Jesus spent his three years on earth ministering to the crowds while equipping and empowering his disciples with his words of wisdom. How vital must discipleship have been to the lord? Or how crucial its impact must have been in the community?
Well, the same legacy was carried forward in churches for years and is meant to live long. Today, discipleship plays a vital role in revitalizing churches. Not only does it give the world great followers of Christ, but it also promotes a healthy environment among the Christian community, promoting spiritual wellness.
What is Discipleship?
Discipleship is a lifelong process of following Jesus Christ and maturing in his faith and attitude to promote righteousness and lead others toward Christ. The Great Commission read, “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 all that I have commanded you.”
This long-practiced method of teaching is often done one on one or in an intimate group of students, where they learn to forego the materialistic world and see things with spiritual honesty.
Even Jesus had his group of twelve followers, and he focused mainly on three whom he deemed fit for undertaking the responsibility of a disciple. Even in churches, discipleship is often regarded as an element of the healthy growth of the ministry and the students.
Importance of Discipleship Programs in Churches
Though making disciples is not a task of weeks, churches today believe in the discipleship training program to transform their community while ensuring they get great leaders with the right knowledge.
It allows the aspiring apostles to spend their time learning under the guidance of a disciple who makes them aware of the holy spirit of Jesus. Although these programs are time-limited, discipleship, in itself, is a process to be followed till eternity.
What Is a Discipleship Program?
A discipleship program generally involves an intentional and highly relational process where a team of spiritually mature members is selected who will further take on the same process. It’s followed by selecting a leader of the group (a senior pastor is generally selected) and proceeding further by joining other teams in a discipleship cohort. It’s about walking in love and service to one another.
Weekly classes and coaching calls are also given to the apostles, ensuring they get each and every chance to share their thoughts and questions with the team members.
Church members believe in this program to ensure the healthy growth of their community and its members. Many pastors believe in conceptualizing the culture of their ministry while preserving the importance of discipleship, which acts as a desired model of growth and development in churches.
Final Thoughts
In today’s growing world, there’s an urgent need for vocational leaders who can preserve the teachings of the superior and make a significant difference in the lives of others. Therefore, church ministries should deeply invest in the concept of discipleship to get great followers of Christianity and preserve the faithfulness of God.
