"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching, and admonishing one another..." (Col 3:16)  Discipleship is critical to the growth and strength of the body of Christ.  We are called to help each other to "Live the Life!"  Let's go over some keys to discipleship.

Discipleship not "Follow-up" -  Discipleship is a long term commitment to helping a fellow Christian grow in Christ.  The relationship is typically initiated by the new or growing Christian.  Follow-up on the other hand is initiated by a mature Christian or evangelist right after a person comes to Christ.   It is meant to make sure that a new Christian is going through with his or her new commitment.  Often this is done after mass crusades where hundreds of people make an emotional or mental commitment to accepting Christ.  Many never follow through and join a church.  We believe that one cause for this lack of true conversion is the absence of using the Law in evangelism.  For more on this visit our Use of the Law page.

 

Disciple a new Christian - A new Christian will be hungry for God's wisdom and for learning about being a Christian.  You will not need to find him.   He most likely will be lead to you.  That does not mean that you cannot offer to help a new Christian.  It just means that if he is truly saved then you should not need to chase after him.  Here are some steps in setting up a discipleship meeting.   Setup a definite day and time to meet.  Show the person that you are committed to his growth and be prepared with material to discuss.   Pray at the beginning and end of each meeting.  Learning to be comfortable when praying with someone else is important.  Try to keep the prayers short and simple at first.   With the Holy Spirit's help he will quickly pick up speed and will become comfortable in praying with other people.   A new Christian will have many questions.  She may be looking for the depth of your knowledge or simply very inquisitive.  Let her know that you do not know everything and that you will commit to find out the answer to her question.  Then do it!   Read the Bible with him.  This may sound simple but you will find that your time together will go quickly.  You may also notice that he will try to avoid reading the Bible by wanting to talk about your church or religious doctrine or someone he knows that is not saved.   These topics are important but reserve time to simply read a chapter or two.  He may not want to read at first.  So you read it but make sure to ask questions so that he has an understanding of what was read.  Once he is hooked on the milk of the Word he will never let go!

Disciple a Christian - The Christian life is a continual growth process with the ultimate goal of becoming like our Lord Jesus Christ.  During this time He will use other Christians to teach you and in return use you to teach other Christians.  Never forget that this is a commitment to the person you have been called to disciple and to our Lord.   We all have been given gifts by the Holy Spirit.  You may have been using a gift for several years and will be called to teach someone with the same gift on how to best use that gift.   The world is consistently trying to tear down Christian beliefs.  You may be called to help a fellow Christian that is falling prey to these worldly beliefs and has sinned.   Let him know that we have all heard the world's call to sin but God's grace and mercy is great.  He may just need encouraged that failing does not mean God will never forgive him.  Use God's Word and your own experiences as much as possible.    Discipleship is also accountability.  In true discipleship you will be accountable to each other.  This is powerful and should be discussed so that you both know what is expected.  Accountability does not mean that you can tear down each other for messing up.  This is the way the world understands accountability.  As Christians we are there to build each other up and be there for each other when we fall.   In a word love!  "This is My commandment that you love one another as I have loved you." (John 15:12)