Before Jesus ascended to heaven, His final call was for His followers to be disciple-makers.
- “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…”—Matthew 28:19
Discipleship calls us to grow in our faith as we shepherd others. The Bible outlines the core characteristics of discipleship and how to prepare to be disciple-makers as we live out our calling as followers of Christ.
The Heart of Discipleship
Discipleship is not just about what we do but who we are in Christ. To be a disciple means you learn from Him and abide in Him. To be a disciple-maker means to model what Jesus taught and what He did. Jesus' call to make disciples in Matthew 28:19-20 is a direct command that should shape our identity and mission as Christians.
- “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you…”—Matthew 28:19-20.
This commission is not just a task to be completed; it’s a reflection of who we are called to be.
Our calling is to shepherd other believers as we follow the Good Shepherd (John 10:11-27). This responsibility is not limited by our titles or roles, but is a central part of our identity as followers of Christ.
Whether you’re at home, at work, or in your community, the call to discipleship influences how you interact with others and how you represent Christ in the world. Discipleship allows you to live out your faith in a way that not only transforms your life but also impacts those around you.
Preparing to Be a Disciple-Maker
Before you can be a disciple-maker, it's essential to prepare your heart. Understanding what discipleship is in the Bible is crucial for this preparation, as it sets the foundation for how we approach this journey.
The journey of discipleship begins with a heart willing to learn, grow, and be molded by God. Jesus calls us to a life of self-denial and surrender.
- “Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.’”—Matthew 16:24
The work of making disciples of Jesus Christ is not easy. The moment you give your life to fulfill the Great Commission, the enemy will put a target on your back. Although discipleship is a fulfilling process, it will cost you something!
Using the acronym C.O.S.T, we’ve identified 4 elements of discipleship that disciple-makers must commit to:
- The Call: Being a disciple-maker is a privilege. We must stay aligned under God’s authority as we shepherd other believers.
- The Objective: Disciple-makers help disciples forge new patterns in their lives that reflect Christ.
- The System: Disciple-makers embrace the process of discipleship and labor with their disciples in love.
- The Tools: Disciple-makers teach their disciples the tools for studying God’s Word and sharing the gospel.
Discipleship requires you to pour into others out of the overflow of Christ in you. But you can’t give what you don’t have. These four elements give you the tools you need to disciple others well.
Examples of Discipleship in the Bible
Being a disciple-maker is not just a task. It’s a calling. Understanding discipleship in the Bible helps us align our actions with God’s calling.
The four Gospels record accounts of how Jesus discipled His followers. He picked twelve men to invest in, and they followed Him for three years. During that time, they watched Him perform miracles, interact with His family, serve other believers, cast out demons, and bring hope to the hopeless.
Jesus’ example of discipleship in the Bible tells us that discipleship is life-on-life. Books and curriculums add structure to biblical discipleship, but life change happens when a disciple-maker invites their disciple in to see the daily parts of their life.
Paul and Timothy’s relationship is another example of biblical discipleship. Paul mentored Timothy, taught him how to follow Jesus, and trained him to share God’s Word with others. In 2 Timothy 2:2, Paul encouraged Timothy to pass on what he had learned.
- “And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”—2 Timothy 2:2
Preparing to be a disciple-maker means developing a heart that is patient, loving, and ready to invest in others. Discipleship is about recognizing that, regardless of the roles we occupy, our ultimate purpose is to follow Christ and lead others to Him.
The 4 Goals of Discipleship
Discipleship is about more than just attending church or reading the Bible; it's about living out the teachings of Christ daily. As a disciple-maker, you will lead your disciple to accomplish the 4 goals of discipleship.
- Learn to pray and spend time in God’s Word daily.
“…If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.”—John 8:31
Discipleship is deeply rooted in obedience to God's Word. It’s not enough to simply hear or read the Scriptures. Discipleship calls for us to live out God’s commands in our daily lives. As a disciple-maker, you must model this obedience.
Abiding in God’s word means more than just occasional reading; it means letting His teachings fill our hearts and guide our actions. When we are filled with God’s Word, we are equipped to teach others what He has taught us.
2. Learn to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit.
“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.”—Romans 8:14
The Bible tells us that the Holy Spirit is our Helper (John 14:26). When you receive Jesus as your Savior, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell inside you. The Holy Spirit convicts us of sin, fills us with God’s strength and wisdom, and produces fruit that draws people to Jesus.
Your role as a disciple-maker is to encourage and teach your disciple to follow the Holy Spirit's leading. As a disciple becomes familiar with the Holy Spirit’s voice, they will need a mature believer to encourage them and hold them accountable for being obedient to His promptings.
3. Learn to serve in the community of your family and your local church.
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this, all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”—John 13:34-35
Serving is an essential part of being a Christ-follower. We communicate our love for Christ by serving His people and serving sets us apart as His followers. The commandment to love others by serving is not just a suggestion but is central to our identity as disciples.
The love Jesus speaks of is sacrificial, selfless, and unconditional, mirroring the love He has shown us. It’s through our love for others that the world sees the reality of our discipleship. This love compels us to serve, forgive, and extend grace to those around us, creating a ripple effect that can transform lives and communities.
4. Learn to share your faith and make disciples.
“And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”—2 Timothy 2:2
The mark of maturity is/blog reproduction. As you train your disciple, you are preparing them to become a disciple-maker and lead other people the way you have led them. Have conversations with your disciple about what their next steps will be after you complete Discipleship 1, and be willing to continue to mentor them as they start to disciple others.
Takeaway
Discipleship requires perseverance. It strengthens our relationships with Christ and deepens our spiritual maturity. The process of discipleship grows our character so that we can be living proof of a loving God to a watching world.
Are you ready to take the next step in your faith? Join us for Discipleship 1 classes! We will equip you to understand what discipleship is in the Bible and to be a disciple-maker.