Discipleship
Christians around the world currently have many varied opinions about discipleship. What it means, and how it should be applied in the lives of believers in Christ. As Educators we should be clear about what a disciple is, and how we go out and make disciples.
Does the question begin with what is a disciple? Hull (2006) writes, “Disciple is the primary term used in the Gospels to refer to Jesus’ followers and is a common referent for those known in the early church as believers” (p. 32). A disciple is someone who actively follows and learns from a teacher. In the bible, this becomes even more specific. Jesus calls us to go out and make disciples of him. “Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you always, to the very end of the age” (Holy Bible, New International Version, 1985, Matthew 28:18-20). This type of discipleship is not a one-time activity, God calls us to make this a primary goal in our life. As believers in Christ, we are disciples, and as disciples, we are called to make disciples. This is to be our focus on earth, the Great Commission. Hull (2006) states, “The heart of a disciple involves living in intimate union and daily contact with Christ” (p. 28). This is a person who is transformed by Christ and seeks to share God’s love with those around them.
Attributes of a disciple
Several attributes show the character of a fully devoted disciple. These include engaging the bible, obeying God, denying self, serving God and others, sharing Christ, exercising faith, seeking God, building relationships, living unashamed, and doctrinal positions. (Lifeway, 2022)
Engaging the bible is a key characteristic because knowledge of the scripture captures our minds and sharpens our attitudes and growth toward Christ. “Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will” (Holy Bible, New International Version, 1985, Romans 12:2). It reminds us of who God is, Chan (2013) states, “We don’t get to decide who God is. “God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM” (Ex. 3:14). We don’t change that.” (p. 33). The engaging of the bible keeps scripture and our image of God in our minds fresh, and that strengthens us as disciples.
Obeying God and denying self can be difficult for any disciple. We are all sinners, and when we sin, we are not serving God. Our goal as disciples is to seek God, deny our selfish desires, and not sin. Medina (2008-2009) writes, “First we must be disciples ourselves. We must look at our own lives and decide whether we are disciples or merely followers (pg. 1). Obeying God and denying ourselves involves an absolute surrender to God and his purpose for our life. “Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me” (Holy Bible, New International Version, 1985, Luke 9:23). In this passage, Jesus does not say to do this occasionally but daily. The calling is to follow Christ daily.
Serving God and others is another characteristic of a disciple. Jesus showed what this looked like when he came down to earth and gave his life on the cross for our sins so that we could have eternal life. As disciples serving God and others should not be hard, but easy we are actively seeking to be like Christ and make disciples. Hull (2006) states, “Choosing “the life” that Jesus offers also involves choosing a way of life—a life of self-denial and submission to others” (p. 119). This type of life involves serving others and God. “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love” (Holy Bible, New International Version, 1985, Galatians 5:13). While Jesus was on earth he served others, performing miracles, healing the sick, and ultimately giving his life on the cross for our sins. We as disciples are called to follow this example.
In our modern world, some would argue that the trait of sharing Christ is perhaps the most important of a disciple. Sharing Christ is indeed important, but it is not always preaching or telling others about Christ with our words. This can also be done through actions that encourage non-believers to ask the reason for the hope we display in our life. “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,” (Holy Bible, New International Version, 1985, 1 Peter 3:15). Stott (2007) while discussing evangelistic efforts being fraught with failure states, “but one main reason is that we don’t look like the Christ we are proclaiming” (p. 3). Sharing Christ whether through actively telling others about Christ, or simply trying to live our life like Christ can assist in telling others about him.
Exercising faith and seeking God are also important characteristics of disciples. Exercising faith starts by seeking God in our life. These two characteristics almost overlap. When you seek God in your life, then you become enabled to exercise faith. Seeking God is a desire to be like Christ, to know him, and seek his will. Exercising faith is the result of seeking God and his will. Hull (2006) writes, “Regeneration takes place when we choose to follow him. A regenerated person is one who is justified, who receives legal standing with God” (p. 142). Exercising faith, and seeking God transform us into a new person.
Disciples must build relationships to be disciples. There is no way to tell others about Christ and seek to fulfil the Great Commission without relationships. Jesus spent time on earth with his disciples. They travelled with him and saw everything. Medina (2008-2009) writes, “It is so easy when we are discipling students to forget that they need to see us live life. They learn behaviours and responses by seeing us go through life” (p. 13). This is the building of a relationship with the disciples that helps them see us as we struggle and cling to God. This builds transparency for them with us and God.
