How does Jesus model of discipleship help to make disciples and equip them for ministry?
Jesus’ discipleship model was, and still is, the most successful model in history. What is Jesus’
Model of Discipleship? Jesus’ model of discipleship revolved around teaching his disciples a
lesson, and giving them opportunities to step out in faith. He built relationships with them,
rebuked them, and ultimately his goal was to prepare them to be able to disciple others.
When we are learning to disciple others, it only makes sense to understand how Jesus discipled
his followers. Today, we will look at six main tools that Jesus used to build strong, independent
disciples.
1. Teaching Through Parables
One of the primary ministry tools Jesus used for teaching was parables. He used parables when
communicating to a crowd. He also unpacked concepts in these stories to his disciples.
A parable is similar to an analogy. We can use parables to better understand difficult or complex
topics.
Take this example from Matthew:
Again, the kingdom of heaven is&like a net that was thrown into the sea and&gathered fish of
every kind.&When it was full,&men drew it ashore and sat down and sorted the good into
containers but threw away the bad.&So it will be at&the end of the age. The angels will come out
and&separate the evil from the righteous&and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place&there
will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Matthew 13:47-50 ESV
Jesus would often use the context of a parable to explain things to his disciples. In this case,
Jesus compares the separating of the evil and the righteous during end times to the separating of
good and bad fish. Several of his disciples were fishermen and would have understood this
practice.
2. Opportunities to Step Out In Faith
Jesus’ model also included giving his disciples an opportunity to exercise their faith. The biggest
example of this is probably Peter in Matthew 14.
And Peter answered him, ‘Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.’ He
said,&‘Come.’ So Peter got out of the boat and&walked on the water and came to Jesus.&
But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out,&‘Lord, save me.’
Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him,&
‘O you of little faith, why did you&doubt?’&And when they got into the boat,&the wind
ceased.&And&those in the boat&worshiped him, saying,&‘Truly you are&the Son of God.’
Matthew 14:28-33 ESV
As the disciples walked with Jesus, he would give them opportunities such as this one to step out
in faith. This gave them the opportunity to grow individually and to learn to trust him, for
themselves.
When they fell, short, he was always there to scoop them back up and help them to keep going
and learn from the experience.
It is important to note that in cases where he gave them the opportunity to step out in faith,
he was looking for them to put faith in him. In our context, however, we are not looking for
people to put faith in us, but in Jesus.
3. Rebuking
Rebuking is an incredibly important aspect of how Jesus interacted with his disciples. To rebuke
someone is to express strong disapproval or criticism of something they may have done or said.
Jesus did this on several occasions.
It is also very important to distinguish that Jesus rebuked out of love. His purpose in
rebuking them was constructive.
He wanted them to recognize an error of thought process or action that was bringing sin or
separation from him into their lives.
He wanted them to become more like him and learn to trust him. He would rebuke them when
necessary to make that happen. It was important to their growth.
In our current culture, rebuke is often sorely mishandled. Either people do it with a poor attitude
such as animosity and anger, or they don’t do it for fear of offending someone. Rebuke, done in
the right spirit, is important and without it, it can be difficult to grow.
Afterward&he appeared&to the eleven themselves as they were reclining at table, and he rebuked
them for their&unbelief and&hardness of heart, because&they had not believed those who saw him
after he had risen.
Mark 16:14 ESV
4. Build Relationships with Them
The disciples have the unique experience of being able to be with Jesus while he was on earth.
During that time, it was not like school or a job where they showed up, nine to five, for Jesus to
disciple them, they did life together. They built relationships with each other.
Jesus does not think of the disciples as lowly people. He considers them his friends.
This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.&Greater love has no
one than this,&that someone lay down his life for his friends.&
You are&my friends&if you do what I command you.&No longer do I call you servants, for the
servant&does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for&all that I have
heard from my Father&I have made known to you.
John 15:12-15 ESV
5. Scripture
Scripture saturated every part of Jesus’ ministry, including his discipleship. He used it to teach
lessons or to present a new understanding that would become part of the new covenant like in
Matthew 5.
You have heard that it was said to those of old,&‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will
be liable&to judgment.’ But I say to you that&everyone who is angry with his brother will be
liable&to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says,
‘You fool!’ will be liable to&the hell of fire.
Matthew 5:21-22
Jesus revealed his character and identity to the disciples by showing them what was prophesied
about him in the scriptures.
6. Prepared Them to Be Independent
This is perhaps one of the most important things that Jesus did for his disciples. In discussing
this, however, it is important to realize that Jesus’ discipleship model was in practice before
Pentecost, so there will be some variances in modern application.
While Jesus was on earth he filled the role that would be given to the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.
So, when Jesus ascended, he instructed his disciples to wait for the Holy Spirit before going out
to fulfill the Great Commission. Jesus’ goal was to raise up disciples who would be able to, with
the help of the Holy Spirit, go and make more disciples. Go therefore and&make disciples of&all
nations,&baptizing them&in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,&teaching
them&to observe all that&I have commanded you. And behold,&I am with you always, to&the end of
the age.
