Discipleship in Christianity refers to the process of learning about Jesus, following His teachings, and growing in a relationship with Him. It involves a commitment to live according to Christ’s example and teachings, engaging in spiritual disciplines, and participating in the life of the Church. Discipleship is central to Christian faith and practice, encompassing both personal spiritual growth and the mission of making disciples of others.

Biblical Foundations

Old Testament Background

The concept of discipleship has its roots in the Old Testament, where followers of God are called to live according to His laws and teachings.

• The Shema: A foundational text in the Old Testament that emphasizes the importance of loving God and teaching His commandments to the next generation.
  • Deuteronomy 6:4-7 (NIV):
    

    “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”

  This passage highlights the call to love God wholeheartedly and to teach His ways diligently, laying a foundation for the concept of discipleship.

New Testament Teachings

In the New Testament, Jesus explicitly calls individuals to follow Him and outlines the cost and nature of discipleship.

• Jesus Calls His Disciples: Jesus’ call to His first disciples emphasizes immediate and total commitment to following Him.
  • Matthew 4:18-22 (NIV):
    

    “As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. ‘Come, follow me,’ Jesus said, ‘and I will send you out to fish for people.’ At once they left their nets and followed him. Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.”

  This narrative illustrates the immediate and radical response that Jesus’ call to discipleship demands.

• The Great Commission: Jesus’ final instructions to His disciples underscore the ongoing mission of making disciples of all nations.
  • Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV):
    

    “Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.'”

  The Great Commission forms the basis for the Church’s mission to make disciples, emphasizing teaching, baptizing, and the presence of Christ.

• Cost of Discipleship: Jesus teaches that discipleship involves a willingness to take up one’s cross and follow Him, often at great personal cost.
  • Luke 9:23-24 (NIV):
    

    “Then he said to them all: ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.'”

  This passage highlights the sacrificial nature of true discipleship, requiring self-denial and a willingness to suffer for Christ.

• Abiding in Christ: Discipleship involves remaining in a close, ongoing relationship with Jesus, characterized by obedience to His commands.
  • John 15:4-5 (NIV):
    

    “Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

  Jesus emphasizes the importance of abiding in Him as the source of spiritual life and fruitfulness.

Apostolic Teaching and Early Church Practice

The apostles continued Jesus’ teachings on discipleship, emphasizing the importance of living according to the Gospel and being transformed into Christ’s likeness.

• Transformation and Renewal: Paul teaches that discipleship involves the renewal of the mind and transformation into the likeness of Christ.
  • Romans 12:1-2 (NIV):
    

    “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

  This passage highlights the call to a sacrificial life of worship and transformation as central to discipleship.

• Imitation of Christ: Paul often exhorted believers to imitate him as he imitated Christ, emphasizing the importance of following apostolic example.
  • 1 Corinthians 11:1 (NIV):
    

    “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.”

  This reflects the early Church’s understanding of discipleship as involving imitation of Christ through the example of mature believers.

• Community and Accountability: The early Church practiced discipleship in the context of community, with believers supporting and encouraging one another in their walk with Christ.
  • Acts 2:42-47 (NIV):
    

    “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”

  This passage describes the communal nature of early Christian discipleship, characterized by teaching, fellowship, prayer, and mutual support.

Historical Development of Discipleship

Early Church and Monastic Movements

In the early Church, discipleship was often formalized through catechesis (instruction for new believers) and the development of monastic communities.

• Catechesis: The early Church developed structured programs of instruction for new converts, known as catechesis, which included teaching on the basics of Christian doctrine, ethics, and spiritual disciplines.
  • Didache: An early Christian document known as the Didache provides insight into the catechetical practices of the early Church, covering topics such as baptism, fasting, prayer, and the Eucharist.
• Monasticism: The rise of monasticism in the 3rd and 4th centuries provided a model of radical discipleship, with individuals and communities dedicating their lives to prayer, asceticism, and communal living.
  • St. Anthony the Great (c. 251-356 AD): Known as the father of monasticism, Anthony’s life of solitude and prayer in the Egyptian desert inspired many to pursue a similar path of radical discipleship.
  • St. Benedict of Nursia (c. 480-547 AD): Benedict’s Rule provided a framework for communal monastic living, emphasizing prayer, work, and obedience as key elements of discipleship.

