Discipleship 101 eBook

Disciplemaking. It can sound difficult and overwhelming. But what if you discovered you already have what it takes? It’s true! Disciplemaking can be one of the most natural things any believer does. All you need is just what God has given you—your gifts, heart, and relationship with Him. So when it comes to disciplemaking you really do have what it takes. And we can help.

What is discipleship?

A disciple is someone who believes in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, intentionally learning and striving to live more like Him. It involves growing in Christ and helping others do the same by coming alongside them and sharing God’s love. Sometimes this looks like praying or studying the Bible together; other times it’s just spending quality time together. 

Jesus first demonstrated this kind of personal discipleship approach through His relationship with the 12 disciples. He intentionally chose everyday people and invited those around Him to pay attention to what He said, how He lived, and what was truly important. 

Discipling our friends, family, or neighbors is not about being an expert. It’s about passing on what you’re learning as you grow in your relationship with Jesus. You just need to be who God created you to be, recognizing you have what it takes to grow in Christ and help others do the same.

Take the next step:

How has God transformed your life with someone who came alongside you to share the gospel, pray, study the Bible, or fellowship together?

Inviting someone to follow Jesus with you.

God knows you intimately. Because of this, He knows exactly what discipleship can look like in your life. Often, He reveals discipleship opportunities as we consider relationships we already have and ask Him to show us who is open or even eager to explore faith.

With God paving the way, you can talk about a Bible verse that has impacted you recently or what you’ve learned about God through a difficult circumstance. Taking that first step and starting those conversations about faith opens the door to continue the conversation.

Ultimately, you want to grow in your relationship with God. Then you can share how you’re growing, what you’re learning, and how Jesus is changing your life with others.

Take the next step:

Pray over the names of people God brings to mind in your family, community, and workplace. Ask Him to help you discern whom He might be calling you to invest in personally.

Write the name of one person you could invite to follow Jesus with you.

What are you learning in your relationship with Jesus that you’re excited to share with someone else?

Praying with someone.

You’ve had many conversations with God and understand this is what prayer is all about. Inviting someone to pray with you is simply inviting them to join your conversation with God.

Do you have people in your life whom you regularly ask, “How can I be praying for you?” Prayer is a powerful tool and can bless others in your life richly. Ask someone you know if you could pray for them this week. Trust the Holy Spirit to guide your words and share with God what’s on your heart for the person you’re praying for. They will appreciate your genuine prayer and it might just be the best thing that’s happened to them all day!

Once you’ve prayed together once, look for the opportunity to pray again for each other. It could be as easy as praying together after a game of basketball.

Take the next step:

Invite a friend to pray with you. What was this experience like?

Studying the Bible together.

Your understanding of following Jesus deepens as you read God’s Word. Studying the Bible with someone else could be as simple as reading Scripture, reflecting on it, and discussing what you observe and how this applies to everyday life.

Pray about who to study the Bible with and see whom God brings to mind. It might be a coworker you’ve built a friendship with or a family member ready to take the next step of spiritual growth. Studying the Word together can be conversational and uncomplicated, and the only tool you need is a Bible.

Take the next step:

As you read Scripture in your personal time with the Lord, what questions do you ask yourself? 

Write down these questions and keep them in mind as you step into an opportunity to study the Bible with someone else.