Exploring the Art of Making Disciples

The word “disciplemaker” is rooted in the concept of discipleship, which refers to the process of being a follower and student of someone. In our Christian context, a disciplemaker is a person who follows the teaching and examples of Jesus Christ and seeks to help others grow in their faith and relationship with Him.

Disciplemakers take on the responsibility of guiding others along their spiritual journey. Disciplemakers help others learn the teachings of Jesus and helping them grow into committed followers of Christ as they develop their understanding of Jesus’ teachings.

19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.
Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV)

Ultimately, the goal of a disciplemaker is helping others become mature disciples of Jesus Christ who, in turn, go on to make disciples themselves. Multiplication is an essential characteristic of disciplemaking. Making disciples is grounded in creating a chain of disciples who continue the process of teaching and mentoring others from one generation to the next.

DISCIPLE
A student, pupil, or learner.
In the New Testament it is used for Jesus’ followers. It often references “the Twelve” but also indicates a wider group of followers.
The Lexham Bible Dictionary

To accomplish their goal, disciplemakers employ various practices and activities like sharing biblical principles, offering guidance, fostering a supportive community, and teaching individuals and groups. In short, disciplemakers help others live more like Jesus.

Being a disciplemaker involves living out your faith and intentionally helping others grow in their relationship with Jesus. Disciplemakers cultivate a vibrant and authentic relationship with Jesus that is evidenced through regular prayer, Bible study, and seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Disiciplemakers recognize that helping people grow in their relationship with Jesus and learning how to live as Christ lived is a lifetime commitment requiring a willful and purposeful investment in others. Disciplemakers help people become more Christlike.

People who make disciples are authentic and transparent. They are not afraid to share their struggles, victories, and experiences with others. This creates a safe and relatable space for individuals to reciprocate in like manner. Openness and vulnerability are keys to successful discipleship.

Disciplemakers understand the importance of being intentional in their relationships, readily investing time and effort into getting to know those they are teaching the ways of Christ more deeply. This helps them ensure they are providing genuine care and concern for the well-being of those they are discipling.

Thriving disciplemakers model Christlikeness by letting their words, actions, and attitudes serve as a testament to the transforming power of the Gospel. They share biblical knowledge and wisdom alongside practical insights on how to grow and live more like Jesus.

Flourishing disciplemakers encourage and equip those they disciple. They help others grow through accountability and support. They lift up others lovingly as well as showing them when they should recalibrate their walk along their lifetime spiritual journey of becoming more like Jesus.

A strong prayer life and commitment to continual learning are also characteristics of disciplemakers who grow and multiply the spiritual growth of those entrusted to their care. They understand that they more they grow the more they can pour into others.

Disciplemaking isn’t about perfection. Rather, it’s about being faithful.

I pray that this post is helpful to you, especially if you are wondering how to make disciples or interested in becoming a disciple. Seek the Holy Spirit’s direction in identifying the people in your life who exhibit true Christlikeness. And then, follow them.

Blessings,

Rainer Bantau

The Devotional Guy™