First person: Disciple-making 101

In the church we hear the term discipleship more than any other setting on earth.

If discipleship is the acquiescence of the teachings, disciplines and practices of another, what should be our objectives as believers in Christ? Would you agree the purest form of discipleship is imitation? If so, and we are to make disciples of Christ, can we follow His example? We might call it disciple-making 101. Perhaps in simplified terms we could follow Jesus’ process.

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Jesus’ course of discipleship:

• choose your disciples.
• know your plan of action.
• teach the way Jesus taught.
• tell them the why (in a relevant manner to them).
• send them out (let them practice it and put into practice).
• debrief.
• teach them more.
• commission them and send them out to be learners and practitioners.

Using Jesus’ example, what are the objectives of a fruitful, discipleship ministry?

A discipleship ministry…

• teaches believers the disciplines that can lead to a spiritually transformed life in Christ.
• causes believers to accept the disciplines (not forced, but creates a desire to accept).
• teaches believers how to pray, meditate and worship; and to practice these disciplines daily.
• trains believers to share their faith with unsaved people and builds confidence as they witness on a regular basis.
• provides believers with opportunities for fellowship and the development of strong and lasting relationships within and outside the group.
• equips believers to identify their spiritual gifts, choose a worthy ministry and do ministry with compassion and competence.

The Apostle Paul stated, “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:14). May we, each press on in our own maturity into a disciple of Christ as we lead others into and through his/her discipleship journey. This is our calling and should be our compelling desire. May God bless your discipleship journey as you assist others in theirs.