Are You Ready To Disciple Like Jesus?
What was Jesus’ strategy for changing the world?
He only had three years to start a movement, so what did he do?
Did he start a megachurch? Did he start a revival school? How about a seminary?
No, no, and no.
Jesus’ method to change the world was to disciple twelve men. It was the simple strategy of discipleship that changed the world.
This wasn’t about grandiose sermons to the multitudes but intimate, life-on-life relationships. Jesus’ approach to discipleship was straightforward and uncomplicated, meaning that you and I can follow in His footsteps. In this article, you will learn the steps to make disciples and transform the world — one person at a time.
Step 1: Intentionality
Discipleship requires intentionality, a deliberate choice to follow Jesus and to lead others to do the same. Jesus’ ministry was marked by purposeful interactions, from selecting His twelve disciples (Luke 6:12–16) to His targeted teachings and miracles. Impactful discipleship doesn’t happen by accident. It comes through planned (yet prayerful) engagement with others. It won’t happen unless you choose to initiate relationships with others and take a step of faith to invest in others.
Step 2: Find the Hungry
Jesus focused his efforts on a select few who showed a genuine hunger for spiritual depth. I love reading in the gospels how Jesus called the disciples, he was selective in who he chose to be part of his inner circle. This underscores the importance of discernment in discipleship. Just as not every seed finds good soil, not every individual is ready to be a disciple. Identifying those with a real thirst for God’s presence allows for deeper, more fruitful relationships to form, mirroring Jesus’ approach of investing where the spiritual return is greatest.
“Do not give what is holy to the dogs, nor cast your pearls before swine.” Matthew 7:6
Step 3: Model Kingdom Living
Discipleship extends far beyond words; it’s a lifestyle. Jesus demonstrated the Kingdom of God not just through parables but through action. We must embody the gospel message in order to be effective disciple-makers. Conversations at Starbucks have their place, but the core of discipleship involves leading by example — stepping into the messy, beautiful reality of life to serve, give, and love as Jesus did.
One of my favorite things to do is take people out to share the gospel with strangers. Oftentimes, this will be their first time doing something like that and they see firsthand how God can powerfully show up in our day-to-day lives.
Step 4: Empower Others
Jesus knew that discipleship required active participation. By delegating responsibility to His followers, He fostered their growth and prepared them for leadership. Similarly, effective discipleship today involves passing the baton of ministry, whether leading a Bible study or serving in the community. This empowerment encourages disciples to step out in faith, grow in their gifts, and strengthen their relationship with God.
Step 5: Multiply the Kingdom Impact
The ultimate goal of discipleship is multiplication — a single seed growing to produce many (Matthew 13:31–32). Our mission is clear: make disciples who will make disciples (Mathew 28:18–20). This vision is what drove the explosive growth of the early church and should inspire our efforts today. By investing deeply in a few, we set in motion a ripple effect that can eventually reach the entire world.
The path of discipleship, as modeled by Jesus, is simple and effective. It doesn’t require elaborate schemes or resources, just a heart willing to follow Christ and lead others to do the same. Through the steps listed above, you can join in the mission of making disciples. Start today — embrace the call to discipleship and watch as God works through you to change the world, one life at a time.
