Discipleship is a wonderful discussion among many churches because of its importance and value. It's a conversation many enter looking for the next best method; an "a-ha!" moment. The truth, however, is that discipleship is something that is supernatural and found in the ordinary. When the best thinkers of the church begin to communicate that discipleship happens in the context of everyday life, I see many people discouraged because I know they're thinking that there must be a better way.

But if we look to the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John and observe the life and ministry of Jesus we see that He was incredibly faithful to 12 men in daily life. Then, upon his ascension, Jesus then commands his disciples to make disciples and teach them everything they have observed; to do what He did with them. Remember that part?

And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and making disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:18-20; emphasis mine)

I think part of the reason many become discouraged in discipleship (or discipleship-making) is because they're overwhelmed and concerned with what to do first or where to start. So, before jumping into anything, let us look to the example of Jesus because everything that happened in between the start of his public ministry and His ascension is the content of discipleship.

Here are 4 things for you to consider as you enter into discipleship relationships:

1. PRAY

Begin with prayer.

"During those days He went out to the mountain to pray and spent all night in prayer to God. When daylight came, He summoned His disciples, and he chose 12 of them..." (Luke 6:12-13)

After Jesus had spent some time with many of the men who would later become his disciples, He first prayed. So, if you find yourself in a season where you're looking to disciple one or two (or more) people--ask yourself who are you already in community with and then spend time in prayer over them. Ask God to give you discernment on who to approach.

2. COMMUNITY

When I say "community," I am not only talking about the people in your small group or community group, but those you're around. For example, I run a small private gym so I'm in community with several athletes who don't know Jesus (yet). Who are you in community with?

This is important because for two reasons: (1) Jesus said to go out and make disciples NOT Christians and (2) there is a misconception that discipleship only happens within the walls of the church and that's not true. People will say, "then isn't discipleship evangelism?" to which my answer is not necessarily--evangelism happens in the context of discipleship, not the other way around.

My athletes know that I love Jesus and love to talk about Jesus and I have developed on-going relationships with them because they see me in the ordinary. They are open to hearing the gospel because, as one of them stated, "if you're good at coaching me how to deadlift, then I'm good with you telling me about Jesus."

My wife, Rebecca, is a hairdresser and has a listing of regular clients who sit in her chair every few weeks and have developed a great relationship with her; she has them in her chair anywhere between 45 minutes to 3 hours and many of them don't know Jesus--it's a wonderful opportunity for the gospel in community!

3. OBEDIENCE

Here's what I mean when it comes to obedience:

When you're looking at discipleship within the context of the church, then you're looking for men or women who are actively pursuing Jesus; they're obedient and need someone to come alongside of them to help them grow and guide them in the faith and in life.

When you're looking at discipleship outside the walls of the church, you're looking for men or women who are simply having a hard time when it comes to life. Remember, as you have established relationships in community, coming alongside of them with the foundation of the gospel presents itself with opportunities to further share the gospel. If you have developed a relationship with someone, do you only share the gospel once? Or do you look for creative opportunities to share the gospel in word and deed?

The difference between these two situations is that you can use some "christian-ese" in one while in the other, you might lose them!

4. INVESTMENT

Any way you look at discipleship, it means that you're going to be investing into people which means it will require vulnerability and knowing that you will fail them; they will fail you. Remember, your value and identity is found in the person and work of Jesus--always. Next, this is the ordinary. Investment happens as you welcome others into your life.

Remember what Jesus did with his disciples? Everything. He ate, traveled with, hung out, prayed for and with, taught, and laughed with them. Investment means that we are bringing people into our lives in order to make disciples for the sake of the gospel and advancing the Kingdom.

Discipleship can be scary and I think that's because it forces us outside of our comfort zones, requires vulnerability, and half of the time we don't know what we're doing. All of that is normal and good for you because as you disciple others, the Spirit is at work discipling you in the same areas.

This week, think about those you're in community with and pray for them, then ask the Lord to give you clarity and discernment about being more intentional with a few of them. Discipleship is important because it's not only what Jesus said to do, but how the church continues to spread.

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