Blog & Tips
- What Is Discipleship? Everything You Need to Know to Start Making Disciples Today
You’ve probably heard the word “discipleship” thrown around in church circles. Maybe your pastor mentioned it in a sermon, or you saw it on the cover of a Christian book at the bookstore. But here’s the thing: what is discipleship, really? And more importantly, how do you actually do it?
If you’ve ever felt like discipleship sounds important but also kind of vague and intimidating, you’re not alone. The good news? It’s way more straightforward than you might think. And by the end of this post, you’ll have a clear picture of what discipleship means and practical steps to start making disciples today.
Let’s dive in.
What Is Discipleship? A Simple Definition
At its core, discipleship is the process of following Jesus and becoming more like Him: in your attitudes, actions, and the way you love others. It’s not just about learning facts about Jesus (though that’s part of it). It’s about an ongoing, transformational relationship where you’re actively walking with Him and letting His teachings shape every area of your life.
Think of it like an apprenticeship. In the ancient world, a disciple didn’t just sit in a classroom taking notes. They lived with their teacher, watched how they handled situations, asked questions, made mistakes, and gradually became more and more like the person they were following.
That’s what Jesus invites us into.
“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”
: Matthew 4:19 (NIV)Notice that Jesus didn’t say, “Come, learn some theology.” He said, “Follow me.” Discipleship is relational. It’s active. And it’s meant to be reproduced: more on that in a minute.
What Does the Bible Say About Discipleship?
The word “disciple” appears over 250 times in the New Testament. Clearly, this wasn’t a side note for Jesus: it was central to His mission. And right before He ascended to heaven, He gave His followers what we now call 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.”
: Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV)Did you catch that? Jesus didn’t say “make converts” or “get people to pray a prayer.” He said make disciples. There’s a difference.
A convert is someone who has made a decision to follow Jesus. That’s amazing! But a disciple is someone who is continually growing, learning, obeying, and eventually helping others do the same. Conversion is the starting line. Discipleship is the journey.
Here’s another key verse:
“To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, ‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.'”
: John 8:31-32 (NIV)Real discipleship involves holding to Jesus’ teaching: not just hearing it, but living it out.
5 Key Characteristics of a True Disciple
So what does a disciple actually look like? Here are five essential markers:
1. Puts Jesus First
A disciple prioritizes Jesus above everything else: career, relationships, comfort, you name it. This doesn’t mean neglecting responsibilities, but it does mean Jesus gets the final say.
2. Studies and Obeys Scripture
Disciples are people of the Word. They don’t just read the Bible for information; they read it for transformation. And then they actually do what it says.
3. Produces Good Fruit
Jesus said you’ll know a tree by its fruit (Matthew 7:16). A growing disciple will show evidence of the Spirit’s work: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
4. Loves Others Genuinely
Discipleship isn’t a solo journey. Jesus’ command to “love one another” (John 13:34) is non-negotiable. Real disciples care for people: inside and outside the church.
5. Makes More Disciples
This is the part many people miss. Disciple making isn’t optional: it’s the natural overflow of a healthy disciple’s life. We’ll talk more about how to do this below.
Discipleship vs. Discipling: What’s the Difference?
Here’s a helpful distinction that clears up a lot of confusion:
Discipleship is your personal walk with Jesus. It’s “Christ in me”: your own spiritual growth and transformation.
Discipling is your investment in others. It’s “Christ through me”: helping someone else grow closer to Jesus.
Both matter. You can’t pour into others from an empty cup, so your own discipleship journey is essential. But if you’re growing and never sharing that growth with anyone else, you’re missing a huge part of what Jesus called us to.
The Apostle Paul put it this way:
“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.”
: 2 Timothy 2:2 (NIV)See the multiplication there? Paul taught Timothy. Timothy taught reliable people. Those people taught others. That’s how the gospel has spread for 2,000 years: and it’s still how disciple making works today.
How to Start Making Disciples Today
Feeling ready to jump in? Here are some practical steps to begin your disciple-making journey:
Start with Prayer
Ask God to show you who He’s already placed in your life. It might be a new believer at church, a coworker asking spiritual questions, or even your own kids. Disciple making often starts closer to home than we expect.
Be Intentional About Relationship
Discipleship happens best in the context of real relationship. This isn’t a program you run: it’s life you share. Grab coffee. Go for walks. Invite someone into your daily rhythms.
