Jesus did not tell His followers to make converts, fans, or church attenders. He told them to "go and make disciples" (Matthew 28:19, WEB). Discipleship is at the heart of the Christian life — and it is far more ordinary, and far more beautiful, than many people think.
What is a disciple?
The New Testament word for disciple, mathētēs, means a learner or apprentice. In Jesus' day a disciple did not just attend a teacher's lectures; they followed the teacher, watched how he lived, and learned to live the same way. When Jesus chose the Twelve, He appointed them first "that they might be with him," and then "that he might send them out to preach" (Mark 3:14, WEB).
So a disciple of Jesus is someone who is with Him, learning from Him, and being sent by Him.
What discipleship looks like
Jesus described the cost and the shape of following Him plainly:
"If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me." — Luke 9:23 (KJV)
In everyday life, that tends to look like:
- Time with Jesus — prayer and reading Scripture. See how to read the Bible as a new Christian.
- Obedience — not just knowing what Jesus said, but doing it.
- Community — following Jesus alongside other believers in a healthy local church.
- Love — "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13:35, WEB).
- Mission — every disciple is sent to help others follow Jesus too.
Discipleship is multiplication
Paul told Timothy: "The things which you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit the same things to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also" (2 Timothy 2:2, WEB). That is four generations in one sentence — Paul, Timothy, faithful people, and others. Discipleship is not complete until the person you help is helping someone else.
How to start discipling someone
You do not need a theology degree. You need to be a little further along and willing to walk with someone.
- Pray for one person — a new believer, a friend, a younger Christian.
- Invite them to meet regularly — weekly if you can, over coffee or a meal.
- Read a short passage together. Ask three questions: What does this show about God? What does it show about people? What will we obey this week?
- Pray for each other — specifically, and follow up next time.
- Share life. Discipleship happens on walks, in kitchens, and on the streets as much as in Bible studies.
- Help them help someone else. Ask early: "Who could you share this with?"
Discipleship for new believers
When someone says yes to Jesus on the street, a decision is the beginning, not the end. That is why we put so much weight on follow-up — read what happens after someone says yes and what to do after someone chooses Jesus. For new believers, the First 30 Days With Jesus guide covers seven foundations and a seven-day Gospel reading plan, and is a natural first resource to work through with someone you are discipling.
Want to grow as a disciple-maker? Start with the seven-day One Person Challenge, read what the Great Commission means, or join us on a Tuesday night in Hamilton.
More questions
- What does the word disciple mean?
- In the New Testament, a disciple (Greek mathētēs) is a learner or apprentice: someone who follows a teacher closely to learn their way of life, not just their ideas.
- What is the difference between evangelism and discipleship?
- Evangelism is sharing the good news so people can begin following Jesus. Discipleship is the lifelong process of following Him and helping others grow. Jesus' Great Commission includes both: make disciples, baptise them, and teach them to obey.
- How do I start discipling someone?
- Meet regularly with one person, read a passage of Scripture together, ask what it shows about God and what to obey, pray for each other, and live life together. Start simply and stay consistent.
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