POST 48: What Is Discipleship?
POST 48
What Is Discipleship?
Discipleship can be one of those “Christianese” words thrown around a lot in church circles, but what is it exactly?
At its core, discipleship is our everyday yes to Jesus.
It’s been wisely said that when we follow Jesus, we say “one big yes” followed by a thousand little yeses each day. Discipleship is a journey, a long pilgrimage, grounded in the stuff of normal life. It’s gritty, real, whole-person faith.
I (Kristel) was not unaware of faith when I was growing up, but I wouldn’t say it was high on my priority list. I knew of Jesus and had learned some Bible stories but admittedly had never actually read the Bible. In high school, however, a friend invited me to her youth group, and I discovered new ways of being a disciple. Building on my early faith foundations, that season was really when I said yes to following Jesus. I was fascinated by viewing the world through the lens of faith, and I also discovered that there was a lot about the Bible I didn’t know.
Our youth pastor, Mr. J, invited me to join a group of students every Tuesday afternoon to study the Bible and pray. It was there that I really began reading the Bible for the first time. This was the beginning of a new discipleship journey.
But it didn’t end there. Mr. and Mrs. J also invited us over to their apartment on the weekends to hang out or play basketball in the church parking lot. When service opportunities came up, Mr. J would rally the teens and put us to work. On youth group nights, we learned about worshiping through music and through the preaching of the Bible. We also had fun playing foosball and eating pizza (which I discovered was the official food of youth groups).
Discipleship wasn’t only going to worship or studying the Bible—it was also connecting with other Christ followers, serving others, and sharing meals. It reminds me of the early church we learn about in the book of Acts: “The believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the community, to their shared meals, and to their prayers” (2:42).
What’s Your Discipleship Journey?
The final words from Jesus to his disciples in the Gospel of Matthew are what many believers call “The Great Commission.” He said, “Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything that I’ve commanded you” (28:19–20).
Jesus named three initial steps in the discipleship journey: (1) go, (2) make disciples, and (3) teach. As we read about the disciples in the early church, we see them follow these three steps as they share and serve one another.
So where are you in your discipleship journey? Have you said yes to Jesus? Are you in the process of learning and sharing the biblical story? Have you leaned into opportunities to serve and help others?
The thing to remember about this journey is that it isn’t linear and that it looks different for everyone. There are first steps, but there is no formula for discipleship. It’s our yes today to what God might put in front of us today.
Your next step may be baptism, while your friend’s next step may be learning to pray. Your next step may be signing up to serve on a ministry team, while your friend’s next step may be signing up for a Bible study.
Sometimes we take multiple steps at once. Sometimes they’re giant steps. Sometimes they’re baby steps. But you’re not taking any of these steps on your own! We have been gifted the Holy Spirit, who walks in step with us and helps us in this journey. We’ve also been given each other—the church.
Most importantly, remember that this is a journey of love. That’s who God is. God is love. And as we say yes to Jesus each day, we will grow in love.
In fact, that’s what I remember most from those days in Mr. J’s youth group. I remember how much he and his wife loved us. They cared about our lives. They cared about our good. They made house calls and listened to us and pointed us to our greater purpose. None of the rest of it would have mattered much without love.
READING GOD’S WORD
Jesus came near and spoke to them, “I’ve received all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything that I’ve commanded you. Look, I myself will be with you every day until the end of this present age.” (Matthew 28:18–20)
As Jesus passed alongside the Galilee Sea, he saw two brothers, Simon and Andrew, throwing fishing nets into the sea, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” he said, “and I’ll show you how to fish for people.” Right away, they left their nets and followed him. (Mark 1:16–18)
I give you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, so you also must love each other. This is how everyone will know that you are my disciples, when you love each other. (John 13:34–35)
Journaling Questions
What has been your experience with discipleship? Is this a new word or concept for you?
What do you think your next “everyday yes” to God might look like?
How might discipleship help point you to your purpose?
Pray This Prayer
God, as I grow in my faith and go on this discipleship journey, I pray that I will grow in love. Thank you for the gift of your Spirit, who helps us to grow. Thank you for the gift of community, which helps us to grow. I pray that with each day that passes, I will say a new yes to Jesus. In Jesus’ name, amen.
SOMETHING TO TRY
Seek out some time with a leader from your church. If you don’t have a church, perhaps a parent or a friend can help you find one.
Sit down with this church leader to talk about how discipleship works at their church. Do they have a pathway for people to follow? Do they provide one-on-one mentorship? Take some time to explore what your next step could be.
THE TAKEAWAY
Discipleship is our ongoing faith journey of saying an everyday yes to Jesus.