TOOLS & PRACTICES
“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
Jesus didn't call us to make converts or consumers. He called us to make disciples — people who know Him, love Him, obey Him, and multiply by making more disciples.
Discipleship isn't a program. It's a lifestyle of following Jesus and helping others do the same.
WHAT MAKES A DISCIPLE
Disciples immerse themselves in Scripture, studying it carefully and applying it faithfully.
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105).
Disciples love God supremely and love their neighbors sacrificially.
"By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13:35).
Disciples see themselves as ambassadors for Christ, sent to proclaim the gospel and make more disciples.
"As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you" (John 20:21).
Disciples invest in others who will invest in others.
"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 Timothy 2:2).
SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES
God uses certain practices — historically called “means of grace” — to shape us into Christ's image. These aren't legalistic requirements but life-giving habits that position us to receive God's grace.
Read Scripture daily, not just to gain information but to encounter the living God. Meditate on what you read — chew it slowly, ask questions, apply it personally.
Suggested rhythm: Read a chapter, pick one verse to memorize, and one truth to live out today.
Prayer is conversation with God — adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication. Pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
Try using the Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13) as a structure for daily prayer.
Don't neglect gathering with the church (Hebrews 10:24-25). Singing, hearing the Word preached, taking communion, and fellowship are essential for spiritual growth.
Gathering weekly with the church isn't optional; it's oxygen for your soul.
"Iron sharpens iron" (Proverbs 27:17). You need relationships where you can be known, encouraged, corrected, and spurred on.
Join a small group, find a mentor, and invest in younger believers.
Use your gifts to serve the body and the world. Give generously of your time, talents, and treasure.
Look for ways to serve weekly, not just when convenient.
Share the gospel with those who don't know Jesus. Make disciples, not just decisions. Go to the nations or support those who do.
"How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!" (Romans 10:15)
Intentionally abstain from food (or other good things) to focus on God. Fasting trains you to hunger for God more than earthly comforts.
Jesus said "when you fast," not "if you fast" (Matthew 6:16).
Regularly withdraw from noise and distraction to be alone with God. Jesus modeled this (Mark 1:35). In silence, the soul learns to hear God's voice.
Start with 10 minutes of silence before God daily.
You can't be a disciple alone. Christianity is inherently communal. Biblical discipleship often happens through intentional relationships:
Paul → Timothy: Mentoring a younger believer in ministry
Barnabas → John Mark: Encouraging and restoring a struggling disciple
Priscilla & Aquila → Apollos: Gently correcting and instructing
Jesus → The Twelve: Living life together, teaching, and sending
Look for someone further along in the faith. Ask them to meet regularly to pray, study, and discuss life.
“Walk with the wise and become wise” (Proverbs 13:20).
You don't need to be an expert. If you're one step ahead, you can help someone one step behind.
“What you have learned and received… practice these things” (Philippians 4:9).
HOW VERITAS HELPS
Historical background, cross-references, word studies, and theological insights to help you understand the text.
Curated reading plans that guide you through books, topics, or character studies with reminders and progress tracking.
Ask questions and dive deeper with our AI assistant. Get answers grounded in trusted commentaries, complete with citations.
Share notes, highlights, and insights with your small group or discipleship partner. Collaborate on study projects together.
Discipleship isn't a course you complete; it's a lifelong journey of following Jesus. Growth is slow, often imperceptible. But over years, as you abide in Christ and His Word abides in you, you'll bear fruit — love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.
“Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.”
— 1 John 2:6
If you want to grow as a disciple, here are three things you can do this week:
Commit to daily Bible reading. Start with the Gospel of John or Psalms. Read one chapter each morning.
Find one person to disciple or be discipled by. Reach out this week and ask if they'd be willing to meet regularly.
Serve your church. Ask your pastor or small group leader where you can plug in and use your gifts.
The Christian life is meant to be lived together, for the glory of God and the good of others. May the Lord bless your journey as you follow Jesus and help others do the same.
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