What is Discipleship?

What Is Discipleship?

Discipleship is a fundamental concept in Christianity that refers to the process of following Jesus Christ and becoming his devoted follower or disciple.

It involves not only believing in Christ but also actively living out the teachings, principles, and values that he exemplified during his earthly ministry.

The term “disciple” comes from the Latin word “discipulus,” which means “learner” or “student.”

Christian discipleship, a term often confined within the realm of Christian circles, holds profound significance within the context of biblical teachings.

In this exploration, we uncover the essence of Christian discipleship according to the Bible.

Beyond a mere theological construct, discipleship embodies a deep-rooted relationship with a master teacher, encapsulating profound learning, imitation, and transformation.

In the biblical context, a disciple is more than a mere learner; it is an individual who intimately follows a master teacher. During the time of Jesus, learning was holistic and relational.

Discipleship wasn’t confined to knowledge transfer; it encompassed replicating the teacher’s values, teachings, and life.

This profound connection defines Christian discipleship—a journey shaped by a master’s teachings, one’s commitment to following, and the subsequent transformation of worldview.

What Are the Stages of Discipleship?

In the context of Christianity, the stages of discipleship are often related to the process of spiritual growth and development as a follower of Jesus Christ. While there may be variations in how different Christian denominations approach discipleship, here is a general outline of the stages that are commonly recognized:

1. Beginner Stage: The starting point of the discipleship journey, characterized by initial conversion to Christianity, basic learning about Jesus and foundational beliefs, and often marked by baptism as a public declaration of faith.

• Initial Conversion: This is the point where a person responds to the call of Jesus Christ and makes a decision to follow Him. It involves repentance, confessing faith, and experiencing a spiritual rebirth.

• Basic Learning: New disciples focus on foundational teachings of Christianity, including the life of Jesus, the Gospel message, and basic Christian beliefs.

• Baptism and Initiation: The beginner stage often includes baptism as a public declaration of faith and initiation into the Christian community.

• Learning Community: Engaging with a local church or community of believers is crucial for receiving support, learning, and guidance.

2. Intermediate Stage: A phase of deeper engagement with Christian teachings, involving more comprehensive study of the Bible and theology, development of spiritual practices, active involvement in service and ministry, and continued growth in virtues.

• Deeper Study: Disciples in the intermediate stage engage in more in-depth study of the Bible, theology, and Christian teachings.

• Spiritual Practices: Developing a regular prayer life, participating in worship, and practicing spiritual disciplines become essential.

• Service and Ministry: Intermediate disciples actively serve others, participate in church ministries, and engage in outreach efforts.

• Character Development: This stage involves continued growth in virtues, personal transformation, and overcoming challenges.

3. Advanced Stage: The pinnacle of spiritual maturity and leadership within the Christian community, marked by a profound understanding of doctrine, taking on leadership roles and mentoring others, maintaining a deep and intimate relationship with God, and living with an eternal perspective.

• Maturity in Faith: Advanced disciples have a mature understanding of Christian doctrine and principles.

• Leadership and Mentoring: These disciples take on leadership roles, mentor others, and guide newer believers in their journey.

• Deepened Relationship: Advanced disciples have a deep and intimate relationship with God through prayer, worship, and spiritual practices.

• Servant Leadership: They lead by serving, exemplifying the servant leadership model set by Jesus.

• Eternal Focus: Advanced disciples maintain a strong eternal perspective, understanding the ultimate hope and purpose of their faith.

Some people might progress through these stages relatively quickly, while others may take longer periods to mature in their faith. The key is to continually grow in knowledge, character, and relationship with God throughout each stage of the discipleship journey.

What Discipleship Is Not

Discipleship is a specific concept within various belief systems, including Christianity, that involves learning, growth, and following the teachings of a particular faith.

However, there are certain misconceptions and misunderstandings about discipleship, and here are some points on what it is not:

1. Legalistic Obedience: Discipleship is not a rigid adherence to rules and regulations in a legalistic manner. It’s not merely about following a set of external behaviors, but rather about a heart transformation that stems from a genuine love for God and others.

