Blog & Tips
- Walking with the Master: 4 Ways Jesus Taught Through Everyday Life
Hey there! It’s Adam. If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably felt that mid-week pressure of trying to figure out “how to disciple someone” properly. Maybe you’ve sat there staring at a heavy theological textbook or a complicated 12-week program, wondering if you need a seminary degree just to help a friend follow Jesus.
Here’s the good news: you don’t.
When we look at the life of Jesus, we don’t see Him standing behind a podium with a PowerPoint presentation. We don’t see Him handing out 40-page syllabuses. Instead, we see Him walking. We see Him eating. We see Him pointing at birds and flowers.
Jesus practiced a model of disciple making that was woven into the very fabric of everyday life. He didn’t just teach the Truth; He lived the Truth right in front of them. In the world of christian mentoring, we often call this “life-on-life” discipleship.
If we want to get back to the heart of what it means to be a disciple maker, we have to look at the Master’s methods. Today, let’s break down four specific ways Jesus used everyday moments to change the world: and how you can do the same with the help of the Disciple Maker app.
1. Practical Life Lessons (The Power of “Doing Together”)
Jesus didn’t just tell His disciples to be humble; He grabbed a basin of water and a towel and started scrubbing the dirt off their feet. In John 13:15, He says, “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”
This is the first lesson in the Jesus model: Disciple making happens while you’re doing.
Think about it. The disciples were with Him when He was tired. They were with Him when He was hungry. They saw how He treated the grumpy person at the well and how He handled the high-pressure crowds. He used the practical, sometimes messy parts of daily life to teach profound spiritual truths.
In our modern context, we often think discipleship has to happen in a quiet room with two Bibles and two lattes. And while that’s great, some of the best christian mentoring happens when you’re:
- Helping someone move houses.
- Grocery shopping for a neighbor in need.
- Fixing a car or cooking a meal.
When you invite someone into your “normal” life, they get to see how a follower of Jesus navigates stress, treats their spouse, or manages their time. It takes the pressure off “performing” and puts the focus on “practicing” the way of Jesus.
2. Catching Teachable Moments (The Birds and the Lilies)
One of my favorite things about Jesus is how He was always “on.” He didn’t wait for “Bible Study Time” to talk about the Kingdom of God. He looked at what was happening right in front of Him and turned it into a lesson.
When the disciples were worried about their future, He didn’t give them a lecture on economics. He pointed at the sky.
“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” (Matthew 6:26).Then He pointed at the wildflowers. “See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin… If that is how God clothes the grass of the field… will he not much more clothe you?” (Matthew 6:28, 30).
Jesus used “teachable moments.” This is a huge shift in how we think about how to disciple someone. It means being present enough to see what God is doing in the moment.
If you’re walking through a park with someone you’re mentoring and they mention they’re feeling overwhelmed, you don’t have to wait until next Tuesday to address it. You can stop, look at the nature around you, and remind them of the Father’s care, just like Jesus did.
This is exactly why we built the features of the Disciple Maker app to be so accessible. If you’re out in the “field” and a teachable moment strikes, you can quickly pull up resources or scripture without needing a laptop or a heavy bag of books.
3. Relational Connection (The Table and the Trail)
If you read the Gospels, you’ll notice that Jesus spent a massive amount of time just being with the Twelve. Mark 3:14 says He appointed the twelve “that they might be with him.”
Before He sent them out to preach, He invited them to hang out. They walked miles together on dusty roads. They slept under the stars. They ate countless meals together. In fact, Jesus was often criticized for who He chose to eat with!
In our fast-paced, digital world, we often forget that disciple making is fundamentally relational. You can’t automate a relationship. You can’t “life-hack” your way out of spending time with people.
Relational connection creates the “soil” where growth happens. When someone feels loved and known by you, they are much more likely to listen when you share a hard truth or a biblical principle.
This is why we focus so much on making our tools easy for busy leaders. We know you’re juggling work, family, and ministry. The goal of the Disciple Maker app isn’t to keep you glued to your phone; it’s to give you the resources you need quickly so you can get back to focusing on the person sitting across the table from you.