Use Scripture as Your Foundation
You don’t need a seminary degree to disciple someone. Open the Bible together. Read it. Talk about it. Ask questions like, “What does this teach us about God?” and “How should we respond?”
Be Honest About Your Own Journey
You don’t have to be perfect to disciple someone. In fact, sharing your struggles and how God is working through them can be more impactful than having all the answers.
Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection
Discipleship is a lifelong process. There will be setbacks. That’s okay. A good disciple-maker helps turn failures into teachable moments and keeps pointing people back to Jesus.
How Technology Can Help You Make Disciples
Here’s the reality: we live in a digital age, and that’s not a bad thing. Technology can be a powerful tool for disciple making: especially when you’re trying to stay connected with people across distances or when you need structured resources to guide your conversations.
That’s exactly why Disciple Maker exists.
The Disciple Maker app is designed to help you grow as a disciple and equip others along the way. Here’s what makes it so useful:
- Bible-based courses that walk you through foundational truths of the faith: perfect for new believers or anyone wanting to go deeper.
- Progress tracking so you can see how you (or someone you’re discipling) is growing over time.
- Offline access for global use: because disciple making happens everywhere, even in places with limited internet.
Whether you’re mentoring someone one-on-one or leading a small group, having a tool like this in your pocket makes the process simpler and more effective.
👉 Download the Disciple Maker app today and start your disciple-making journey with confidence.
You Were Made for This
Here’s the truth: discipleship isn’t just for pastors or “super Christians.” It’s for every follower of Jesus. If you’ve been walking with Him for any length of time, you have something to offer someone who’s a few steps behind you.
You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to be willing to walk alongside someone and point them to Jesus.
“The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher.”
: Luke 6:40 (NIV)That’s the goal. Not perfection: but Christ-likeness, one step at a time.
So what are you waiting for? The world needs more disciple makers. And with the right tools and a willing heart, you can be one of them.
Explore Disciple Maker and take your next step today.
- What Is Discipleship? Everything You Need to Know to Start Making Disciples Today
You’ve probably heard the word “discipleship” thrown around in church circles. Maybe your pastor mentioned it in a sermon, or you saw it on the cover of a Christian book at the bookstore. But here’s the thing: what is discipleship, really? And more importantly, how do you actually do it?
If you’ve ever felt like discipleship sounds important but also kind of vague and intimidating, you’re not alone. The good news? It’s way more straightforward than you might think. And by the end of this post, you’ll have a clear picture of what discipleship means and practical steps to start making disciples today.
Let’s dive in.
What Is Discipleship? A Simple Definition
At its core, discipleship is the process of following Jesus and becoming more like Him: in your attitudes, actions, and the way you love others. It’s not just about learning facts about Jesus (though that’s part of it). It’s about an ongoing, transformational relationship where you’re actively walking with Him and letting His teachings shape every area of your life.
Think of it like an apprenticeship. In the ancient world, a disciple didn’t just sit in a classroom taking notes. They lived with their teacher, watched how they handled situations, asked questions, made mistakes, and gradually became more and more like the person they were following.
That’s what Jesus invites us into.
“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” : Matthew 4:19 (NIV)
Notice that Jesus didn’t say, “Come, learn some theology.” He said, “Follow me.” Discipleship is relational. It’s active. And it’s meant to be reproduced: more on that in a minute.
What Does the Bible Say About Discipleship?
The word “disciple” appears over 250 times in the New Testament. Clearly, this wasn’t a side note for Jesus: it was central to His mission. And right before He ascended to heaven, He gave His followers what we now call 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.” : Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV)
Did you catch that? Jesus didn’t say “make converts” or “get people to pray a prayer.” He said make disciples. There’s a difference.
A convert is someone who has made a decision to follow Jesus. That’s amazing! But a disciple is someone who is continually growing, learning, obeying, and eventually helping others do the same. Conversion is the starting line. Discipleship is the journey.
Here’s another key verse:
“To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, ‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.'” : John 8:31-32 (NIV)
Real discipleship involves holding to Jesus’ teaching: not just hearing it, but living it out.
