An Exploration of Jesus’ Model of Discipleship and Insights for the Contemporary Church

Abstract

In Mathew 28:19–20, Jesus commissioned his disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to obey his teachings. He sent them out to do what he had taught and demonstrated to them during his earthly ministry. Today, the mandate to make disciples through discipleship, evangelism, and missions is foundational for any Bible-believing church. This mandate is not only to the church as a whole but to all individual disciples of Jesus Christ. However, observably, in this process, some believers are unwilling to share their faith and would instead relegate the duty to pastors and a few willing to reach out. This study enables congregations to align their discipleship models to the model set by Jesus Christ as seen in the Gospel accounts and the apostolic church. Jesus’ model of discipleship begins with a conversion experience and involves faith development through learning from the example and teachings of Jesus. It involves being rooted, growing up, maturing, and being strengthened in faith. A faithful implementation of Jesus’ model of discipleship today will guarantee spiritual growth, church growth, and believers’ willingness to share their faith. The study employed the library research method.