Christian Discipleship
What Is a Disciple?
Christian discipleship is the lifelong journey of following Jesus Christ, learning from Him, becoming more like Him, and helping others do the same.
Jesus did not simply call people to believe certain facts about Him. He called them to follow Him.
When Jesus walked along the shores of Galilee, He invited ordinary people with simple words:
“Follow Me.” (Matthew 4:19)
That invitation continues today.
A disciple is more than a church attendee, Bible reader, volunteer, or church member. A disciple is a follower of Jesus who seeks to know Him, trust Him, obey Him, and live according to His teachings.
Following Jesus Together
What Does the Word Disciple Mean?
The word disciple means learner, student, follower, or apprentice.
In the time of Jesus, disciples followed a teacher closely. They listened to their teacher’s words, learned from their example, and adopted their way of life.
Christian discipleship follows the same pattern.
We learn from Jesus through Scripture.
We follow His example.
We seek to live according to His teachings.
We allow the Holy Spirit to shape our hearts and lives.
The goal is not simply to know more about Jesus.
The goal is to become more like Jesus.
Jesus’ Call to Discipleship
Throughout the Gospels, Jesus repeatedly called people to follow Him.
He called fishermen.
He called tax collectors.
He called ordinary men and women.
He called people who were successful.
He called people who had failed.
His invitation was not based on what they had accomplished.
His invitation was based on His grace.
Jesus still calls people today to walk with Him and learn from Him.
Marks of a Disciple
A disciple seeks to know Jesus personally, trust God’s Word, pray regularly, worship faithfully, serve others, grow in Christian character, love God and neighbor, share the good news of Christ, and live by faith every day.
Disciples are not perfect people.
They are people who are continually being transformed by God’s grace.
How Disciples Grow
Spiritual growth happens through intentional practices that help us stay connected to God.
Prayer strengthens our relationship with God.
Bible study helps us understand His truth.
Worship draws us into God’s presence.
Christian fellowship encourages and supports us.
Service helps us live out our faith.
Giving teaches generosity and trust.
Witness allows us to share Christ with others.
Participation in the life of the church connects us to the body of Christ.
These practices do not earn salvation.
Instead, they help believers grow in their relationship with Christ and become mature followers of Jesus.
The Great Commission
Before returning to heaven, Jesus gave His followers a mission:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” (Matthew 28:19)
The mission of the Church is not simply to gather people.
The mission of the Church is to make disciples.
Disciples learn from Jesus, grow in faith, and help others follow Him as well.
Every Christian is called to participate in this mission.
Discipleship at Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church
At Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church, we believe discipleship happens through worship, learning, service, fellowship, prayer, and everyday faithfulness.
Whether you are just beginning your faith journey or have followed Christ for many years, there is always room to grow.
Discipleship is not about reaching perfection.
It is about taking the next step with Jesus.
As we walk with Christ, God shapes us into people who love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously.
Related Pages
Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts
Continue Learning
Questions New Christians Ask
Start Here: Your Discipleship Journey
The Priesthood of All Believers
What Is the Church?
