Discipleship is simply learning from each other how to be followers of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. “The 2:7 Series,” a curriculum published by The Navigator’s, is a useful tool for formal discipleship ministry. The name 2:7 comes from Colossians 2:6-7, “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”

2:7 Discipleship Ministry is a series of 3 workbook-based courses for Christians in all stages of faith in Christ. Brand new Christians and those who have known Jesus for decades all benefit from participation in this ministry. Each 11-week course is completed in groups  ranging from 2  to 10 people, led by a facilitator. The 3 courses are taken in order as they build on each other. 

- Book 1, Growing Strong in God’s Family, focuses on strengthening your spiritual foundation.

- Book 2, Deepening Your Roots, focuses on sharing your salvation testimony and spending extended time alone with God.

- Book 3, Bearing Fruit, focuses on priorities, life management, and explaining the gospel.

Some people take all 3 courses back-to-back and others spread them out over years. It depends on when courses are offered and participants’ schedules. It is not uncommon to repeat courses either.

What to expect: Course participants have weekly assignments in the workbook that include topical Bible studies, scripture memory, and readings that altogether take about 2 hours a week to complete. When participants meet together weekly, they review that week’s lesson, share with each other from their own Bible reading, recite your memory verses, and pray together. Every week participants grow in knowledge, faith, and friendship.

Benefits: The friends and spiritual bonds that are formed within these 2:7 groups are invaluable, based on true fellowship. At the same time, participants build healthy spiritual habits of regularly reading the Bible, praying, and memorizing verses very useful for life. Over 100 people have taken 2:7 courses at Cornerstone, many of whom have graduated from all 3 courses. Most participants say they wish they had taken foundational courses like this sooner and everyone says they would recommend it to others! Consider joining a 2:7 Discipleship Group soon!