Discipleship doesn’t have to be stressful or awkward. We’ve listed some discipleship resources here that will help you kick-start your discipling journey, improve upon your already established discipleship methods, and give you a strong foundation in what discipleship is.
Discipleship is the church’s main focus, but many church leaders still struggle to effectively disciple others because it often seems overwhelming. This view of discipleship can lead to increased stress, frustration, and guilt when we, as church leaders, don’t see the fruit of our labor as fast as we want.
At its heart, though, discipleship just takes time. Though we often try to rush it.
In this article, we’ll walk through a general overview of discipleship and list some physical and online resources that will help us better understand how to effectively disciple others. These resources could also be used to disciple others in a group setting or one-on-one mentorships and are beneficial for individuals as well.
What is Discipleship?
Jesus gave his followers the “great commission” before he ascended to heaven: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations…” Matthew 28:19.
As Jesus taught and led his disciples, believers down the line are to do the same with others. Discipleship is the act and process of following Jesus Christ so that we may learn from his teachings (John 8:31-32), obey him by living according to the example he set (Matthew 28:19-20), and continually grow in faith while helping others do the same (Colossians 1:28-29).
Discipleship isn’t solely an individual journey, however. Churches are essential in guiding and supporting believers on their discipleship path through various roles, such as teaching Biblical truths, mentoring believers, creating a like-minded community, and facilitating worship experiences for members and visitors. Effective discipleship also grows your church.
A well-rounded life in Christ involves both individual and corporate discipleship methods. But where should you begin for your church or group?
Discipleship Resources for Training
Church discipleship may seem too overwhelming when you don’t know where to start. Lucky for us, there are many Christian discipleship resources available for church leaders and small group facilitators that utilize a mix of in-person and virtual workshops to disciple. These often entail video courses a small group can watch together, followed by thorough engagement and relationship-building facilitated by a small group leader.
Structured discipleship programs within the church provide valuable ongoing support and development for the believer through accountability, encouragement, and partnership. We’ve listed below some church discipleship resources to help you get started.
Books and Study Guides for Adult Discipleship
These books and study guides will help kick-start your discipleship.
Whether you disciple through larger church groups, one-on-ones, or your individual growth, these books and study guides will help you understand the discipleship process better.
DiscipleShift: Five Steps That Help Your Church to Make Disciples Who Make Disciples
Discipleship is the church’s primary goal, and this book helps churches ensure they are making disciples by walking leaders through five key “shifts” they can make to better disciple others. This is also a great resource if you are in the initial setup phase of your church.
A Long Obedience in the Same Direction: Discipleship in an Instant Society
Eugene Petersen walks readers through a patient discipleship that has been cultivated over the years instead of one that seeks instant gratification. This book helps church leaders maintain a better perspective on church discipleship
The Master Plan of Evangelism
Written over 40 years ago, this book by Robert E. Coleman has influenced Billy Graham and countless pastors and church leaders for decades. Coleman writes about evangelism as discipleship, tying the two together for impactful ministry.
DFD: Design for Discipleship Series
Offered by NavPress, the publishing house for the Navigators, this series of study guides provides a strong foundation for discipling others by leading with questions and biblical references that inspire reflection on the truths of Christ and mutual discovery.
Beth Moore Bible Studies
Prominent author and discipler Beth Moore has several study guides that help small groups and individuals better understand the Bible, God, and themselves. From studies on books of the Bible like Esther or Daniel to topical studies like Living Beyond Yourself: Exploring the Fruit of the Spirit, Moore has several studies that are sure to help your group mature in Christ.
These church discipleship resources are just scratching the surface.
They offer a great starting point for both small group and individual discipleship that will help you begin with a great foundation in discipleship or increase your discipleship methods.
Online Discipleship Resources
Today, modern churchgoers are constantly searching for online discipleship resources. While most still prefer in-person services, the growing trend of online discipleship cannot be ignored.
The good news is that you don’t have to create these resources from scratch. Plenty of Christian discipleship resources provide a well-rounded experience for individuals and groups alike.
BibleProject
The BibleProject offers free resources on understanding the Bible better through engaging videos, podcasts, and classes created by biblical scholars. It also has an app that makes its content even easier to consume when you have a free moment.
Alpha Course
The Alpha Course is a free 11-week course for believers, non-believers, and everyone in between that seeks to spark conversations about God and life. It can be facilitated in person, online, or both, and it is an excellent online discipleship resource that includes evangelism.
Admirato: Engaging Theology
Admirato offers courses, study guides, and practical activities for small groups and individuals at the cost of a monthly subscription or per individual course. British theologian N.T. Wright is one of the primary instructors for Admirato, so you will surely have well-researched and interesting courses expertly taught.
Dallas Willard Ministries: Living in the Kingdom Now
Dallas Willard was an impactful author and teacher of Christian spiritual formation. In his many books and teachings, he reoriented the church towards deeper discipleship methods and love for Christ, the latter of which are available for free on his website. Willard was a professor of philosophy at the University of Southern California, so he offers a profound yet accessible way for groups or individuals to be better disciples.
Facilitating groups based on online resources such as these can be easier than teaching a whole study yourself. After a while of facilitating, you may feel more comfortable creating your own curriculum and classes.
Conclusion
Using effective discipleship resources helps church leaders be more intentional about their discipleship programs. These programs build up church members in their faith and help to launch them into the world as effective disciple-makers.
Remember, discipleship takes time. When you have the proper perspective, discipleship moves at its own pace.
For more articles like this, visit the Church Giving blog. We have many church management, fundraising, and discipleship resources that will help you better lead, structure, and manage your church.
