Our Call to Discipleship

Jesus’ last recorded command was that we should make disciples in all nations. Now that sounds a little daunting, right? Discipleship can easily just be a big word, filled with too much responsibility, which someone smarter than me should probably be doing. But really, if you are a Christian and you are walking in the power of the Holy Spirit, you are completely capable of discipling any women out there!

When I was a sophomore in college, the leaders of our campus ministry encouraged me to disciple a younger girl in my ministry. This was absolutely terrifying and I definitely did not feel equipped for the task! But, let me tell you what I learned through that experience about why I was truly able to lead this other girl.

First of all, it’s not really about you! If you are discipling another woman, it is Christ within you who is the ultimate leader. You are only a tool being used by Christ to lead this woman closer to Him. Now, you are still responsible for what you say to her; make sure you are rooted in the Word daily so that what you pour out is aligned with truth. But beyond that, you can only trust that the Holy Spirit is speaking through and working in her heart.

The second very important lesson I learned is that you don't have to be perfect to be in a discipleship relationship. When I first was asked to do this, I was terrified because I knew I had struggles with sin and that I didn’t always read my Bible every single day. But lets be honest, we will never stop sinning (we are human!) and we will never be perfectly suited for the task of being an example to another believer. Now, we are called to a higher standard as leaders, but if we are walking in the Spirit and submitting to Him, we can trust that we are suitable for the task. And as a bonus, so often in my discipleship relationships, I can be vulnerable with my struggles, which is so helpful for her to see and learn from me!

 The last big lesson I learned is that we are called to be pouring out to other women. You have the exciting task of leading other women around you closer to Him, so you need to step up and do it. Be available and seeking for other women around you.

 Practically, here is what discipleship can look like (in case discipleship is still a big, vague word for you, like it was for me!): simply start by ask the other woman out for coffee so that you can get to know each other better. Everyone loves coffee and loves talking about themselves, so this truly fun and not too scary. Then, if she seems to be interested as well as ready for discipleship (if she seems faithful, available and teachable), ask her to make it a weekly thing! Now at this point you can assess what it will look like for the two of you each week, some examples might be talking about your lives, accountability, and studying the Word together.

Also check out the Spiritual Mentoring Series; How to Find a Mentor, How to Become a Mentor, How to Be a Mentor for more on how to disciple someone.

So be encouraged, you are qualified for the task, go out and serve other women in your community through discipleship.

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 all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)

About Kristen

Kristen is a recent college grad with a degree in Music Recording, she lives in Denver, and she is currently in full-time college ministry with Master Plan Ministries. Kristen is currently engaged, and will be married in May. Kristen loves drinking almond milk lattes, reading long books that take over your life, thunderstorms, and writing songs on guitar. You can also find her blogging at KristenLynJackson.com, on facebook, pinterest, and instagram.

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