A disciple is a learner and follower of Jesus. Discipleship is the process whereby Christians help one another faithfully follow Jesus in all of life.
Although certain groups in the church are tasked with a special ministry of discipleship (e.g. older teach the younger, Titus 2), the testimony of Scripture is that all believers are called be disciple-makers. In addition to popular passages such as the Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20), the apostles encourage ‘ordinary believers,’ just like you and I, to help each other grow in Christ. Consider the following examples:
· But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end the confidence we had at first. (Heb. 3:13-14)
· Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. (1Thess. 5:11)
· I myself am convinced, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, complete in knowledge and competent to instruct one another. (Rom 15:14)
· We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. (Col 1:28)
· Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother. (2Th 3:15)
The point to appreciate is that the above verses are written to churches, not just pastors. All of God’s people – pastors/members, male/female, old/young, Jew/Greek – are encouraged to participate in the discipleship process.
A healthy church is one that encourages a culture of discipleship.