Discipleship in Christianity is not just a religious duty, it is a high calling that requires serious commitment. At its core, discipleship is about transformation, growth, and alignment with God’s purpose. But one truth we must never forget is this: successful discipleship requires labour from both sides. The disciple must be interested in being discipled, while the discipler must also be fully committed to the process.

Jesus Himself set the foundation for discipleship, and He remains our Chief Discipler. As believers, we are called to both follow and raise disciples in the same way.

 

What Is Discipleship in Christianity?

The word “disciple” comes from the Greek word mathetes, which means a learner, a student, or a person who receives training. Likewise, the Greek word matheteuo means to make disciples.

This reminds us that discipleship is not casual, it involves training, studying, learning, and becoming. It is a process of being shaped into God’s image and equipped for His assignment.

Matthew 28

18-20: “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

 

Jesus as the Chief Discipler

Before Jesus began His public ministry, He set aside time to fast and pray for 40 days and nights (Matthew 4:1). Afterwards, He started to preach the Gospel and call men to follow Him (Matthew 4:17-22).

This shows us that discipleship is not a light assignment, it requires spiritual preparation and total dependence on God. The work of raising disciples cannot be done in the flesh; it is a spiritual labour.

 

Discipleship in Christianity Comes After Evangelism

Evangelism brings people into the family of God, but it is discipleship that builds them into maturity. God is not a waster; He is an investor. Once a soul is saved, He expects that soul to be nurtured, taught, and guided through discipleship.

A disciple must therefore be ready to follow through the process, to be made, shaped, and equipped. Without discipleship, a believer cannot rise to the fullest potential of their calling.

 

The Place of the Local Church in Discipleship

Discipleship is not random; it happens within the well-defined structure of a local church.

Ephesians 4

11-12: “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.”

The local church provides the structure, guidance, and covering necessary for discipleship. You can’t be thoroughly discipled on the street, it must happen within a spiritual family where both accountability and growth are possible.

 

The Role of the Disciple

As a disciple:

• You must be hungry to learn and willing to submit.
• You must be comfortable with your discipler calling and engaging you.
• You must be willing to discern God in your discipler.
• You owe your discipler vulnerability, being open enough to be helped and corrected.
• Discipleship is about becoming, and that requires surrender to the process.

 

The Role of the Discipler

As a discipler:

• You owe your disciple accountability and discretion.
• You cannot be a gossip or a blabbermouth. Instead, you must be someone trustworthy, mature, and able to manage people’s issues with integrity.
• You must genuinely take an interest in the growth of your disciple.
• You must earn their trust and model Christlike character.
• Discipleship is not about control, it is about raising men and women who will live fully for God.

 

Why Discipleship in Christianity Matters

Without discipleship, salvation is incomplete. A soul left without guidance is vulnerable, but when discipled, they are trained, equipped, and established in Christ. Discipleship ensures that believers grow into maturity, discover their callings, and become useful in God’s hands.

 

Conclusion

Discipleship is a two-sided journey. The disciple must be willing to learn, while the discipler must be willing to labour. Together, both roles create a process that transforms lives and expands God’s kingdom.

Every believer deserves to be discipled and every mature Christian must embrace the call to disciple others.

 

Call to Action

This article is only a summary of what God shared with us during camp meeting. To listen to the full message, Disciples Congress by Pastor Funlola Ayo-Alabi, visit our YouTube page or join our Telegram channel. Your next step in discipleship begins there.