“Faith and prayer are the vitamins of the soul; man cannot live in health without them.” -Mahalia Jackson.
The process of making disciples begins with preaching and continues with growth, referred to as discipleship. To put it simply, discipleship is about helping people grow and strengthen their faith.
It is being said that Jesus concluded his time by commanding his disciples (followers) to make more disciples. The teaching of Jesus is to live in the view of eternity instead of today or tomorrow. Everything that a man conducts in his life, from spiritual good to prayers, is for the last day. Still, the ultimate purpose is to present individuals who have matured in Christ. With that being said, let’s learn the practices that will help others know and follow Christ.
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Teach
The basic idea of discipleship is to teach- words of the Bible and the word of Jesus; he taught to his followers. However, instead of launching a big discipleship ministry, where the churches encourage every individual to sign-up, take a small step. In short, look for a few people who are followers of Christ and want to learn a Disciple making program to become great leaders. Minister many, but disciple a few!
The teaching begins when individuals start to have spiritually deep conversations with each other and understand what God is enlightening you about himself.
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Correct
In a few cases, you need to warn others about the decisions or choices they’re making. Teaching the general truths is important for an individual’s growth but so is correcting the mistakes. Understanding that sin deceives you, so there’s a need for other believers to help you learn things about yourself, is crucial.
Also, know that such relationships work both ways. You must also correct others whenever it is necessary but in private. Even after multiple corrections or warnings, if the individual commits to sins more than Christ, he will be excluded from the Lord’s Table (Matt. 18:15–20).
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Model
The goal of training programs and fellowships is to see lives transforming. Jesus didn’t direct his disciples to only “teach.” Instead, he asked them to “teach people to obey.”
“To this, you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps” (1 Pet. 2:21).
It is more than mere classroom learning. Listening, observing, and participating, little by little, will help individuals or followers to transform their lives by becoming more responsible.
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Love
Discipling is an outline of peer-to-peer love and mutuality along with teacher-student relationships. The relationship helps encourage each other to have more faith and strengthen it. If you take steps for the spiritual good of others, they will do the same for you.
As Colossians 3:16 states: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom.”
Depend on each other to strengthen the faith and live in the light of the final day.
Takeaway
Discipling is about helping others follow Jesus and establishing a connection to teach, correct, model, and love. It would help if you humbled yourself in order to disciple. Learning to say no, knowing when to bear and speak, staying calm through troubles, etc., will help you strengthen your faith.
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