The Disciple’s Journey: Discovering the Key Features of Discipleship
Discover key features of discipleship that define a true follower of Jesus Christ, empowering you to live out your faith.
One should not throw the term “discipleship” around lightly. It carries a weight of responsibility, a commitment, and a lifestyle change. Jesus calls us to embody certain characteristics that truly define us as His followers. It’s not merely about going to church on Sundays or reading the Bible occasionally. Rather, it’s about living a life that reflects His teachings, His love, and His grace every single day. It IS about internalizing His message and allowing it to transform us from the inside out.
5 Key Features of Discipleship
Let’s dive headfirst into the nitty-gritty of what it means to be a disciple of Christ. We’ll examine the characteristics that define a true follower. And we’ll provide guidance on how we can cultivate these traits within ourselves. It’s a journey of self-discovery, of spiritual growth, and of aligning ourselves more closely with the teachings of Jesus.
Some Key Features of Discipleship
1. A Life Transformed by the Gospel
A true disciple experiences a life-transforming encounter with Jesus, leading to repentance, faith, and the pursuit of a Christ-centered life. A deepening desire to know and obey God’s Word, along with a growing passion for lost souls, often marks this transformation
. Key scriptures that speak to the transformed life of a disciple include:
- 2 Corinthians 5:17: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
- Romans 12:2: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
2. A Commitment to Obedience, Prayer, and the Word of God
True disciples demonstrate a commitment to following Jesus’ teachings, engaging in regular prayer and devotional time in God’s Word. This deepens their relationship with Christ while enriching their spiritual growth and understanding. Relevant scriptures include:
- John 8:31: “To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, ‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.'”
- Acts 2:42: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”
- Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
3. Cultivating Christlike Character: The Fruit of the Spirit
A genuine disciple exhibits the fruit of the Spirit, which serves as evidence of the transforming work of the Holy Spirit within their life. These Christlike character traits include love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). As believers grow in their faith, they should see an increasing presence of these qualities manifested in their attitudes and actions, demonstrating Christ’s influence on their lives.
4. Bearing Witness: Sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ
Disciples are called to share the Gospel message with others, taking seriously Jesus’ command to “Go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). True disciples understand the paramount importance of spreading the Good News and actively seek opportunities to share their faith with others, including through personal evangelism, mission work, and partnering with organisations like Global Disciples Canada, that focus on reaching the least-reached. Relevant scriptures concerning bearing witness include:
- Acts 1:8: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
- Romans 10:14-15: “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!'”
5. Belonging to a Christ-Centered Community
True disciples value the importance of belonging to a Christ-centered community, recognising the need for fellowship, accountability, and mutual encouragement in their journey of faith. They are committed to participating in the life and ministry of their local church, contributing their gifts and talents to serve others in the name of Jesus. Scriptures that emphasise the importance of the Christian community include:
- Hebrews 10:24-25: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
- 1 Corinthians 12:12-14: “Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptised by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Even so, the body is not made up of one part but of many.”
Key Features of Discipleship: Transforming Lives and Communities
The characteristics of discipleship play a vital role in transforming both individual lives and communities as believers grow in their faith, embody Christlike character, and share the Good News of Jesus with others.
A true disciple commits to the Gospel, personal spiritual growth, and actively engages in bringing hope and salvation to the least reached.
Are you ready to embrace the journey of discipleship and become an authentic follower of Jesus Christ? Consider partnering with a Christian mission organisation like Global Disciples Canada, dedicated to training leaders for disciple-making and sharing the Gospel in their own nations and cultures.
Take your discipleship journey to the next level by connecting with Global Disciples Canada today, and join a community of believers committed to transforming lives and communities through the powerful message of Jesus Christ. Explore our discipleship programs in Canada today!
Global Disciples Canada
Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organisation 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 strategy of training and coaching, 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 are looking for a Christian mission organisation to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!
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