Discipleship Objectives

 

Common to all phases of training is an emphasis on personal discipleship. This aspect of the UOA has eight objectives:

Objective 1 A Commitment to Training

It is important that a person considering participation in the UOA understand what is required. One of the first responsibilities of the discipler, therefore, is to review the curriculum with the potential student. Once this has been completed, the person will be asked to prayerfully consider committing himself or herself to its completion.

Objective 2 A Loving Relationship Between Discipler and Disciple

The training provided by the UOA is to be conducted within the context of a growing, loving relationship between the discipler and the disciple. The discipling ministries of the Lord Jesus and the apostle Paul serve as the primary models.

Objective 3 A Regular and Productive Discipleship Meeting

Discipler and disciple should meet regularly to review the training objectives, to check on the progress of goals, to strengthen their relationship, and to pray together. These meetings are to be tailored to the needs of the disciple. Their frequency may vary from once or twice a week to once or twice a month. Depending on the content of the meeting, they may be conducted in a one-on-one setting or within the context of a discipler meeting with several disciples at the same time.

Objective 4 Responsible Church Fellowship

An important part of Christian discipleship is faithful commitment to the local church. This involves corporate prayer, worship, service, giving, and submission to authority. These responsibilities are outlined in a commitment sheet titled "The Declaration of Fellowship."

Objective 5 A Daily Time Alone with God

A daily time with God is another important element in a growing relationship with God. For this reason, the establishment of a meaningful and consistent daily devotional time is the goal of every discipler and disciple in the UOA.

Objective 6 Bible Memorization

Since God's Word is the Holy Spirit's primary instrument in our sanctification, the UOA stresses Bible memorization in each phase of training. Students are taught how to memorize and are provided a list of verses that cover all aspects of the Christian life.

Objective 7 Growth in Christ-like Character

At the heart of the University of Acts is character development. Disciples are asked to review a list of positive and negative traits, selecting the ones on which they most need work. The discipler then helps the student to set a course of action to become more Christ-like in these areas.

Objective 8 A Plan for the Completion of the Curriculum

Each phase of the UOA takes several years to complete. The training has been designed to be flexible and can be tailored to the needs of the student. A clear plan of action, however, must be established to complete the work in a reasonable amount of time.