Discipleship Program or Not?

Should we have a Discipleship program in the church?  I don’t think the answer is a program.  Discipleship needs to be intentional and systemic so that it leaks into the culture of the church at every age level.

The strategy that I used was small groups and one on one relationships.  Small groups were taught by trained people that led others studying the Bible.  My favorite style was one on one (and maybe up to four).  I met with men for breakfast or lunch and had my devotions (study) time with them. I followed a model called SOAP. S=Scripture; O=Observation; A=Application; P=Prayer.

Effective discipleship is not about curriculum.  Its about helping, loving, and leading others to follow Jesus by being more and more like Jesus.  If you know how to love like Jesus and walk like Jesus then you can disciple someone.  Notice I did not say that you are perfect in every way like Jesus at all times.  We can teach others how to seek God, repent, read the Bible, pray and share their faith with others.

Find someone and study God’s Word together.  Learn the stories of Jesus – tell them over and over.  Even if you study a book by a favorite author – always be in the Word too.

Would you like to hear more about discipleship? Do you think it might help your church?  Would it help you?