Reimagining Discipleship: Addressing Challenges in Modern Christian Practice

Church Doctor Report
August 2024

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There is no dispute that discipleship is the cornerstone of biblical, spiritual formation. The words of Jesus are clear in Matthew 28:18-20 (CSB):

Jesus said, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you.”

Yet, every people group and every generation must wrestle with how to obey this commandment of Jesus in their own culture and language.

Here in America, the idea of being a disciple has grown fuzzy over the years. Being a disciple somehow became linked to people in white robes, sandals, and beards listening to some kind of super-preacher out in the countryside drone on and on about pie in the sky, by and by.

We can clear away that misconception with a solid definition of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. This is from philosopher and Christian teacher Dallas Willard: “Discipleship is being with another person in order to become capable of doing what that person does or to become like what that person is. An ‘apprentice’ of Jesus is learning from Him how to lead their life as He would lead their life if He were they.”

By incorporating the concept of apprentice into the definition of discipleship, we get at the original meaning of the word. In essence, discipleship is a practice that includes both disciple and disciple-maker. The result is the transformation of both people.

And here we are introduced to an incredible reality. Jesus has entrusted us with the transformative task of guiding individuals toward spiritual growth and empowerment! Every Jesus-follower is given this task. And that underscores the enormous trust placed by God in every believer to participate in the ongoing work of God’s Kingdom. This is a responsibility that transcends the boundaries of culture, ethnicity, or social status, encompassing all of us who profess faith in Jesus.

Wow! God really trusts us!

This trust carries with it, of course, the weight of immense responsibility. It requires believers to embody (practice) the teachings and example of Jesus, to live lives characterized by love, humility, and integrity. And it necessitates a deep commitment to personal transformation and ongoing discipleship from the disciple and the disciple-maker. We recognize that we cannot effectively guide others toward growth and empowerment if we ourselves are not actively engaged in our own journey of faith. This is the Father’s plan for building the future of His Church. And again, He has put that plan into the hands of every believer.

Unfortunately, over the years modern discipleship has been relegated to the office of the clergy. “Would God really trust ordinary laypeople with such an important thing?” the question goes.  And, as the years passed, it was assumed that only the clergy could truly make disciples. After all, so the thinking went, they were the only ones ordained. They were the only ones officially trained to do such a spiritual ministry: “This is what we pay them for.” And from there, things became fuzzier and modern discipleship became murkier.

As a result, the American church today faces a number of challenges with modern discipleship.

1. Shallow understanding: In some cases, modern discipleship may focus more on superficial activities or knowledge transfer rather than genuine spiritual transformation. This can lead to a shallow understanding of faith and a lack of depth in discipleship relationships.
2. Consumerism: In our consumer-driven culture, modern discipleship can sometimes be approached as a product or service to be consumed rather than a lifelong journey of growth and commitment.
3. Individualism: Modern discipleship can also be influenced by individualistic attitudes, where the emphasis is placed on personal growth and fulfillment without communal responsibility and engagement. Discipleship was always meant to be something done in community with other believers.
4. Lack of mentoring: In some contexts, modern discipleship may lack intentional mentoring relationships, where more mature believers invest time and effort in guiding and equipping younger or less mature believers.
5. Overemphasis on programs: While discipleship programs can be beneficial, an overemphasis on structured programs may overlook the importance of organic, relational discipleship. True discipleship often occurs within the context of authentic relationships rather than formalized programs.
6. Neglect of holistic growth: Sometimes modern discipleship focuses solely on spiritual growth while neglecting other aspects of the person such as emotional, relational, and social growth. A more holistic approach to discipleship recognizes the interconnectedness of these dimensions in the life of the believer and emphasizes the authority and care of Jesus over all areas of our lives.

Addressing these challenges to modern discipleship requires a renewed emphasis on the foundational principles of discipleship found in Scripture: relational authenticity, sacrificial love, intentional mentoring, and holistic growth. By prioritizing these biblical principles, we can lay down a simple—though not simplistic—path for a discipleship that transforms both individuals, disciple and disciple-maker. For that is the goal of discipleship: the transformation of Jesus-followers into the image of the Lord: “And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit” (2 Corinthians 3:18 NIV).

So, what does specifically addressing these challenges look like? In other words, what should a disciple-maker do?

