During His time on Earth, Jesus showed us that our life-long mission is to become more like God every day. He knew exactly how to meet a person where they were at and help them grow. A key part of this was the process of discipleship. Before He returned to heaven, Jesus directed us to follow this model to grow as believers and bring the Kingdom of God to Earth (Matthew 28:19). But what exactly does discipleship look like?
Some people think of it as bringing new believers to the church. But what happens next? Jesus showed us exactly what true discipleship looked like: He assembled a team of friends who would go through everything together and work hand-in-hand to complete the mission of spreading the good news of His way to others.
3 Major Elements of Discipleship
Walking Alongside Someone in Christ
Have you ever gone on a camping trip? Whether you go with close friends or strangers, there seems to be a real comradery in simply being together on a journey. This element is at the heart of discipleship. The journey is getting closer to God, and we need a team to do it. This fellowship brings major encouragement—just knowing someone else is going through the same things as you and is there to help if you’re going through challenging times.
But walking alongside someone in Christ is also about serving each other and sharing real advice and wisdom from your distinct perspective when they need it. Think of that camping trip. When the team is a well-oiled machine, they put up the tents, collect kindling, start a fire, make the meal, get the bear bag up and do whatever else needs to be done without any ordering around. They’re all happy to lend their strengths, fulfill each task and help out wherever needed.
Growing Together as Disciples
In 1st Corinthians 13:11, Paul writes, “When I was a child, I spoke like a child, thought like a child, and reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up my childish ways.” Each of us starts our relationship with God in this way. Even though we believe the most important things, that God is real and his son Jesus died for our sins so we could have a real relationship with Him, our grasp of God is as limited as our experiences with Him.
As disciples, we’re called on to encourage each other to not remain stagnant, but to grow in our study, faith and trust in God. It’s a life-long process and every day we should challenge our hearts and minds to be more like Him. In Matthew 18:20, Jesus tells us, “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Just like Jesus invited his disciples when He was on Earth, He invites us today to learn to know God with Him. Your own one-on-one time with God is important but so is joining each other to study Him and praying together. This way, we share our own point of view to deepen our understanding of God and grow closer to Him together.
Mentoring Others in their Faith
When you have grown in your faith as a disciple, you might be called to mentor others in their Faith. Remember the importance of this position—you have the responsibility of leading like Jesus. In Jesus’ group of disciples, He was the leader. But He didn’t lead by directing them or ruling over them. Instead, he led through example and sharing His knowledge of God the Father. He wasn’t your normal pedagogue who tested and gave answers. Everything was experiential. Everything was a story, related to them in terms that they could understand.
Take this approach to mentoring others. Don’t simply tell them what to think or what they should be doing. Share your own personal stories, the good and the bad, which can illustrate God’s presence in your life and help them grow. Be a model for them, showing them the things you do, day in and day out, to deepen your relationship with God.
Ready for this kind of discipleship in your life? Download the Playbook for Level 5 Friendship today.
