To teach your disciples, focus on the basics of faith, such as the love of God, the gospel, and how to study the Bible and pray. You should also teach them to imitate and embody Jesus’s lifestyle by demonstrating Christian living, humility, and a life of service. Finally, encourage your disciples to engage in the mission of God by modelling ministry and releasing them to serve others and share the gospel.
Foundational Spiritual Practices
God’s Word:
Teach them how to read and study the Bible, understand core doctrines, and apply Scripture to their lives. Show them what areas of the bible to find what they need.
Prayer:
Dedicate time to praying together, asking for wisdom, and teaching them how to communicate with God. This includes both talking and listening.
The Gospel:
Explain the good news of salvation through Jesus and how to share it with others. Give them gospel tools that they can use and teach others.
The Holy Spirit:
Help them understand the role of the Holy Spirit in their lives and how to be guided by Him. It is important that the know the promptings of the Holy Spirit and obey them.
Embodying Jesus’s Example
Christ-likeness:
Model and teach your disciples to become more like Jesus in character, humility, service, and obedience. Through daily intake/reading of scripture they will see areas of their lives that need to adjustment and transformation.
Love and Service:
Demonstrate how to love God and others, and how to serve the community. Doing so will more resemble how Jesus lived.
Self-Denial:
Teach them the biblical principle of denying themselves and taking up their cross to follow Christ. Putting God and the Kingdom of God first needs to be their highest priority.
Engaging in Ministry and Mission
Outreach and Ministry:
Include your disciple in real-life ministry scenarios, such as inviting someone in need to a meeting or participating in community events. Give them ideas that they can do. Assist them in doing them if need be.
Modeling Discipleship:
Show them how to share the gospel and guide others in their spiritual growth by involving them in your own discipleship practices. Definitely encourage them to be investing into other disciples like you are investing into them.
Community Involvement:
Take them to places where they can serve others, observe ministry in action, and help them connect to God’s people. It is not healthy to be isolated from other Jesus followers.
Important Principles for Making Disciples
Be a Model:
The most effective way to teach is by modelling the behaviours and attitudes you want to see in your disciples. Show them, assist them, and then watch them do as you do.
Start with the Basics:
Always return to the foundational elements of the Christian faith, as growth in Christ is a lifelong journey. Make sure they get the foundations right so that the rest of their journey progresses well.
Be Patient and Persistent:
Discipleship is a process that takes time and effort, so be patient as your disciple grows and perseveres in their faith. There will be both highs and lows, but it will be worth it.