Developing Discipleship Curriculum: Applying the Systems Approach Model for Designing Instruction by Dick, Carey, and Carey to the Construction of Church Discipleship Courses

Abstract

Discipleship is the process of learning the Scriptures, internalizing them to shape one's belief system, and then applying them to change one's life. It is the church's role to be actively involved in following the command given in the Great Commission (Matt 28:19–20), but contemporary research related to discipleship has revealed several concerns that the 21st-century church must acknowledge as it seeks to disciple believers. Today, more than ever, it is essential that the church develop curriculum that accurately and systematically teaches believers how to be a true disciple of Christ. To do so, church leaders must understand the process to develop and accurately design discipleship curriculum for the church. This article provides the rationale and importance for developing theologically sound discipleship curriculum by applying the 10-step model of Dick, Carey, and Carey's Systems Approach Model for designing instruction to 21st-century church contexts.