Bible Study on Discipleship: Exploring the Role and Impact of Discipleship in Least-Reached Communities

Delve into an in-depth Bible study on discipleship, examine the life-changing impact of discipleship in least-reached communities. Read on to discover more.

The Great Commission, as recorded in Matthew 28:19-20, calls all followers of Jesus Christ to “go and make disciples of all nations.” This call to discipleship is a central component of the mission. Its entrusted to every believer, and its fulfilment is vital in spreading the Good News to least-reached communities worldwide. For organizations like Global Disciples, understanding the biblical foundations of discipleship is essential to effectively reach those who have not yet heard the gospel.

Let’s will embark on an in-depth Bible study on discipleship. We’ll exploring its importance, biblical precedents, and the practical implications of carrying out the call to discipleship. Our journey will provide insight and guidance for individual believers and mission organizations. We hope it will inspiring readers to embrace and engage in discipleship’s powerful, transformative work. 

To engage in effective discipleship, it’s essential to understand the biblical model of discipleship and the principles it entails. In the New Testament, a disciple is a follower of Jesus who learns from Him. They are people who strive to live a life patterned after His example (John 8:31; Luke 14:27). Discipleship often involves transforming relationships, mentorship, and the dedication to growth in Christ-likeness. Some key characteristics of the biblical model of discipleship include:

1. Following Jesus. Discipleship begins with answering Jesus’ call to “follow me” (Matthew 4:19), surrendering one’s life and will to His direction and Lordship.

2. Investing in Relationships. Jesus modelled relational discipleship by choosing and investing in the twelve disciples, focusing on building strong relationships that foster growth, accountability, and spiritual transformation (Mark 3:14).

3. Teachability and Humility. A disciple must cultivate a humble, teachable spirit, open to receiving and applying instruction from mentors and leaders (Acts 9:26-28).

4. Commitment to Spiritual Growth. Discipleship requires an ongoing engagement in learning, prayer, and Bible study, nurturing spiritual growth and maturity (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

5. Multiplication. A disciple is called to share the Gospel, raise up, and mentor other disciples, thereby participating in the multiplication of God’s kingdom (2 Timothy 2:2).

Discipleship in least-reached communities often presents unique challenges for mission organizations like Global Disciples and the leaders they train. Some of these challenges include:

1. Cultural and Linguistic Barriers. Intercultural communication and language differences can add complexity to discipleship efforts and require sensitivity, adaptability, and patience from leaders working with least-reached communities.

2. Resistance to Christianity. The prevalence of other religions, spiritual beliefs, and cultural traditions in least-reached communities may present resistance to the message of Christ and require tactful, compassionate sharing of the Gospel.

3. Lack of Biblical Resources. Limited access to the Scriptures or Christian teaching materials can impede discipleship efforts, necessitating innovation and resourcefulness in sharing biblical truths.

4. Persecution and Oppression. In some regions, embracing the Christian faith can lead to persecution, making discipleship a potentially risky endeavour for both leaders and believers in least-reached communities.

There are practical steps mission organizations like Global Disciples. The leaders they train can undertake to maximize the impact of discipleship efforts in least-reached communities:

1. Engage Cultural Experts: Consult with local believers or cultural experts to understand the least-reached communities’ cultural backgrounds and religious beliefs. This insight can then inform discipleship strategies and approaches.

2. Collaborate with Local Churches: Partner with existing local churches to strengthen discipleship efforts, leveraging their knowledge, experience, and connections within the community.

3. Develop Contextualized Biblical Resources: Create or adapt discipleship materials that are culturally relevant, understandable, and accessible to least-reached communities, enabling them to connect with the truths of the Gospel more effectively.

4. Mentor and Empower Indigenous Leaders: Invest in mentoring and equipping indigenous believers to serve as disciple-makers within their own communities, fostering sustainable, locally-led discipleship efforts.

5. Cultivate a Commitment to Prayer: Encourage an emphasis on prayer as a cornerstone of discipleship efforts, both individually and collectively, to deepen reliance on God’s power and guidance in the face of challenges.

In some least-reached communities, leveraging technology can help facilitate and expand discipleship efforts. Using audio, video, and digital resources can make biblical teachings more accessible and engaging. Here are some strategies for incorporating technology in discipleship efforts:

1. Utilize Bible Apps and Audio Scriptures: Offer access to digital Bible apps or audio Scriptures in the local language, enabling believers in least-reached communities to study the Word of God independently and at their own pace.

2. Implement Online Discipleship Platforms: Leverage online discipleship platforms to facilitate learning, interaction, and mentoring, providing a convenient and dynamic way for leaders to connect with and disciple believers in least-reached communities.

3. Share Video Teachings and Testimonies: Produce and distribute compelling video teachings or testimonies tailored to least-reached communities, utilizing relatable stories and culturally relevant illustrations to convey biblical truths.

The transformative power of discipleship cannot be overstated, as the life-changing impact of Jesus’ call to “go and make disciples of all nations” reaches into the hearts and lives of countless individuals within the least-reached communities. By understanding the biblical foundations of discipleship and proactively addressing the unique challenges and opportunities faced in these contexts, organizations like Global Disciples Canada can effectively train and equip leaders to fulfill their God-given mission of multiplying disciples and sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ.

If you want to be a part of this life-changing work connect with Global Disciples Canada today. Your involvement can make an eternal difference in the lives of individuals and communities who have yet to experience the hope, love, and transformation found in Jesus Christ. 

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near to reach least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet, Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective training and coaching strategy, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you want a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, join our discipleship program in Canada today.