Category Archives: Discipleship for Spiritual Growth

Our focus in ministry needs to be discipleship for spiritual growth not mere numbers, requiring the right motivations and priorities as we disciple and mentor.

Guiding People into What Truly Matters in Life

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In serving one another, our role, regardless of position, is to GUIDE people.  We serve as facilitators or coaches, working in cooperation with God, guiding people to what really matters.

Leaders guide people in living out God’s will.  They should understand that it isn’t about telling people what to do, or controlling them, but serving in ways that bring people under Christ’s headship. (Matt. 20:25-28)

Bible teachers guide people into an understanding of God’s Word.  They should realize that the Holy Spirit is the real teacher. (Jn. 14:26; 16:13)  Whether teaching formally in the classroom or through informal conversation during transitions, while working on projects, before or after class, the teacher’s objective is to point people to God and His Word, not their own thoughts or opinions.

Shepherds (includes pastors, elders, parents, disciplers, etc.) guide people into Christ-likeness.  They should know that they can’t actually change people but they can take them to the Chief Shepherd who provides all they need and brings growth.  They can be example to the flock.  (1 Cor. 3:4-7; 1 Pet. 5:2-3)

People helpers guide people to a compassionate God who deeply loves them enough to send His Son to die for their sins.  They should remember that their task isn’t merely to “fix” problems but to fulfill the Great Commission by guiding people to the Source of these demonstrations of love.  (Matt. 28:19-20)

An Acrostic to Help Us in Guiding People to What Really Matters

Being a guide implies a destination to which you take people.  Consider taking people in the following directions:

God Himself
(to come into a relationship with a God who loves them)
Understanding of God’s Word
(to know God’s heart & ways as communicated in the Bible)
Intentional Living
(to obey God’s Word by fulfilling the Great Commandments to love God and others)
Devotion to Prayer
(to live life communing with and trusting in a Sovereign God)
Engagement in Serving Others
(to cooperate with God in fulfilling His mission)
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Whose Responsibility is Discipleship?

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Some people have spiritual gifts best suited for the discipleship of believers, like those with the gift of pastor, or perhaps exhortation. Some will be more impassioned toward it. But, we’re all responsible to disciple which begins with leading people to a saving knowledge and then helping them grow (Matt. 28:19-20). We can begin where we are with those in our sphere of influence.

Venues through which We can Fulfill our Discipleship Responsibility

Here are a few relationships that open the door to discipling those in our sphere of influence. Each has it own set of challenges, often time related, but the potential impact can be great.

Parents can disciple their own children.

Question:  How are you supposed to work to provide for your children, take care of the home, run kids to all their activities, and teach them besides all this?

Pastors and elders can disciple members of the Body.

Question:  Doesn’t preparing sermons and overseeing the ministry take up all your time, leaving little room for discipleship?

People in a small group or men’s or women’s ministries can disciple their own peer.  Workers in children’s or youth ministry can disciple those younger than themselves.

Question:  When are you to fit this in when you barely have time for your own family?

Teachers of Sunday School or other Bible classes can disciple their students.

Question:  How much should be expected of you?  Isn’t teaching a lesson enough?

Suggestions for Discipling Those in Your Sphere of Influence

This post can’t answer all the particular questions one might have in a specific situation but will give a few broad suggestions.

  1. Understand the priority of discipleship.  When something is important to us, we usually find or make the time for it.  It’s about teaching others to follow the Chief Shepherd.  Are our many activities more important than that?
  1. Use everyday life, teachable moments.  Discipleship is about sharing the Word with people but also praying for them, encouraging them, being an example for them, and spurring them on which does not require a formal meeting but can be done in any setting.
  1. Utilize a network of people and opportunities to help you.  Don’t think that you can do it all but certainly do what you can do.  Networking is not about relieving you of the responsibility to disciple but rather of helping you do it better.
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