5 Key Characteristics of a True Disciple
So what does a disciple actually look like? Here are five essential markers:
1. Puts Jesus First
A disciple prioritizes Jesus above everything else: career, relationships, comfort, you name it. This doesn’t mean neglecting responsibilities, but it does mean Jesus gets the final say.
2. Studies and Obeys Scripture
Disciples are people of the Word. They don’t just read the Bible for information; they read it for transformation. And then they actually do what it says.
3. Produces Good Fruit
Jesus said you’ll know a tree by its fruit (Matthew 7:16). A growing disciple will show evidence of the Spirit’s work: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
4. Loves Others Genuinely
Discipleship isn’t a solo journey. Jesus’ command to “love one another” (John 13:34) is non-negotiable. Real disciples care for people: inside and outside the church.
5. Makes More Disciples
This is the part many people miss. Disciple making isn’t optional: it’s the natural overflow of a healthy disciple’s life. We’ll talk more about how to do this below.
Discipleship vs. Discipling: What’s the Difference?
Here’s a helpful distinction that clears up a lot of confusion:
Discipleship is your personal walk with Jesus. It’s “Christ in me”: your own spiritual growth and transformation.
Discipling is your investment in others. It’s “Christ through me”: helping someone else grow closer to Jesus.
Both matter. You can’t pour into others from an empty cup, so your own discipleship journey is essential. But if you’re growing and never sharing that growth with anyone else, you’re missing a huge part of what Jesus called us to.
The Apostle Paul put it this way:
“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.” : 2 Timothy 2:2 (NIV)
See the multiplication there? Paul taught Timothy. Timothy taught reliable people. Those people taught others. That’s how the gospel has spread for 2,000 years: and it’s still how disciple making works today.
How to Start Making Disciples Today
Feeling ready to jump in? Here are some practical steps to begin your disciple-making journey:
Start with Prayer
Ask God to show you who He’s already placed in your life. It might be a new believer at church, a coworker asking spiritual questions, or even your own kids. Disciple making often starts closer to home than we expect.
Be Intentional About Relationship
Discipleship happens best in the context of real relationship. This isn’t a program you run: it’s life you share. Grab coffee. Go for walks. Invite someone into your daily rhythms.
Use Scripture as Your Foundation
You don’t need a seminary degree to disciple someone. Open the Bible together. Read it. Talk about it. Ask questions like, “What does this teach us about God?” and “How should we respond?”
Be Honest About Your Own Journey
You don’t have to be perfect to disciple someone. In fact, sharing your struggles and how God is working through them can be more impactful than having all the answers.
Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection
Discipleship is a lifelong process. There will be setbacks. That’s okay. A good disciple-maker helps turn failures into teachable moments and keeps pointing people back to Jesus.
How Technology Can Help You Make Disciples
Here’s the reality: we live in a digital age, and that’s not a bad thing. Technology can be a powerful tool for disciple making: especially when you’re trying to stay connected with people across distances or when you need structured resources to guide your conversations.
That’s exactly why Disciple Maker exists.
The Disciple Maker app is designed to help you grow as a disciple and equip others along the way. Here’s what makes it so useful:
- Bible-based courses that walk you through foundational truths of the faith: perfect for new believers or anyone wanting to go deeper.
- Progress tracking so you can see how you (or someone you’re discipling) is growing over time.
- Offline access for global use: because disciple making happens everywhere, even in places with limited internet.
Whether you’re mentoring someone one-on-one or leading a small group, having a tool like this in your pocket makes the process simpler and more effective.
👉 Download the Disciple Maker app today and start your disciple-making journey with confidence.
You Were Made for This
Here’s the truth: discipleship isn’t just for pastors or “super Christians.” It’s for every follower of Jesus. If you’ve been walking with Him for any length of time, you have something to offer someone who’s a few steps behind you.
You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to be willing to walk alongside someone and point them to Jesus.
“The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher.” : Luke 6:40 (NIV)
That’s the goal. Not perfection: but Christ-likeness, one step at a time.
So what are you waiting for? The world needs more disciple makers. And with the right tools and a willing heart, you can be one of them.
Explore Disciple Maker and take your next step today.
- How to Disciple Someone: 5 Steps to Life-Changing One-to-One Mentoring (Easy Guide)
So you want to learn how to disciple someone? That’s awesome, and honestly, it’s one of the most impactful things you can do with your faith.