Matthew 28:19-20
Application
So, having recognized all of the tools that Jesus used to create strong disciples, how do we take
advantage of his example to disciple believers of today? Let’s look at six practical applications
of Jesus’ model of discipleship.
Teaching Through Parables: It may be helpful in the discipleship process to help the
person you are discipling to understand some of Jesus’ parables. It may also help to
create some parables or analogies of your own to help them understand other material.
Opportunities to Step Out in Faith: Give the person you are discipling a chance to take
steps of faith, allow them to have the opportunity to fail, and help them get back up again
when it happens. Resist the urge to “protect” them and allow them to take risks.
Rebuking: If you notice a negative behavior in the person you are discipling, don’t let it
slide. Rebuke in love. Help them to understand why the behavior is wrong and help them
develop steps to fix it. However, be measured in your rebukes. If you rebuke too many
things at once they may become overwhelmed and discouraged. Take things one step at a
time.
Building Relationships with Them: Take the time to know them and understand them.
Don’t build a relationship so formal that it isn’t an enjoyable process.
Scripture: Always, always, always, refer back to scripture. If you rebuke, be ready to
show them, in the scripture, why you rebuked them. If you are teaching, use the Scripture
as the basis of truth for what you are saying. If they are taking a step of faith, use
scripture as encouragement. The Bible is a priceless resource, don’t take it for granted,
and stay grounded in its message.
Preparing to be Independent: The point of discipleship is to create disciples who can
then go and make more disciples. As they progress, give them the freedom to begin to do
things independently. Allow them to maintain the skills they have learned on their own.
And commission them to go make disciples themselves.
Jesus’ model of discipleship is the best model there is. If we can learn from it, it will prove
invaluable in our lives as we each work, in our own ways, through our own gifting and
circumstances, to fulfill the Great Commission.
Discipleship lies at the heart of the church’s mission and is vital in nurturing and equipping
believers to grow in their faith. It goes beyond merely attending services; it involves intentional
relationships, teaching, and modeling Christ-like behavior. Effective discipleship programs
provide a framework for believers to deepen their understanding of Scripture, develop spiritual
disciplines, and become equipped to impact their communities. By investing in discipleship,
churches can foster spiritual growth, strengthen relationships, and empower individuals to live
out their faith meaningfully.
This article aims to provide guidance and practical insights on creating effective discipleship
programs within your church. Whether starting from scratch or looking to enhance your existing
program, we will explore key principles, strategies, and practical steps to help you design,
implement, and nurture a thriving discipleship culture. By following these principles, your
church can make a lasting impact on the lives of believers, empowering them to become devoted
followers of Christ who make a difference in the world around them.
Understanding Discipleship
Discipleship can be defined as the intentional process of guiding and equipping individuals to
become committed followers of Jesus Christ. It involves teaching, mentoring, and nurturing
believers to grow in their knowledge of God’s Word, develop a deeper relationship with Him,
and live out the teachings of Jesus in their daily lives.
The concept of discipleship is deeply rooted in the teachings of Jesus and the early Christian
church. Throughout the New Testament, we find Jesus calling individuals to follow Him and
instructing them to go and make disciples of all nations. The apostles and early believers
exemplified discipleship by investing in others, teaching them the ways of Christ, and modeling
a life of faith.
Effective discipleship programs incorporate several key elements, including teaching sound
doctrine, fostering authentic relationships, providing mentorship and accountability, encouraging
spiritual disciplines such as prayer and Bible study, and equipping believers for service and
mission. These elements work together to nurture a holistic and transformative discipleship
experience that empowers individuals to grow in their faith and impact their world for Christ.
Assessing Your Church’s Needs
Before designing a discipleship program, assessing the current state of discipleship within your
church is crucial. Evaluate the programs, ministries, and resources dedicated to discipleship.
Consider the level of engagement, participation, and spiritual growth among members. Identify
any strengths and weaknesses in the current approach to discipleship.
Conducting a comprehensive needs assessment is vital in understanding your church
community’s specific needs and challenges. This can involve surveys, focus groups, one-on-one
interviews, or gathering feedback from leaders and members. Explore where individuals desire
growth, seek support, or express interest in specific discipleship topics or formats. A needs
assessment will provide valuable insights to tailor your discipleship program to address your
church’s unique needs.
Based on the findings from the needs assessment, set realistic and measurable goals for your
discipleship program. These goals should align with the vision and mission of your church and
reflect the desired outcomes for the participants. Whether it’s fostering spiritual maturity,
deepening biblical knowledge, or encouraging service and outreach, clear goals will guide the
development and implementation of your discipleship program, ensuring its effectiveness and
relevance to the needs of your church community.
Designing a Discipleship Program
Start by clearly defining the objectives and desired outcomes of your discipleship program. What
spiritual growth, knowledge, or skills do you want participants to gain? Establishing these
objectives will help shape your program’s content, activities, and structure, ensuring that it aligns
with your church’s vision and mission.
