What Does it Mean to Disciple Someone?
What does it mean to disciple someone? Pastor Robert Kurz recently taught a Growth Tracks lesson on discipleship, and we’ve included some of the key elements he discussed in today’s post!
Discipleship is more than just teaching or mentoring — it’s a commitment to walking alongside someone in their spiritual journey, helping them grow in faith, and equipping them to disciple others. True discipleship reflects the biblical model Jesus established with his own followers, emphasizing spiritual growth, accountability, and multiplication.
Discipling vs. Mentoring: What's the Difference?
When we think of discipling, mentoring is a term that’s sometimes used interchangeably. Mentoring and discipleship share similarities, but discipleship carries a deeper spiritual responsibility. A mentor may guide someone in career development, personal skills, or general life wisdom, while a disciple-maker also helps someone grow in their relationship with God.
Discipleship isn’t just about giving advice or being a role model; it’s about leading others into a closer walk with Jesus. It includes teaching biblical principles, modeling a life of faith, and encouraging spiritual disciplines like prayer and Bible study.
While mentoring can happen in any context, discipleship is specifically rooted in a spiritual foundation, with the ultimate goal of leading others to maturity in Christ.
Related Post: 9 Great Bible Study Topics to Help You Dive into Scripture
Biblical Examples of Mentoring and Discipleship
Scripture is filled with examples of strong mentor-disciple relationships that showcase God’s design for spiritual growth:
Elijah and Elisha – Elisha followed and served Elijah until he was ready to take up the prophetic mantle (2 Kings 2:9-15).
Moses and Joshua – Joshua was mentored by Moses and later led Israel into the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 31:7-8).
Paul and Timothy – Paul poured into Timothy’s life, encouraging him to grow in faith and leadership (2 Timothy 2:1-2).
Jesus and His Disciples – Jesus provided the ultimate model of discipleship, investing in his disciples daily, teaching them God’s ways, and preparing them to continue his mission (Matthew 28:19-20).
Each of these examples demonstrates that discipleship requires commitment, personal investment, and a willingness to prepare the next generation for God’s work.
How to Become a Disciple
“To be a good mentor, you should be mentored. ”
Before you can effectively disciple others, you must first be a disciple yourself. In Matthew chapter 8, Jesus commended the centurion’s grasp of authority when the centurion said, “For I too am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes, and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it” (Matthew 8:9).
Being under spiritual authority is a critical step to gaining authority in the lives of others. To become a disciple, then, consider these key steps:
Find a mentor – Identify someone who is spiritually mature and living out the faith in a way you want to emulate.
Develop a relationship – Discipleship is personal. Spend time with your mentor, ask questions, and observe their faith in action.
Be willing to learn and serve – True discipleship requires humility. Be teachable and willing to help your mentor in ministry.
Imitate Christ-like qualities – Follow their example as they follow Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1).
The two most important qualities of a disciple are a willingness to learn and humility. Without these, true spiritual growth is difficult.
How to Start Discipling
If you feel called to disciple someone, the first step is ensuring you embody the qualities of a strong mentor. A good disciple-maker is:
A committed follower of Jesus
Dedicated to the principle of discipleship
Passionate about investing in the next generation
A facilitator of discussion, not just a teacher or lecturer
Transparent and vulnerable, willing to share both struggles and victories
Intentional about setting high expectations for growth
Once you have developed these qualities, begin seeking someone to disciple. Look for individuals who are eager to grow in their faith and be intentional about investing in their lives.
Responsibilities of Discipling
“The best mentors I’ve seen spend at least a year mentoring. It doesn’t have to be a daily event, but certainly a regular event. ”
Discipling someone is a long-term commitment. It’s not just about sharing knowledge — it’s about walking with someone through their spiritual journey. Here are key responsibilities of a disciple-maker:
Pray for and with them – Prayer is the foundation of discipleship. Help them improve their prayer life and regularly intercede for their spiritual growth.
Teach spiritual disciplines – Help them develop consistent Bible study, prayer, fasting, and worship habits.
Spend regular time together – Discipleship is relational. Meet consistently to discuss scripture, life, and faith.
Set mutual goals – Define the purpose of your relationship. What spiritual goals will you focus on?
Model a godly life – Live out your faith in a way they can follow. Bring them alongside you in ministry and everyday life.
Coach them through struggles – Offer guidance, encouragement, and biblical wisdom when they face challenges.
Prepare them to disciple others – Help them recognize when they are ready to disciple someone else.
Discipleship is about multiplication. The goal is not just to make one disciple but to equip them to disciple others, creating a ripple effect of spiritual growth.
Discipleship: The Great Commission
Discipleship is at the heart of the Christian walk. It’s not just about gaining or giving knowledge — it’s about transformation and multiplication. Whether you are being discipled or discipling someone else, remember that true discipleship follows the example of Jesus.
Pastor Robert Kurz’s Growth Tracks lesson reminded us that discipleship is an investment, a commitment, and a calling. If you’re not currently in a discipling relationship, take the next step — seek a mentor or begin investing in someone’s spiritual growth. As Jesus commanded:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.”