The Reformed Life

In many churches, discipleship is often seen as the job of elders, small group leaders, or the most learned. But Scripture makes it clear that every believer is called to be a disciple-maker. Discipleship isn’t an optional ministry for the ultra-committed—it’s the normal Christian life.

Discipleship: More Than a Program

In their book The Trellis and the Vine, Colin Marshall and Tony Payne describe discipleship as “the growth of the gospel through the lives of people, rather than the growth of structures.” The trellis represents the structures that support ministry—programs, events, and organizational strategies. But the vine represents the actual growth of people in Christ. If we focus only on building trellises (programs) without nurturing the vine (people), we miss the heart of discipleship.

Jesus’ Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20) is not a call to build better programs but to make disciples. That means discipleship is fundamentally relational. It happens in real conversations, real relationships, and real life.

Every Christian Is a Disciple-Maker

Too often, believers assume that discipleship is a job for pastors, missionaries, or mature Christians. But Ephesians 4:11-12 tells us that pastors exist to equip the saints for the work of ministry. That means every Christian is called to build others up in the faith.

Paul’s words to Timothy apply to all of us:

“What you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.” (2 Tim. 2:2)

The pattern of discipleship is multiplication. We are called not just to grow personally in Christ, but to invest in others so they, in turn, can disciple others.

What Does Discipleship Look Like?

If discipleship is for every believer, what does it actually look like in daily life? Here are a few simple ways to live it out:

1. Be a Growing Disciple Yourself

You can’t lead others where you aren’t going. Your personal walk with Christ—through prayer, Scripture, obedience, and dependence on the Spirit—is foundational.

2. Invest in One or Two People Intentionally

Jesus ministered to the crowds, but He focused deeply on twelve disciples—and even more intentionally on three (Peter, James, and John). You don’t have to disciple a large group. Start with one or two people.

• Meet regularly over coffee or lunch.
• Read and discuss Scripture together.
• Pray for and with them.
• Encourage them in their walk with Christ.

3. Teach the Word in Everyday Life

Discipleship doesn’t require a classroom. It happens in the normal rhythms of life:

• Talking about a sermon after church.
• Encouraging a younger believer over lunch.
• Walking through a biblical response to life’s struggles.

Colossians 3:16 calls us to let the word of Christ dwell in us richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom. Every Christian can do this—no seminary degree required.

4. Encourage Multiplication

Discipleship isn’t complete until the one you disciple begins to disciple others. Encourage them to pass on what they’re learning to someone else. The goal isn’t just spiritual growth, but multiplication—vine work that keeps spreading.

Start Small, Stay Faithful

Discipleship doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It starts with ordinary believers committing to walk alongside others in Christ. Whether you’re a pastor or a stay-at-home parent, a teenager or a retiree, you have a role to play.

So, who is one person you can start discipling today?

“And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.” (2 Tim. 2:2)

Discipleship isn’t just a church program—it’s the mission of every believer. Let’s get to work.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Josh Chambers

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