Although he was not writing about discipleship per se, I believe the insights of leadership scholar George MacGregor Burns on transformational leadership can be helpful when applied to discipleship in our own day and culture. They can give us some modern-day “tracks to run on” as we attempt to carry out the Great Commission.

So, we start with the five I’s of discipleship:

• Intentional action: Discipleship must be intentional. It is more than a couple of friends getting together for hot dogs and hamburgers. There must be an intention on the part of the disciple-maker to pass along the spiritual insights gained by experience in walking with Jesus. Discipleship can be formal or informal, but, at least in the disciple-maker’s mind, there must be a purpose and general plan beyond fellowship. That means carving out the time necessary to be with a person from a busy schedule. And it means preparing for the whole process with prayer. Luke 14:28 says, “For which of you, wanting to build a tower, doesn’t first sit down and calculate the cost to see if he has enough to complete it?”
• Idealized influence: This is about walking the talk. The result of a close relationship to Jesus is that others see Him in your behavior as you encounter many different situations. And what they see as you go through trials and struggles—drawing on the power of the Holy Spirit, looking to Scripture for guidance, holding fast to the Kingdom values God has placed in your heart—is something that will draw them to you. The influence of the Lord on your life will draw others to your own sphere of influence. If He builds you, they will come! First Corinthians 11:1 says, “Imitate me, as I also imitate Christ.”
• Individualized consideration: Jesus took the time to know each person well. He showed personal concern and offered individual guidance to His disciples and followers. He models for us the importance of the disciple-maker to take the time to really know the person they are working with. What are their cares, concerns, joys, goals, and struggles? Care and empathy are the watchwords of discipleship. This isn’t getting to know someone so you can notch your discipleship belt. This is a willingness to go deep with a person the Lord has brought into your life. It takes authenticity and a willingness to share your own struggles and cares as you deliberately invest your life into another person. John 10:14 says, ^“I am the good shepherd. I know my own, and my own know me….”
• Inspirational motivation: This is not about being a preacher or eloquent teacher. Not at all. This is about introducing someone to the glorious God of the Universe and expanding their vision of Who He is. Perhaps it’s a conversation over the beauty of Creation while you’re fishing in a stream. Or maybe it’s sharing the wonder of the varieties of plants or the complexities of the stars. Or perhaps it is as simple as you seeing God do something in your daily life that you can share with them. The goal is to help them see a bigger picture of God than they’ve seen before and to discover a new and inspiring perspective that will result in a newer, fresher vision of Who He is. Hebrews 10:24 says,“And let us consider one another in order to provoke love and good works….”
• Intellectual stimulation: And, of course, there should be a tutoring in the Word of God. This is what George H.W. Bush called “the vision thing.” Here is where the disciple can glimpse how they fit into God’s overarching plan. They need to see the large design of God, Who from the beginning planned the redemption of the earth through the death and resurrection of His Son. The values, teachings, and ways of God are revealed in how He has interacted with humanity throughout time, and the Bible records that. Learning and meditating on the Scriptures results in the renewing of the mind that Paul spoke of in

Romans 12:2: “Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.”

These five I’s of discipleship give the disciple-maker tracks to run on. Every disciple is unique, and consequently, every discipleship partnership is unique. However, guided by the Holy Spirit, you can use these categories to ensure that you address all essential aspects throughout your discipleship relationship.

Make no mistake: Discipleship is a weighty responsibility, and yet as we step out in faith, we find there is also a profound grace that meets us. Jesus assures His followers of His abiding presence and support, promising: “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20 NIV). This assurance reminds us that we do not undertake this task alone, but we are empowered by the Holy Spirit and supported by the community of believers. Discipleship is a privilege and a calling that demands our wholehearted devotion and commitment, yet it’s also accompanied by the assurance of Christ’s presence and the promise of His empowering grace. For that, we give Him thanks!

Dr. Rupert Loyd Jr. has a B.A. in History from Miami University Oxford Oh, an M.Div. from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary Boston Mass. and a Ph.D. in Leadership from Union University in Cincinnati. He has over 40 years of pastoral experience in both urban and suburban churches, including multi-ethnic, multi-congregational churches. Throughout his career he has maintained a presence in both the church and the academy. Dr. Loyd currently teaches graduate and undergraduate classes in the College of Business and Leadership at Lourdes University and he holds the post of Lead Pastor at Marketplace Community Church in Toledo, Ohio.