There are six stages in the life of faith. In the book, “The Critical Journey: Stages in the Life of Faith,” authors Janet O. Hagberg and Robert A. Gulich describe the following stages. As we work to have young men flourish as fully engaged disciples, we encourage them by meeting them where they are at and guiding them to take the next step. We use named stages of faith to identify the progress.
Stage 1: Eutychus (Discover) – Disciple
Like the other disciples, Eutychus is in his 20s. He is someone who does not yet know Jesus, but has agreed to learn—to explore—what it means to be a His disciple. While Eutychus has not committed to Jesus as Lord and Savior, he is willing to listen and grow. It is our hope that he will be raised to new life in Jesus. As Eutychus accepts Jesus, he assumes the Timothy stage and is on this way to being a Titus, Silas, or Paul.
★ From Acts 20, we know that Eutychus was a young man from Troas who attended one of Paul’s late-night sessions. He fell asleep during the teaching. And having been positioned on a window ledge, fell three stories to the ground below. He died from the fall, but experienced the miracle of being raised from the dead when Paul went down, threw himself on the young man, and declared him alive.
Stage 2: Timothy (Learn and Belong) – Disciple
Timothy is in his 20s. Most likely, he is one of the younger participants in Paul’s group. He is a newly born disciple. In many ways, he is the son of the group. He receives encouragement to grow in faith and his love commitment to God. We hope that Timothy matures in his relationship with Jesus, and his ability to lead so that eventually he can assume the Titus, Silas, or Paul stage.
★ From Acts 16, we know that Timothy had an excellent reputation in the early church. In Scripture we read that Timothy was mentored by Paul. We see Paul and Timothy’s relationship described throughout I and II Timothy. Timothy served as Paul’s representative in various locations. Clearly, Paul had great affection for Timothy. He is best described as a spiritual son to Paul.
Stage 3: Titus (Work for God) – Disciple
Titus is a 20 year old disciple of Jesus, has an essential role in God’s kingdom-advancing work. While currently he may not disciple specific men, Titus does engage in church work as preparation for the future assignments God has for him. We hope that one day Titus will grow into being a Silas. And eventually we hope that he becomes a Paul, and is involved fully in the disciple-making process.
★ In 2 Corinthians 7 and 8, Paul refers to Titus several times. He is a fellow worker of Paul. In Galatians 2, Paul speaks about Titus and Barnabas joining him on a special journey to Jerusalem. Paul wrote a letter to Titus — the book of Titus — which is included in the New Testament. Like many others, Paul considered Titus to be independent of him while passionately supporting the early church through acts of prayer, service, and more.
Stage 4: Silas (Focus Inward) – Disciple
Silas is in his 20s and a determined disciple of Jesus who desires to grow into the role of discipling other men in their 20s. He shows great potential as a leader. As part of Paul’s group, Silas is a partner to Paul. Silas labors side-by-side with Paul. The hope is that Silas someday will grow in his leadership ability, so that he may assume the Paul stage and begin discipling his own group. As a result, Paul should prepare Silas for the disciple-making stage.
★ In Scripture, we read stories of Paul partnering with many believers, including Silas. Paul and Silas worked side by side. Silas was a leader in the early church. He partnered with Paul in sharing the Gospel and expanding the Kingdom of God as described in Acts 15, 16, and 17. One of the most memorable stories about Silas and Paul is found in Acts 16 where we read that God miraculously released them from prison.
Stage 5: Paul (Focus Outward) – Disciple-maker
Network 20’s Paul is in his 20s; a strong, passionate disciple of Jesus; gifted leader; and someone who disciples men similar in age. His group of disciples is centered on life-on-life disciple-making. The group includes any combination of men in the Eutychus, Timothy, Titus, and Silas stages. Each man has a stage, but the way they relate to Paul’s leadership is organic. Paul is discipled by Barnabas. He receives direct support from Network 20.
★ The Apostle Paul was a leader and a primary disciple-maker in the early church. The story of Paul meeting Jesus on the road to Damascus is well known. He was transformed at that time and became the first major missionary to share the Good News of Jesus with Gentiles. It’s said that Paul wrote 13 New Testament epistles.
Stage 6: Barnabas (Live like Christ) – Disciple-maker
Network 20’s Barnabas is 30 years or older. He is a mature disciple of Jesus who desires to disciple men in their 20s. He is somewhat of a father figure. Within Network 20, Barnabas chooses one of two disciple-making options. Option 1: He shares wisdom, encouragement, and advice with his group of any combination of men in the Eutychus, Timothy, Titus, and Silas stages. Option 2: He focuses exclusively on Paul and Paul’s work of discipling his group of young men. Similar to Paul, Barnabas receives direct support from Network 20.
★ In Acts 4, 9, 11, and 13, we read that Barnabas played a major role in early church life. Barnabas courageously vouched for Paul as he introduced him to the apostles and others. He mentored Paul as together they went on missionary journeys and ministered to early believers. God chose Barnabas to be a spiritual father to Paul.
