What’s discipleship? At the college I attended, we had “discipleship groups,” and chapel speakers would talk about finding someone to “disciple” us in what, to be honest, sounded like quite a scary process. On the other hand, when we talk about “the disciples,” we usually mean the original twelve followers of Jesus mentioned in the gospels. So, the word “discipleship” gets thrown around quite often, but what does it mean?

The word “disciple” essentially means a follower or pupil. But it also carries the meaning of someone who is “convinced” and who “accepts and assists in spreading the doctrines of another” (Merriam-Webster). So a disciple is a bit more than just a student or admirer—it is a follower who becomes a learner who then teaches others. Jesus had disciples who travelled with Him during His life on earth, and so did John the Baptizer and other teachers. As word spread, Jesus’ disciples came to be called Christians (Acts 11:26). Even though Jesus is not on earth now, all believers are to be disciples and make disciples.

Notice how in Matthew 28:19, Jesus’ commission is to “go and make disciples.” Not converts, disciples. The goal of evangelism isn’t just to get people to “make a decision” and then wish them a happy life and walk away. Once we decide to follow Jesus, we become lifelong learners who continually absorb more and more understanding of who Jesus is. As we learn and grow to be more like Jesus, we all have the responsibility to help others along the way. Discipling isn’t just for long-time Christians or people with a lot of theological education. We all have things to teach and to learn, and we all need to encourage and help each other walk through life together.

Discipleship involves…

  • Following Jesus and making that more important than anything else. In the first century and at many other times and even in places today, being a Christ-follower means risking your life. But wherever and whenever we live, no matter whether our current culture is friendly to our faith or not, being a disciple means daily and continually choosing to follow Christ rather than our own way. — “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23).
  • Continuing to learn about Christ’s character and follow His teachings. As His disciples, we bear “fruit” by remaining in His love and keeping His commandments (John 15:5-9). And as we spend time with Jesus, we naturally become more like Him. — “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples” (John 8:31).
  • Loving others, as Christ did. This is how we’ll be identified. — “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35).
  • Sharing what you know. — “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, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20).

Next steps to think about…Are you continuing to learn about Jesus and follow Him? How are you showing love and sharing what you know to help others do the same?

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Author Hannah Rau is a Michigan-based writer and writing tutor. Hannah earned degrees in English and rhetoric and minored in Bible. She enjoys exploring literature, media, and culture through the lens of her Christian faith. And drinking coffee. Lots of coffee.