4. Modeling Behavior (Watching the Master)
The fourth way Jesus taught through everyday life was by simply being the person He wanted them to become. He didn’t just teach on prayer; they saw Him slipping away to lonely places to pray (Luke 5:16). Eventually, they were so moved by what they saw that they asked, “Lord, teach us to pray” (Luke 11:1).
He didn’t just teach on compassion; they watched Him stop for the blind man that everyone else was trying to silence.
As a mentor, your greatest tool isn’t your knowledge: it’s your life. People are watching how you:
- React when you get cut off in traffic.
- Speak about your boss when they aren’t around.
- Prioritize your relationship with God when life gets crazy.
Modeling behavior is the ultimate “curriculum.” It shows the person you are discipling that the Christian life is actually livable. It’s not a set of impossible rules; it’s a way of walking through the world with the Spirit’s help.
Bringing the “Jesus Model” into 2026
So, how do we take these four principles and apply them today? We live in a world of smartphones, busy schedules, and constant distractions. It can feel like we don’t have the “everyday life” space that Jesus had with the disciples.
That’s where we want to help. At Disciple Maker, we believe technology shouldn’t replace the Jesus model: it should support it.
Offline Accessibility for ‘Anywhere’ Discipleship
Jesus taught on mountains, in boats, and on the road. He didn’t need a Wi-Fi connection, and neither should you. One of the key features of our app is offline accessibility.
Whether you’re on a hiking trip with a group of young men or sitting in a coffee shop with a spotty connection, you can access your discipleship materials and scripture references. We want you to be able to have those “birds and lilies” moments anywhere, without being hindered by tech issues.
Easy-to-Use Resources for Busy Leaders
Let’s be real: most of us aren’t full-time pastors. We’re teachers, engineers, parents, and students. We’re busy. Jesus’ teaching was simple and direct. We’ve designed our platform to mirror that simplicity. You don’t need hours of prep time. Our goal is to provide you with the “what” and the “how” so you can focus on the “who.”
If you’re wondering where to start, check out our guide on how to start a bible study group that actually lasts. It’s packed with practical tips to get you moving.
Your Turn to Walk with the Master
Discipleship isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being present. It’s about taking the life you’re already living and inviting someone else to walk it with you.
When you look at your week ahead, don’t just look for “ministry slots.” Look for:
- Practical tasks you can invite someone into.
- Teachable moments provided by the world around you.
- Space for connection over a simple meal or a walk.
- Opportunities to model the peace and grace of Jesus.
You have what it takes to be a disciple maker because you have the Holy Spirit and the example of the Master. We’re just here to provide the tools to make the journey a little smoother.
Ready to dive deeper? You can explore more about our mission on our About page or browse through more tips on our Disciple Maker App Blog.
Let’s stop overcomplicating it. Let’s just start walking.
Keep on following the Master,
: Adam
CEO, Disciple Maker
If this post encouraged you, consider sharing it with a friend who is looking to start their own journey in christian mentoring. And if you’re able, feel free to support our mission through a donation so we can keep building tools for the Kingdom!
- 5 Steps to Life-on-Life Mentoring: How to Make Disciples Exactly Like Jesus Did
Let’s be real for a second: if you’ve been in the church world for more than five minutes, you’ve probably sat through a “discipleship class.” You know the drill: a fluorescent-lit room, a three-ring binder, some lukewarm coffee, and a teacher at the front of the room going through a 12-week curriculum.
Now, don’t get me wrong. I love a good Bible study as much as the next guy. But if we’re looking at how Jesus actually spent His time, it looked nothing like a lecture hall. Jesus didn’t run a school; He ran a life. He didn’t just give His followers information; He gave them His presence.
This is the core of life-on-life mentoring. It’s the difference between learning about Jesus and learning how to live like Jesus.
If you’ve been wondering what is discipleship and how to actually do it without feeling like you need a Ph.D. in theology, you’re in the right place. Today, we’re breaking down five practical steps to move away from the classroom and into the kind of one to one discipleship that actually changes lives.
The Problem with the Classroom Model
In our modern culture, we think that if we give people more information, they will automatically change. But as anyone who has ever read a diet book while eating a cheeseburger knows, information doesn’t equal transformation.
