Discipleship

I’m urging us to be involved in discipleship? Who could disagree?

But what does this look like in practice and who can do it?

Let’s go back to the start.

What is a disciple?

A disciple is a student. Now our Western culture divides between theory and practice, but in the first century the two were one. You would walk and live with your teacher. It was in the daily activities that questions, debates and conversations occurred.

Jesus invited people to follow Him (Mark 1:17-18, 2:14-15). Through His ministry they understood that He was the Christ. He then explained what the implications would be for their lives (Mark 8:27-38). As Jesus was about to ascend to the Father’s right hand and received all authority he gave His disciples a task- make disciples (Matt 28:18-20).

How do you make disciples?

The key is the gospel. It is the gospel that is transforming people’s lives everywhere (Col 1:3-6). It’s important that we understand this. No matter how persuasive you are as a leader, you cannot overcome sin in someone’s life. But as people hear and respond to the truth they are freed to live a life of godliness (Eph 4:17-24, Titus 2:11-14).

Teaching is a key component, but the life you lead also plays a part. Paul taught the Thessalonians to receive the gospel as God’s word, but he was also a model, nurturing like a mother and disciplining like a father (1 Thess 2:1-16). In fact, Paul calls for people to imitate him as he imitates Christ (1 Cor 11:1).

Prayer is also a major factor. Paul is always praying for the churches (Phil 1:3-10, Col  1:3-7, 1 Thess 1:3-8). It is Christ is who is building His church and calling people into His kingdom. We are servants, and we therefore plead with God to have mercy on those around us.

There are some key elements to consider

Discipleship involves calling people to acknowledge Jesus as their Lord and Saviour
Discipleship challenges people to forsake old allegiances and serve God
Discipleship challenges people to follow the way of the cross (1 Thess 2:14-16, Phil 1:27-30)
Discipleship provides a model for others to follow
Discipleship encourages people to join and participate in the new community of Jesus

Should every disciple be a disciple-maker?

I think so. I think that there will be a need for teachers who are pillars in the community, bringing about maturity in the body of Christ through teaching the whole counsel of God.

Col Marshall in Trellis and the Vine thinks that these are the pre-requisites:

Confess Jesus as the Christ (Mark 8:34-35)

Teach children (Eph 6:4, 1 Tim 4:4-5)
Teach each other (Rom 15:14, Eph 3:15-16, Col 3:16, Heb 10:24-25)
Missionary heart (1 Cor 10:31-11:1)
Model Christian living (1 Thess 1:9-10)