Here’s the thing though: discipleship isn’t about being a Bible scholar or having all the answers. It’s about walking alongside someone and helping them grow closer to Jesus. That’s it. One-to-one discipleship is simply doing life together with a spiritual purpose.
Jesus modeled this perfectly. He didn’t set up a classroom, He invited twelve ordinary guys to follow Him, watch Him, and learn by doing. And look what happened. Those twelve changed the world.
“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.” , Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV)
The Great Commission isn’t just for pastors or missionaries. It’s for all of us. And one-to-one Christian mentoring is one of the best ways to live it out.
Ready to get started? Here are five practical steps to life-changing discipleship.
Step 1: Listen First (Before You Teach Anything)
This might feel counterintuitive, but the first step in learning how to disciple someone is actually… not talking.
Before you open your Bible or share your wisdom, take time to genuinely listen. Ask questions. Get to know the person sitting across from you. What’s their story? What are they struggling with? What do they actually want from this relationship?
Here’s why this matters: most people rarely experience someone truly listening to them. When you give someone that gift, you build trust fast. And trust is the foundation of any meaningful discipleship relationship.
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” , James 1:19 (NIV)
This doesn’t have to be formal. Grab coffee. Go for a walk. Have them over for dinner. The setting matters less than your presence and attention.
Pro tip: Don’t rush this step. It’s tempting to jump straight into teaching mode, but resist that urge. The more you listen now, the more effective your mentoring will be later.
Step 2: Move Slow and Build Trust
Here’s a truth bomb: spiritual growth takes time. Your mentee might not open up right away, and that’s completely okay.
One-to-one discipleship isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon. Show up consistently. Be patient. Let trust develop naturally over weeks and months.
This feels slow, but it actually leads to faster progress in the long run. Why? Because once trust is established, the door opens for deeper conversations, honest confessions, and real transformation.
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” , Galatians 6:9 (ESV)
Think about it this way: Jesus spent three years with His disciples. Three years of eating together, traveling together, and doing life together. He didn’t rush. He invested.
Your consistency speaks louder than any lesson you could teach. When you keep showing up, you’re demonstrating that this person matters to you, and that God isn’t going anywhere either.
Step 3: Start with Prayer (Every Single Time)
Before you dive into any teaching or deep conversation, start with prayer. This is non-negotiable.
Prayer does a few powerful things in Christian mentoring:
- It invites God into the conversation (because let’s be real, He’s the one doing the real work)
- It creates a posture of humility for both of you
- It sets the spiritual tone for everything that follows
Here’s a simple practice: Ask your disciple how you can pray for them. Then actually pray, right there, out loud. And here’s the game-changer: ask them to pray for you too.
“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” , Matthew 18:20 (NIV)
When you invite them to pray for you, you’re putting yourself on the same level. You’re saying, “Hey, I’m not perfect either. We’re both learning here.” That vulnerability builds trust and models what a real prayer life looks like.
Make prayer a habit in your discipleship relationship. Pray before you meet. Pray during your time together. And let them know you’re praying for them throughout the week.
Step 4: Share Scripture and Personal Wisdom Naturally
Now we get to the teaching part: but probably not in the way you’re imagining.
Effective discipleship isn’t about downloading information into someone’s brain. It’s about bringing Scripture into conversations naturally, connected to what they’re actually experiencing in life.
When your mentee shares a struggle, don’t just say “I’ll pray for you.” Point them to a verse that speaks to their situation. When they celebrate a win, show them how God’s Word affirms what He’s doing in their life.
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” : Psalm 119:105 (NIV)
And here’s the secret sauce: share your own story. Talk about your victories AND your struggles. Your transparency builds trust and shows them that regular people: people with doubts and failures and bad days: can still grow in faith.
Don’t overload them with information early on. Focus on a few key habits:
- Reading the Bible (even just a chapter a day)
- Simple, honest prayer
- Obedience to what God’s already shown them
Small steps, consistently taken, lead to massive transformation over time.
Need help tracking your discipleship journey? The Disciple Maker app makes it easy to stay organized and intentional with your one-to-one mentoring. Check it out!
Step 5: Connect Them to Community and Celebrate Progress
Discipleship doesn’t happen in isolation. One of your most important jobs as a mentor is helping your disciple connect to a larger community of believers.
