Jesus called 12 men to be His first Disciples. Those first Disciples did not fully understand the mission of Christ during their three years walking with Him. They were not filled with the Holy Spirit until Pentecost. Yet, through that whole time they exercised faith in Jesus as Messiah. They learned a lot during those years, but would they have left family and jobs had they not had faith in who they were following?

Before any person can be discipled he/she must first be reconciled to God through faith. Without a heart change a sinner remains, a sinner, separated from God forever. Before a person can be discipled a heart transformation must take place.

Jesus had a lot of followers. Not all of them were acceptable into His Discipleship journey. Is that not true also in our churches today? Not all church attendees, not all Christ followers are ready for Discipleship. Discipleship requires commitment and obedience. Most church-goers can be found obedient in the painless areas of followship. But the areas that lead us out of our comfort zone – (where spiritual maturation actually takes place) – requires a deeper commitment and obedience that many are not ready for.

This is why Discipleship programs have failed in churches over the years. Jesus did not have a program. There was no syllabus. Discipleship was life; walking the same road day after day with Jesus. Christians, even ministers can fall into the trap of loving the ministry of Jesus yet neglecting the Jesus of the ministry. We must keep our guard up to stay committed as ever-growing Disciples of Christ, to be fully used discipling others for Him.

Every believer should look for others who have a hunger and a thirst for growing more into the likeness of Christ. A deep yearning and desire to know more and grow into Christlikeness. Seek out others whom you can Disciple. Watch for the evidence in the lives of believers younger in the faith. Latch onto him/her and begin discipling. You will grow as you help them to grow.

Discipleship requires…

• One textbook – The Holy Bible – Everything needed in Discipling others can be found in scripture.
• Equipping/teaching – Discipleship is not relegated to a classroom. Discipleship is lived out, doing life together. (not necessarily living together, but growing together.)
• More than information transfer – Discipleship is not building trivia buffs. Not about transfer, it is about continual transformation into Christlikeness.

As we grow in Christ, we are to grow others, to Disciple others into Christlikeness. Even a one week Christian has learned something he can share with another believer. What in this article touched a cord with you? If nothing comes to mind, reread it with a contemplating heart this time. God will show you something needed in your Discipleship. Did you recognize all six requirements?

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.