How do you define discipleship? While the script is pretty standard from a church marketing perspective, the actions associated with being a follower of Jesus can vary from church attendance to political association and everywhere in between. Growing disciples requires a common definition. A good place to start is to find out what your community already has internalized about discipleship.
What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus?
Try asking people in your church this question and see what kinds of answers you get. Even the leaders of your programs may not have a clear sense of what it means. What would a disciple of Jesus do? Say? How would you know if you saw one?
Compare and contrast the two columns below—what church attenders are likely to say are the markers of a follower of Jesus and what Jesus actually told his disciples to do in the gospel accounts.
| What church attenders are likely to say |
What Jesus told his disciples to do |
| Believe in the basic doctrines: The incarnation, death, and resurrection of Jesus and in the inspiration of the Bible. | Have faith in him, follow him, and do what he does |
| Pray and read the Bible | Pray to and spend time with the Father |
| Attend church services | Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength |
| Join a small group | Love your neighbor as yourself |
| Volunteer in the church | Serve other people |
| Attend classes to learn more about the Bible and theology | Tell others the good news about Jesus |
| Give 10% of your money to the church | Give generously and give to the poor |
| Live according to the teachings of the Bible (generally if people are pressed, this means following the ten commandments) | Make disciples of others |
| Try to exert a positive influence on the behaviors of others | Engage with all kinds of people and genuinely care about them |
| Stand up for your beliefs against the world | Be an agent of healing in the world |
| Practice the “one anothers” of scripture with other Christians | Don’t just focus on your friends, but include those outside the faith as well. Love everyone, serve everyone, encourage everyone. Have parties and invite everyone. |
Discipleship in your church
As you reflect on these lists, what do you think? What do the people in your congregation think it means to be a follower of Jesus and do their actions match their words?
Read through the gospel accounts, looking at what Jesus told his disciples to do and what he modeled for them and see how it compares with the right-hand column.
Given the discrepancies, what might you need to teach the people in your church about discipleship? What might be some effective ways of doing that? Think relationally, and think outside the box. Classes tend to lend themselves to communicating the items on the left. Relationships and practice tend to communicate the items on the right.
Resources
The Discipleship Difference- Every person is different and we all reflect God in different ways. So why is our typical approach to discipleship the same across the board? The Discipleship Difference lays out an intentional, holistic, and relational approach to discipleship that is individualized to meet each person wherever they are and help them take their next best step toward God.
Coaching- You have a vision you want to make happen but are coming up against obstacles. Good news! Dr. Bob Logan has a couple of spots open on his coaching calendar. Email admin@loganleadership.com and request a complimentary 30-minute conversation with Dr. Bob to learn more about how coaching can help you maximize your effectiveness and move your vision forward.