Jesus’ model was based on proximity. Mark 3:14 says, “He appointed twelve: designating them apostles: that they might be with him…” Before He sent them out to preach, He just wanted them to be with Him.
Life-on-life mentoring means letting someone see how you live when the “church face” is off. It’s about how you treat the waiter when the order is wrong, how you pray when you’re stressed, and how you apply the Word of God to a Tuesday afternoon crisis.
Here is how you can start making disciples exactly like Jesus did.
Step 1: Strategic Selection (Look for the Hungry)
Jesus didn’t walk up to every person in Galilee and ask them to be in His inner circle. He was friendly to the crowds, but He was selective with His disciples.
When you’re thinking about how to make disciples, you have to start with prayer. In Luke 6:12-13, Jesus spent the entire night praying before He chose the twelve. He wasn’t looking for the most religious people or the most “put together” people; He was looking for people who were ready to move.
We like to use the acronym F.A.T. when looking for people to mentor:
- Faithful: Do they show up? Are they reliable in the small things?
- Available: Do they actually have time to meet and do life together?
- Teachable: Are they willing to listen and change, or do they already have all the answers?
Don’t feel like you have to disciple everyone. Focus on the few who are hungry.
Step 2: Practice Proximity (The “With” Factor)
Once you’ve identified who you’re going to pour into, it’s time to change your schedule. Instead of adding a “mentoring meeting” to your calendar, try inviting them into what you’re already doing.
Christian mentoring shouldn’t be a burden; it should be an invitation into your rhythm of life.
- Going to the grocery store? Invite them along.
- Fixing a leak under the sink? Have them hold the wrench.
- Watching your kid’s soccer game? Ask them to sit with you.
Jesus taught while they were walking along the road, while they were eating, and while they were out on the boat. By being “with” you, they see the “hidden” parts of your faith: the stuff that never comes out in a Sunday morning sermon. This is where real one to one discipleship happens.
Step 3: Model the Behavior (I Do, You Watch)
One of the 7 mistakes you’re making with your discipleship program is telling people what to do without showing them how to do it.
Jesus followed a simple pattern:
- I do, you watch: Jesus healed and preached while the disciples observed.
- I do, you help: He had them help distribute the bread and fish.
- You do, I help: He sent them out in pairs and then debriefed with them.
- You do, I watch: Eventually, He ascended and left the work in their hands.
If you want to teach someone how to pray, don’t just give them a book on prayer. Let them listen to you pray. If you want to teach them how to share their faith, take them with you when you talk to your neighbor. Modeling is the most powerful teaching tool in your arsenal.
Step 4: Intentional Instruction (The Word in the World)
While life-on-life is messy and organic, it isn’t aimless. You still need to be grounded in the Word of God. The difference is how you deliver that truth.
In a classroom, you teach a topic because it’s “Week 4.” In life-on-life mentoring, you teach a topic because life just brought it up. When your disciple is struggling with anxiety, that’s when you dive into Philippians 4. When they are dealing with a conflict at work, that’s when you study Matthew 18.
This is where the Disciple Maker app becomes your best friend. Instead of carrying around a heavy curriculum, you can access lessons, share insights, and track progress right from your phone. Whether you’re at a coffee shop or waiting for a flight, you have the tools to provide intentional, biblical instruction that fits the moment.
Using an app doesn’t make it less “spiritual”: it makes it more accessible. You can share a specific lesson with your disciple through the app, and then chat about it while you’re out grabbing lunch. It keeps the focus on the Word while keeping the setting casual.
Step 5: Release for Replication (Pass the Torch)
The goal of discipleship is not to keep someone under your wing forever. The goal is multiplication.
Jesus was very clear in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20): “Go and make disciples of all nations…” He didn’t say “go and make permanent students.” He wanted them to become makers of disciples themselves.
A common pitfall in christian mentoring is creating a dependency where the person can’t make a spiritual decision without checking with you first. True life-on-life mentoring empowers people.
Around the 12-to-18-month mark, you should start asking your disciple, “Who are you going to start pouring into?” If they aren’t passing it on, the process has stalled. Encourage them to take what they’ve learned from you and start the process over with someone else.
