Theology & Philosophy of Discipleship

Discipleship’s main point is not to increase knowledge in the Word of God itself, but it is important component in learning to grasp the foundation of the correct spiritual formation model: a big faith signifies the larger aspect of becoming spiritually mature.[1] The key goal in discipleship is to help people grow in their faith and to trust God with all that they have and will do for His ultimate glory. My personal philosophy of discipleship focuses directly on developing Christ followers (not church members) that love God and love people. The love for God and people are key in living out the steps of spiritual maturity (2 Pet. 1:3-11).

“A major part of discipling is modeling, a fact that is evident from Scripture and from everyday life.”[2] The biblical model of discipleship dates back to the time of Jethro and Moses (Exo. 18:19-23). In turn, he was able to able to mentor men in the wilderness on how to be effective leaders (Deut. 1:12-13; 6:6-9). “Wherever a need exists to discern God’s will in the affairs of men – in the world or home – the clearly prescribed principle is to develop leadership through making disciples.”[3] The objective reality of true biblical discipleship rests entirely on the leadership skills of one pastoral-type mentor is able to pass the leadership function between leaders and generations, as God is able to use these individuals to carry out His purposes.[4] Essentially, true discipleship is found to be the equivalent of wise counsel in action. The function of biblical discipleship models the father-son relationship in which the wisdom is passed.[5]

Following the Old Testament form of discipleship (father-son), pastors should continually strive to pour their lives and ministries into the lives of others. This is not a “worthwhile” suggestion but it is a biblical command. Jesus gives the nonnegotiable imperative to His followers at the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20, which reads, “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, all power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen” (emphasis added). Pastors are to set the standard of example for other men to follow when mentoring others. In the yoke of Jesus’ discipleship, He spoke of His yoke (Matt. 11:29-30; Jn. 13:15). In this context, Jesus is discussing what Paul would write about what it means to live life in righteousness (Eph. 4:20). In regards to humility, Paul reminds the believers at Philippi about modeling their lives after Christ (Phil. 2:5).

Peter wrote in 1 Peter 2:21 that “…because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps” (emphasis added). In his first epistle, John writes that “He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked” (1 Jn. 2:6). Finally, the writer of Hebrews, possibly Paul, writes that believers are to be “…followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”

The Apostle Paul is perhaps the second-best model of discipleship found in the New Testament, as he exemplifies the pastor’s mandated responsibility to be a disciple-maker. In 1 Corinthians 4:16, he writes that “Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.” As the Apostle Paul modeled his life after the model that Christ lived, he is able to tell them that he has been discipled by the “Master” Himself. Later, Paul clarified this when he wrote “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ” (1 Cor. 11:1). He wrote in Ephesians 5:1 that the believers are to “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children.”

Christ Himself outlined a method of discipleship that is to be used in the church today. Jesus outlines this method in Mark 3:13-15, which reads, “And he goeth up into a mountain, and calleth unto him whom he would: and they came unto him. And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach, and to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils…” Citing Mark 3:13, Jesus first used prayerful meditation.[6] As Jesus prayed about choosing His disciples, the pastor is to commune with God in order to make a conscious, God-honoring choice in choosing those that he will take under him to mentor. This attitude of prayer, without ceasing, should be taken when considering this important decision (1 Thess. 5:17). As Paul encouraged believers to pray over everything, he also included the discipling of others in this (Phil. 4:6; Eph. 6:18).

Second, Jesus focused on careful selection, noting that he “calleth unto him whom he would” (Mk. 3:13a).[7] The pastor can apply this principle in three ways. First, the pastor must rely on who Christ has called him to disciple. Second, whomever Christ wants to show as He attests to His sovereignty in salvation and sanctification in the development of spiritual leadership. Finally, obedience is the result of the faithful willingness to serve in the propagation of God’s kingdom. Men serve as the method of Christ.

[1] Andy Stanley, Deep and Wide (Grand Rapids, MI. Zondervan, 2012), 107.

[2] McArthur, Pastoral Ministry: How to Shepherd Biblically, 260.

[3] Ibid., 262.

[4] Michael J. Wilkins, Following the Master: Discipleship in the Steps of Jesus (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Pub. House, 1992), 63.

[5] Ibid., 65.

[6] McArthur, Pastoral Ministry: How to Shepherd Biblically, 264-265.

[7] Ibid., 266.