This might be a local church, a small group, or even just a few other Christians who can encourage them on their journey. We were never meant to follow Jesus alone.
“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.” : Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV)
As you help them find community, don’t forget to celebrate their progress along the way. Did they read their Bible three times this week? Celebrate it. Did they pray out loud for the first time? That’s huge: tell them!
Progress matters more than perfection. Every small step forward is worth acknowledging because it reinforces that they’re on the right track.
Encourage them to take simple, actionable steps:
- Read one chapter of John this week
- Memorize a single verse
- Share what they’re learning with one other person
Then celebrate every win, no matter how small.
You Don’t Have to Be Perfect: Just Present
Here’s the most encouraging news: you don’t need to have all the answers to disciple someone. You just need to be willing to walk alongside them.
Your presence matters more than your expertise. Sometimes you’ll lead. Sometimes you’ll learn together. And that’s exactly how it should be.
“Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” : 1 Corinthians 11:1 (NIV)
You’re not asking anyone to follow you perfectly. You’re inviting them to follow Jesus with you.
So take that first step. Ask someone to grab coffee. Start listening. Start praying. And watch what God does through your willingness to invest in another person’s faith.
Ready to start your discipleship journey? Visit Disciple Maker to explore tools and resources that make one-to-one Christian mentoring simple and effective. And don’t forget to download the app to keep your discipleship relationships organized and growing!
- How to Disciple Someone: 5 Steps to Life-Changing One-to-One Mentoring (Easy Guide)
So you want to learn how to disciple someone? That’s awesome, and honestly, it’s one of the most impactful things you can do with your faith.
Here’s the thing though: discipleship isn’t about being a Bible scholar or having all the answers. It’s about walking alongside someone and helping them grow closer to Jesus. That’s it. One-to-one discipleship is simply doing life together with a spiritual purpose.
Jesus modeled this perfectly. He didn’t set up a classroom, He invited twelve ordinary guys to follow Him, watch Him, and learn by doing. And look what happened. Those twelve changed the world.
“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.” , Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV)
The Great Commission isn’t just for pastors or missionaries. It’s for all of us. And one-to-one Christian mentoring is one of the best ways to live it out.
Ready to get started? Here are five practical steps to life-changing discipleship.
Step 1: Listen First (Before You Teach Anything)
This might feel counterintuitive, but the first step in learning how to disciple someone is actually… not talking.
Before you open your Bible or share your wisdom, take time to genuinely listen. Ask questions. Get to know the person sitting across from you. What’s their story? What are they struggling with? What do they actually want from this relationship?
Here’s why this matters: most people rarely experience someone truly listening to them. When you give someone that gift, you build trust fast. And trust is the foundation of any meaningful discipleship relationship.
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” , James 1:19 (NIV)
This doesn’t have to be formal. Grab coffee. Go for a walk. Have them over for dinner. The setting matters less than your presence and attention.
Pro tip: Don’t rush this step. It’s tempting to jump straight into teaching mode, but resist that urge. The more you listen now, the more effective your mentoring will be later.
Step 2: Move Slow and Build Trust
Here’s a truth bomb: spiritual growth takes time. Your mentee might not open up right away, and that’s completely okay.
One-to-one discipleship isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon. Show up consistently. Be patient. Let trust develop naturally over weeks and months.
This feels slow, but it actually leads to faster progress in the long run. Why? Because once trust is established, the door opens for deeper conversations, honest confessions, and real transformation.
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” , Galatians 6:9 (ESV)
Think about it this way: Jesus spent three years with His disciples. Three years of eating together, traveling together, and doing life together. He didn’t rush. He invested.
Your consistency speaks louder than any lesson you could teach. When you keep showing up, you’re demonstrating that this person matters to you, and that God isn’t going anywhere either.
Step 3: Start with Prayer (Every Single Time)
Before you dive into any teaching or deep conversation, start with prayer. This is non-negotiable.
Prayer does a few powerful things in Christian mentoring:
- It invites God into the conversation (because let’s be real, He’s the one doing the real work)
- It creates a posture of humility for both of you
- It sets the spiritual tone for everything that follows
Here’s a simple practice: Ask your disciple how you can pray for them. Then actually pray, right there, out loud. And here’s the game-changer: ask them to pray for you too.