How Technology Supports the Journey
I know what you’re thinking: “Adam, this sounds great, but I’m busy, and I lose track of where people are at.”
I get it. That’s exactly why we built Disciple Maker. Life-on-life is about the relationship, but the app provides the structure that keeps the relationship moving forward.
With the app, you can:
- Track Progress: See where your disciple is in their journey so nothing slips through the cracks.
- Share Lessons: Instantly send relevant biblical teachings that address what they are going through right now.
- Stay Organized: Keep notes on prayer requests and key breakthroughs during your one-to-one time.
If you’re worried about whether a discipleship app really matters in 2026, just think of it as a digital version of the “staff” Jesus carried: a tool to help you navigate the terrain as you walk with others.
Final Thoughts: Just Start Walking
You don’t need to be a Bible scholar to make a disciple. You just need to be a few steps ahead of someone else and willing to let them walk beside you.
Jesus didn’t call the equipped; He equipped the called. He took ordinary fishermen and changed the world because He was willing to share His life with them. You can do the exact same thing in your neighborhood, your workplace, and your home.
So, who is one person you can invite into your life this week? Maybe it’s just for a cup of coffee or a trip to the hardware store. Start there. Keep it simple. Keep it focused on Jesus.
Ready to dive deeper? Check out our quick start guide to disciple making to get your feet moving today!
You’ve got this. Let’s go make some disciples.
- The Jesus Model: 5 Steps to Making Disciples Exactly Like He Did
If you’ve ever sat in a church pew or a coffee shop and thought, “I want to help people follow Jesus, but I have no idea where to start,” you aren’t alone. For many of us, the phrase “how to make disciples” sounds like something reserved for people with “Reverend” in front of their names or a stack of theology degrees on their walls.
But here’s the secret: Jesus didn’t run a three-year seminary program. He didn’t hand out 50-page manuals or require a GPA of 4.0. Instead, He invited a few ordinary people to walk through life with Him.
At Disciple Maker, we believe that disciple making is the most rewarding thing a Christian can do, and it doesn’t have to be complicated. If we want to know how to disciple someone effectively, we just have to look at the “Jesus Model.” He gave us a clear, five-step blueprint that works just as well in 2026 as it did in 30 AD.
Let’s break down these five steps, Selection, Association, Consecration, Impartation, and Demonstration, and see how you can start using them today.
Step 1: Selection (Choose the Few)
When Jesus started His ministry, He didn’t start by trying to convert the entire Roman Empire at once. He started with a few.
In Luke 6:12-13, we see Jesus spend an entire night in prayer before choosing His twelve disciples. He was intentional. He wasn’t looking for the most “religious” people; He was looking for people who were willing to follow.
How to apply this today:
If you want to know how to disciple someone, stop looking for a crowd. Look for one or two people in your life who are “F.A.T.”, Faithful, Available, and Teachable.Maybe it’s a younger person in your church, a neighbor who’s asking questions about God, or a coworker who’s going through a tough time. Don’t wait for a formal church program to start. Pray, ask God for guidance, and then simply invite them to grab coffee.
Step 2: Association (The Power of “With-ness”)
The biggest mistake we make in modern discipleship is thinking it’s a classroom activity. We think if we just finish a 6-week Bible study, we’ve “discipled” someone. But Jesus’ primary method was simple: Association.
He stayed with them. He walked with them. He ate with them. In Matthew 28:20, when He gives the Great Commission, He ends it by saying, “And surely I am with you always.” The “with-ness” was the point.
How to apply this today:
Real disciple making happens in the margins of life. It’s about inviting that person into your world.- Let them see how you handle a stressful day at work.
- Let them see how you pray when things go wrong.
- Invite them over for dinner while you’re wrangling the kids.
You don’t need a lesson plan as much as you need an open door. When you spend time together, spiritual conversations happen naturally.
Step 3: Consecration (A Call to Obedience)
Jesus didn’t just hang out with the disciples; He called them to a higher standard. He required Consecration, which is just a fancy word for being “set apart” for God’s purposes.
Jesus said in Matthew 16:24, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” Following Jesus isn’t just a hobby; it’s a lifestyle of obedience.
