Disciple Making: The Unexpected KEY to Growing in Your Faith!

Feeling stagnant in your spiritual journey can be frustrating and disheartening. As Christians, we often yearn for a deeper connection with God and a more vibrant faith life. One powerful, often overlooked key to rekindling our spiritual growth is embracing the mission of disciple making. This process not only aligns us with Jesus’ purpose but also invigorates our personal walk with God. Here’s why disciple making might be the missing link in your spiritual growth.

1. Embracing the Call to Be Sent

What is spiritual growth, if not learning to be like Jesus? It turns out, a big part of Jesus’ identity that we often forget about is that He was sent by His Father to bring hope and salvation to the world, and He extends the same mission to us. In John 20:21 (NIV), Jesus said, “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” This verse underscores our role in being like Jesus by imitating His “sent-ness”. By actively participating in disciple making, we align ourselves with Jesus’ purpose, stepping into a dynamic and fulfilling spiritual adventure. When we embrace this calling, we experience growth as we rely on God’s guidance and strength to be with Him as He fulfills His mission.

2. Growing Through Obedience

Spiritual growth is deeply tied to our obedience to God’s commands. Jesus instructed us to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20). When we obey this command, we not only fulfill our purpose but also deepen our relationship with God. In John 14:23 (NIV), Jesus said, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.” It’s not that we need to obey His commands in order to be accepted by Him. That acceptance was already earned by His work on the cross. But what obedience does do, is foster intimacy with God, and making disciples is a significant part of that obedience. As we step out in faith to disciple others, we experience God’s presence and love in profound ways, not because it changes how He feels about us, but because it changes us.

3. Learning Through Fresh Perspectives

One of the most enriching aspects of disciple making is engaging with people who are first discovering faith. When we read the Bible with seekers or new believers, we are often challenged and inspired by their fresh perspectives. They bring unique insights and questions to the Scriptures, often seeing things seasoned Christians might overlook. This exchange can deepen our understanding and appreciation of God’s Word. Proverbs 27:17 (NIV) says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” We often assume this verse refers only to our relationship with other believers but the truth is, a blade is only truly honed by friction with another. By investing in relationships with seekers, who often have a vastly different worldview than us, we grow through mutual learning and encouragement.

4. Experiencing Relational Growth with God

Disciple making is not just about teaching others; it’s about deepening our own faith as we guide others in theirs. It challenges us to rely on God more fully, seek His wisdom, and cultivate patience and humility. This relational aspect of disciple making draws us closer to God, as we see His transformative power at work in the lives of those we disciple. We become more attuned to His voice and more dependent on His Spirit, leading to significant spiritual growth.

Conclusion: Take the Next Step

If you’re feeling stagnant in your spiritual journey, consider diving into disciple making. Gather a few like-hearted Christian friends and embark on this journey together. The Waha Disciple Making Course is an excellent resource to help you get started. It’s designed to equip you with practical tools and biblical insights to effectively disciple others. By stepping out in faith to make disciples, you’ll not only impact the lives of others but also experience profound personal growth and a renewed sense of purpose in your walk with God. If you’re not sure who to gather, we’ve got you covered. Check out the Disciple Making Challenge with our partners at YouVersion to jump-start you on your growth journey!