“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” , Matthew 18:20 (NIV)
When you invite them to pray for you, you’re putting yourself on the same level. You’re saying, “Hey, I’m not perfect either. We’re both learning here.” That vulnerability builds trust and models what a real prayer life looks like.
Make prayer a habit in your discipleship relationship. Pray before you meet. Pray during your time together. And let them know you’re praying for them throughout the week.
Step 4: Share Scripture and Personal Wisdom Naturally
Now we get to the teaching part: but probably not in the way you’re imagining.
Effective discipleship isn’t about downloading information into someone’s brain. It’s about bringing Scripture into conversations naturally, connected to what they’re actually experiencing in life.
When your mentee shares a struggle, don’t just say “I’ll pray for you.” Point them to a verse that speaks to their situation. When they celebrate a win, show them how God’s Word affirms what He’s doing in their life.
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” : Psalm 119:105 (NIV)
And here’s the secret sauce: share your own story. Talk about your victories AND your struggles. Your transparency builds trust and shows them that regular people: people with doubts and failures and bad days: can still grow in faith.
Don’t overload them with information early on. Focus on a few key habits:
- Reading the Bible (even just a chapter a day)
- Simple, honest prayer
- Obedience to what God’s already shown them
Small steps, consistently taken, lead to massive transformation over time.
Need help tracking your discipleship journey? The Disciple Maker app makes it easy to stay organized and intentional with your one-to-one mentoring. Check it out!
Step 5: Connect Them to Community and Celebrate Progress
Discipleship doesn’t happen in isolation. One of your most important jobs as a mentor is helping your disciple connect to a larger community of believers.
This might be a local church, a small group, or even just a few other Christians who can encourage them on their journey. We were never meant to follow Jesus alone.
“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.” : Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV)
As you help them find community, don’t forget to celebrate their progress along the way. Did they read their Bible three times this week? Celebrate it. Did they pray out loud for the first time? That’s huge: tell them!
Progress matters more than perfection. Every small step forward is worth acknowledging because it reinforces that they’re on the right track.
Encourage them to take simple, actionable steps:
- Read one chapter of John this week
- Memorize a single verse
- Share what they’re learning with one other person
Then celebrate every win, no matter how small.
You Don’t Have to Be Perfect: Just Present
Here’s the most encouraging news: you don’t need to have all the answers to disciple someone. You just need to be willing to walk alongside them.
Your presence matters more than your expertise. Sometimes you’ll lead. Sometimes you’ll learn together. And that’s exactly how it should be.
“Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” : 1 Corinthians 11:1 (NIV)
You’re not asking anyone to follow you perfectly. You’re inviting them to follow Jesus with you.
So take that first step. Ask someone to grab coffee. Start listening. Start praying. And watch what God does through your willingness to invest in another person’s faith.
Ready to start your discipleship journey? Visit Disciple Maker to explore tools and resources that make one-to-one Christian mentoring simple and effective. And don’t forget to download the app to keep your discipleship relationships organized and growing!
- Does a Discipleship App Really Matter in 2026? Here's the Truth
Let’s be honest for a second. When you hear “discipleship app,” you might picture someone scrolling through their phone during a sermon or replacing real community with a screen. And hey, that skepticism is fair.
But here’s the thing, we’re living in 2026, and the way people connect, learn, and grow has fundamentally changed. Over 5 billion people now have access to mobile devices. That’s 5 billion potential disciples who can be reached, equipped, and encouraged to follow Jesus.
So does a discipleship app really matter? Let’s dig into the truth together.
The Great Commission Hasn’t Changed
Before we talk apps and technology, let’s get back to the foundation. Jesus gave us marching orders that are just as relevant today as they were 2,000 years ago:
“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. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” , Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV)
Notice what Jesus said: make disciples of all nations. Not just your neighborhood. Not just the people who show up on Sunday morning. All nations.
The mission hasn’t changed. But the tools we use to accomplish it? Those have expanded in incredible ways.
Why Discipleship Apps Matter More Than Ever
Here’s some truth that might surprise you: spiritual app downloads have risen 79.5% since 2019, and Bible sales are up 41.6% since 2022. People aren’t running away from faith, they’re actively searching for ways to grow deeper in it.
And churches that have embraced digital tools for discipleship? They’re seeing higher engagement from their congregants, especially beyond Sunday services.
