12 Tips in One on One Discipleship

Perhaps it was the first time we had a witch attend a church service, or maybe it was when the first lady arrived with lime colored hair, or maybe it was when I sat down after service to counsel a man that came forward and he confessed to being a homosexual—somewhere along the line we realized that if we were going to produce fully committed followers of Christ it was going to take more than a Sunday morning message and a few kind letters in the mail. We needed to build a culture in our church that revolved around the personal and systematic study of God’s Word. Discipleship became our main focus and the Lord has used it to help many believers become a completely new creature in Christ.

A typical discipleship session for our church family consists of several purposed ingredients designed to help grow and develop a fully committed follower of Christ.

1. Offer Bible Study (Discipleship) to Everyone

Unsaved, newly saved, been saved, or senior saved—anyone is a great prospect for learning the Bible. As a church planter, you will never have more time available during your weekly schedule than you do during the first two years planting a new church. Determine to nail down a discipleship time with as many people as you can. The Lord will bless your efforts to teach people His Word. I spoke to a young preacher from the East Coast a few weeks ago who has twelve disciples that he meets with every week! God will use that discipline and sacrifice to build a strong foundation in that church family!

2. Meet Casually

I enjoy meeting with my disciples off the church campus in places like Starbucks, Dennys, my home, or the disciple’s home. At first this occurred out of necessity due to not having a church campus, but I grew to love the nature of sitting in a public place to study the Bible. This casual environment allows you to make personal contact with your disciple’s heart and in many instances they feel free to open up and be honest. Be willing to adjust to the schedule and needs of your disciple.

3. Talk Personally

Spend the first few minutes talking about your disciple’s work, family, hobby, or personal interest. I work hard to avoid the “professional” feel. Remember, effective discipleship is built upon the personal relationship you share with your disciple. Cultivate that relationship.

4. Answer Questions

Often my disciple asks a question that I need to study out further. I always remember to study it out and present the information that I have studied to the disciple. Many times I am able to give him a book, pamphlet, or article that will allow him to study the truth out further for himself.

5. Pray

Ask your disciple for prayer requests and pray. After you have met for some time, begin asking your disciple to pray. You will rejoice when you hear the sweet words communicated between a young Christian and the Lord.

6. Review

I use the Daily in the Word discipleship lessons provided by Striving Together. After the first lesson, disciples are encouraged to begin copying down the Bible. Be sure to review their progress in this weekly.

The Daily in the Word curriculum also includes questions that the disciple is to answer as homework at the end of each lesson. Before starting a new lesson I review those questions and what we covered in the last session.

7. Teach Today’s Lesson

Be careful not to preach the lesson. I have caught myself getting louder or leaning across a table, or just getting a little “preachy” in presenting a lesson. Remember, it is supposed to be casual. I have come to expect more interaction during a discipleship session than I expect during a Sunday school lesson.

8. Allow the Disciple to Read Every Scripture

I read all of the lesson notes and teach all of the truths, therefore I allow my disciple to read every Scripture passage. This accomplishes several things. First, they learn to find the books of the Bible. Second, it loosens them up to speak, and conversation begins to flow. Finally, it gets them used to reading the old English of the King James Bible. I have had to wean many disciples off an NIV or NASB. reading the Bible out loud helps the disciple discover the simple, beautiful language of the King James Bible.

9. Present Assignments

If there are study questions or Bible writings that need to be completed, I always assign them before we dismiss.

10. Talk about Church

Now, after we’ve spent about an hour together, I’ll casually talk about the last church service or talk about an upcoming event. Church is important, and discipleship does not replace a church service. I want to keep the local church a part of our time together! By the way, be sure to invite them out soulwinning with you that week.

11. Close in Prayer

Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to illuminate the truths you have just learned.

12. Confirm the Next Session

Before you go, confirm your next discipleship appointment. I have found that scheduling a disciple to meet at the same time every week helps create accountability and faithfulness. I will also reconfirm at church and through a text or email.