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People often have questions about what the Bible actually says about church discipleship. Are the scriptures clear about what makes up the essential elements of discipleship and disciple-making in the Christianity? How can church leaders be sure that their discipleship efforts are biblically aligned and beneficial to the spiritual journeys of the people in their community?
The good news is that the Bible has plenty to say about church discipleship and the importance of biblical discipleship processes in the Christian life. Christian discipleship as we understand it today was initiated by Jesus Christ through the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). But how do churches implement effective discipleship ministries in today’s culture?
Let’s explore some key parts of scripture that explain how senior pastors, discipleship pastors, and all other kinds of church leaders can equip the local church for discipleship and spiritual formation.
1. Churches are called to teach & make 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.” Matthew 28:19-20
It would be fair to say that we see a 30,000-foot view of the discipleship process in the Great Commission. Jesus calls his disciples—and therefore all who follow him—to make disciples of all nations, baptizing those new disciples, and teaching them to observe the teachings of Jesus (and by extension the whole counsel of God).
This is the core progression of spiritual formation and the spiritual journey of every Christian. Church leaders of all kinds—pastors, youth leaders, volunteers, and more—are called to equip the Christians in their care for this work.
2. Foster community & fellowship within the church
“And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” Acts 2:42
The early church was not perfect, but in the book of Acts we get a beautiful view of how Christian community is an essential element of discipleship. If we learn anything about discipleship from the early church, we should learn that the Christian life is not an individual enterprise.
The Bible clearly demonstrates that the followers of Jesus gathered together for prayers, meals, and fellowship. Each of these practices builds intimacy and strengthens community.
For example, praying with each other requires humility to share one’s needs, and empathy to lift up those needs to God on behalf of someone else. And something special happens when a group of people sit down to share a meal together—people relax, are more likely to have conversations, and make deeper connections with one another.
To encourage healthy church discipleship, it’s important that we provide opportunities to mirror those practices in our local churches.
3. Embrace servant leadership as a guiding principle
“But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:43-45
We often hear stories about church leaders who abuse their posts in one way or another, most commonly lording their position and influence over others in ways that are at least unhealthy if not downright abusive. This is not following the example of Jesus.
Church leaders who do the important work of equipping the saints for Great Commission ministry are meant to reflect Christ in their leadership. This means taking the role of a humble servant despite any titles that may be attached to their role.
One of the most important leadership skills Christian leaders can learn is to lead like the one who led the first disciples—as a servant.
4. Recognize & utilize everyone’s spiritual gifts to promote unity
“Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone.” 1 Corinthians 12:4-6
Church leaders are wise to recognize that the body of Christ is, in fact, like a body. Some people are elbows, others are fingers, and others are noses.
Everyone who calls Jesus “Lord” has a set of skills and gifts that can be used to fulfill the Great Commission in different ways. Church leaders are wise to recognize these differences and see them as assets to celebrate instead of liabilities to fear.
5. Emphasize sacrifice & commitment in discipleship
“And he said to all, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.’” Luke 9:23
Whether you’re a new church planter or a seasoned church leader, it’s important to remember that at the heart of biblical discipleship is sacrifice—putting others above ourselves. Clearly you need to embody this ethic as a leader, but you should be sure that standard is front-and-center as you implement discipleship processes in your local church.
6. Demonstrate love & compassion toward one another
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35
It is far too easy to get away with being unkind to other people right now, even within local churches and Christian circles. Kindness and love for our fellow image-bearers is not only important to have for the sake of Christlikeness, but it is especially valuable today because it seems like common kindness is in such short supply. Love and compassion not only point people to Jesus, which is important enough, but they help us be more effective disciple-makers!
7. Prioritize prayer & spiritual growth in the church
“Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.” Colossians 4:2
Church discipleship simply isn’t going to happen without the miraculous work of the Holy Spirit in the hearts of the people involved in a local church. It is through earnest prayer and biblical study that our desires align with God’s desires and we yearn to become more like Jesus, which is ultimately at the heart of any discipleship process. We must pray and ask God to help us in this work, and his Holy Spirit will empower us to do it.
8. Encourage obedience to Christ's commandments
“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” John 14:15
Preaching about obedience and emphasizing the spiritual disciplines may not be trending topics today, but they are important! While it’s true that our discipline and obedience do not save us—only faith in Christ does that—it’s also true that our obedience is the fruit of us living out our faith. And, it’s important to note, growing obedience is a sign of effective discipleship.
9. Cultivate perseverance & endurance in faith
“Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith.” Hebrews 12:1-2
The Christian life is hard. We are told throughout scripture that the road of our spiritual journeys will not be easy. Church leaders must equip their people to face suffering, trials, and difficulties of all kinds. Perseverance is an essential element of discipleship. Without it, the disciples in our churches may fizzle out or flounder when hardships arise.
10. Equip church members for witnessing & evangelism
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8
The chief work of the church leader is not to do all of the ministry but to equip the saints for the work of ministry. If you want to make disciples who make disciples, you need to equip the people in your church to share the gospel with their friends, neighbors, and family members who don’t yet know Jesus.
The Bible is clear: the work of discipleship is important and central to the Christian life. Church leaders are charged with both discipling the people in their care and equipping people to make disciples of the nations. Faith in Christ must compel us to fruitful ministry.
When you embrace biblical discipleship as a church and take steps to be more effective in spiritual formation, you will see your people become stronger disciples committed to fulfilling the Great Commission.
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