Making DisciplesSample

Another important principle in making disciples is mutual accountability. We read in James 5:16, "Confess your faults to one another and pray for one another, that ye may be healed."

This is very important. When you are discipling people, make sure that they know that you want to be in a mutually accountable relationship. What does it mean? It means that you expect them to be accountable to you, as you make yourself accountable to them. This achieves 3 important things:

1. The person feels safe with you, knowing that you are not inviting them into a one-way, hierarchical relationship. It’s easier for someone to open up and be vulnerable when we speak into their lives from an equal footing.

2. A good disciple is a learner, and you model a learner lifestyle to them. You allow them to speak into your life, showing that, no matter how many years you have been following Jesus, you are a learner and a servant to them. Jesus said in Mark 10:43, “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.” NIV. There is so much grace and freedom in serving others.

3. You place yourself in a safe, accountable position, having people around you who can speak into your life. Many mature believers place themselves in harm’s way by distancing themselves from honest input. This can and should come from many places, even from those we are discipling.

Disciple people towards Jesus

Interestingly, the people Jesus chose to disciple were ‘unchurched’. Not one of the 12 came out of the church environment. The church should be intentional about discipling those who are not like them and who are not yet inside the church.

Why? Well, firstly, because we follow the example of Jesus. But importantly, we are commanded in Matthew 28 to go into the world and make disciples. The world alluded to those out of the faith (non-Israelites who did not follow God). I see 3 parts to how we do this:

Step one is pointing people towards Jesus. Our conversations should centre around the person and character of Christ. It’s not about us, but Him. If Jesus is lifted, He will draw people to Himself by His Spirit. We are just helping them to turn their hearts towards Him.

Step two is taking someone on a journey towards obedience to the commands of Jesus (repentance, baptism, giving, loving, etc.)

Step three is leading your disciple to make other disciples of Jesus. Sometimes people who are not yet following Jesus fully (but love the idea of Him) will begin to point others towards Him, if they know how to do this. When you consistently disciple others and patiently answer their questions, you are transferring a lifestyle that is caught by those you mentor, rather than taught. They will spontaneously end up doing what you are modelling to them. They will also make disciples. Again, this is how Jesus taught and trained His disciples.