Identify the target audience for your discipleship program. This could include new believers,
young adults, families, or specific demographic groups within your church community.
Understanding your target audience’s needs, interests, and characteristics will enable you to
tailor the program to meet their unique needs effectively.
Create a curriculum or content framework that covers the essential topics, teachings, and
practices you want to incorporate into your discipleship program. This can include Bible studies,
theological teachings, practical life application, and spiritual disciplines. Ensure the curriculum is
balanced and comprehensive and engages participants in interactive and transformative learning
experiences.
Determine the format and duration of your program. This can vary from small group studies,
discipleship classes, retreats, or a combination of various formats. Consider the time
commitment required, whether a short-term intensive program or a long-term discipleship
journey. The structure should facilitate consistent engagement and progression while
accommodating the schedules and availability of participants.
Accountability and mentorship are vital aspects of effective discipleship. Create opportunities for
participants to be held accountable for their spiritual growth and provide mentorship
relationships where experienced believers can guide and support them. Consider pairing
individuals with mentors, forming small accountability groups, or incorporating regular check-
ins to foster accountability and encourage personal growth within the program.
Recruiting and Equipping Discipleship Leaders
Identifying and recruiting individuals within your church who have the passion, spiritual
maturity, and ability to lead and disciple others is essential. Look for those who exemplify a deep
commitment to Christ and possess the relational and teaching skills necessary to guide and
mentor participants effectively.
Once potential leaders have been identified, invest in equipping them with the necessary skills
and resources to fulfill their roles effectively. Provide training on discipleship principles,
teaching techniques, and effective communication. Offer resources such as curriculum materials,
study guides, and reference materials to support their teaching and mentoring efforts.
Discipleship leaders require ongoing training and support to grow in their leadership roles. Offer
regular training sessions, workshops, or conferences that address specific areas of discipleship,
leadership development, and relevant topics. Foster a supportive community where leaders can
share experiences, seek advice, and receive encouragement. Providing ongoing training and
support will enhance your leaders’ effectiveness and help them stay motivated and committed to
the discipleship program’s vision and goals.
Nurturing Discipleship Relationships
One-on-one mentorship is a powerful component of discipleship. Encourage participants to
engage in intentional mentorship relationships where they can receive personalized guidance,
support, and accountability from experienced believers. Highlight the significance of these
relationships in fostering spiritual growth, providing a safe space for questions and doubts, and
modeling Christ-like character.
Cultivate a supportive and nurturing environment within your discipleship program. Foster a
sense of belonging and acceptance where participants feel comfortable sharing their struggles,
victories, and questions. Create opportunities for group discussions, prayer, and fellowship to
build authentic relationships and a strong community where individuals can thrive and learn
from one another.
Accountability is crucial in discipleship. Establish a culture of accountability by encouraging
participants to have regular check-ins with their mentors or accountability partners. These check-
ins can provide opportunities for reflection, sharing progress, addressing challenges, and offering
guidance. Encourage participants to set personal goals and hold each other accountable to foster
growth and consistency in their discipleship journey.
Fostering a Culture of Discipleship
Cultivate a church-wide commitment to discipleship. This involves educating the congregation
about the importance of discipleship, emphasizing its role in personal and communal growth, and
inviting everyone to participate in discipleship initiatives. Engage church leaders, pastors, and
volunteers to champion the value of discipleship and create a shared vision that permeates all
aspects of church life.
Integrating discipleship into other church ministries ensures a holistic approach to spiritual
formation. Connect discipleship programs with Sunday sermons, small group ministries, youth
groups, and outreach activities. By intentionally linking discipleship to existing church programs,
you provide opportunities for individuals to apply what they learn practically and deepen their
faith through various avenues of engagement.
Discipleship is not confined to church gatherings alone. Encourage discipleship beyond the
church walls by empowering individuals to live out their faith daily. Provide resources and
guidance on how to be a disciple in the workplace, schools, neighborhoods, and families.
Encourage believers to engage in acts of service, evangelism, and intentional relationships with
those outside the church, demonstrating the transformative power of discipleship in real-world
contexts.
Conclusion
Throughout this article, we have explored the essential elements of creating effective
discipleship programs in your church. We discussed the importance of understanding
discipleship, assessing your church’s needs, designing a program with clear objectives and
outcomes, recruiting and equipping leaders, nurturing discipleship relationships, and fostering a
culture of discipleship.
Now is the time to take action. Implementing a discipleship program can profoundly impact the
spiritual growth and transformation of individuals within your church community. It is an
opportunity to equip believers, foster deeper relationships, and empower them to live out their
faith in impactful ways.
Never underestimate the transformative power of discipleship. When believers are intentionally
guided and nurtured in their faith, they grow stronger, become more Christ-like, and impact the
world around them. Discipleship is not just a program; it is a journey of personal and communal
transformation, enabling believers to fulfill their calling and make a lasting difference in the lives
of others.
