Project – Discipleship in Mark Gospel and the implication to Christ Apostolic Church Leadership

CHAPTER ONE

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

• Background of the Study

The Gospel of Mark is often considered the earliest of the four canonical gospels, and it provides a vivid portrayal of Jesus’ ministry, particularly focusing on the theme of discipleship. According to scholars like William L. Lane in his commentary “The Gospel According to Mark,” Mark’s narrative emphasizes the call to discipleship as a central element of Jesus’ mission. Lane argues that the Gospel presents discipleship not merely as following Jesus physically but as a transformative journey that involves understanding and embracing the suffering and servanthood exemplified by Jesus (Lane, 1974).

In the context of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), which is a Pentecostal denomination with roots in the indigenous African church movement, the principles of discipleship as outlined in Mark’s Gospel can have profound implications for leadership. The CAC places a strong emphasis on spiritual growth, holiness, and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, which aligns with the Markan portrayal of discipleship as a path of spiritual transformation. As noted by Ogbu Kalu in “African Pentecostalism: An Introduction,” the CAC’s leadership model is deeply influenced by the need for leaders to embody the spiritual and moral qualities of Christ, which resonates with the Markan call to discipleship (Kalu, 2008).

One of the key aspects of discipleship in Mark is the concept of servant leadership. Jesus’ teachings and actions, particularly in passages like Mark 10:42-45, highlight the importance of leaders serving others rather than seeking power and authority. This principle is crucial for CAC leadership, where the emphasis is on humility, service, and the well-being of the congregation. As David Bosch discusses in “Transforming Mission: Paradigm Shifts in Theology of Mission,” the servant leadership model is essential for fostering a community that reflects the values of the Kingdom of God (Bosch, 1991).

Furthermore, the Gospel of Mark presents discipleship as a journey marked by misunderstanding and growth. The disciples often fail to grasp Jesus’ teachings and mission fully, yet they are continually called to deeper understanding and commitment. This aspect of discipleship is particularly relevant for CAC leaders, who must navigate the complexities of guiding their congregations through spiritual growth and maturity. As Andrew T. Lincoln points out in “Theology of the New Testament,” the process of discipleship involves ongoing learning and adaptation, which is vital for effective church leadership (Lincoln, 1993).

The implications of Markan discipleship for CAC leadership also extend to the communal aspect of the church. In Mark, discipleship is not an individual endeavor but a collective journey. The formation of a community of believers who support and challenge one another is a key theme. For the CAC, fostering a strong sense of community and mutual support among members is essential for spiritual growth and effective ministry. This communal focus is echoed in the work of John Mbiti, who in “African Religions and Philosophy” emphasizes the importance of community in African spirituality and its impact on church life (Mbiti, 1969).

The theme of discipleship in the Gospel of Mark offers valuable insights for Christ Apostolic Church leadership. The emphasis on servant leadership, spiritual growth, communal support, and the transformative journey of following Christ provides a robust framework for guiding the church. By embracing these principles, CAC leaders can foster a vibrant and spiritually mature community that reflects the teachings and example of Jesus as portrayed in Mark’s Gospel.

1.2    Purpose of the Study

The purpose of the study is to examine Discipleship in Mark Gospel and the implication to Christ Apostolic Church Leadership. The specific objectives are:

1. To analyze the concept of discipleship as portrayed in the Gospel of Mark.
2. To examine the characteristics and qualities of the disciples of Jesus in the Gospel of Mark.
3. To explore the teachings and instructions on discipleship given by Jesus in the Gospel of Mark.
4. To investigate the role of discipleship in shaping the leadership structure and practices within the Christ Apostolic Church.

1.3   Significance of the Study

The study of discipleship in the Gospel of Mark holds profound significance, particularly when considering its implications for leadership within the Christ Apostolic Church. Mark’s Gospel is often noted for its emphasis on the immediacy and urgency of Jesus’ call to discipleship. This sense of urgency can inspire leaders within the Christ Apostolic Church to approach their roles with a similar fervor and dedication. By understanding the immediacy with which the first disciples responded to Jesus, modern church leaders can cultivate a sense of urgency in their own ministries, encouraging prompt and decisive action in the pursuit of spiritual growth and community service.

Furthermore, the Gospel of Mark presents discipleship as a journey marked by both faith and failure. The disciples frequently misunderstand Jesus’ teachings and falter in their faith, yet Jesus remains patient and continues to guide them. This aspect of discipleship is crucial for Christ Apostolic Church leaders, as it underscores the importance of perseverance and grace in leadership. Leaders can draw from this narrative to foster an environment where mistakes are seen as opportunities for growth rather than failures, promoting a culture of continuous learning and spiritual development within the church.

Mark’s Gospel also highlights the theme of servanthood as central to discipleship. Jesus himself models this through acts of service and ultimately through his sacrificial death. For Christ Apostolic Church leaders, this emphasis on servanthood is a powerful reminder that true leadership is rooted in humility and a commitment to serving others. By embracing a servant-leadership model, church leaders can more effectively minister to their congregations, embodying the selfless love and compassion that Jesus demonstrated.

