Step 3: start discipleship

STARTING DISCIPLESHIP is the third step of disciple-making for the church. This phase begins when a person is born again and has turned to trust Christ by faith. Paul encouraged Timothy to train believers in the church to become disciple-makers: “You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also” (2 Tim 2:1–2). Generational discipleship, where disciples continue training others, was Jesus and Paul’s example. Discipleship is a believer's personal effort, in faith, to treasure Jesus more fully and to live more consistently as his disciple. Every believer is to pursue maturity as a disciple.


DISCIPLESHIP GROUPS: Discipleship typically happens best within a small group for encouragement and accountability. Group members include:

  • THE MENTOR: A more mature disciple who provides leadership to the group. The mentor’s goal is to guide the group toward spiritual growth by modeling maturity, offering biblical instruction and wisdom, and applying gracious accountability.

  • LEARNERS: One to four growing disciples who look to the mentor for leadership. The goal of the learner is to learn the obedience of faith.


BEST PRACTICES: Discipleship can take many forms, but here are a few best practices we recommend:

  • Groups typically meet at least once a week, but they also find ways to share life outside of the formal group time. Spend time in each other's homes, worship together, travel together, and more! Remember, Jesus did more than merely teach his disciples, he lived life with them as well

  • Groups are typically single-gender. Men disciple men. Women disciple women.

  • While pastors may help mentors and learners form groups, it's important to remember that discipleship is the responsibility of every believer. So, take the initiative to start discipleship and seek a pastor's help as needed. This empowerment and responsibility are key aspects of the discipleship journey.


GROUP AGENDA: It is important for the mentor to keep the group meeting focused, while allowing flexibility to address items pertinent to the group. The following 90-minute group meeting agenda keeps essential disciple-making goals in focus:

LOOK BACK (20 min)

  • Catch up with one another. What are highs and lows from this past week?

  • Pray for one another. Sing a song together.

  • Review fish and follow goals from last meeting. Fishing goals are intentions to engage unbelievers and share the gospel. Following goals are steps of obedience identified in the previous group meeting.

  • Highlight the vision for this group: We are growing disciples who are learning to delight in the Lord more fully and make-disciples.

LOOK UP (50 min)

  • Practice one simple tool each meeting (5 minutes): Relationship Map; 15-Second Testimony; 3-Circles; Review the Commands of Christ Circle; 4-Phase Bible Reading. These tools are all learned in Foundations for Disciples.

  • New Bible study(45 minutes).

LOOK FORWARD (20 min)

  • Set new fish and follow goals arising from this meeting. Fishing goals are intentions to engage unbelievers and share the gospel. Following goals are steps of obedience identified in the Bible study.

  • Pray for one another.

  • Schedule the the next group meeting.


TWO PHASES: Discipleship typically unfolds in two distinct phases: initial short-term discipleship and ongoing long-term discipleship. Each phase has its unique focus and duration, contributing to the overall growth of the disciple.


 Short-term discipleship (first 3 months)

FOUNDATIONS FOR DISCIPLES: In the first three months following conversion, discipleship should focus on learning the basics of following Christ. FOUNDATIONS FOR DISCIPLES, over twelve sessions, introduces new believers to the basic commands of Jesus. The first session of this study includes the Four Questions training, or 411 (see the video below).

Crestview continually organizes a Foundations for Disciples group on Wednesday nights that is open to newcomers at any time. We encourage every new Crestview member to complete this study. Though offered on our campus, anyone can lead a new believer through this study anytime, anywhere:

Download Foundations for Disciples


Foundations for Disciples: The Commands of Christ


long-term Discipleship

In development.