Discipling
We desire Grace to be a church family where the members are growing “up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ” (Eph. 4:15). Personal discipling relationships are critical for our spiritual growth as Christians and for making God’s glory visible in our life together as a church.
What do we mean by “personal discipling”?
Personal discipling means intentionally helping others follow Jesus by providing them with personal instruction from God’s Word and being a person for them to imitate. In other words, discipling is a deliberate relationship of spiritual encouragement and training.
Intentional Help— Discipling relationships requires taking loving initiative in building relationships. Discipling relationships are also purposeful since they pursue Jesus’ goals for one another (John 15:16).
Following Jesus— At its core, making disciples is practically showing believers what it means to follow Jesus in the way outlined in Scripture:
- “Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ” (Eph. 4:15)
- “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom” (Col. 3:16)
Personal Instruction—Paul says, “I myself am satisfied about you, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another” (Rom. 15:14). Members relate with the intentional aim of encouraging one another with the truth from God’s Word. Training is specifically tailored to a person’s spiritual maturity (1 Thess. 5:11).
Person to Imitate—Paul also says, “Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us” (Phil. 3:17). “Showing” must accompany the “telling” (Phil. 4:19). We can follow Christ better by following the good examples of Christians around us.
How can I get into a discipling relationship?
There are two primary ways to establish a discipling relationship if you are a member at Grace. First, take the personal initiative to try to work out a discipling relationship with any other member (as a mentor or mentee of your same gender). You do not need pastoral permission! Instead, come to church early, stay later, and serve with others to build meaningful relationships with members.
Second, contact the pastors (pastors@nullgrbc.net) for assistance or fill out a Discipling Card in the lobby. They will help connect you with another member who can meet regularly.
What should I request/do in a discipling relationship?
There is no “set program” for discipling relationships in our church. Members do several things:
- Agree to a plan for studying the Bible and praying together
- Meet weekly to discuss the prior Sunday’s sermon
- Attend Equip Classes together and meet to discuss and apply the content
- Discuss specific areas of life in which to grow. Choose a relevant book or series of articles to read together. See our Recommended Resources List
- For new or young believers, see our Rooted and Grounded Book 1 introductory study and Rooted and Grounded Book 2
- Meet for prayer
- Provide loving accountability (see Accountability page) and address areas of ongoing struggle (Heb. 3:13)
- Run errands or do projects together
- Serve together
- Schedule “play dates” for their kids and talk
- Have each other over for meals with the family
How do you “train” others?
Attend our “Discipling and Counseling Others” Equip Class. Also, prayerfully follow this familiar pattern for training:
- I do and teach; you watch and learn
- I do and teach; you participate
- You do and teach; I watch and help
- You do and teach; someone else watches and learns
- Repeat and Reproduce
For example, teach them about the Bible and how to study it. Then, model it before them and do it with them until they can study independently and teach others to do likewise. Do the same for prayer, evangelism, local church involvement, etc.