Purpose
As we pursue discipleship it is important to be able to assess progress. This page provides some tools that you can use to assess your progress or that of someone whom you are discipling.
Assessment Tools
Transtheoretical Model: Stages of Change
This is a tool that may be helpful in assessing progress in discipleship.
The transtheoretical model construct stages of change is used in the recovery movement with regard to an action like deciding to eliminate use of addicting substances. Many thanks to Al Copeland for introducing us to this concept!
- Precontemplation (“not ready”) – “People are not intending to take action in the foreseeable future, and can be unaware that their behaviour is problematic”
- Contemplation (“getting ready”) – “People are beginning to recognize that their behaviour is problematic, and start to look at the pros and cons of their continued actions”
- Preparation (“ready”) – “People are intending to take action in the immediate future, and may begin taking small steps toward behaviour change”[nb 1]
- Action – “People have made specific overt modifications in modifying their problem behaviour or in acquiring new healthy behaviours”
- Maintenance – “People have been able to sustain action for at least six months and are working to prevent relapse”
- Termination – “Individuals have zero temptation and they are sure they will not return to their old unhealthy habit as a way of coping”[nb 2]
In addition, the researchers conceptualized “Relapse” (recycling) which is not a stage in itself but rather the “return from Action or Maintenance to an earlier stage”.[16][nb 3]
You can find more information about this tool at the following link:
Transtheoretical Model: Stages of change
Levels of Transformation
This is another tool that can be helpful in assessing progress in discipleship. In the next section we have provided examples of how it might be applied to each of the 7 components of the discipleship curriculum.
These Levels of Transformation are adapted from EHS Five Levels of Transformation:
https://www.emotionallyhealthy.org/why-transformation-takes-so-long/?v=7516fd43adaa
1- Aware.
People hear about a concept for the first time (e.g. Sabbath, slowing down, past’s impact on the present, grieving, learning to feel).
2- Ponder.
People think about it, trying to understand or sort through issues as they gather more information. At this point they don’t have a clear inclination for or against it. (e.g. They continue reading, listen to messages, go through a course, learn a few skills, talk about it with others).
3- Value.
People think it’s important, find value in it, and commit to it, saying, “I really believe in this concept.” They begin to do a few new things such as related exercises, a daily or weekly practice, incorporate the concept into some relationships, or lead a course or a group.
THE ACTION/BEHAVIORAL GAP
4- Prioritize.
This is the largest, most important shift for people (assuming they get over the action/behavioral gap). Now they have to shift their time, schedule, and energy to make the concept a priority in order to live consistently with their new value.
5- Own.
At this point, they live the concept consistently. All their decisions and actions are based on it. Their life and values are now congruent and they have become “unconsciously competent.”
For further information on Bloom’s seminal work on how people learn, go to:
http://www.nwlink.com/~donclark/hrd/bloom.html
Assessing Progress With The Seven “F”s
(Under Construction)
Our discipleship training passes through the following phases or components: Focus On the Message, Family Up, Flow In the Spirit, Face Your Problems, Farm Your Land, Find Your Purpose, Fulfill Your Mission. Below, we have provided a description of how the 5 transformation levels might look for each of these 7 components. This material is likely to be updated as more people make use of our curriculum.
Focus On the Message
Begin by focusing on Jesus’ message and the Bible’s unified story that leads to him.
| Transformation Level | |
| Aware | You are aware of the 3 basic areas of Focus on the Message: the Gospels, the Sermon on the Mount, the whole Bible. You are aware of the godly habits that apply to each of these areas. |
| Ponder | You participate in our “Following Jesus: Focus on the Message” training and consider new related habits that you might adopt. |
| Value | You have begun reading through the gospels and you have a plan for reading through the entire Bible. You are developing godly habits in this area. |
| Prioritize | In addition to reading through the gospels, you are reading through the entire Bible and regularly reviewing the Sermon on the Mount. You are turning these reading habits into skills. |
| Own | You are guiding others through the “Focus on the Message” material. |
Family Up
Develop the understanding and discipline you will need to be an effective part of Jesus’ family.
| Transformation Level | |
| Aware | You are aware of the key components of the Family Up component: Kingdom Congregation, Kingdom Family, Kingdom Partner. You are aware of the godly habits that support each of these components. |
| Ponder | You attend a life group in addition to Sunday service. |
| Value | You faithfully attend Sunday service and life group. You are developing godly habits in this area. |
| Prioritize | You are helping to lead your life group. |
| Own | You have successfully multiplied a life group and/or started a life group from scratch. |