Jesus said:
"Students are not greater than their teacher, and slaves are not greater than their master. Students are to be like their teacher, and slaves are to be like their master" (Matthew 10:24-25a, NLT).
Similarly, the apostle John wrote:
"Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did" (1 John 2:6, NLT).
Being a disciple is not merely about learning correct doctrine; it’s about embodying it through action and adjusting our lives to reflect Jesus.
The Role of a Disciple in the Church
Disciples are the heartbeat of the local church. They provide the service, sacrifice, and leadership that make ministry possible. Disciples pray regularly for the church family and for individuals, showing genuine care for others. They seek opportunities to share Christ’s love with non-believers and provide the wisdom and guidance that help the church community fulfill its mission. Most importantly, disciples serve as examples for others to follow. A healthy church is built on mature, dedicated disciples who demonstrate what it means to live as a follower of Jesus.
What is Discipleship?
Discipleship is the intentional process of forming disciples. Jesus left the church with a clear mandate:
"Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you" (Matthew 28:19-20a, NLT).
This task of making disciples doesn’t happen by accident—it requires intentionality and planning. While the methods may vary across church communities, one thing remains constant: discipleship is essential to a thriving, vibrant church.
The Role of Discipleship in the Church
Discipleship is the most vital ministry of the church. It ensures the ongoing health of the church community and empowers the church to impact its surrounding culture. While some individuals grow in faith through personal discipline, most of us need guidance, encouragement, and accountability to continue maturing. Discipleship provides that essential structure, helping believers grow and develop, thereby strengthening the church as a whole.
My Philosophy of Discipleship
The mission of the church is to make disciples—this is what Jesus called us to do (Matthew 28:18-20). Discipleship must be a top priority for every church family. In examining Jesus' ministry, we can identify three essential components for any discipleship program:
1. Discipleship is Founded on Prayer
Luke’s gospel shows us that Jesus prayed before selecting His twelve apostles (Luke 6:12-13). In John’s gospel, we see Jesus praying for His disciples on the night of His betrayal (John 17:1-26). Prayer is foundational for discipleship because it connects us with God’s will and empowers us for ministry. Discipleship begins and thrives in an atmosphere of prayer.
2. Discipleship Happens Through Teaching
Jesus’ ministry was primarily one of teaching (Matthew 4:23). Faith begins with knowledge, and knowledge is passed on through teaching. To become like Jesus, people must first learn how Jesus lived and what He expects of us. A healthy discipleship program will offer both personal and group study opportunities to learn God’s Word. For believers to align their lives with God’s will, they must first understand what that will is.
3. Discipleship Results in Ministry
At a certain point, Jesus sent His disciples out to do ministry. Luke 9:1-6 describes how Jesus sent out the Twelve to preach and heal, and in Luke 10:1-16, He sent out seventy-two others to carry out His mission. Ministry is where disciples experience God at work in and through their lives. A strong discipleship program will provide opportunities for people to serve—both within the church and in the community. By engaging in ministry, disciples put their faith into action and live out God’s will.
Additional Principles for Effective Discipleship: Faith and Patience
While prayer, teaching, and ministry are essential, two additional principles are crucial for effective discipleship: faith and patience. We must trust that, as we commit to the discipleship process, the Holy Spirit is working in people’s lives, even when we can’t immediately see the results. Patience is key, as spiritual growth rarely happens overnight. It took three years for Jesus to prepare His group of disciples to lead the early church, and we can’t expect overnight transformations. We must trust God’s timing and remain committed to the process, knowing that He is faithfully at work.
By committing to these principles—prayer, teaching, ministry, faith, and patience—the church can fulfill its mission of making disciples and nurturing a thriving, spiritually healthy community.
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