What is a Disciple?
We are all disciples of something (or someone). Are we disciples of Jesus? Are we being transformed from the inside out by our relationship with Him, becoming more like Him in our heart attitude and dependence on the Father, not just striving to ACT like Jesus in our own strength? Or are we adhering to the values and beliefs of the world around us, as depicted in Romans 12:2?
a) A Disciple of Jesus is not just a student, but an apprentice, a protégé.
A Student – Typically the goal of a student is to learn knowledge (information), that is, to learn what the teacher knows. The student may not even respect or like the teacher.
A Disciple – A disciple, on the other hand, is a student / apprentice who has the goal of becoming like the teacher. This requires personal interaction and commitment by the teacher (mentor / spiritual parent) to the apprentice learner / protégé.
Luke 6:40 (Jesus said) “A disciple (apprentice learner) is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher.”
Matthew 10:24-25 (Jesus said) “A disciple is not above his teacher, or a slave above his master. It is enough for a disciple to become like his teacher and a slave like his master.…”
A Student wants to know what the Teacher knows.
A Disciple wants to be LIKE the Teacher.
(See also the article in the Appendix: “Characteristics of a Biblical Disciple”)
b) Often in the Christian community the term “discipleship” has become synonymous with “teaching.”
To influence many people simultaneously appears efficient and is generally considered the method of choice by many leaders.
Thus, anyone who “teaches” is considered to be fulfilling the mandate to “make disciples.” And a believer who exhibits acceptable levels of Christian behavior is considered a disciple.
While others just listen as one person is speaking to many appears efficient, we have found that a disciple (apprentice) must be given opportunities to express and discuss their unique needs and understanding and ask questions in order to mature more rapidly and fully.
What appears to be most efficient is not necessarily what is most effective.
Because many leaders measure success by numbers, this is one reason there is such an emphasis in the Christian community to hold events and activities, which gives the impression of short-term success, if attendance is the measure. But does it lead to sustained spiritual maturity?
c) The personal commitment (time) needed to make disciples seems prohibitive to many leaders and appears inefficient.
The teacher-disciple (mentor / protégé) model demands a greater commitment of time and resources, but we have found that it results in the greatest individual spiritual growth and impact.
There is deeper interaction between the discipler and the believer being discipled than that of simply teaching. While teaching is a crucial component of the discipleship process, when the mentor focuses on the disciple’s heart attitude, rather than just what the disciple “does” or “learns,” spiritual maturity is accelerated.