Medieval and Reformation Developments

During the medieval period and the Reformation, discipleship continued to evolve, with different movements emphasizing various aspects of following Christ.

• Medieval Devotional Movements: Movements such as the Benedictines, Dominicans, and Franciscans emphasized different aspects of discipleship, including prayer, study, and service.
  • St. Francis of Assisi (1181-1226 AD): Francis’ life and teachings emphasized radical poverty, humility, and care for the poor, providing a model of Christlike discipleship.
• Reformation Emphasis: The Protestant Reformation brought a renewed focus on Scripture and personal faith as central to discipleship.
  • Martin Luther (1483-1546): Luther emphasized the priesthood of all believers, encouraging individual engagement with Scripture and personal responsibility for spiritual growth.
  • John Calvin (1509-1564): Calvin’s emphasis on the sovereignty of God and the importance of sanctification influenced Reformed understandings of discipleship as a lifelong process of becoming more like Christ.

Modern Discipleship Movements

In the modern era, various movements have emerged that emphasize different aspects of discipleship, including evangelism, social justice, and spiritual formation.

• Evangelical Movements: Evangelicalism has often emphasized personal conversion and commitment to Christ, with a focus on Bible study, prayer, and evangelism.
  • Billy Graham (1918-2018): Graham’s evangelistic crusades and emphasis on personal decision for Christ influenced many to begin their journey of discipleship.
• Discipleship Training Programs: Organizations such as The Navigators and Campus Crusade for Christ (now Cru) have developed structured programs for discipleship, emphasizing one-on-one mentoring, Scripture memory, and evangelism.
  • The Navigators: Founded by Dawson Trotman in 1933, The Navigators have focused on personal discipleship, Bible study, and mentoring relationships.
• Missional Discipleship: The missional movement emphasizes living out discipleship in the context of everyday life, engaging in mission and service as an integral part of following Christ.
  • Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945): Bonhoeffer’s book The Cost of Discipleship emphasizes the radical demands of following Christ and has influenced modern understandings of costly discipleship.

Theological Significance

Following Christ

At its core, discipleship is about following Christ, seeking to conform one’s life to His example and teachings.

• Imitation of Christ: Discipleship involves imitating Christ’s character, actions, and priorities. This includes living a life of love, humility, service, and obedience to God’s will.
  • Philippians 2:5-8 (NIV):
    

    “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!”

    This passage highlights the humility and obedience of Christ, which are central to the Christian understanding of discipleship.

Transformation and Sanctification

Discipleship is a transformative process that involves sanctification—the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in a believer’s life, making them more like Christ.

• Sanctification: Discipleship involves growing in holiness, which is often understood as the process of sanctification. This involves both the work of the Holy Spirit and the believer’s active participation in spiritual disciplines.
  • 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV):
    

    “And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”

    This verse emphasizes the transformative nature of discipleship, where believers are progressively conformed to the image of Christ.

Community and Accountability

Discipleship is not meant to be a solitary journey but is designed to be lived out in the context of Christian community. The Church plays a vital role in supporting, teaching, and holding believers accountable in their walk with Christ.

• The Role of the Church: The local church is the primary context for discipleship, providing a community of believers who can support and encourage one another in their faith.
  • Ephesians 4:11-13 (NIV):
    

    “So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”

    This passage highlights the role of church leaders in equipping believers for discipleship and the importance of growing together in maturity.

Mission and Evangelism

Discipleship is also inherently missional, involving the call to make disciples of others. This includes evangelism, teaching, and baptizing, as well as living out the Gospel in word and deed.

• The Great Commission: Discipleship involves obeying Jesus’ command to go and make disciples of all nations, sharing the Gospel, and teaching others to follow Christ.
  • Acts 1:8 (NIV):
    

    “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

    This verse emphasizes the outward focus of discipleship, which includes bearing witness to Christ and engaging in mission.

