Discipleship

I can testify that the value of discipleship is simply incomparable. There is no other type of fellowship that has increased my spiritual growth more than one-on-one meetings with my disciplers.

Interested in being discipled or in discipling a younger believer? I would love to direct you to the right people for that or speak to one of your church leaders. Ferrum College juniors and seniors should grab a sophomore or freshman and start building a relationship to get started. To get a better idea of what discipleship is, read my personal take on it below:

Discipleship is one of the most intense methods of encouraging spiritual growth. It is acheived through a relationship between an older, experienced, and more mature Christian challenging and holding accountable a younger, willing Christian of the same sex. Discipleship, in its best form, is exemplified in the bible between Paul and Timothy.

What “real” discipleship involves:

• an agreed upon discipleship relationship between a discipler that is truly respected by the disciplee.

• regular meeting times (this is crucial!) - be creative, invite your disciplee along to the grocery store, a long drive to the airport, for a walk, a carpool to work or school, to get ice cream at McDonalds… whatever you have to do to fit in some time together.

• Vulnerability - the disciplee has to be open with the discipler about strengths and weaknesses, issues in the past, right and wrong thinking, and what really needs to be worked on most. This is not expected to happen right away, but is necessary as the relationship grows.

• Challenge - the discipler is teacher, advisor, and drill instructor. Expectations should be set high and insisted upon being met. The discplee should be given specific goals to reach by a set time, held accountable to regular personal bible study, and given assignments and materials that will stretch the young believer.

• Trial period - disciplees that are not obedient to the requests of the discipler, demonstrate unwillingness to change poor habits, and are simply not “into” the idea of growing as a Christian need to be cut off. Disciplers should give their student a trial period to prove themselves and then make a decision about continuing the relationship. This method is meant for believers who are actively participating.

• Multiplicity - a disciplee should be given responsibility. Depending upon the wisdom of the discipler, they can begin to disciple others when they’re ready.

Here is an effective way to utilize the time disciplers and disciplees have together:

First 15 minutes: sharing from the disciplee to discipler - discipler is expected to listen and give disciplee full attention. Disciplee can share about whatever is going on in their life, doesn’t have to be assignment related.

Next 30 minutes: Prayer & Scripture - discipler prays for disciplee, goes through scripture study (bible study series, inductive bible study, sermon on CD, whatever.) This part should be interactive, allowing disciplee to share thoughts and process.

Remaining time: Multiplicity - assignments involving outreach, evangelism, and leadership are applied. Disciplee should share how they’re sharing their faith and investing in the church body.