How to Make Disciples
A Guide to Making Disciples Who Make Disciples Who Make Disciples
You’re here today because other people took their time and energy to invest in you. Who are two people that have highly impacted your spiritual walk and have helped get you to where you are today? Next year, who will mention your name as the answer to this question?
What is Discipleship?
Journey of Becoming More Like Christ
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:20, ESV)
Discipleship is about helping somebody trade their old life for the new life Jesus has given them.
Process of Replacing Yourself
“Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.” (John 16:7, ESV)
Jesus discipled twelve guys to take over the ministry once He left. Because He replaced Himself (and sent the Holy Spirit), there are followers of Jesus around the world today.
Partnership With God
“Work like it depends on you. Pray like it depends on God.”
We cannot change people — only God can. Be diligent and prayerful, but let God do the work. Don’t force it.
Not a Program
Discipleship is not a program. There is no curriculum. We cannot teach somebody how to follow Jesus. We must show them. Discipleship is “caught not taught”. We must have a genuine relationship with our disciples.
Jesus said, “Come and see…” (John 1:39, NLT)
Who Should I Disciple?
Disciple the FAT
Faithful: A person who is full of faith, reliable, trustworthy, and obedient.
Available: A person who is willing to make meeting a priority.
Teachable: A person who is humble and desires to learn and grow.
Your First Meeting
- Ask questions. Get to know them deeper, and share more about yourself. Share testimonies.
- Find out their goals and what they want to learn more about. What do they want to grow in? Focus on those things first. If they choose the topic, they will be more committed. There will be time for you to introduce topics later.
- Communicate expectations: vulnerability (openness), commitment (frequency of meeting), content (more than just a hangout).
Tips For Your Discipleship Meetings
- Never stop asking questions.
- Focus on the entire person. Help them to grow spiritually, but also as a student, employee, friend, family member, leader, etc.
- Bring a resource with you to each meeting. Read and discuss it together.
- Teach them how to read the Bible by reading it together. Don’t choose randomly. Choose a book that is most relevant to their current life situation. For suggestions, ask the staff or a mentor.