The portrayal of the disciples’ diverse backgrounds in Mark’s Gospel is another significant aspect that can inform Christ Apostolic Church leadership. The disciples come from various walks of life, yet they are united in their mission to follow Jesus. This diversity can inspire church leaders to embrace and celebrate the varied backgrounds and experiences within their own congregations. By fostering an inclusive community that values each member’s unique contributions, leaders can strengthen the unity and effectiveness of their ministry.

Additionally, the Gospel of Mark emphasizes the importance of teaching and proclamation in discipleship. Jesus consistently teaches his disciples and sends them out to preach the gospel. For Christ Apostolic Church leaders, this underscores the dual role of being both learners and teachers. Leaders must be committed to their own spiritual education while also equipping others to share the gospel. This dual focus ensures that the church remains vibrant and dynamic, continually growing in faith and outreach.

Finally, the study of discipleship in Mark’s Gospel reveals the transformative power of following Jesus. The disciples are profoundly changed by their relationship with him, evolving from ordinary individuals into bold proclaimers of the gospel. This transformation is a powerful testament to the potential impact of effective discipleship. Christ Apostolic Church leaders can draw inspiration from this transformation, recognizing that their leadership has the potential to profoundly shape the spiritual lives of their congregants. By prioritizing discipleship, leaders can facilitate deep, lasting change within their communities, fostering a church that is both spiritually robust and missionally engaged.

1.4   Statement of the Problem

The Gospel of Mark presents a unique and compelling narrative of discipleship that has profound implications for contemporary Christian leadership, particularly within the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC). Mark’s portrayal of discipleship is characterized by a call to radical commitment, self-denial, and a willingness to suffer for the sake of the Gospel. This depiction challenges modern church leaders to re-evaluate their understanding and practice of discipleship in a way that aligns more closely with the teachings and example of Jesus as presented in Mark. The problem arises when contemporary leadership models, which often emphasize success, growth, and influence, clash with the sacrificial and service-oriented model of discipleship that Mark advocates.

One of the central issues is the apparent disconnect between the biblical model of discipleship and the leadership practices observed in many modern churches, including the CAC. In Mark, Jesus calls his disciples to follow him unreservedly, to take up their cross, and to lose their lives for his sake (Mark 8:34-35). This call to radical discipleship is often at odds with leadership approaches that prioritize personal ambition, authority, and institutional success. The challenge for CAC leadership is to bridge this gap by fostering a culture of discipleship that is deeply rooted in the sacrificial and servant-hearted ethos of the Gospel of Mark.

Furthermore, the Gospel of Mark emphasizes the importance of understanding and embracing the suffering and rejection that come with true discipleship. Jesus repeatedly prepares his disciples for the reality of persecution and hardship (Mark 10:29-30). However, in many contemporary church settings, including the CAC, there is a tendency to downplay or avoid discussions of suffering and sacrifice. This creates a problem where leaders and congregants may be ill-prepared to face the inevitable challenges and trials of authentic Christian discipleship. Addressing this issue requires a deliberate effort to integrate the theology of suffering and sacrifice into the church’s teaching and leadership development programs.

Another significant problem is the potential for a superficial understanding of discipleship that focuses more on external behaviors and less on the transformation of the heart and mind. In Mark, true discipleship involves a profound inner change, as seen in the transformation of the disciples over the course of the narrative. For CAC leadership, the challenge is to move beyond mere behavioral conformity and to cultivate a deeper, more holistic approach to discipleship that encompasses spiritual growth, character development, and a genuine relationship with Christ. This necessitates a rethinking of discipleship programs and leadership training to ensure they are fostering true spiritual maturity.

Additionally, the Gospel of Mark highlights the importance of community and relational dynamics in the process of discipleship. Jesus’ interactions with his disciples are marked by close, personal relationships and a shared journey of faith. In contrast, modern leadership models can sometimes emphasize individualism and hierarchical structures, which can hinder the development of authentic Christian community. For CAC leadership, the problem lies in creating an environment where relational discipleship can flourish, where leaders and members alike are committed to walking alongside one another in mutual support and accountability.

Finally, the Gospel of Mark presents a vision of discipleship that is mission-oriented, with a clear focus on spreading the Gospel and serving others. Jesus commissions his disciples to go out and preach, heal, and cast out demons (Mark 6:7-13). However, there can be a tendency within the CAC and other contemporary churches to become inward-focused, prioritizing internal programs and activities over outward mission. The problem, therefore, is to realign the church’s priorities with the missional focus of Mark’s Gospel, encouraging leaders to equip and mobilize their congregations for effective evangelism and service in the wider community.

The Gospel of Mark offers a rich and challenging model of discipleship that has significant implications for Christ Apostolic Church leadership. Addressing the problems of disconnect between biblical and contemporary models, the neglect of suffering, superficial discipleship, lack of community focus, and mission drift requires a concerted effort to reorient leadership practices and church culture towards a more authentic and holistic understanding of discipleship as taught by Jesus in Mark.

Project – Discipleship in Mark Gospel and the implication to Christ Apostolic Church Leadership