Post by Bobby Cooley

What does discipleship look like in your ministry?

 

More specifically, what is discipleship?

 

The word itself means, “To follow Jesus” or “To be a learner.”

 

How can we practically measure this?

 

This past year I challenged myself to have an answer to this question. Often times we talk about our Bible studies and programs instead of a strategy. When we break it down to what it means to follow Jesus we must look at what Jesus said we are to do. He was very clear about three things. I believe they are essential to measuring discipleship.

 

  1. Love God (Mark 12:30)

Worship, Bible study, Prayer, etc.

 

  1. Love our Neighbors (Mark 12:31)

Missions, Serving, Evangelism, Helping those outside the Church

 

  1. Love Each Other (John 13:34-35)

Fellowship, Care Ministry, Prayer, Hard conversations, Encouragement, Supporting those inside the Church

 

 

When we abide in the middle of these three, we see God transform lives. We can evaluate our selves and find that some of these circles are easier than others. Our challenge is to see where are and where God wants us to be. God wants us to be right in the middle, abiding in Him and bearing much fruit.

 

Questions to Ask yourself and your students.

  1. Of these three, which one comes easiest?
  2. Of these three, which one is hardest?
  3. What steps do you need to take be move to the center?

 

This is not an end all method of measuring discipleship but it is a practical starting point to see how we are following Jesus.

 

Question: How are we Loving God with our Lives?

Follow-up: How will we?

 

Question: How are we Loving our Neighbors?

Follow-up: How will we?

 

Question: How are we Loving each Other?

Follow-up: How will We?

 

Do you have a strategy for discipleship in your ministry? What do you think?