Before discussing why we should make disciples or how we should make disciples, we must first understand what discipleship is. Most people get lost in what discipleship means to them instead of defining what it means to Jesus. The word disciple means learner, believer, or follower. So, a disciple of Jesus was a follower of Jesus. When Jesus commands us to "make disciples" in Matthew 28:19, He is speaking about the entire process of leading someone to become a follower (evangelism) as well as teaching and leading them as they grow as a follower (discipleship).
In his book Growing Up, Pastor Robby Gallaty defines discipleship as "intentionally equipping believers with the Word of God through accountable relationships empowered by the Holy Spirit to replicate faithful followers of Christ." This definition contains all the required principles of discipleship:
- Intentionality
- Equipping
- Believers
- Centered on the Word of God
- Accountability
- Relationships
- Dependent on the Holy Spirit
- Replication
- Focused on developing faithful followers of Christ
When we disciple or invest in someone, we typically invest in them the way other people invested in us. Since most people have never been intentionally discipled, their groups usually lean toward functioning as a Bible study, or they lean the other way to operate like an accountability group. I am not criticizing Bible studies or accountability groups. Both are valuable, and both have had a significant impact on my life. They both usually lack intentionality.
I have been blessed through some incredible Bible studies over the years, but Bible study groups differ from discipleship because the focus is on the curriculum. The teaching and discussion rarely leave the boundaries of the curriculum. For example, if you are in a marriage Bible study, you would not be likely to address theology, work, assurance of salvation, or evangelism. The goal is to teach one subject regardless of who is in the study.
Accountability groups focus on the process. Everyone should have accountable relationships in their life. Accountability groups differ from discipleship because their priority is the process. They meet regularly, hold each other accountable, and encourage each other, but there is no leader, no intentionality, and no destination. Please understand I am not saying this isn't good. I am saying this is not discipleship.
Discipleship is focused on the disciple. Even though we study the Bible and hold each other accountable, we focus on helping the disciple become a faithful follower of Christ. We are not limited by any curriculum, which allows us to address the disciple's needs.
