Discipleship is something we talk about in church a lot but what does it actually look like?
Here are some pointers about how you might get involved in discipleship from the “9Marks” people which I found helpful
- Join the church – sounds obvious but plugging in and being accountable, joining a homegroup and plug into Women to Women where you’ll meet Christians of other ages and varying maturity is a key way to get involved in discipling
- Arrive early at church gatherings and stay late. Intentionally make time to meet and connect with people.
- Practice hospitality with members of your church.
- Ask God for strategic friendships.
- If necessary, budget for the time you’ll spend with fellow Christians so you can afford to have people over or meet up with them in coffee shops or restaurants.
- Schedule regular breakfasts, lunches, or some other culturally-acceptable social engagement with teachable women. Depending on the person, you may decide to meet once, indefinitely, or for a set number of times. If you and the individual share a pastime, look for ways to share that pastime together.
- Ask them about themselves. Ask them about their parents, spouse, children, testimony, job, walk with Christ, and so on. In asking questions, however, do so in a manner that’s appropriate for your cultural context (don’t scare them!).
- Share about yourself.
- Look for ways to have spiritual conversations. Maybe decide to read the Bible or some other Christian literature together. Talk about the Sunday sermon and how you are applying that.
- Consider their physical or material needs. Would they benefit from your help?
- Pray with them.
- Depending on your home situation, invite the person to drop by your house or spend time with your family. Let them watch you live life.
Discipleship happens at many levels in many ways across many types of relationship but the more intentional you are about getting alongside someone, sharing the truth of God’s word together and walking with them as the Holy Spirit does his work in their lives, the more you will see God at work, growing you both into Christ likeness together.
“Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, 8 so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.” 1 Thes 2:7-8
