“I don’t know what to do!” I sat across the table with my discipler, unsure of next steps in college, career, and calling. She rubbed her chin and responded, “You have a lot on your plate; let’s pray about it.”
Growing up in the church, I’ve had several discipling relationships, some through a formal program, and others more organic. In all these interactions, the goal was mutual edification and spiritual growth.
Throughout Scripture, the Lord emphasizes the importance of discipleship for every person. Discipleship isn’t a one time meeting, it’s a way of life. But how do we incorporate discipleship into our everyday lives?
Colossians 1:28 gives a clear vision for believers: “Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.”
Colossians was written during a hostile age—a time when false gospels abounded and right and wrong became blurred (Col. 2:8). In many ways, our world feels the same today.
This is why regular discipleship is so important! We often assume discipleship roles belong to youth leaders, pastors, or teachers, but it's a responsibility for everyone in the body of Christ. We aren’t called to stay on the pew and spectate—we all have an active part to play. What does this look like practically?
1) Proclaim
The first thing we see in Colossians 1:28 is the call to proclaim Christ. With so much discouragement in our world, it’s easy to proclaim bitterness. When we’re discipling others, we have the opportunity to lift their eyes back to Christ.
Even when we go through hard times, we can actively demonstrate trust in Christ in a work place or hospital room. As Jesus said when he departed earth, he is with us always. He may not remove all our trials, but his presence is near, often felt through the love of brothers and sisters. But sometimes discipleship is uncomfortable.
2) Admonish
I’ll never forget the encouragement of my mentor to dial back. I was committed to a church activity almost every day and didn’t have time to actually sit with the Lord and bask in his word. I was so busy serving, I didn’t prioritize fellowship with the best discipler.
Receiving admonishment isn't a killjoy, it's a gift. It's a timely warning to keep us safe. As Proverbs 15:31–32 says: “Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise. Those who disregard discipline despise themselves. But the one who heeds correction gains understanding.” Discipleship provides a safe space to receive correction on dangerous blind spots. When rooted in love, admonishment is a gift.
3) Teach
Finally, Colossians urges us to teach with wisdom. The beautiful part about God’s directive is he doesn’t leave us unequipped. He provides his word and his Spirit as the ultimate source of wisdom.
Teaching isn’t only reserved for the pulpit. Christians can learn from each other in homes as they observe parents raising children, or colleagues solving conflict. Each of us has the responsibility to teach the gospel to the next generation. When we don’t know how to do that, we can learn from Jesus’s example.
Learn from Jesus
When he taught the disciples how to serve, he didn’t always give a lecture—he got down on his knees and washed the disciples’ feet. They walked with him and saw him minister. Similarly, discipleship isn’t all informational—it should be an experiential knowledge. Mentors should take mentees along for a life of learning (Mark 10:45).
We serve a God who demonstrated perfect discipleship.
The goal of discipleship is to present every person complete in Christ—the young, orphans, single, married, parents, widows—everyone. The Greek word that we translate as complete isn’t perfection, but maturity.
We don’t have to shrink back in fear; Christ has given us everything we need to grow and help others grow as well. Who has God placed in your life to intentionally invest into?
