3. What is and what is not
biblical discipleship?
What must I do in order to
disciple someone?
What must I become if I am to
be a disciple-maker?
4. What is and what is not biblical discipleship?
Biblical discipleship is…
• Intentional: Discipleship is not simply
someone learning about Christ. It is not
accidental. It is intentional. It is not a
function of the learning of the learner but of
the teaching of the teacher. Someone must
intend to do it.
5. What is and what is not biblical discipleship?
Biblical discipleship is…
• Impacting: Discipleship has not happened
simply because a student is excited about or
impressed by a teacher. Discipleship
happens when there is a change in virtues,
values, beliefs, and lifestyle.
6. What is and what is not biblical discipleship?
Biblical discipleship is…
• Personal: Discipleship is not covering material.
Neither is it being part of a group (a class,
congregation, family, etc.). Discipleship is one
person dealing with another person personally .
• Christlike: Discipleship is not just a mentee
modeling a mentor. The modeling must be
moving in the direction of Christlikeness.
8. Nine Principles of Biblical Discipleship
1. Biblical discipleship is incarnational or “In the flesh” • In
person, face-to-face • Association- spending time with them
• Building a foundation to the relationship leads to trust
Scripture: John 1:14, 1 John 1:1, 1 Thessalonians 2:7 - 8
2. Biblical discipleship is reproductive • Multiplication (as they
grow, they should find a person to disciple) • Quality, NOT
quantity (numbers are not as important as true growth)
Scripture: Matthew 28:18 - 20, 1 Thessalonians 1:6 - 8
9. Nine Principles of Biblical Discipleship
3. Biblical discipleship invites personal discovery • No “canned”
answers • Asking questions sets them up to discover truth for
themselves
Scripture: John 2:19, John 3:7, John 4:10, John 6:53
4. Biblical discipleship reasons, persuades, and gives evidence •
The disciple-maker gives supporting evidence after personal
discovery begins
Scripture: Isaiah 1:18, Acts 18:4, Acts 17:24
10. Nine Principles of Biblical Discipleship
5. Biblical discipleship counts the cost • Count the cost
concerning others • Count the cost concerning ourselves
Scripture: Luke 14:26 - 28, Malachi 2:1 - 4, Matthew 10:39
6. Biblical discipleship is impartation (giving) • Extravagance,
NOT stinginess • Sharing what God has given (resources,
wisdom, knowledge, gifts, experiences) • Expect nothing in
return Scripture: Luke 6:38, John 5: 13, John 3:16,
Ephesians 5:25
11. Nine Principles of Biblical Discipleship
7. Biblical discipleship is demonstration • Showing them how to
live a Godly life (prayer, reading the Word, sharing the Gospel,
obedience) Scripture: Luke 11:1 - 4, 2 Timothy 2:15,
Ephesians 4:12 - 13, 2 John 1:6
8. Biblical discipleship means challenging the disciple • to use
their gifts for God’s kingdom • to find another to disciple • to
spread the Good News • to find people to do life with
Scripture: 1 Peter 4:10, Romans 10:14 - 15, Hebrews 10:25
12. Nine Principles of Biblical Discipleship
7. Biblical discipleship is demonstration • Showing them how to
live a Godly life (prayer, reading the Word, sharing the Gospel,
obedience) Scripture: Luke 11:1 - 4, 2 Timothy 2:15,
Ephesians 4:12 - 13, 2 John 1:6
8. Biblical discipleship means challenging the disciple • to use
their gifts for God’s kingdom • to find another to disciple • to
spread the Good News • to find people to do life with
Scripture: 1 Peter 4:10, Romans 10:14 - 15, Hebrews 10:25
14. COMMON DISCIPLE MAKER QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. When should I call my disciple? Right away!
The disciple-maker should seek to contact them within
24 hours of accepting the assignment. We cannot
delay because Jesus taught that Satan moves against
the new believer immediately and is successful “if they
do not understand” what they have heard (Matthew
13:19).
15. COMMON DISCIPLE MAKER QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
2. What should I say when I call? You may start by
contacting the person who led them to the Lord to learn as
much as you can about their initial contact (info found at the
bottom left section of sheet). Mention the person who initially
talked to them on your first call. Your goal must be to not
leave your disciple confused, but try and set up an
opportunity to get together somewhere as soon as possible
to establish a friendship. Just speak really simply and from
your heart.
16. COMMON DISCIPLE MAKER QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
3. What happens if the person doesn’t answer on
the first try? Hopefully, if the contact information was
properly recorded you will have at least one phone
number, an email address, and a physical address.
Leave a clear message of who you are and your
purpose in wanting to talk to them. Give them your call
back information and try again later that same day. If
you remain unsuccessful, pray, then wait a week or two
and call them again
17. COMMON DISCIPLE MAKER QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
4. What happens if they don’t want to be discipled? Lack of
response can mean many things. They may be busy – they may be
afraid – they may have family or friends who are pressuring them to
stay as they were, etc. If they tell you they don’t want to be discipled,
we obviously don’t want to be forceful, but because eternity is in the
balance, you may ask if you could just meet for coffee and get to know
one another. If the answer remains “no,” then I would tell them why
discipleship is important and ask if it would be okay for you to call them
in several weeks in case they change their mind. You might call them
once a month thereafter until the Lord releases you. Satan works hard
so we must work hard.
18. COMMON DISCIPLE MAKER QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
5. What happens if the “under 20 year old” I picked
is in elementary or middle school? First, we must
always respect the minors’ parents or guardians. Seek
to meet with the minor and their parents to propose
discipling them within the family. This also gives the
parents a chance to hear the Gospel. If this is not
conducive, connect the child with an active local
children’s ministry where they can be taught and
discipled.
19. COMMON DISCIPLE MAKER QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
6. How often should I meet with my disciple? That is a
question the Holy Spirit will answer, but you may seek to
meet once a week if possible. You should maintain regular
contact so they can ask questions and keep you updated
on how they are doing. You also need to understand that
making disciples means being available when they need
you. You must share phone numbers and email addresses
and simply respond when they contact you. This
relationship must be two-way not one-way.
20. COMMON DISCIPLE MAKER QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
8. What is a “Timothy”? A local from your area has
volunteered to encourage and help you through the
process of discipling. If you sign up as a disciple
maker, Time to Revive will assign you to a Timothy,
who will reach out to you on a regular basis.
21. COMMON DISCIPLE MAKER QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
8. What do I do if they have questions I can’t answer?
The fact that a new believer is asking questions should
encourage you that God is at work in their lives. Never duck a
question and never pretend to know the answer. Tell the new
believer that you don’t know, but that it is a great question and
you will get an answer, which you can discuss at your next
meeting or phone call. If you need help, contact your Timothy
or your Pastor, or you can feel free to contact Time to Revive
to get help.
