The definition of discipleship begins with ones definition of a disciple. Through casual observation of the ministry of some churches, one could surmise that a disciple is simply a person who is engaged in discipleship. However, that definition falls drastically short. This then begs the question, “What exactly is a disciple?” To answer this question, Jim Putman points us to Matthew 4:18-20 and then provides four things that define a disciple from the text: someone who has made Jesus the Lord of his or her life, someone who has entered a process of relational discipleship with other maturing Christians, someone who is becoming Christlike, someone who is committed to the mission of Christ (Putman 2008, 142). A disciple is more that some passive member of a group. A disciple is a person who is deeply engaged and radically committed to learning the way of Jesus Christ. Mitchell highlights this aspect of discipleship by making the point that a disciple is not following Jesus, but engaged in followership. Followership differs from simply following in that it is “a commitment to change, a willingness to be transformed into the image, style, and behavior of the leader” (Mitchell 2010, 5).
Once there is a clear understanding of what it truly means to be a disciple, the meaning of discipleship becomes clearer. Discipleship is the process of a Christian intentionally pouring his or her life into someone with the overall goal of helping that person, the disciple, along as they grow in Christ. It is a natural expression of out love for Christ and is motivated by what He has done for our sake. We seek to know more of Him and to help others grow in their relationship with Him, so that they can experience His love in a fuller way. As we follow Jesus and grow deeper in our experience of His love, we intentionally look for opportunities to share our experience with others. Barna supports this definition of discipleship by pointing out, “in the original biblical texts, the term used for “disciple” refers to someone who is a learner or follower who serves as an apprentice under the tutelage of a master” (Barna 2001, 17). In other words discipleship is simply the process of developing a disciple.
While discipleship is simple, it is by no means easy. When Jesus addressed the great crowds that followed Him, he admonished them to consider the implications of becoming His follower. Jesus makes this point in Luke 15:27-32 by providing two illustrations, one of a person who is considering building a tower and another of a king who is considering going out to war. The common thread between these two illustrations is that the subject is considering undertaking a great task and must fully consider the impact of their respective decisions. A person considering Christian discipleship must approach their decision in the same manner. For one to truly be a Disciple, they must count the cost and make a volitional decision to engage in the process. The must be willing to forsake any relationship or commitment that interferes with or detracts from their relationship with Christ.
Jesus not only makes the point that one must consider the implications of becoming a disciple of His, but he provided several examples of the “cost” of discipleship in the verses surrounding His admonishment to “count the cost” in Luke 15. Specifically, in vv. 26-27, Jesus clears teaches that one must be willing to forsake all other commitments and relationships, even their commitment to preserve there own lives, or they cannot be His disciple. He then reiterates his point in v. 33 when He says that anyone who does not “renounce all that he has cannot by my (Jesus’) disciple.” Barna sums this up by reminding us, “ Discipleship is not a program. It is not a ministry. It is a lifelong commitment to a lifestyle” (Barna 2001, 19). It is a covenant relationship between the leader and follower. Jesus always fulfills his commitment, but we must fulfill ours. Our part of the process is to seek to follow Jesus and to join Him in His mission of seeking and saving the lost by pouring ourselves into others with the end in mind of them pouring themselves into someone else. We do not look for people to follow us individually, but to follow us as we follow Jesus. We help people along on the way.
References:
Barna, George. 2001. Growing True Disciples: New Strategies For Producing Genuine Followers of Christ. Colorado Springs, Colo.: WaterBrook Press.
Mitchell, Michael R. 2010. Leading, Teaching, and Making Disciples: World-Class Christian Education in the Church, School and Home. Bloomington, IN: CrossBooks Publishing.
Putman, Jim. 2008. Church is a Team Sport: A Championship Strategy for Doing Ministry Together. Grand Rapids, MI.: Baker Books.
