‘Explore’ is the mindset of an individual hearing the Gospel and wrestling with the claims of Christ and the Church … whether or not to believe. A local church is engaged in evangelism (Acts 14:21) and this must happen before new converts can be baptized (Mt 28:19), but from the standpoint of the individual, he is exploring the gospel and learning what it might mean to become a disciple of Jesus.
‘Explore’ is the first step in discipleship and is foundational to any believer’s Christian walk. In the context of ordered learning where discipleship is cumulative, it is important that any discipleship curriculum ensures that a potential convert can first explore what it means to become a Christian and be transformed (head, heart, and hands) in a community context and with accountability.