What Is a Disciple?
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light” (1 Peter 2:9).
The word Christian appears only three times in the New Testament. We all may have heard various explanations of what the word Christian means. Clearly this term was first introduced when followers of Christ were no longer only Jewish, and the movement began to sweep out into the Gentile world.
The word disciple appears 261 times in the Bible. It is used to designate those physically present with Jesus while He was on earth.
“To be a disciple was to have been with Him, learning to be like him. That is the foundation of discipleship. To be with someone and learning to be like that person.”[1]
This is one of several thoughts I’ve pondered as I’ve read the book, Renovated: God, Dallas Willard, and the Church That Transforms, from neurologist and theologian, Jim Wilder. It has much to say about what makes someone a disciple.
“For Jesus, to disciple someone was to teach that person how to live their life in the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom of God is God in action. So, to say ‘Seek first the Kingdom of God’ is to invite us to be caught up in the action of God and the kind of righteousness that comes with that… the basic idea of being a disciple, in the New Testament, is being with Jesus, learning to be like Him.”
Of course, after the death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus, “with Him” takes a different form. But the meaning of disciple is still the same. A disciple is someone who is with Jesus and learning to be like Him. “Disciple” is a status. Spiritual transformation is a process toward becoming more like Jesus.
If a disciple of Jesus is defined as one who is “learning from Jesus how to lead my life as He would lead my life if He were I,” then we must ask ourselves, “Is that me? Have I chosen that? And if I have chosen it, what am I doing to carry through with it?” And how am I inviting others along on that journey with me?
“Discipleship is not for the church; the church is for discipleship. And discipleship is for the world.”
But we can’t do the things Jesus said without learning to act in God’s power – the Spirit is indispensable. “We have to stop trusting ourselves and what we manage and manipulate and learn to trust God.”
Trying to become more like Jesus will lead to failure and frustration if it is only a matter of our will or a decision we make. So, we must start by seeing salvation as more than a ticket to heaven. Salvation is rather an invitation to begin a life with Jesus and to keep growing in our love attachment with Him.
–Galen Burkholder, CEO, Global Disciples
[1] Renovated: God, Dallas Willard, and the Church That Transforms, by Jim Wilder, NavPress, 2020.
Contact Us
"*" indicates required fields
Recent Posts
Going a Step Beyond
Teaching a man to fish is rewarding, but equipping God’s people to equip others—that can change the world!
How Do You Want to be Remembered?
Creating a will is a meaningful way to communicate what’s most important to you, elevating it to an act of worship that honors the Lord.
You Make a Difference!
You are part of our team, and we're all working together to see that everyone has an opportunity to choose and follow Jesus Christ.
Six Perspectives to Shape Your Giving
Global Disciples exists so that Christ-followers in many nations can be equipped to reach their nations with the Good News of Jesus. We trust God to supply our needs to carry this out, and we invite His people to support these efforts.
Life Change for Leaders
Leadership training from Global Disciples equips leaders in the local church to grow in their relationship with the Lord and in their desire and ability to share the Gospel.
Leading for the Next Step
"We have done all that we can to ensure that the vision and mission for which Global Disciples was established will continue. I think God's given us clarity and vision, and I believe that the Board and our senior staff are bought into that vision in a way that we can move ahead with confidence that what people have been investing in and praying for will continue with the same focus."
Listening Leaders
Listening is crucial in the your life as a leader because it enables you to connect with your team on a much deeper level, and to make more informed decisions.
3 Ways to Give like a Billionaire
Whether you are rich in time, talent, or treasure, you can give while you live and make a powerful statement about what matters most.
A Third of Our World
Roughly one-third of the world’s population is considered least-reached. Mission researchers have identified at least 4,289 least-reached groups or 41.6% of the world's people groups.
A Mother on a Mission
God includes mothers in His amazing work, not only to raise their children to know and follow him, but also to nurture and raise up new spiritual generations.
Prayer Warriors
Intercessors and the ministry of prayer are essential for the spiritual battles faced by the trainers and disciple-makers.
Groundbreaking Prayer
The director led a smaller team to walk and pray and prepare the way for Jesus in one of the villages that was without a church or even a small fellowship of believers.
How Can We Reach Them?
We believe one of the most effective ways to reach least-reached people is by working with and through the global Body of Christ.
Jesus Loves Me
"Does God really exist? And if He does, does He really love me? Because I have never known anyone who loves me.”
Good News at Karate Class
Kasun moved to a predominantly Buddhist community and decided to offer karate classes to create opportunities to share the Good News of Jesus. The response was overwhelming!
Built for Success
Churches in Africa, Asia, and Latin America have a vision for reaching least-reached people. Global Disciples provides training and start-up help to accomplish their vision.
Why Wait to Give?
Your retirement assets are a great way to jump in and start giving now while stewarding your money wisely.
Aha! Expanding Your Worldview
There is nothing quite like an authentic conversation among friends, to ask questions, share stories, and expand your worldview.
Give monthly, reach the world…
Join our community of monthly donors bringing the hope of Jesus to least-reached people groups around the world.