The next character trait is Living unashamed. Living unashamed is simple to explain, and often hard to grasp as a disciple. Living unashamed means we are not ashamed of Jesus, our faith, and speaking about it to others. Chan (2013) writes, “To be brutally honest it doesn’t matter what place you find yourself in right now. Your part is to bring Him glory—.” (p. 46). This is living unashamed. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile” (Holy Bible, New International Version, 1985, Romans 1:16). Disciples are not ashamed to share Jesus, or the gospel they know it is not their works but God using them to speak to others.
The last disciple character trait is doctrinal positions. This trait is different for many believers. There are many different doctrinal views on the scripture, and how it is to be implemented. However, there is one critical aspect that believers agree on. The bible is inerrant, and the guide for our faith. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,” (Holy Bible, New International Version, 1985, 2 Timothy 3:16). Alarid (2015) writes, “A person’s view of basic doctrine—how he views God, the Scripture, the church, etc.— will clearly affect how that person lives out the Christian faith” (Waggoner, 2008, p. 31).” (p. 105). Doctrinal positions provide disciples with the knowledge that scripture is their manual for life.
Personal Discipleship Journey
A personal discipleship journey is unique for every individual. My journey has been filled with ups and downs. My parents were saved when I was four years old, and I grew up in a Christian home and went to a Christian school through high school. This gave me a solid foundation in Christ. However, as a young adult, I was challenged to actualize my faith and speak with my peers who were challenging their faith and belief system.
An assessment provided me with some good insight into my discipleship journey. My weakest attributes on the assessment were, Sharing Christ with a score of 3.40, and Living Unashamed with a score of 4.35. The score for Sharing Christ was not a surprise to me. I know that I have always struggled with how to share Christ with others. This is not a challenge when I am working in a Christian school with students who are possibly believers. However, in my personal life through interactions with loved ones who are not believers or others who I meet that might need to know Jesus, I tend to be shy. In this area, my lowest scores included the questions about inviting others to church and personal sharing with someone how to become a Christian.
The attributes that I scored highest in were Engaging the Bible with a score of 5, and Doctrinal Position with a score of 4.85. While reading the assessment and seeing these two areas as my highest scores I was surprised. After reading the explanation for Engaging the Bible I better understand my score. Chan (2013) states, “If life were stable, I’d never need God’s help. Since it’s not, I reach out for Him regularly (p. 47).” I do seek every day to be in God’s word and live my life in service to him. The ups and downs in my life have always been easier to navigate with God by my side. Regarding the Doctrinal Position score of 4.85 as my second-highest score, I was very surprised. I have a solid understanding of my faith and why I believe what I believe. This was a gift given to me through Christian education, Christian parents, and a bible believing church while I was growing up.
After time in prayer, and some thought I have come up with some ways I can take steps to improve my two lowest scores, Sharing Christ, and Living Unashamed. Throughout my life, I have always sought to help others, make their life better even to my detriment. In this season of life, I am learning that I don’t have to do that and be quiet about what I believe or feel ashamed about what I believe. Rather I can speak the truth in love. Medina (2008-2009) writes, “A final point to make in the model presented by Jesus is that He spent time with his disciples. He allowed His disciples to see Him go through everything” (p. 13). Jesus was not ashamed; he was transparent and shared who he was all while sharing about Christ. This is a good reminder for me, I will seek to be transparent, and unashamed to share Christ with everyone.
Disciples are followers of Jesus. This is not something that just occurs occasionally but is a part of their life every day. Hull (2006) writes, “Discipleship is what a disciple does. If she’s not following Christ, then Christ gets left out of the process.” (p. 34). As a disciple of Christ, I seek him first, lean on him, and will continue to spend my life following his purpose for my life to make disciples. Hull states, “Discipleship describes the process of following Jesus; it’s the centerpiece of the Christian experience, because as Dietrich Bonhoeffer said, “Christianity without discipleship is always Christianity without Christ.” The Christian faith and following Jesus are irrevocably linked” (p. 47) As an educator I feel this is important to clarify. God can use disciples in many ways, no one area is more important than another. Rather the importance is on the linkage between faith and discipleship.
References
Alarid, M. N. (2015). The degree of Discipleship of Christian School Faculty (dissertation).
Chan, F., & Yankoski, D. (2013). Crazy love: Overwhelmed by a relentless god. David C. Cook.
Discipleship pathway assessment. (n.d.). Retrieved January 22, 2022, from https://tdatool.lifeway.com/user/menu
Hull, B. (2006). The complete book of discipleship: On being and making followers of Christ. NavPress.
Medina, C. (2008). The Dangers of Marginalizing Discipleship, 12(3), 12–13.
Stott, D. J. R. W. (2009). The model: Becoming More Like Christ - C.S. Lewis Institute. C.S. Lewis Institute. Retrieved January 22, 2022, from https://www.cslewisinstitute.org/webfm_send/610
Zondervan. (1985). The Niv study bible.
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