Terminology is important in communication. Too often in churches there is confusion among staff and members with defintions of terms. When I mention the terms discipleship, discipling, and disciplemaking, some immediately think the three words mean basically the same thing. While I agree they are interrelated, there are important difference. In this post, I want to exaggerate those differences slightly to make each word even clearer. A theme verse here is “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19, ESV). Consider the three parts of this verse from this graphic (provided with the help of ChatGPT):
Discipleship
Discipleship is foundational. It is about the lifelong, personal spiritual growth as a disciple of Jesus. It begins with recognizing what Jesus has done for us, seeking His forgiveness, and choosing to follow Him. Jesus said, “If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23, CSB). Discipleship is what we do to become more like Him and what He does in and through us. It is also what the church and others do to help us grow more like Him. Key question: How am I following Jesus and becoming more like Him?
Discipling
Discipling, on the other hand, is how we invest in others for their spiritual growth as disciples of Jesus. This investment by maturing believers can be a one-time conversation or an ongoing relationship for weeks, months, or years. This can be done casually (walking alongside others) or formally one-on-one, in a microgroup, or in a small group. Paul told Timothy, “What you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, commit to faithful men…” (2 Timothy 2:2a, CSB). The goal is to assist disciples in becoming like Jesus and to help seekers discover Him. Key question: Who am I helping to grow closer to Jesus?
Disciplemaking
Disciplemaking is about obeying Jesus’s command in Matthew 28:19-20 (CSB), “Go, therefore, and make 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 everything I have commanded you….” We are commanded to share Jesus with others and to teach them (children, grandchildren, neighbors, friends, classmates, coworkers, people in the marketplace, etc.) to obey Him. To do so, we combine our discipleship and discipling efforts with intentional care, outreach, evangelism, and multiplication. As Paul explains: “What you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, commit to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2, CSB, emphasis added). Key question: How am I making disciples who make disciples?
Doing All Three: Discipleship, Discipling, and Disciplemaking
Which of these three is your strength? Which of these needs fresh investment? These are not multiple choice. All three are interrelated, expected, and needed. Pray for His help as you grow more like Him and invest in others in the year ahead. Be a disciple. Make disciples!
Photo by Davide Zacchello on Unsplash
