Key Practices of Good Discipleship

Freddy Cardoza

Key Practices of Effective Disciplers

Christian disciples are often weak because our discipleship is weak. Weak discipleship comes when we are weak disciplers. So what should a Discipler do? As we seek to make disciples, what should be on our mind and what practices should be the primary focus of our work? As you will see, the activities of the discipler are active and not passive.

Lets’s take a look at key practices of effective disciplers:

1. Personalized Attention-Giving: Discipleship, particularly for the new believer, is accelerated by personal attention being given to the one being discipled by the discipler. One on one time and teaching are ideal, if and when possible. Churches committed to this value can probably make it happen if they are serious about creating systems to produce disciples. We see this maxim in Paul's life in at least three places, Acts 20:31; Col. 1:28-29; and 1 Thess 2:12, when he mentions one on one attention being given to the disciples in his ministry.

2. Serving: The first role of leadership is service. The discipler who is more interested in serving than teaching quickly wins a hearing and garners the respect of the person being discipled. Jesus said, the greatest among you will be your servant. (Matthew 23:11, HCSB)

3. Modeling: After serving, perhaps the next most compelling aspect of discipling is modeling. Modeling is simply and authentically living out the truth. This is a major theme in Paul's writings (1 Cor 4:15-16; 1 Cor 11:1; Phil 4:9; 1 Thess 1:6-7, etc.). In Phil 3:17 Paul says: Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us. A person who models the Christian life develops credibility. That leads to people being willing to listen to his or her message.

4. Teaching: The Bible places a high importance on the centrality of teaching the Word of God, the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:28) to people, so they will know the truth. We see this priority of Paul in Colossians 1:28-29: We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete (mature) in Christ. For this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me.

5. Mentoring: Once a leader gives time and attention to a person, serves them, models Christlikeness for them, and teaches them, the person is open to personal mentoring. Mentoring is a purposeful or intentional relationship of mutual trust where the mentor challenges, guides, counsels, advises, and encourages the mentee to become all God has made them to be. That is what Paul was doing in Galatians 4:19 when he said that he experienced the anguish of childbirth for those he was discipling.

• Though there are certainly other maxims, these provide a baseline of activity for would-be disciplers.

© Freddy Cardoza 2014

www.fredtalks.libsyn.com www.freddycardoza.com www.digitaldiscipler.com