Sometimes there is a tension between discipleship and disciplemaking. You might feel like you have to choose between them. Some think focusing first on spiritual growth equips people to better serve and share the gospel. In actuality, the two are inseparable. Outreach helps people grow spiritually, and spiritual growth helps people reach out. It\u2019s time to combine discipleship and disciplemaking.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Being a disciple involves living and loving like Jesus and helping others to do the same. There is no daylight between the two: Being a disciple and making disciples are not sequential but simultaneous, creating a cycle of growth and multiplication. All disciples of Jesus, even brand new ones, are to begin making disciples. There is no waiting period.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Additionally, \u201cmaking disciples\u201d is often misunderstood as beginning with people who are already Christians and \u201cdiscipling\u201d them, meaning helping them grow toward maturity. Although helping other believers grow is also part of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus, actually \u201cmaking\u201d disciples begins with those who are not yet followers of Jesus. The idea is to make new disciples, not just to improve current ones. This is active discipleship.<\/span><\/p>\n As disciples grow in their faith they are called to make other disciples. Often, it is brand new Christians that share their faith most effectively. This process is not only an act of obedience but also a means of personal spiritual transformation. Engaging in disciplemaking sharpens one\u2019s understanding, obedience, and deepens their relationship with God.<\/span><\/p>\n True discipleship integrates loving God, loving others, and making disciples as essential components. These elements form a holistic cycle where personal growth fuels outreach, and outreach fosters further growth. This process is what we witness throughout the New Testament as we see the growth of the Church. <\/span><\/p>\n Disciplemaking is generative\u2014it involves creating disciples who themselves make more disciples. This multiplication aligns with Jesus\u2019 model of relational and reproducible discipleship, ensuring the mission continues across generations.<\/span><\/p>\n Following Jesus as one of his disciples is a holistic endeavor. It goes far beyond \u201cjust following the rules.\u201d Following Jesus is more of a lifestyle of behaviors than a set of beliefs and it can be summed up as Jesus summed it up\u2014in the Great Commandment and the Great Commission: Love God, love others, and make disciples (Matthew 22:36-40 and Matthew 28:18-20). We are to love with our hearts, with our minds, and with our actions. We are to love God and we are to love others. And part of being a disciple is making more disciples.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Consider your ministry. How could you take two separate programs\u2014one outreach-focused and one spiritual growth-focused\u2014and combine them together in a way that strengthens both?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Why do most discipleship programs fail to produce the kind of transformation the church longs to see? Often, it\u2019s because the approach appeals to some\u2014but not all. Like love languages and learning styles, people need an approach to spiritual growth that resonates with them. While the term Active Discipleship isn\u2019t used, <\/span>Discipleship Difference<\/span><\/a>* recognizes the need for an individualized, relational approach to discipleship and describes ways to incorporate spiritual growth and outreach.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If you are feeling the need to redefine discipleship and bring greater alignment to your ministry, you need a staff that understands the changes and has the skills to see them through.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n With Logan Leadership\u2019s coaching, your staff will gain the skills and confidence to integrate spiritual growth and disciplemaking into every area of ministry. This personalized support ensures your team leads with purpose, inspires others, and fosters a church culture where discipleship thrives. Contact us<\/a> today to discover how coaching can transform your staff and your church.<\/span><\/p>\n Photo by Luis Quintero<\/a><\/p>\n *Affiliate link<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\nRedefining Discipleship<\/span><\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\n3 Outcomes from Active Discipleship<\/span><\/h2>\n
1. Mutual Growth\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n
2. Holistic Living<\/h3>\n
3. Generative Nature<\/h3>\n
Active Discipleship is a Lifestyle<\/span><\/h2>\n
More about Active Discipleship<\/span><\/h2>\n
For Prayer and Processing<\/span><\/h2>\n
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Invest in your staff<\/span><\/h2>\n