How to apply this today:
As a mentor or leader, your job isn’t just to be a “buddy.” It’s to encourage growth. This means helping the person you’re discipling develop holy habits: like regular Bible reading, prayer, and serving others.In our Disciple Maker app, we focus heavily on this because tracking progress helps create consistency. It’s not about legalism; it’s about helping someone stay committed to the path they’ve chosen. Don’t be afraid to ask the hard questions: “How is your prayer life this week?” or “What is God teaching you in His Word?”
Step 4: Impartation (Giving What You Have)
Jesus didn’t just give the disciples information; He gave them Himself. He gave them His Spirit. In John 20:22, He breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”
Disciple making is a spiritual transfer. You aren’t just teaching facts about the Bible; you are sharing the life of Christ that is within you. You are “imparting” the grace, wisdom, and peace that God has given you.
How to apply this today:
Be vulnerable. Share your own struggles and how God met you in them. You don’t have to be perfect to disciple someone: you just have to be honest. If you’ve learned how to trust God during a financial crisis, impart that faith to the person you’re mentoring. If you’ve learned how to forgive, share that process with them.Remember, you can’t give away what you don’t have. Keep your own tank full by staying connected to the Vine yourself! (Check out our quick start guide for staying on track).
Step 5: Demonstration (Show, Then Send)
Jesus was the ultimate “On-the-Job” trainer. He didn’t just tell them how to heal the sick or preach the Gospel; He demonstrated it while they watched. Then, He let them try it while He watched. Finally, He sent them out to do it on their own (Luke 9:1-2).
This is the goal of the Jesus Model: multiplication. A disciple isn’t fully trained until they are making disciples themselves.
How to apply this today:
Use the “I do, We do, You do” method:- I do, you watch: They see you lead a prayer, share your faith, or serve a neighbor.
- We do together: You both pray for someone, or you both lead a small group discussion.
- You do, I watch: They take the lead, and you give them encouraging feedback afterward.
- You do: They go and find someone else to disciple.
This is how a small group of twelve changed the entire world. It wasn’t through a viral video or a massive marketing campaign; it was through one-to-one demonstration and multiplication.
Why the Jesus Model Still Matters in 2026
We live in a world that is more connected than ever, yet people are lonelier than ever. We have more access to Bible teaching via podcasts and YouTube than any generation in history, yet biblical literacy is at an all-time low.
Why? Because information alone doesn’t change lives. Relationships do.
Whether you are a pastor looking to revamp your church’s strategy or a stay-at-home parent looking to mentor a friend, the Jesus Model is your roadmap. It takes the pressure off of being an “expert” and puts the focus on being a friend and a follower.
Ready to Start Making Disciples?
At Disciple Maker, we’ve built tools specifically designed to help you follow this 5-step model without getting overwhelmed. Whether you need help tracking your sessions, finding Bible study resources, or just staying organized, our app is here to support your journey.
Making disciples is the greatest adventure you’ll ever go on. It’s messy, it’s time-consuming, and sometimes it’s frustrating: but it’s exactly what we were created for.
Take the next step:
- Download the Disciple Maker App to start tracking your progress and stay intentional.
- Check out our guide on how to start a Bible study group that actually lasts.
- Not sure what discipleship is yet? Read our deep dive: What is Discipleship? Everything You Need to Know.
You don’t need to be a hero. You just need to follow the Shepherd and invite someone to walk along with you. Let’s get started!
- One-to-One Discipleship Made Simple: 7 Tools That Keep You Connected (Even Long-Distance)
Distance used to be a dealbreaker for discipleship. If your mentee moved across the country, got a new job in another state, or lived hours away, the relationship would just… fade. You’d promise to “stay in touch,” but life got busy, and before you knew it, months had passed without a real conversation.
But here’s the good news: distance doesn’t have to end discipleship anymore.
Thanks to technology, you can now maintain a deep, consistent one-to-one discipleship relationship with someone halfway across the world. The tools are simple, accessible, and: most importantly: they actually work.
Whether you’re mentoring a college student who moved away, discipling a missionary overseas, or just trying to stay connected with someone in a different time zone, these seven tools will keep your relationship strong and your discipleship intentional.
