We all want to make disciples, but it is not easy. Today on the podcast, Brian talks about identifying where your students are in the process, how we can help them get to the next step and 5 key words in disciple-making.
Focus on the intentionality of discipleship: What is your process or plan?
Resource: 4 Chair Discipling by Dann Spader – identify where you and your students are at.
“Come and See” – Jesus’ invitation to those who were not disciples was to “come and see” (John 1:39), a non-threatening invitation to see what the gospel and Christian life is all about. Your first goal is not behavior modification. It is “come and see” not “come and behave.” Let them see the example of Christ in you and your students’ lives.
“Come and Follow” – (Matt. 4:19) The first thing your students should learn is what it means to share their faith with someone else. They do not need to grow first. Rather, reaching others is one of the ways they should grow.
“Come and Be with Me.” – (Mark 3:13) Begin equipping them and involving them in ministry. They should become student leaders, thinking along the lines of, “How can I serve?” and “What can I be doing in ministry?”
“Remain in Me” – (John 15) Abiding in Christ enables you and your students to bear fruit and multiply yourselves in ministry. Disciple your students so they can begin reaching their peers. Be on mission, investing in someone so that you can both later invest in someone new.
5 Key Elements to Successful Discipleship
- Accountability – God designed us to need one another. Accountability from someone else is necessary for growth. Help your students set a realistic goal and connect with them during the week, focusing on what they are getting out of the process.
- Assessment – An honest evaluation of where you and those you are discipling are at. You cannot know everything that is going on in a person’s life. Evaluate circumstances and see what you can do to improve the situation and help that person grow. Assessment is important and must happen frequently. This is not something you necessarily share with your students. Use these assessments to take the next step with them.
- Application – Many students know what the Bible says, but do not know how it applies to their life. Focus on helping them grasp something they could apply that week.
- Access the Throne (Prayer) – Discipleship is fueled by prayer. Nothing good happens outside of God. Pray personally, with your students, and for your students.
- Appreciation – Tell those we minister to know how much we appreciate them and how much we see them growing. Encourage them. Appreciate what you can no matter where they are at. Let them know how much they mean to you.
Brian has been in youth ministry for 23 years. He is passionate about communicating truth to young people and the leaders that work with them. Brian loves to play, watch and talk about all kinds of sports. He and his wife Lynn have three awesome teenagers and live in upstate, NY.