In the early days of our Movement, Assemblies of God leaders declared their intention of undertaking the “greatest [work of] evangelism the world has ever seen.” More than a century later, we remain committed to that vision.

Another emphasis from the beginning was upholding the Bible as the complete and authoritative Word of God and rule of faith and conduct in all things. Again, those founding principles are still guiding us.

All our reasons for being started with an end in mind. In the case of discipleship, the goal has always been developing devoted followers of Jesus who reflect His teaching and lifestyle and who will ultimately reproduce that pattern in others.

To accomplish that end, we focus on seven Christian life practices: Bible engagement; continual surrender to the Holy Spirit; the ministry of reconciling people to God; prayer; worship; service to others; and generosity.

Disciples aren’t perfect people. The concept of practicing a discipline suggests there is room for improvement. In sports, the point of practice is to become better and stronger. In the Christian journey, the point of practice is to become more like Jesus.

Discipleship is all about developing and reinforcing Christlike habits. It involves three different but complementary parts: a relational example to imitate, Bible teaching and learning, and practice under the guidance of a mentor or coach.

Demonstrating

The relational example part of the process is foundational for the rest of the discipleship experience. We are all natural-born imitators. We learn language and culture, develop habits, and form values by watching and listening to those around us. We imitate without trying and become like those we respect without even knowing it.

The examples of parents and teachers have more influence than any curriculum. In fact, curriculum without an example has little impact. That’s why connected relationships beyond the classroom are a necessary part of any true discipleship process. Paul’s charge in 1 Corinthians 11:1 should serve as the template of every discipleship strategy: “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.”

Jesus practiced relational discipleship. He didn’t just call the Twelve to attend a teaching seminary. Jesus called them to follow Him and spend time with Him.

Programs like Royal Rangers and Girls Ministries are effective not just because of the curriculum and activities, but also because of the relationships. Those times together — laughing, working and playing alongside Christian adults who are leading by example — are cornerstone discipleship moments.

True discipleship can’t happen from a platform, or at distance. It requires a relationship. Whether we are discipling our own child at home, a student in the youth group, or an adult in a newcomer’s class, curriculum and events can never replace healthy relationships.

The discipleship process breaks down when leaders live different values than they teach, forcing disciples to choose between the two. The duplicity leaves people feeling confused, conflicted and discouraged. Ultimately, the life example will almost always have the greater impact.

Discipleship is all
about developing
and reinforcing
Christlike habits.

As a pastor, the first question I asked myself when considering a candidate to fill a youth or children’s leader position was this: Is this person the kind of person I want our young people to become?

I knew the person was more important than the programming he or she would provide. When building a discipleship pathway, remember it is first and foremost about relationships.

Teaching

Of course, verbal instruction is still important. Jesus not only lived out the truth in front of His followers, but He also sat them down and taught them. Jesus taught in formal settings, such as the synagogue, and in informal ones, such as homes and outdoor spaces. He taught on the way to ministry assignments and from a boat anchored just off the shore.

Jesus taught using parables and stories to illustrate life lessons. He taught in ways that were appropriate for His listeners, whether it was a Jewish leader who came to Him by night or a Samaritan woman asking questions at a well. Even after His resurrection, Jesus was teaching, interpreting the Scriptures at length for two of His disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:27).

Like Jesus, we show our disciples how to live for God by our examples and teach them why through the Scriptures. If they do not know why, they will not be able to stand their ground, resist temptation, and say to the devil, “It is written,” as Jesus did (Luke 4:1–13).

If we want to make disciples who follow Jesus, imitate Jesus, remain with Jesus, and pass the knowledge of Jesus on to others, we must be sure they have a solid Bible foundation.

Bible engagement is key to healthy discipleship. It’s not enough to share stories and principles from the Bible; we also need to teach people how to interact with Scripture, interpret the text, see the big picture, and apply God’s Word to their lives.

There is no shortage of voices vying for attention in today’s world, but the Bible is the only completely dependable voice of truth. Never has it been more urgent for leaders to correctly handle the Word of God and entrust it to others, who will likewise pass it on (2 Timothy 2:2,15).

Practicing

How do we know our disciples have it right? How can we be sure they will live correctly beyond our reach and without our support? How will we know when they are equipped to pass it forward?

Jesus knew He was going to return to the Father and that the future of the Church and the Kingdom would be in the hands of His disciples. Jesus knew He needed to provide opportunities for them to practice Bible engagement, surrender to the Holy Spirit, the ministry of reconciling people to God, prayer, worship, service to others, and generosity while He coached, corrected, and encouraged them.

When Jesus called Peter to come to Him on the water out in the middle of a lake where only He and the other 11 could see, Jesus was allowing Peter to practice his faith. Peter failed. Jesus, however, used Peter’s sinking as a teaching moment. And the same disciple who lacked the faith to stay above water later stood and boldly declared the Word of God, leading 3,000 to salvation in one day (Acts 2:41).

Discipleship requires an example to imitate, Bible teaching, and practice under the watchful eye of a good coach. As you develop your plan for making disciples, be sure all three of these elements are in place and functioning at a high level.

May we still be pursuing the greatest work of evangelism the world has ever seen when Jesus returns!

This article appears in the Summer 2021 edition of Influence magazine.