2. Earning Salvation: Discipleship is not a means to earn salvation or God’s favor through one’s own efforts. Salvation is a gift of grace, received through faith in Jesus Christ, and discipleship is a response of gratitude and obedience to that grace.

3. Exclusivity or Elitism: Discipleship is not about creating an exclusive “spiritual elite.” Jesus welcomed all, and true discipleship involves humility, inclusivity, and a heart that seeks to serve and reach out to those in need.

4. Mere Head Knowledge: Discipleship is not solely about accumulating theological knowledge. It involves applying the teachings of Christ in practical ways, letting that knowledge shape one’s character and actions.

5. Isolation or Solo Journey: Discipleship is not meant to be a solitary journey. While personal devotion is vital, it also involves being part of a community of believers, learning from each other, and growing together in faith.

6. Quick Fix for Problems: Discipleship is not a magic solution to eliminate all life’s challenges. It doesn’t guarantee a problem-free life, but it does provide guidance, strength, and hope to navigate difficulties.

7. Ignoring the World: Discipleship is not about disengaging from the world or turning a blind eye to social issues. It calls for actively living out one’s faith in ways that promote justice, compassion, and positive change.

8. Limiting to Religious Activities: Discipleship is not confined to religious activities within church walls. It extends into every sphere of life, influencing how one works, interacts with family, engages in society, and contributes to the common good.

9. Superficial or Selective Obedience: Discipleship is not about picking and choosing which teachings of Jesus to follow. It involves a commitment to wholeheartedly embrace His teachings, even those that challenge and transform.

10. Solely About Personal Gain: Discipleship is not driven solely by personal gain or prosperity. It’s about selfless love, sacrificial service, and glorifying God through a life dedicated to Him and others. 

In essence, discipleship is a holistic and transformative journey that involves the heart, mind, and actions of an individual, leading to a deeper connection with the divine and a more fulfilling and purposeful life.

What is Modern Discipleship?

Discipleship, especially within the Christian context, requires dispelling prevalent misconceptions.

It involves a diverse journey that encompasses a profound transformation of the heart, guided by the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Progressing through stages of beginner, intermediate, and advanced growth, discipleship empowers individuals not only to accumulate knowledge but also to embody Christ’s love and principles in tangible actions.

Notably, contemporary discipleship leverages digital platforms to expand the accessibility of teachings and foster online connections, always accompanied by authentic relationships and concrete acts of service.

Moreover, in the realm of modern discipleship, digital engagement serves as a powerful tool to augment the disciple’s journey.

Virtual communities, online resources, and digital content enable believers to connect, learn, and share across geographical boundaries.

While these platforms provide convenience and accessibility, they complement, rather than replace, in-person interactions and communal worship.

Modern discipleship’s synergy of digital discipleship and real-world engagement ensures that the transformative journey of growth and service remains firmly rooted in the genuine experiences of life, fostering a holistic and balanced approach to faith.

Interested in an inspirational digital resource on digital discipleship that you can accomplish at your own pace? Check out our ebook “30 Reflections on Digital Discipleship” on our online store by clicking here!

Thoughts

Discipleship, especially within the Christian context, requires dispelling prevalent misconceptions. It involves a diverse journey that encompasses a profound transformation of the heart, guided by the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Progressing through stages of beginner, intermediate, and advanced growth, discipleship empowers individuals not only to accumulate knowledge but also to embody Christ’s love and principles in tangible actions.

Notably, contemporary discipleship leverages digital platforms to expand the accessibility of teachings and foster online connections, always accompanied by authentic relationships and concrete acts of service.

Moreover, in the realm of modern discipleship, digital engagement serves as a powerful tool to augment the disciple’s journey.

Virtual communities, online resources, and digital content enable believers to connect, learn, and share across geographical boundaries. While these platforms provide convenience and accessibility, they complement, rather than replace, in-person interactions and communal worship.

Modern discipleship’s synergy of digital connectivity and real-world engagement ensures that the transformative journey of growth and service remains firmly rooted in the genuine experiences of life, fostering a holistic and balanced approach to faith.

As believers navigate both the traditional stages of discipleship and the dynamic landscape of modern tools, the essence of discipleship remains rooted in a profound commitment to spiritual growth, compassion, and devotion.