Discipleship Programs and Training

At its core, Calling All Disciples is a ministry of guiding people toward an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ.  Through our resources, we provide biblically based curriculum, videos, and one-on-one coaching for men and women to become confident discipleship coaches, guiding others on a scriptural journey of following Jesus. The key concept of discipleship coaching can be summed up in one word: Guiding. Our discipleship coaches serve as guides, following a curriculum that is effective for both small-group sessions and one-on-one meetings.

There is no shortage of definitions when it comes to the concept of discipleship. Still, a good starting place is to consider a disciple as an apprentice, one who follows the example and teachings of another person.  For a Christian, a disciple is an apprentice, a follower of Jesus Christ, one who seeks to learn and practice His teachings. Here at Calling All Disciples, we train disciples to become disciple-makers with emphasis on three aspects of coaching:

1.    Discipleship Coaches guide others in following Jesus, as Jesus taught.

2.    Discipleship Coaches guide others in understanding and stepping into the process of being transformed into the likeness of Jesus.

3.    Discipleship Coaches equip apprentices to become disciple-makers, guiding others in the same way they have been disciples and trained.

One common question that frequently arises is: What is the difference between a discipleship coach and a Bible study teacher? One observation about Bible studies is that they are often topical programs, with a specific start and end. When a particular study ends, it is common for people to seek out a new study and a new topic. Jesus was a teacher, but He was also a coach. He was concerned with all aspects of His disciples’ spiritual wholeness—both their head knowledge and the miraculous transformation of their heart and mind. This takes time—sometimes a lot of time, which is where the role and expectations of a teacher and a coach may differ.

Another observation is that the Bible study leader may only interact with the participants when they gather for the weekly study. In contrast, discipleship coaches maintain a close connection with their students, making themselves readily available for mentoring and counseling, particularly during challenging times.

Finally, discipleship, as we see it lived out by Jesus with His disciples, is not an add-on to one’s life—it is one’s life, both for the disciples and their coach.