How Discipleship Happens

Discipleship happens in small group Bible studies, at church functions and fellowships, around the supper table, out on the porch for coffee, under the hood with a friend, in the restaurant after Sunday morning church, over a friendly game of cards, at the ball field, in lots of different places and in lots of different ways. Discipleship happens through relationships. Discipleship happens as we intentionally connect with others and live out our faith before them and alongside them.

Discipleship happens as we help a new believer get started reading the Bible everyday. Discipleship happens as we use Scripture’s teachings to help a friend get through a rough spot. Discipleship happens when we get someone plugged into a Sunday School class where they can learn and connect with others in our church. Discipleship happens when we talk about the sermon with a fellow church member or friend. Discipleship happens when we pray together, serve together, plan together, grieve together and worship together.

Are you getting the picture? Discipleship is not about a program. It’s about “together.” Like I said, discipleship happens through relationships. You can’t chart it on a grid or measure it with statistics. It shows up in people who are learning and growing in the Lord. It shows up in people who volunteer to serve. It shows up as regular attendance in an irregular attender.  Discipleship is not about numbers. It’s about people sharing life and faith with other people. Discipleship is not a course, something that happens in a 6-week class. It happens over a lifetime of living our faith alongside others.