformed faith.
- Small Group Bible Studies: Many churches focus on teaching the Nicene Creed, the attributes of God, spiritual gifts, and apologetics for equipping members. [1, 2]
Missional Discipleship and Training Tools [1]
- Life-on-Life Discipleship: Materials and booklets, such as those from Randy Pope, provide a structured method to train disciples through life-on-life training, often used by congregations seeking to focus on long-term, intensive disciple-making.
- Discipleship Foundations: A five-week guide designed to start new disciples on a journey of biblical living.
- Express Your Faith: A method designed for teaching members to share their testimony and the gospel effectively.
- Reformed Studies/Video Courses: Utilization of Ligonier video courses on topics like the Basics of Theology or learning the Psalms to build biblical knowledge. [1, 2, 3]
Focus Areas for Training
- Church Planting & Pastoral Care: Utilizing materials that emphasize training biblically qualified men for church office.
- Mentorship: Developing "Life-on-Life" mentoring models where leaders coach members to lead their own groups, fostering a multiplication effect. [1, 2]
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