Making DisciplesSample

This is a foundational truth...

Obedience is better than knowledge.

Most of us have grown up in a church model that values knowledge over obedience. Leaders encourage us to come back every week to hear more teaching, but I’ve never heard a pastor stand up and devote a Sunday to how much a simple truth is being applied to lives. We assume that if we teach it well, people will do it well.

Jesus said, “If you [really] love me, you will keep and obey my commandments.” John 14:15 Amplified Bible. Wow! This verse teaches that we demonstrate our love for Jesus by doing what He asked us to do. Placing an emphasis on obedience in those you are discipling will change everything. It will make you slow down, teach fewer truths, and wait patiently to see how these truths are applied.

We have a simple practice in discipleship — at the end of any Bible reading, we ask a question and give time to hear God: ‘What one thing do you think God is asking you to do from this?’

We then expect to see the change in the person’s lifestyle as they obey the leading of the Holy Spirit. The next time that we meet, we ask if the truth from the previous meeting had been applied and what the outcome was.

We love teaching people to share their faith.

Sharing one’s faith is an important step in discipleship-maturing. Faith-filled followers of Jesus tell those who don’t know Him about Him. They are compelled by love to share the good news.

It is important to coach new disciples how to share their testimony in one-minute and five-minute punchy stories about their life before Jesus, their encounter with the Lord of life, and their new life in Christ.

We encourage them to tell their testimony every week, several times a week. Help them to know how to take conversations further with spiritually hungry people. A simple strategy is to start conversations about everyday matters, talking about shallow things. During this time, you are praying that the person will open up about deeper challenges they are facing. If not, you go to someone else.

When people start talking about their struggles or matters of concern, you listen and show empathy. We call it going deep. As you engage in deep conversation, you direct discussions toward spiritual matters. Pursue the person you had a deep and spiritual conversation with. Arrange to meet again. Let them invite a friend. These are vital steps in discipleship.

Lastly, are you ready to do it? Will you commit to the Lord to be diligent in sharing your faith regularly?