What is Discipleship?

Discipleship is simply the state of being a disciple. A similar concept or phrase that would be more common today would be apprenticeship. An apprentice is seeking to become more like the one they are apprenticing under. In the same way, as disciples of Jesus, we are simply seeking to become more like Jesus in our actions and beliefs. 

In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus gave his followers what is known as the Great Commission. 

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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.”

The main thing Jesus is telling his disciples is that they are being called to go and make more disciples. And this command is still a command for this disciples today. Every follower of Jesus is called to make disciples. 

At West Highland, we define a disciple as someone who is “following Jesus, being changed by Jesus, and committed to the mission of Jesus”. This is based on Jesus’ words in Matthew 4:19 “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men”.

"Follow me" = Following Jesus

“I will Make you” = Being changed by Jesus

“Fishers of men” = Committed to the mission of Jesus

Discipleship Ministries at WH

Disciple-Making Resources: