Transformative Journeys: An 8-Month Engagement of Integrated Discipleship through Service Learning

Abstract

Church leaders continue to look for initiatives that will help them lead their congregants to become disciples of Jesus. They are often pressured to do more bible study, increase prayer, or help others serve more in the church or their community. Is discipleship these unique activities or is it better to view it as an integration of them; to see that deep transformation will occur only as these various disciplines or activities encounter each other? This project looked at the impact of an 8-month integrated discipleship initiative following the pedagogical framework of service learning. It used the integration of personal and group reflection, scriptural reflection, classroom learning about a specific concern to society's marginalized and hands-on serving in the area of concern. The five aspects were cycled through on a monthly basis over the 8 months. The initiative demonstrated significant formational impact including an understanding of personal gifting, an increased appreciation for the value of scripture and the realization that unresolved tensions are part of formation. Using narrative research, it allowed participants the opportunity to express in their own words what their transformation looked like. It indicated that when various activities intersect each other, there is an increased formational effect. In the end, seven conclusion were articulated with implications for the local church.