Disciple: Someone who is following Jesus, being changed by Jesus, and is committed to the mission of Jesus (Matt. 4:19).

Journey: A disciple-maker coming alongside someone where they are at with mutual intentionality, time sensitivity, measurable goals and accountability to grow as a disciple.

Discipleship: A disciple’s journey to be with Jesus, be more like Him, and do as He did. 

Disciple-maker: An individual who has been discipled and is on a journey to follow the example of Christ. As such, this disciple helps others start and continue their journey as well. (1 Cor. 11:1)

Goal:

Be with Jesus — Learning to live in faith

Be more like Jesus — Building a life of faith

Do as Jesus did — Sharing a life of faith

“For every believer to become a disciple, 
and every disciple to have a disciple-maker journeying with them.” 

Strategy:

“1-degree change, 100% commitment.”

Matthew 16:24

If we are fully committed to even the smallest of changes, we will eventually find ourselves in a different endpoint. The 1-degree change will lead us to new possibilities if we commit to them as a life-long rhythm of life. 

Discipleship is a life-long journey where we commit to practices that will lead us to a new way of living and experiencing the gospel. These practices are based on what Jesus modelled for his followers and hinge on his teaching that “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.”

Every commitment to change will be costly. To follow Jesus will require perseverance, endurance, strength, sacrifices, and practice. It will change how we prioritize our lives and challenge how our culture wants us to live. Yet, this new life Jesus calls us to take up is not one of self-annihilation, but rather, it is one that will help us to experience heaven on earth and beyond. The way Jesus calls us to live is one that is full and abundant, not just outward blessings, but an inward transformation of hope, joy, love and peace. 

Tactic:

Create a new rhythm; unhustle ourselves.

Creating a new rhythm of life that is conducive to following Jesus is the application of our discipleship journey. This means forming deep relationships and slowing down to see clearly where we are aiming to go and what our barriers are. This is why discipleship journeys are usually done one-on-one or in small pods of 2-4. At the beginning, a set goal/learning outcome and duration are usually outlined. The goal and learning outcome should be achievable in less than six months [a semester/season]. Once the goals are complete, the pod can choose to continue to grow in another area/goal or disband the pod. An expectation as a disciple is to one day become a disciple-maker, whether it is in their family, church, peer group, or community. 

Formats of discipleship:

• Discipleship pods with targeted learning 

• Artful discipleship [AD] gatherings for creatives

• Playful discipleship groups that use play/sports as a tool to challenge growth