Think about it. How often do you check your phone each day? Now imagine if every time someone picked up their phone, they had an opportunity to:
- Read Scripture
- Track their spiritual growth
- Connect with a global community of believers
- Access discipleship content, even offline
That’s not replacing real community. That’s extending it into every moment of someone’s week.
As Paul wrote to the Corinthians:
“I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.” , 1 Corinthians 9:22 (NIV)
Paul adapted his approach to reach people where they were. In 2026, that means meeting people on their devices.
But Can an App Really Make Disciples?
Okay, let’s address the elephant in the room. Can a piece of software actually help someone become a disciple of Jesus?
Here’s the honest answer: An app doesn’t make disciples. People do.
But a discipleship app can be an incredibly powerful tool that helps you do what you’re already called to do, more effectively and with greater reach.
Think of it like this. A hammer doesn’t build a house. A carpenter does. But try building a house without a hammer, and you’re going to have a rough time.
The same principle applies here. Jesus called us to make disciples. A discipleship app helps us:
- Equip believers with structured content and biblical teaching
- Track progress so no one falls through the cracks
- Stay connected even when life gets busy
- Reach people globally who might never walk through your church doors
What Makes a Discipleship App Actually Useful?
Not all apps are created equal. Some are glorified Bible readers (which is fine, but not transformational). Others are so complicated that nobody uses them past the first week.
A truly effective discipleship app needs features that support real spiritual growth. Here’s what to look for, and what we’ve built into the Disciple Maker app:
1. Offline Access
Let’s be real, Wi-Fi isn’t everywhere. Whether someone is on a mission trip in a remote village or simply commuting through a dead zone, they should still be able to access their discipleship content. Offline access ensures that growth doesn’t stop when the signal does.
2. Progress Tracking
Spiritual growth can feel abstract sometimes. “Am I actually growing?” Progress tracking gives users (and mentors) a clear picture of where someone is in their journey. It’s not about legalism, it’s about intentionality.
“Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord.” , Lamentations 3:40 (NIV)
Self-examination is biblical. Tracking helps facilitate that.
3. A Global Community
One of the most beautiful aspects of the body of Christ is that it spans every nation, tribe, and tongue. With the Disciple Maker app, you’re not just connecting with your local church, you’re joining a global community of believers who are all pursuing the same mission: making disciples.
“After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne.” , Revelation 7:9 (NIV)
That vision of heaven? We can get a taste of it right now through global connection.
4. Structured Curriculum
Random devotionals are great, but discipleship requires intentional teaching. The Disciple Maker app provides structured courses that walk users through foundational truths and practical application, step by step.
Explore all the features here →
The Balance: Digital Tools + Real Relationships
Here’s something we need to be clear about: a discipleship app should never replace in-person community.
Research consistently shows that while digital discipleship expands reach and enhances engagement, face-to-face relationships remain the most effective way to help someone grow in their faith. Younger generations especially value relational, in-person mentoring alongside digital tools.
The goal isn’t “either/or.” It’s “both/and.”
Use the app to:
- Keep people engaged throughout the week
- Provide resources for small group leaders
- Connect with believers you can’t meet in person
- Track and encourage spiritual growth
But continue to:
- Meet face-to-face when possible
- Build authentic relationships
- Pray together, serve together, and do life together
“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.” , Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV)
Technology is a bridge, not a destination.
So… Does a Discipleship App Matter in 2026?
Yes. Absolutely yes.
Not because technology is the answer to everything. But because we’ve been given a command to make disciples of all nations: and in 2026, that means using every tool available to reach, equip, and encourage believers wherever they are.
A discipleship app like Disciple Maker helps you:
- Extend your reach beyond your zip code
- Keep disciples engaged between Sundays
- Track growth and provide accountability
- Connect with a global community of Christ-followers
It’s not about replacing the personal touch. It’s about multiplying it.
Ready to Start Making Disciples?
If you’ve been looking for a way to be more intentional about discipleship: whether for yourself, your small group, or your entire church: we’d love to help.
The Disciple Maker app is designed to equip you with everything you need to grow and multiply followers of Jesus. And the best part? You can start today.
Visit our website to learn more →
Download the app on Google Play or the Apple App Store →
The harvest is plentiful. Let’s get to work.
“The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” : Matthew 9:37-38 (NIV)