EMPHASIS ON DISCIPLESHIP

1. Determining the Church's Responsibility 

A church must make a concerted effort to teach people the Word of God to bring them to maturity. Everyone is to be involved in that process: the pastor is to perfect the saints, and the saints are to do the work of the ministry that the Body of Christ may be built up (Eph 4:12). We are all to be involved in the process of discipling people. Paul instructed Timothy to pass on what he had learned to faithful men who would "be able to teach others also" (2 Tim. 2:2). Older men and women are to teach the younger ones (Titus 2:3-5). Even young men are to be examples to others (Titus 2:6-7). Every Christian ought to be reproducing his life in the lives of others. A church should emphasize discipleship. Every Christian should be involved in edifying other believers.

2. Describe the Discipling Process

       A. Teach biblical truth -  The Greek word translated "disciple" means "learner." If someone is a learner, that assumes someone else will teach him. Discipling Christians means teaching them biblical truth. When I disciple people, I give them books to read and tapes to listen to that deal with biblical topics I want them to understand. Besides teaching from the pulpit, I teach them biblical truths on a personal level from the Word of God.

       B. Apply Scripture to life  -  You need to make the Bible come alive to the person you're discipling by making it practical. He must know how to apply biblical truth. You'd be amazed how many people learn principles that they never put into action. I ask questions that get the disciple to think through his own set of circumstances from God's perspective. I want him to see life spiritually.

       C. Solve problems biblically  -  Biblical problem-solving is a key to effective discipling. People learn best when they have a need to know. You always learn best when you have to know the answers. Effective discipleship involves giving someone biblical answers to problems he has and teaching them how to apply them. You can't just lecture; you've got to know enough Scripture to give your disciple answers when he needs them.

You may think you don't know much. Yet there are people who don't know as much as you. Find one of them and begin to disciple him. It is a great joy to see your disciples mature and grow. A Christian ought to be sharing the life he has received from God with others.