I’m writing a BIG paper (50,000 words) to complete my Doctorate in Biblical Studies from Louisiana Baptist University.  This project is on the effect of grouping on discipleship.  My premise is that the dynamics of a small group differs from meeting one-on-one.  I’m finding out that Jesus used many group ratios in His discipling His apostles.  So, I thought I’d share a few thoughts about what discipleship is not with you.

Discipleship is a word that gets thrown around in Christian circles a lot.  According to Rick Warren, discipleship is “the process of transformation that changes us to be increasingly more like Christ through the Word (John 17:17), the Spirit (2 Cor. 3:18), and circumstance (Rom. 8:28-29)”  But sometimes it helps to understand what something is but determining what it is not.  So, what are some misunderstandings of the definition of discipleship. What is discipleship not?

1. Discipleship is not a program.

Some churches have a program in their church called ‘Discipleship.’  That is great and is a very positive experience for many.  But discipleship is not an event or curriculum that a person goes through.  Discipleship is the process of becoming more like Jesus Christ and that will never end.  Many Christians think that if they go through a 16 lesson course called discipleship or some other class, they are discipled.  But discipleship does not end.

2. Discipleship is not only for beginners.

When a person becomes a Christian it is important for them to be grounded in their faith and given the tools for a lifelong pursuit of growing to be more like Jesus.  This is often called ‘discipleship’ or ‘follow up.’  However, discipleship is not limited to only new converts.  Since discipleship is the process of becoming like Jesus and following Him, it is for Christians at every level of spiritual maturity. One of the problems of viewing discipleship as a ‘beginner only’ experience is more mature Christians think they have ‘grown out’ of some of the disciplines necessary for the growth of new Christians.  New Christians are often introduced to Bible reading, Bible study, Bible memory, prayer, consistent church attendance and other spiritual disciplines that will help them grow in their new faith in Christ.  Sometimes a more experienced Christian may feel they no longer need to read their Bible, memorize Scripture, attend church service.  But the basic disciplines of the Christian life are meant to be practiced throughout life.

3. Discipleship is not only for leaders.

Since discipleship is the journey to be like Christ, some Christians think that kind of faith is only for pastors, missionaries, or church leaders.  They feel that Christian leaders are the ones expected to be close to Jesus in attitude and action and the ‘disciplined life’  is for those who are ‘full-time’ Christians.  But though church members have higher expectations for their leaders, God expects the same character qualities and actions from all His children.  We may start our Christian life in different situations but we all should be growing in the same direction – Jesus Christ

4. Discipleship is not for a certain kind of Christian.

God has created all kinds of Christians with different likes and abilities.  The problem with this is that a narrow view of discipleship may cause some Christians to think that certain Christians are real good at discipleship while others are just not gifted.

Because many discipleship programs and philosophies involve lots of reading and a certain amount of intellectual understanding, some Christians do not think they are good at it.  They are not book people. They are doers.  But much of the discipleship journey is about doing. One of the problems of intellectual Christians is they think it is only an agreement of a list of doctrines.  It is not what you know but who you know. We are to be ‘doers of the Word, not hearers only.’

Other Christians just can not keep up with the structure of discipleship.  Their personality is more free and open.  Yet, the discipleship journey demands a certain amount of structured and demands a consistent walk with Christ. So, many Christians who have failed in maintaining the spiritual disciplines it takes to consistently grow in their Christian faith, just give up and determine it is not something they are good at.  They are not good at organization and structure that others seem to have.  But discipleship is not just for those who can keep it.  It is for every Christian.

5. Discipleship is not optional.

The common teaching many have accepted is that a Christian is someone who trusts Jesus Christ as Savior, receives eternal life, and becomes part of the family of God. This thinking continues to teach that a disciple is someone who takes their Christianity to the next level and decides to be a more serious, active Christian.  But there is no Biblical evidence to make a disciple a second level Christian. A disciple is the primary term in the Gospels that refers to one of Jesus’ followers. The Greek word for disciple is mathetes and simply means a learner or follower.  A disciple of Jesus is simply a saved follower of Jesus. Discipleship is the life of following Christ.  Adding ‘ship’ to the end of ‘disciple’ means ‘the state of being a disciple.’  Every disciple is on the journey. Every Christian is involved in discipleship. It is not an option. It is just a matter of how good it is going.

I hope you will not use some of these excuses for not being involved in discipleship.  Whether in your personal life or in a community of believers, our primary purpose in life is to glorify God by becoming more like Jesus.

What excuses have you heard or used not to be involved in discipleship?