PROPOSAL for Transformative Discipleship Technology (TDT) Curriculum
The FOCUS of discipleship is on unceasing prayer seeking communion with our Creator THROUGH HUMBLE SUBMISSION, not in showing off OR making noise and getting in people's faces OR evangelically conquering other humans.
Introduction
Transformative Discipleship Technology (TDT) is a self-directed, decentralized program designed to foster a deep, personal relationship with the Creator through constant prayer, scripture study, and reflective practices. It draws inspiration from the 12-step program and Celebrate Recovery’s eight principles, adapted for anyone seeking spiritual transformation free from centralized religious organizations. TDT addresses the challenges of addiction, affluence, and materialistic culture by empowering individuals to develop their own spiritual tools and practices, fostering a life of continuous communion with a higher power.
Objectives
- Acknowledge and rely on a higher power for guidance and strength.
- Develop daily habits of prayer and scripture study to transform all activities into acts of worship.
- Overcome addictions and materialistic tendencies through spiritual disciplines.
- Live a transformed life guided by the Creator’s will, sharing the journey with others.
Structure
The TDT curriculum is structured as a 12-week intensive bootcamp, repeatable as needed, with four phases of progressive learning and practice. Participants can follow it self-paced or in small, peer-led groups. Each phase includes lessons, scripture readings, and practical exercises to build spiritual disciplines. The program is freely accessible, with open-source resources available online, and encourages participants to customize their spiritual practices.
Phase 1: Foundations (Weeks 1-4)
This phase establishes the groundwork for spiritual transformation, focusing on acknowledging the need for a higher power and building foundational practices.
| Lesson | Focus | Scripture Readings | Practices |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Understanding the Need for Transformation | Recognizing powerlessness over addictions and materialism | Romans 3:23, James 1:14-15, Matthew 6:24 | Daily prayer of surrender: “Creator, I am powerless; guide me.” |
| 2. Introduction to Prayer | Learning basic prayer as communion with the Creator | Matthew 6:5-15, Philippians 4:6-7 | Establish a daily prayer time (10-15 minutes) using a journal. |
| 3. Basics of Scripture Study | Engaging with scripture as God’s Word | 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Psalm 119:105 | Start a daily scripture reading plan (e.g., one chapter/day). |
| 4. Acknowledging a Higher Power | Believing in the Creator’s existence and care | Hebrews 11:6, Romans 1:20 | Reflect on personal experiences of the Creator’s presence; journal insights. |
Phase 2: Deepening Communion (Weeks 5-8)
This phase deepens the participant’s relationship with the Creator through advanced prayer and scripture study, emphasizing constant communion.
| Lesson | Focus | Scripture Readings | Practices |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5. Advanced Prayer Techniques | Exploring contemplative and listening prayer | Psalm 46:10, 1 Kings 19:11-13 | Practice 10 minutes of silent prayer daily, listening for guidance. |
| 6. In-Depth Scripture Study | Using inductive Bible study for personal insight | Psalm 1:2-3, Joshua 1:8 | Study a book of the Bible (e.g., John) using observation, interpretation, application. |
| 7. Constant Prayer | Praying without ceasing in daily life | 1 Thessalonians 5:17, Ephesians 6:18 | Set hourly phone reminders for brief prayers (1-2 minutes). |
| 8. Hearing the Creator’s Voice | Discerning divine guidance | John 10:27, Isaiah 30:21 | Journal daily to record perceived guidance from prayer and scripture. |
Phase 3: Overcoming Challenges (Weeks 9-12)
This phase focuses on applying spiritual disciplines to overcome addictions and materialistic tendencies, using the 12-step framework.
| Lesson | Focus | Scripture Readings | Practices |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9. The 12 Steps in a Spiritual Context | Applying recovery principles to spiritual growth | Matthew 5:3-10 (Beatitudes) | Work through steps 1-3: admit powerlessness, believe in a higher power, surrender to God’s will. |
| 10. Identifying and Confessing Faults | Conducting a moral inventory | James 5:16, 1 John 1:9 | List personal faults and confess to God and a trusted peer. |
| 11. Making Amends | Restoring relationships | Matthew 5:23-24, Luke 19:8 | Identify people harmed and plan amends, avoiding harm to others. |
| 12. Forgiveness | Releasing resentment | Matthew 6:14-15, Colossians 3:13 | Write letters of forgiveness (not sent) to those who have hurt you. |
Phase 4: Living Transformed (Ongoing)
This phase integrates spiritual practices into all aspects of life, encouraging service and continual growth.
| Lesson | Focus | Scripture Readings | Practices |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13. Integrating Spiritual Practices | Dedicating all activities to the Creator | Romans 12:1-2, Colossians 3:17 | Pray before daily tasks (e.g., work, meals) to offer them to God. |
| 14. Serving Others | Using gifts to help others | Matthew 25:35-40, 1 Peter 4:10 | Volunteer weekly in a community service activity. |
| 15. Sharing the Good News | Sharing your transformation story | Matthew 28:19-20, Acts 1:8 | Write and share a brief testimony with a peer or online forum. |
| 16. Continual Growth | Setting goals for ongoing discipleship | Philippians 3:12-14, 2 Peter 3:18 | Create a personal spiritual growth plan for the next 6 months. |
Tools and Resources
Participants are encouraged to develop or adapt their own tools for spiritual growth, ensuring no reliance on purchased products:
- Prayer Journal: Use a notebook or free app (e.g., Notion) to record prayers and reflections.
- Scripture Reading Plan: Follow a free plan from YouVersion or create a personalized plan.
- Reminders: Set phone alarms for hourly prayers or use free apps like Google Calendar.
- Community Forum: Join or create a free online forum (e.g., Reddit, Discord) for peer support.
- Open-Source Curriculum: Access TDT materials on a public platform (e.g., GitHub Pages) and contribute improvements.
Community and Support
- Small Groups: Form peer-led groups of 3-5 for weekly discussions, following guidelines for confidentiality and support.
- Accountability Partners: Pair with another participant for bi-weekly check-ins on progress.
- Online Forum: Participate in a decentralized forum for sharing insights and encouragement.
- Mentorship: Volunteer as a mentor after completing the program to guide newcomers.
Organizing a TDT Bootcamp
- Duration: 12 weeks, repeatable as needed.
- Commitment: 1-2 hours daily for lessons, prayer, and scripture study.
- Group Size: 3-5 participants for accountability.
- Meetings: Weekly online or in-person discussions, led by rotating volunteers.
- Guidelines: Provide templates for group facilitation, emphasizing peer-led, non-hierarchical support.
Assessment and Progress Tracking
- Self-Assessment: Complete reflection questions after each lesson to evaluate growth.
- Milestones: Celebrate achievements like 30 days of consistent prayer or completing a step study.
- Feedback: Contribute suggestions to the open-source curriculum via the community forum.