Growing as a Disciple

Jesus said: Go Make Disciples.

One of the last things that Jesus said to his disciples was “Go make disciples of all nations”. His intent was that we help one another grow into mature followers of Jesus. It is not something that God planned for us to do alone but in partnership with the Holy Spirit and others who are seeking to live lives that are pleasing to God.

At Growing with God we seek to encourage four primary activities that help us grow to be Jesus’ disciples:

Prayer

Reading the Bible

Meeting together as Jesus followers

Sharing what we know of Jesus

PRAY DAILY

Find a daily simple pattern of prayer.

For example pray through the Lord’s Prayer and expand each category outlined by Jesus.  (See Matt 6:9-13)

  • The Fathers name to be honoured,

  • God’s kingdom to come, who needs to hear?

  • Your and others needs

  • Forgiveness and being forgiving

  • Protection from evil.

 Spend some time quietly listening to the Holy Spirit and if consistent with scripture (seek advice if needed) act on what God shows you to do.

We find Lectio 365 a great tool for connecting daily with God. Load the app onto your phone from this link.

BIBLE DAILY

Spending time reading and reflecting on the Bible is essential for discipleship. God renews us through His Word. We suggest reading say 3 chapters of the Bible each day or 20 a week.

Start with Genesis and Matthew and read 1 Psalm every day.

Ask yourself these (S.O.S.) questions as you read and record your insights in a notebook.

  1.  S: What are You saying to me in this passage?

  2.  O: How do You want me to obey this?

  3.  S: Who do You want me to share this with?

Sharing with others what God is revealing to us in these times of prayer and word helps the whole body grow. Pay it forward!

MEET WEEKLY

In normal rhythms a disciple would meet with other followers of Jesus in two or more ways every week:

  • attend Discovery Church weekly (4-15 people, using a DBS format)

  • Attend a larger church gathering regularly; ie weekly, biweekly or monthly (20-70+ people).  The frequency of the larger gathering will depend on your church family patterns. (eg Tuesday night with GwG - watch for a new gathering on Sundays)

  • a small prayer team weekly (2-3 people)

Meetings of disciples intent on following Jesus are called churches. The Greek word in the Bible that we translate as “church” means “assembly or congregation” - it refers to people, never a building.

Jesus’ favourite metaphor for his followers was family; ie brothers and sisters see  (Mark 3:33-35). Perhaps this because we are in reality part of God’s family and further, sibling relationships were considered to be the tightest social bond in the ancient world.

SHARE and TRAIN

Prayerfully sharing what we are learning about Jesus every week builds others and ourselves in relationship with God. Others have a chance to get to know Jesus too as we do this. See Mark 4:1-29: In particular reflect on how to be good soil (v20-25).

Seek the Holy Spirit for guidance on who you can bless each week - sieze the moment to share a Bible story or pray for someone!

 Consider: Who can you start a group with and pass on what you are learning to?  

When you meet with others, pray for your plans and friends.