The High Calling of Discipleship: How to Disciple Another Person

The call to discipleship is not merely an invitation to follow Christ, but a sacred command to reproduce that spiritual journey in the lives of others. In the Kingdom of God, growth is inherently tied to multiplication. Just as a healthy tree bears fruit that contains seeds for more trees, so a healthy believer is equipped to bring forth more disciples. This article, grounded in the King James Version of the Holy Bible, will explore the principles and practices of discipling another person, emphasizing its vital importance in fulfilling the Great Commission.

The Foundation: Being Discipled Yourself

Before one can effectively disciple another, it is paramount that they themselves are actively being discipled by the Lord Jesus Christ. A vessel cannot pour out what it does not contain. Our own spiritual health, intimacy with God, and obedience to His Word form the bedrock upon which genuine discipleship is built. The discipler must be a faithful follower, seeking daily communion with God through prayer, diligent study of the Scriptures, and a life surrendered to the Holy Spirit. As the Apostle Paul declared, "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ." (1 Corinthians 11:1). This personal walk empowers us to lead others by example, not just by precept.

The Mandate: Go Ye Therefore, and Teach All Nations

The imperative to disciple is not optional; it is the very heart of Christ's final command to His followers, commonly known as the Great Commission. This mandate extends beyond mere evangelism to encompass a thorough process of spiritual formation.

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Matthew 28:19-20

The word "teach" in Matthew 28:19 is from the Greek word matheteuo, meaning "to make disciples." This involves more than just imparting information; it is about shaping character and lifestyle. The subsequent phrase, "Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you," highlights that true discipleship leads to obedience and practical application of Christ's teachings. It is a commitment to seeing individuals grow in Christlikeness, rooted in His Word and empowered by His Spirit.

The Master's Model: Discipleship According to Jesus

Our Lord Jesus Christ provides the perfect model for discipling. He did not merely preach to multitudes; He invested deeply in a few chosen men, transforming them into apostles who would turn the world upside down. His method involved:

  • Calling to Follow: He invited them to leave their former lives and follow Him (Matthew 4:19).
  • Intimate Relationship: He spent significant time with them, sharing meals, travelling, and living life together. This fostered trust and allowed for personal instruction.
  • Teaching by Word and Example: Jesus taught them doctrine, interpreted scripture, and explained parables. Crucially, He also modelled prayer, humility, service, and reliance on the Father.
  • Practical Training: He sent them out to minister, giving them authority and then debriefing their experiences (Luke 10:1-17).
  • Correction and Encouragement: He patiently corrected their misunderstandings and failures, while continually encouraging their faith.
  • Empowerment for Reproduction: Before His ascension, He commissioned them to continue His work, empowered by the Holy Ghost (Acts 1:8).

This relational, holistic, and reproducible approach is the blueprint for effective discipleship today.

Essential Elements of Biblical Discipleship

Discipling another person involves intentionally guiding them through several key areas of spiritual growth:

  • Prayer: Begin and end in prayer. Pray for your disciple, pray with your disciple, and teach them how to pray effectively. Prayer is the lifeline of the believer and the power source for spiritual transformation (James 5:16).
  • The Word of God: This is the primary tool for spiritual growth and maturity. The discipler must guide the disciple into a love for and understanding of God's Word.

    • All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

    2 Timothy 3:16-17

    Teach them how to read, study, meditate on, and apply the Bible to their daily lives. Encourage them to desire the sincere milk of the word (1 Peter 2:2).

  • Fellowship and Relationship: Discipleship thrives in an atmosphere of trust and genuine care. Spend time together, share your life, and be approachable. Love is the distinguishing mark of Christ's disciples (John 13:35).
  • Obedience and Application: True knowledge of God is demonstrated by obedience to His commands (John 14:15). Help your disciple identify specific areas for obedience and apply biblical principles to their life circumstances.
  • Accountability: Gently hold your disciple accountable for their spiritual disciplines, commitments, and areas of growth. This should be done with love and grace, not condemnation.
  • Equipping for Service and Reproduction: A disciple is not just a learner but a doer and a reproducer. Help them discover their spiritual gifts, encourage them to serve in the church and community, and ultimately, challenge and equip them to disciple others, fulfilling the charge of 2 Timothy 2:2: "And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also."

    • Practical Steps in Discipling Another

    While there is no single rigid formula, a general approach can be followed:

  • Prayerfully Identify an Individual: Ask God to show you who He wants you to invest in. Look for someone hungry for God, teachable, and faithful.
  • Initiate and Build Relationship: Approach them, express your desire to help them grow, and begin to spend time together casually. Show genuine interest in their life.
  • Start with Foundations: If they are new believers, cover the basics of salvation, repentance, faith, the Holy Spirit, assurance, and the importance of the local church.
  • Engage in Systematic Bible Study: Choose a book of the Bible, a theological topic, or a discipleship curriculum to study together. Encourage them to prepare, ask questions, and share insights.
  • Model and Mentor: Invite them into your life. Let them see your prayer life, your witness, your service, and how you navigate challenges with faith. Transparency builds trust.
  • Encourage Spiritual Disciplines: Guide them in developing personal prayer habits, consistent Bible reading, worship, fasting, and fellowship with other believers.
  • Empower for Ministry: Help them identify their passions and gifts. Provide opportunities for them to serve, whether within the church or in outreach.
  • Commission and Release to Reproduce: As they grow, challenge them to begin discipling someone else. This completes the cycle and ensures multiplication.

    • Overcoming Challenges and Relying on God

    Discipleship is a marathon, not a sprint. It requires patience, perseverance, and an unwavering reliance on the Holy Spirit. You will encounter challenges: discouragement, lack of progress, personality clashes, or the disciple falling away. Remember that it is God who gives the increase (1 Corinthians 3:6). Our role is to faithfully plant and water, trusting Him for the fruit. Lean on His strength and wisdom, knowing that He desires the spiritual growth of His children even more than we do.

    The Fruit of Faithful Discipleship

    The reward of faithful discipleship is immeasurable. It is seeing lives transformed by the power of God's Word and Spirit. It is witnessing individuals grow in Christlikeness, becoming mature believers who reflect His glory. Ultimately, it contributes to the expansion of God's Kingdom on earth, as more and more faithful men and women are raised up to teach others also. May we all embrace this high calling, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2), as we labor to make disciples for His glory.