Christian discipleship - What is it?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The Greek word translated "disciple" means "follower." A disciple was a person who invested their life and time learning from someone and then spreading that person's teachings to others. Christian discipleship is the lifelong process of following Jesus, growing in His teachings, and becoming more like Him. It begins with wholehearted love and obedience to God, as seen in both the Old and New Testaments (Deuteronomy 6:5; Matthew 22:37). Discipleship includes learning God’s Word, living it out, and teaching it to others in everyday life (Deuteronomy 6:6-7; 2 Timothy 3:16). Jesus’ command to make disciples (Matthew 28:19) involves going, baptizing, and teaching with boldness and commitment. True discipleship isn’t just about gaining knowledge—it’s about transformation, devotion, and helping others do the same.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Though the term “Christian discipleship” is New Testament, the Old Testament teaches that Discipleship begins with wholehearted love for God and total devotion to Him (Deuteronomy 6:5).
• True followers live justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. Living this way reflects God’s character in our lives (Micah 6:8).
• Discipleship involves learning and teaching God’s Word. God’s commands are to be written on our hearts and passed diligently to others (Deuteronomy 6:6-7).
• Like Abraham, disciples trust God enough to obey Him even when the outcome is uncertain (Genesis 26:5).
• God disciplines those He loves, shaping them through trials and correction like a father trains a child (Proverbs 3:12).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• In the New Testament, Jesus’ last words encompass the essential aspects of discipleship (Matthew 28:18-20). The main command in this Great Commission is to "make disciples." The early followers of Jesus boldly taught the message of the risen Jesus, often facing intense persecution in the process. Yet within a century, churches had emerged across the entire Mediterranean area.
• Disciples are called to baptize those who are saved. Baptism represents acceptance of Christ and a commitment to follow His teachings. While baptism is not what saves a person (Ephesians 2:8–9), it is a public confession of allegiance to Christ and a willingness to enter into Christian discipleship. This is seen in the story of the Ethiopian eunuch, who believed in Jesus and was baptized immediately as a sign of his faith (Acts 8:36-38).
• An important early example of this way of making disciples is found in the summary of the first church in Acts 2:42-47. Rather than a solely academic process, discipleship involved a holistic approach that included relationship building, financial giving, prayer, learning, worship, and every area of life.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Christian discipleship is the lifelong process of following Jesus, learning from His teachings, and becoming more like Him in character and action. It begins with a personal relationship with Christ and grows through studying God’s Word, prayer, obedience, and community with other believers. Discipleship involves denying ourselves, taking up our cross daily (Luke 9:23), and allowing the Holy Spirit to transform us from the inside out. It also means helping others grow in their faith—teaching, encouraging, and walking with them as they follow Christ. At its core, discipleship is not just about learning information but about living in faithful devotion to Jesus and reflecting His love and truth in every part of life.

A disciple teaches others the way of Jesus. While some believers are gifted in teaching, all believers are called to share what they know about Jesus with others growing in their knowledge of Christ. Discipleship is a catalyst for others knowing God and growing in Christlikeness. Because the early church focused on Christian discipleship, new people were saved daily. True Christian discipleship is the best form of outreach. Christian discipleship is much more than a program or series of steps. Rather, it is a continual process of growth. A person commits his or her entire life to Jesus and becomes dedicated to learning His ways while also going, sharing, and teaching this way of life to others.

UNDERSTAND

• Discipleship is a lifelong journey of following Jesus and becoming more like Him.
• Discipleship begins at salvation and continues as we follow Him in obedience and love.
• True disciples make disciples—going, baptizing, teaching, and living out Christ’s example.

REFLECT

• How are you currently growing to become more like Jesus in your daily choices and relationships?
• How are you actively obeying Jesus’ call to follow Him, even when it's difficult or inconvenient?
• Who are you intentionally helping grow in faith as part of your own journey of discipleship?

ENGAGE

• What does it look like for believers to live out true Christian discipleship together?
• How can believers balance learning God's Word with living it out and sharing it with others?
• What obstacles often keep people from fully committing to discipleship, and how can those be overcome?