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You’re Not My Type: Discipleship Designed for Diverse Dispositions

Brodwynn Charles Roberts | 2023

Abstract

The numbers are astounding. Eighty percent of Christian adults need to be more engaged in discipleship activities. In comparison, according to the Barna Report, 20 percent of Christian adults are engaged in Bible Study, Sunday School, or a prayer gathering. The job description of every Christian is in Matthew 28:19-20, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” Unfortunately, Christian leaders and laity need to fulfill the mandate spoken by Jesus. The discipleship deficit that many churches face is due, in part, to the one-size-fits-all approach used to “make disciples.” The Barna Report highlights that “cookie-cutter” programs hinder discipleship. This book seeks to answer how ecclesial leaders can engage and design discipleship for the 80 percent who need to be more engaged in discipleship activities.

Jesus’ interaction with any person was a moment that was designed specifically for them. Jesus cultivated relationships that served as the foundation for discipling. The Discipleship Designed for Diverse Dispositions Model recognizes that everyone is different and that ecclesial leaders can create discipleship activities with those differences in mind. The model’s foundations are Domain, Data, Decision, and Default. Each field correlates with the four dichotomies specified in Carl Jung’s psychological theory that is the basis of Katherine Briggs and Isabel Briggs Myers personality type assessment tool known as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. Using the MBTI gives the model the flexibility needed to create activities that will appeal to the diverse dispositions that make up our congregations.

The D⁴ Model considers personality preferences and includes activities designed for those personality preferences. Persons who prefer extraversion will naturally enjoy activities promoting group fellowships and encouraging open conversations and dialogue. At the same time, individuals whose dominant preference is introversion would be attracted to activities that promote reflection and mediation. This model provides custom-designed programming that meets the needs of every personality type. This model gives congregants options that will recruit and retain lifelong disciples.