Heart of a Lion is a curriculum program designed for training Christians who are either young in age, or new to the faith, in becoming true disciples of Jesus Christ.

In his book, 'Growing True Disciples', George Barna remarks that "We might define discipleship as becoming a complete and competent follower of Jesus Christ. It is about the intentional training of people who voluntarily submit to the lordship of Jesus Christ and who want to become imitators of Christ in every thought, word and deed. On the basis of teaching, training, experiences, relationships and accountability, we become beings transformed into the likeness of Jesus Christ" (Barna, 2000, p.20).

Too often when Christians are questioned about discipleship, they confine their thinking to the twelve that Jesus trained during His earthly ministry. This is not what Christ had in mind, however, when he issued "The Great Commission" in Matthew 28:19-20 saying, "Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always to the very end of the age."

Even if Christians are familiar with the above verses, they tend to consign them strictly to the type of work done by overseas missionaries. Although this is one acceptable application, a more accurate interpretation certainly goes beyond doing the Lord's work in Africa, South America, and Asia, etc. As its name implies, "The Great Commission" is arguably the most important of Jesus' many directives. In fact, its importance is realized in that it was Jesus' last earthly command! Sadly, however, too many Christians are unaware of or understand that Jesus is personally issuing a call to action when he commands, "go and make disciples of all nations …". The harvest is ripe, but the workers are few because too many Christians have absolved themselves of their responsibility to save lost souls through discipleship opportunities.

More than two thousand years ago, Jesus understood that the long-term growth of His church following His death and resurrection was dependent on discipleship. As a result, discipleship became a cornerstone of His ministry while on earth. Perhaps this is why discipleship is referred to so often in scripture. For example, in John 8:31 it reads, "To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, 'if you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples'." What a powerful verse. Yet, we as Christians expend too little effort to know, or obedience to "hold to the teaching," of our great redeemer, Jesus Christ. The reasons for this include, but are not limited to, the absence of role models, mentors, and peers who are equipped to train us in becoming true disciples in Christ.

The consequences for our callous indifference to Jesus could be eternal. In his rebuke to the church in Loadicea Christ said, "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm - neither hot nor cold - I am about to spit you out of my mouth." (Revelation 3"15-16)

Do you see the need to become a more ardent follower of Jesus Christ? If so, Heart of a Lion is the first step in becoming "hot" for Jesus! This program will test your faith, challenge your level of Christian commitment, and equip you in becoming the type of disciple that Christ calls you to be.

The time is now. The place is here. The person is you! Answer the call to discipleship!