Practical Implications for Worship and Life

Spiritual Disciplines

Discipleship involves engaging in spiritual disciplines, such as prayer, Bible study, fasting, and worship, as means of growing in faith and drawing closer to God.

• Prayer and Bible Study: Regular prayer and study of Scripture are foundational to discipleship, helping believers to know God’s will and to grow in their relationship with Him.
  • Psalm 119:105 (NIV):
    

    “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”

    This verse reflects the importance of Scripture in guiding the disciple’s life.

• Worship: Corporate and personal worship are central to discipleship, providing opportunities to encounter God’s presence and to respond in praise and obedience.
  • Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV):
    

    “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

    This passage emphasizes the importance of gathering together for worship and mutual encouragement.

Mentorship and Discipleship Relationships

Discipleship often involves mentorship, where more mature believers guide and support newer believers in their faith journey.

• One-on-One Discipleship: Personal relationships, where an experienced Christian mentors a newer believer, are a key aspect of discipleship. These relationships provide accountability, encouragement, and practical guidance.
  • 2 Timothy 2:2 (NIV):
    

    “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.”

    This verse reflects the importance of passing on the faith through personal discipleship relationships.

Living Out Discipleship in Daily Life

Discipleship is not limited to formal church activities but involves living out one’s faith in every aspect of life, including work, family, and social relationships.

• Integration of Faith and Life: Discipleship involves integrating one’s faith into all areas of life, seeking to glorify God in everything one does.
  • Colossians 3:17 (NIV):
    

    “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

    This verse encourages believers to live out their discipleship in every area of life.

Engaging in Mission and Evangelism

Part of discipleship is engaging in mission and evangelism, sharing the Gospel with others and inviting them to become disciples of Jesus.

• Witnessing and Evangelism: Discipleship includes being a witness for Christ, sharing the good news with others, and helping them to grow in their faith.
  • 1 Peter 3:15 (NIV):
    

    “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”

    This verse highlights the importance of being ready to share one’s faith as part of the disciple’s life.

Broader Thematic Connections

The Kingdom of God

Discipleship is closely connected to the theme of the Kingdom of God, as it involves living under the lordship of Christ and seeking to advance His Kingdom on earth.

• Matthew 6:33 (NIV):
  

  “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

  This verse reflects the priority of the Kingdom of God in the life of a disciple.

Christian Community and Fellowship

Discipleship is inherently communal, involving participation in the body of Christ and the mutual support of fellow believers.

• Acts 2:42 (NIV):
  

  “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”

  This verse highlights the communal aspects of discipleship in the early Church.

Spiritual Warfare and Perseverance

Discipleship also involves spiritual warfare and perseverance, as believers face challenges and opposition in their journey of faith.

• Ephesians 6:12-13 (NIV):
  

  “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.”

  This passage underscores the reality of spiritual warfare in the life of a disciple and the need for perseverance.

Legacy and Influence in Christian Doctrine

Discipleship has been central to the development of Christian doctrine and practice throughout the history of the Church. It has shaped the way Christians understand their relationship with Christ, their engagement with the world, and their participation in the mission of the Church.

Conservative Reflection on Discipleship

From a conservative theological perspective, discipleship is seen as essential to the Christian life. It involves a commitment to the authority of Scripture, personal holiness, and active participation in the life and mission of the Church. Conservatives emphasize the importance of adhering to biblical teachings and the need for intentional, ongoing discipleship.

Final Thoughts on God’s Love and Jesus

Discipleship ultimately reflects God’s love and the invitation to follow Jesus in a deep, transformative relationship. Through discipleship, believers are invited to experience the fullness of life in Christ, growing in love, holiness, and mission.

• John 15:9-10 (NIV):
  

  “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.”

This passage captures the essence of discipleship: remaining in Christ’s love, keeping His commands, and living out the transformative relationship that He offers. Discipleship is the journey of following Jesus, growing in His likeness, and participating in His mission to the world.