1. Video Calling Platforms: The Next Best Thing to Face-to-Face
Let’s start with the obvious one: video calls.
Platforms like Zoom, FaceTime, or Google Meet aren’t just for work meetings: they’re game-changers for long-distance mentoring. There’s something about seeing someone’s face, hearing their tone, and picking up on body language that texting or phone calls just can’t replicate.
Here’s how to use video calls effectively for one-to-one discipleship:
- Schedule regular meetings: and stick to them. Consistency is everything in discipleship, and a recurring calendar invite helps both of you prioritize the relationship.
- Create a “sacred space” mentality. Even though you’re on a screen, treat your discipleship meetings like you would an in-person coffee shop conversation. Minimize distractions, close other tabs, and be fully present.
- Use screen sharing for Bible study. Pull up a passage together, highlight verses, and work through it in real-time. It feels collaborative and keeps both of you engaged.
Video calls won’t ever fully replace sitting across the table from someone, but they’re a close second: and honestly, sometimes they’re even more convenient.
2. A Discipleship App That Does the Heavy Lifting
Here’s where things get really practical. If you’re serious about long-distance discipleship, you need a dedicated discipleship app that keeps everything in one place.
That’s where the Disciple Maker app comes in.
Instead of juggling email threads, random text messages, and forgotten Google Docs, Disciple Maker gives you a single platform where you can:
- Share lessons and devotionals with your mentee
- Track spiritual progress over weeks and months
- Set goals and milestones together (and celebrate when they’re hit)
- Stay connected with a global Christian community that encourages both of you
The beauty of a discipleship app is that it removes the friction. You’re not constantly thinking, “What should we study next?” or “Did they read that article I sent?” Everything is organized, accessible, and designed specifically for making disciples: not just chatting.
And when your mentee can open the app on their phone during lunch or before bed and see encouragement, accountability, and structure waiting for them? That’s when real transformation happens.
3. Shared Bible Reading Plans: Stay on the Same Page (Literally)
One of the easiest ways to stay connected in long-distance discipleship is to read the Bible together: even when you’re apart.
Pick a Bible reading plan (like the H.E.A.R method mentioned in discipleship circles or a simple chronological plan) and commit to reading the same passages each week. Then, when you meet up on video or check in via text, you already have something meaningful to discuss.
Here’s why this works:
- It gives you common ground. You’re both meditating on the same Scripture, so conversations go deeper faster.
- It builds spiritual rhythm. Even if you’re in different time zones, you’re both starting your day with God’s Word: and that’s powerful.
- It holds you both accountable. If your mentee knows you’re reading the same chapters, they’re more likely to actually open their Bible.
Paul writes in 2 Timothy 2:2, “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.” Shared Bible reading is how you pass on what you’ve learned: one passage at a time.
4. Messaging Apps: Daily Check-Ins That Matter
You don’t need to wait for your weekly video call to stay connected. Daily or weekly check-ins via text or messaging apps can keep the discipleship relationship warm and intentional.
Use platforms like:
- WhatsApp (great for international connections)
- Marco Polo (video messages that feel personal)
- Voxer (voice notes that let you share thoughts while driving or walking)
The key is to make these check-ins meaningful, not just noise. Instead of “How are you?” try:
- “What’s one thing God showed you this week?”
- “What’s a struggle you’re facing right now that I can pray about?”
- “I read this verse today and thought of you: [insert verse].”
These small, consistent touches keep discipleship alive between the “big” meetings. They remind your mentee that they’re not alone, even if you’re hundreds of miles apart.
5. Digital Devotionals and Resources: Equip Them to Grow
Long-distance discipleship works best when you’re equipping your mentee to feed themselves spiritually: not just spoon-feeding them every week.
Share digital resources like:
- Podcast episodes that dive into topics you’re discussing
- Blog posts or articles that unpack Scripture in practical ways
- Devotional apps or online Bible studies they can do at their own pace
The Disciple Maker app makes this even easier by giving you a library of discipleship lessons you can assign and track. Your mentee completes them on their own time, and then you discuss what they learned during your next meeting.
