There is a lot of information being floated around about Discipleship. Many books have been written, conferences offered, and videos accessible. Most have good quality material and information for churches and individuals willing to be discipled or to disciple others. However, as with any major topic, we must be cautious and good stewards of God’s resources and in the way we lead those God has granted to our charge.

While I do not consider myself to be “The Expert” or the only voice to listen to, let me offer three thoughts to consider as you examine your church’s Discipleship process – something every church should evaluate each year. – or as you design/redesign a more effective Discipleship process for Christlikeness.

1. Discipleship is more about conduct than content. Content is extremely important in building disciples. Jesus spent better than three years pouring content into His Disciples. Yet, more than content, Jesus poured out His conduct every day in each situation He found Himself. His conduct displayed the importance of living out the content. When our words and our actions do not line up, people take note and we in turn are building Disciples of a different source, following our actions, not our content.
2. Discipleship is more about process than program. Disciples are not built through programs. Churches and denominations tried this for years without great fruitfulness. Certainly, you can have certain studies or activities expected of everyone in your church. Yet, not everyone will advance or mature at the same pace or based on a number of studies completed or activities engaged. Discipleship cannot be measured by studies completed or how many activities a person has been engaged in through a process. Discipleship can only be measured through heart-felt evidence of Christlikeness.
3. Discipleship is more about individuality than uniformity. Jesus’ twelve Disciples/Apostles were certainly not cut from the same mold. Neither did they each adopt Jesus’ teaching in the same manner. Peter was impromptu, off the cuff, spontaneous. John was likely more laid-back, subdued, and watchful. Each one acquiesced in his own manner based on upbringing, character, and background. God creates each person individually and places us in environments that help mold us into His useful instruments. Growing Disciples is not building robots. It is building individuals into Christlikeness for their purposed assignments from God.

Certainly, these three ideas are not all inclusive of a healthy Discipleship process, however, they are three areas where many churches falter. A healthy Discipleship process is part of the calling of the church and of The Great Commission. Faltering in one of these areas may produce weak Christians and misleading Discipleship beliefs. Let us be prudent and devoted to God’s calling to be truly effective in Christlike Disciple making.

George Yates is an Organizational Health Strategist and coach, assisting churches, organizations, and individuals in pursuing God’s purpose for life. Click here to receive this blog in your email inbox each Tuesday.