Life Matters.
Topic: UNDERGOING DISCIPLESHIP 2. 

Sub topic: THE TECHNICALITIES OF DISCIPLESHIP 

Text: Matthew Matt 28:19 (KJV).

Memory Verse (Eph 4:13 AMP): until we all reach oneness in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, [growing spiritually] to become a mature believer, reaching to the measure of the fullness of Christ [manifesting His spiritual completeness and exercising our spiritual gifts in unity]..
 

INTRODUCTION: Discipleship is highly spiritual and must be approached by paying attention to all the details and technicalities it entails. True discipleship is a lifelong journey toward Christ-likeness, and not something that can be completed with a 12-week discipleship class or a few Bible studies. We must take into account that everyone in the church will always be at different maturity levels inn terms of their relationship with Christ, as one “level” of maturity is reached, there is still a call for every believer to come up higher. 

Even as people mature into the Lord, we need to consistently provide the opportunity for continued growth for everyone. All believers, including pastors and leaders, are still growing toward the full image of Christ. Because none of us have arrived, ongoing discipleship remains essential for every member of the church.

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Lesson Outlines:

Outline 1: The Participants in the Discipleship Process

Outline 2: The Locations for undergoing Discipleship

Outline 3 : Methods of Making and Multiplying Disciples

 

Outline 1: The participants undergoing the discipleship process are in different levels as outlined below.We must understand the levels and relate with each level as we ought to inn order to maximise the goal behind the discipleship process. 

THE NON-BELIEVER: In making disciples, we must see each person in light of where they currently stand with Christ. Some are “pre‑Christ”—they have not yet met Him or confessed Him as Lord. This includes people outside the church, adults raised in Christianity who have not yet made a personal confession, and children approaching the age of accountability. Our goal is that, through their encounters with us, they will be drawn to Jesus and receive salvation.

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THE NEW BELIEVER (1st Pet 2:2): These set of people are no longer lost sinners; however, they will likely still struggle with what it means to be a Christian if not well discipled. It is at this stage that we must impart to the new believer the foundation of their new identity in Christ. The old man has passed away, and the new man is breaking through. Yet, it is a process to see the new man come in maturity, so we must help them. The diet to be served at this stage is the Milk of the Word of God

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THE GROWING/MATURING BELIEVERS: These are people who have integrated into the Christian life and are operating as part of the local fellowship of believers, this level is vital to longevity in Christ. The believer at this level must be taught not only to read the Bible as a matter of normal practice, but must also learn to interpret the meaning and apply it practically to their own life. These group of people are in the process of readying to eat the mat of the word of God (Hebrews 5:12-14)  .  This  is not the end of discipleship. People will attain maturity at this stage but we must continue to evolve and maturing  in the Lord , this is essential for everyone in this category , we cannot afford to plateau in our growth process. 

 

Outline 2: The Locations for undergoing Discipleship: 

Formal Locations: This is done in the church (Ps 122:1,1st Tim 3:15 & Heb 10:25) through Sunday morning church service or Midweek Bible Study and Prayer Meeting and other Church based programs.

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Informal Locations:  Discipleship is not limited to church gatherings; it is lived out in homes, workplaces, friendships, and everyday routines. While preaching and church involvement are essential, deeper discipleship can flourish when we also use informal settings. Meeting in homes, cafés, or other relaxed environments often makes it easier for people to relate, open up, and grow. Whatever the location, the goal remains the same: helping people become more like Christ while staying aligned with the vision and mission of the local church and its leadership. Arrange for opportunity to do things like sporting activities, shopping, studying/reading, completing departmental tasks together with targeted people in order to create opportunity for cordiality and Sprit guided interactions. The primary focus in these spaces is to build genuine trust, understand people's stories, and intentionally make room for organic spiritual conversations that "make disciples who make disciples. 

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Outline 3: Methods of Making and Multiplying Disciples

1. Sharing the Gospel (In the formal and Informal setting): “How will they hear without someone preaching?” — Romans 10:14–15

2. Teaching Scripture :“Teaching them to obey everything I commanded you.” — Matthew 28:20

3. Setting the examples for others to follow:1st Cor 11:1, 1st Tim 4:12 & Titus 2:7

4.Practicing  things that can build up spiritually 

• Prayer — 1 Thessalonians 5:17

• Fasting — 

• Living a life of a witness and maximising opportunity to shine as light:Matt 5:14-16

• Worship — John 4:23–24

• Service to the Lord and others: Gal 5:13

• Encouraging each other