This approach follows Jesus’ model. He didn’t just teach the disciples: He sent them out to practice what they learned (Luke 10:1-2). You’re doing the same thing, just digitally.
6. Progress Tracking Systems: Celebrate the Wins
One of the hardest parts of long-distance discipleship is feeling like you’re not making progress. You can’t physically see your mentee every week, so it’s easy to wonder, “Are they actually growing?”
That’s why tracking spiritual progress is so important.
Whether you use a simple Google Sheet, a journaling app, or the built-in tracking features in the Disciple Maker app, having a way to look back and see growth over time is incredibly encouraging.
Track things like:
- Scriptures memorized
- Habits built (daily prayer, consistent Bible reading, serving others)
- Conversations shared about faith
- Milestones in their walk with God
When you can pull up a list of everything they’ve accomplished over the past three months, it’s proof that discipleship is working: even from a distance. And celebrating those wins together? That’s fuel to keep going.
7. Online Community: You’re Not Discipling Alone
Here’s the truth: one-to-one discipleship is powerful, but it’s even stronger when it’s connected to a larger community.
Even if you’re the primary mentor, your mentee needs other believers in their life. That’s where online Christian communities come in: whether it’s a private Facebook group, a Slack channel, or the global community inside the Disciple Maker app.
These communities provide:
- Encouragement from multiple voices, not just yours
- Diverse perspectives on Scripture and life challenges
- Accountability from people who share the same goals
- A sense of belonging, which is critical for spiritual health
Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds us: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together… but encouraging one another.” You can “meet together” digitally: and it counts.
Distance Doesn’t Disqualify You from Discipleship
Let’s wrap this up with a truth that matters: God isn’t limited by geography.
You don’t need to live in the same city, attend the same church, or even be in the same time zone to disciple someone well. With the right tools, a little intentionality, and a willingness to embrace technology, long-distance discipleship can be just as transformative as meeting face-to-face.
And honestly? Sometimes it’s even better. When someone knows you’re making time to FaceTime them from across the country, or that you’re waking up early to pray for them despite the time difference, it sends a powerful message: You matter. Your growth matters. And God is at work in you: no matter where you are.
Ready to take your one-to-one discipleship to the next level? Download the Disciple Maker app and start using a tool that’s built for exactly this. Share lessons, track progress, and stay connected with your mentee: all in one place.
Because distance may separate you physically, but it doesn’t have to separate you spiritually.
- Christian Mentoring 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Mastering One-to-One Discipleship
You know what? Christian mentoring doesn’t have to feel complicated or intimidating. If you’ve ever felt like you’re not “qualified” to disciple someone, you’re not alone. Most of us think we need a theology degree or decades of ministry experience before we can help someone else grow spiritually.
But here’s the truth: one-to-one discipleship is simply walking alongside someone in their faith journey. It’s meeting regularly, reading Scripture together, praying, and helping each other follow Jesus more closely. That’s it. Jesus didn’t call the most educated or polished people, He called ordinary fishermen and tax collectors who were willing to follow Him and help others do the same.
In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus gave us the Great Commission: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” Notice He didn’t say “make church attenders” or “get people to show up on Sunday.” He said make disciples. And that happens best in authentic, one-to-one relationships.
Let’s break down how you can start (or improve) your discipleship mentoring without overcomplicating it.
The Simple Framework: Meet, Read, Pray, Obey, Share
If you’re looking for a beginner-friendly approach to Christian mentoring, this five-step framework is gold. It’s simple enough to remember but powerful enough to transform lives.
