Discipleship – A Journey of Purpose and Belonging

Discipleship – A Journey of Purpose and Belonging

Discipleship – what is it? 

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20 

Jesus told his followers to “make disciples” but what does that really mean? Often this verse is not fully understood, and Christians assume that Jesus is talking about converts. That is only part of what Jesus means. To be a disciple means to model and center your whole life around something or someone. When Jesus told his followers to make disciples, he asked them to make more of themselves. People who will trust, obey, and worship him with their lives at any cost. People who will live according to His Kingdom, not the ways of the world. Conversion is important. But discipleship is what follows conversion, not the other way around. 

“In Biblical times, a disciple referred to anyone studying under and trying to emulate, a valued teacher. To modern day Christians, it means a follower of Christ who leads by following his example. In John 13:34-35, Jesus says, “Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples if you have a love for one another.” Discipleship is a process of not only holding onto your faith but growing in it so that you may lead others toward Christ.” 

Engaging in discipleship 

Discipleship means to be endlessly learning and growing in the Spirit while at the same time teaching others what we have learned and helping them grow. It is a continuous

process in that we all learn and grow together. Discipleship training at Youth With A Mission is one of the best ways to do that. A YWAM Discipleship Training School will equip you to become a lifelong learner and leader who knows how to hear the voice of God and knows His purposes for your life. This version of discipleship is costly, is lifelong, and is a much more accurate understanding of what Jesus meant. 

“The “show business,” which is so incorporated into our view of Christian work today, has caused us to drift far from Our Lord’s conception of discipleship. It is instilled in us to think that we have to do exceptional things for God; we have not. We have to be exceptional in ordinary things, to be holy in mean streets, among mean people, surrounded by sordid sinners. That is not learned in five minutes.” 

― Oswald Chambers 

Make no mistake, the life of a disciple is not always easy. But for every cost that must be counted, there are a thousand blessings that take its place. The peace that comes from the right relationship with God and man is beyond comparison. The joy that comes from belonging to a group of believers who love and champion you is a picture of heaven on earth. The easy yoke of Christ is an inheritance no worldly thing could compete with. 

Discipleship in YWAM 

Youth With A Mission takes discipleship seriously. Training young people in the ways of Jesus is our passion. We love walking with them in their faith journey, inviting them to belong to the community, empowering them as gospel ambassadors, and sending them as missionaries into the nations. 

Part of discipleship in YWAM includes intentional one-on-one conversations. This allows us to invite outside perspective and accountability into our lives. This relational model of discipleship creates community and fosters trust in each other. Discipleship helps believers grow in their faith, to grow in maturity and wisdom, and build their faith on a strong foundation. 

“You will know as much of God, and only as much of God, as you are willing to put into practice.” 

― Eric Liddell, The Disciplines Of The Christian Life

Take that step. Discipleship in your life is up to you. Don’t wait for that perfect leader to find you. Go out and find a community of people you will trust with your life, and chase after a Jesus-honoring life together. 

You can sign up for a Discipleship Training School with YWAM Asheville for free, in just 3 minutes. The only DTS requirements are a high school diploma, a willing heart, and an open mind.