Discipleship Does Not Always Happen in a Classroom

When people hear the word discipleship, they may picture a classroom, a table, a set of curriculum, a notebook, or an open Bible.

Those things can be useful. A Bible study can help people learn. A class can provide structure. A group can create accountability. But discipleship does not have to happen only in a classroom.

Sometimes discipleship looks like taking someone with you as you go do something.

The Apostle Paul said, “Imitate me as I imitate Christ.” He was trying to show other believers what it looked like to live a Christian life. He was doing his best to serve God through the power of Christ working in him and through him.

That kind of discipleship is practical. It sounds like, “Come with me as I visit this person in the nursing home.” It sounds like, “Come with me as I visit this person in the hospital.” It sounds like, “Come with me as I serve at this food bank or clothes closet.”

You do not always need a formal program before you begin helping someone follow Jesus. Start with a conversation, a Bible verse, and a willingness to show up.

Hebrews 10:24 says, “Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.” That requires us to notice people and to think about how we can help them take their next faithful step.

Discipleship is not simply transferring information. It is helping someone see what it looks like to follow Jesus in everyday life.

That may happen over coffee. It may happen while driving to serve somewhere. It may happen while visiting someone who is sick. It may happen through a Bible reading plan on a phone. It may happen as you invite someone to join you in the ordinary work of loving people.

Technology has made it easy to connect, but we still remain disconnected. A Bible app can help us read together. A message can invite someone into a study. A phone call can remind someone that they are not forgotten. But the tool is not the point. The relationship is the point.

Jesus does not save us and leave us alone. He brings us into His family. Christ has welcomed us, redeemed us, and called us to come together to learn more about Him as a community.

Ask a mature believer to help you grow. It does not matter how old or young you are. You need someone to help you grow, just as even professional baseball players still have coaches.

Then look for someone you can help. You do not have to know everything. You simply need to be willing to walk with someone and point them toward Jesus.

The question is not merely, “Did I attend church?” The better question is, “Who am I helping follow Jesus, and who is helping me follow Him?”

Originally published at lakelynn.org.