1. Meet
Consistency is everything. Pick a time each week (or every other week) and stick to it. Coffee shops, living rooms, even walking trails: wherever works. The key is showing up regularly so trust can build and spiritual growth can happen.2. Read
Open the Bible together. Start with a Gospel (John is great for new believers) or work through a short epistle like Philippians. Read a few verses, then talk about what they mean and how they apply to real life. Don’t just lecture: ask questions like “What stands out to you?” or “How does this challenge you?”3. Pray
Pray together at the end of each meeting. It doesn’t have to be fancy. Pray for each other’s struggles, families, and growth. Praying with someone builds spiritual intimacy faster than almost anything else.4. Obey
James 1:22 says, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” Discipleship isn’t just about knowledge: it’s about obedience. At the end of each meeting, identify one specific way to apply what you’ve read. Maybe it’s forgiving someone, serving at church, or breaking a bad habit. Then check in next time: “How did it go?”5. Share
Encourage your mentee to share their faith with others. Discipleship isn’t meant to stop with them: it’s a multiplication process. Talk about who they could invite into their life the same way you’ve invested in them.A Sample Meeting Plan (That Actually Works)
Okay, so what does a typical one-to-one discipleship meeting look like? Here’s a simple 60-minute plan you can follow:
Opening (5 minutes)
Catch up on life. Ask how their week went. Don’t skip this: it shows you care about them as a person, not just their spiritual progress.Review & Accountability (10 minutes)
Ask: “How did you do with what we talked about last time?” This keeps the focus on obedience, not just information. Celebrate wins, talk through struggles.Bible Study (25 minutes)
Read a passage together (5-10 verses is plenty). Discuss what it means, what it reveals about God, and how it applies to life. Use open-ended questions to get them talking, not just nodding.Prayer Requests (10 minutes)
Ask what they need prayer for. Write it down. This shows you’re serious about praying for them throughout the week.Closing Prayer (5 minutes)
Pray together for the requests they shared and for wisdom to obey what you’ve studied.Next Steps (5 minutes)
Agree on one specific action step from your study. Confirm your next meeting time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid (Learn From My Failures)
Let’s be honest: most of us mess up at some point in Christian mentoring. Here are the mistakes I see (and have made) most often:
Talking too much
Your mentee doesn’t need a sermon. They need a conversation. Ask more questions than you answer. Let silence sit for a bit: it’s okay if they need time to think.Skipping the hard stuff
If you only talk about surface-level topics, growth will be shallow. Ask about sin struggles, doubts, and fears. Real discipleship happens when we’re vulnerable, not when we’re polished.Forgetting to pray between meetings
If you’re not praying for your mentee during the week, you’re missing half the battle. Set a reminder on your phone if you need to.Making it all about curriculum
Books and studies are helpful, but discipleship is about relationship. If you’re just going through material without connecting personally, you’re missing the point.Trying to fix everything
You’re not the Holy Spirit. Your job isn’t to solve all their problems: it’s to point them to Jesus and walk with them. Trust God to do the heart work.Proverbs 27:17 reminds us, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Both of you will grow through this process: not just your mentee.
How the Disciple Maker App Keeps You on Track
Here’s where things get practical. One of the biggest challenges in discipleship mentoring is consistency. Life gets busy, you forget what you talked about last time, or you lose momentum.
That’s where the Disciple Maker app comes in.
Share lessons instantly
You can send Bible study materials, articles, or videos directly through the app. No more “I’ll email it to you later” and then forgetting.Track progress
The app lets you see where your mentee is in their journey: what lessons they’ve completed, what they’re struggling with, and what they’re ready for next. It’s like having a discipleship roadmap right in your pocket.Stay consistent (even offline)
Whether you’re meeting in person or catching up over the phone, the app keeps everything organized. You can even use it offline if you’re meeting somewhere without Wi-Fi.
Accountability made easy
Set reminders for your meetings, track prayer requests, and follow up on action steps. It takes the guesswork out of discipleship and helps you stay intentional.The best part? It doesn’t replace the relational heart of one-to-one discipleship: it just makes it easier to stay consistent and organized.
Your Next Step
If you’ve been putting off Christian mentoring because you don’t feel ready, let me tell you something: you’re ready enough. Jesus didn’t wait until His disciples had it all figured out before He sent them out. He just told them to go.
Pick someone. Invite them to coffee. Start meeting. Read the Bible together. Pray. Obey. Share. It really is that simple.
And if you want a tool to help you stay on track, check out the Disciple Maker app. It’s built specifically for people like you who want to make disciples without all the administrative headaches.
Paul told Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:2, “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.” That’s the discipleship chain. You invest in someone, they invest in someone else, and the gospel spreads.
You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be willing.
Ready to get started? Download the app or learn more about how Disciple Maker can help you make disciples who make disciples.