Shop Discipleship Curriculum and Resources

So, how does one go about “shopping” for a Christian discipleship coaching and training resource? Chances are, you have many questions. Should I look for something I can do with a small group from my church, or something that I can do one-on-one with a friend? Is there a resource that helps me become a more dedicated disciple of Jesus while also equipping me to become a discipleship coach for others? At Calling All Disciples, we believe the answer is, “yes!”

The Challenge of Disciple Making

The bottom line is that disciple-making can be more intimidating than one might think. We have various reasons why it feels safer to stay seated in the bleachers instead of getting down on the field. Right? Below are seven common causes why people hesitate to take the lead in becoming a disciple-maker, or as we call them, discipleship coaches. Which ones, if any, apply to you today and why?

Why People Hesitate to Step into Discipleship

☐ I need tools, training, and “on-the-job” mentoring to feel prepared and

confident.

☐ I might not be able to answer questions people have about the Bible or

discipleship.

☐ I think the church pastors, ministers, and elders are responsible for

discipleship.

☐ I have the tools, the training, and the experience—but I don’t have time.

☐ I feel that discipling occurs through attending church regularly, serving,

tithing, and engaging with other believers in small group Bible studies

and events.

☐ I don’t have the spiritual gifts or the personality to disciple others.

☐ I don’t think “making disciples who make disciples” is a priority in my church.

What the Bible says about Discipleship

Discipleship means following Jesus as Lord, repenting of sin, denying self, and taking up one's cross daily. Jesus says, "take up your cross to follow Him" (Luke 9:23). This is not a cross we climb up on—it's one we pick up and carry. It represents the mission God has given to each of us, requiring us to put away sin and selfishness and intentionally follow Jesus.

What We Mean by Discipleship

Discipleship is a lifelong training process by which a committed student learns from their teacher (Jesus) and integrates what they learn into their daily life. It is improbable that one can be a committed follower of someone and not end up like that person. Jesus said, “A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher” (Luke 6:40). That’s what we mean by discipleship, because that’s what Jesus meant by discipleship. As disciples, we both surrender and commit our lives to following Him, imitating Him, and carrying on His ministry wherever we go; in the process, we become like Him.

What Is A Disciple?

A disciple loves God supremely, even more than his or her own life, obeys Christ's commands, studies Scripture diligently, prays continually, and makes disciples who make disciples. Jesus was precise and intentional about making fully trained disciples that looked like Him. As Jesus said in Luke 6:40, "A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher."

What is Disciple Making?

The Greek word for disciple is "mathete", which means to train and equip. A disciple maker teaches God's Word faithfully, evangelizes the lost, and equips others for the ministry of disciple-making. For three years, Jesus invested Himself in the lives of twelve "apprentices" whom He would commission to carry on the work he had begun. He gave them a call (to follow me), a command (to love as I have loved), and a commission (to make disciples).

What Is A Disciple-Making Church?

Effective disciple-making churches provide their congregations with a clear, biblical, and compelling vision of Discipleship, extending beyond the typical expectations of attending church, giving financially, serving, and participating in Bible studies. A discipleship process that results in disciples making disciples must include a clear teaching about the gospel, repentance, transferring one's faith for salvation to Christ, regeneration, how Jesus taught His disciples to follow Him, and dedicated training in how to disciple others.

Where are You in your Discipleship Journey?

Stage One: The Searcher (New Beliver)

The searcher is someone who does not know God but is searching for Him. The Bible says they are spiritually dead because they have not yet been born from above. In a word, they have been living in a state of unbelief. But something about their life has taken a turn, and they realize something is missing. This person is often someone you have some type of relationship with, so they feel they can connect with you.

Stage Two: The Apprentice (Growing Disciple)

Simply put, the apprentice has a sincere desire to move from "Come and See Jesus" to "Following Jesus." The need for Christ extends beyond 'fire insurance' and beyond just agreement with Jesus. As a discipleship coach, you walk with your searchers and apprentices week by week, helping them grow in the grace and knowledge of God and experience the practical application of God's Word to their lives, guiding them to become effective and productive disciple-makers.

Stage Three: The Discipleship Coach

The discipleship coach is equipped and willing to answer the call of Jesus to join Him as a harvester of souls (Matthew 9:36-38). Coaches are disciple-makers, committed to prioritizing their life's responsibilities in relation to daily dedication to studying God's Word and continually growing in their relationship with the Lord through prayer and obedience to Jesus' commands. The discipleship coach desires to live a Spirit-filled life worthy of imitation, as the Apostle Paul wrote about in 1 Corinthians 11:1, Philippians 3:17; 4:9, 2 Timothy 3:10-11, Titus 2:7-8, and 2 Thessalonians 3:7-9. 

How Our Resources Support Disciple Making

Regardless of which boxes you checked (if any), we believe you’ll find that our discipleship training books can help alleviate the fears associated with disciple-making. The material and style of writing are well-suited for men’s ministry, women’s ministry, from high school to seniors’ groups. Are you ready to join Jesus in accomplishing His Great Commission? Great! Come and see how we can help you build a discipleship program to help you grow in your faith and equip others to follow Jesus Christ through disciple-making.

How to Use Our One-on-One Discipleship Curriculum

If you’re looking for a structured one on one discipleship curriculum, our resources offer the tools and step-by-step guidance to walk alongside someone personally as they grow in Christ. Whether you are discipling a friend, mentoring a younger believer, or training someone to disciple others, we’ve created a flexible and practical path forward.

Discipleship FAQs

What does a typical one-on-one discipleship curriculum include? 

A typical curriculum encompasses foundational Christian doctrine, spiritual disciplines, sharing the gospel, understanding and obedience to Jesus' commands, and how to mature as a follower of Jesus who helps others follow Him.

How can I start disciple-making effectively?

 Begin by helping people to see and understand the gospel message of the Bible. Introduce them to the three most important words from Jesus in Mark 1:14-15: "Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, and saying, 'The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel." Explain the meaning of John 3:3, where Jesus told a religious leader, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again^, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

What are the benefits of disciple-making? 

 

Disciple-making creates opportunities to share the Gospel.

Disciple-making helps you build strong relationships with newer Christians.

Disciple-making helps you learn to teach fundamental Biblical truths more effectively.

Disciple-making helps you remember Scripture.

Disciple-making fosters a safe environment for addressing issues, questions, and doubts.

Can Discipleship happen without a formal curriculum?

Yes, Discipleship can occur through life-on-life mentoring, sharing meals, serving together, and informal Bible discussions. Jesus did not have a set time to meet with His disciples, but He was always with them. He did not have a curriculum or a book that he followed, yet he knew precisely how to prepare and equip them for their mission. Jesus did not have a classroom, a building, or a coffee shop to meet in, but He created an environment where His disciples could learn and grow through their misconceptions and mistakes.

How long does one-on-one discipleship typically last?

 Calling All Disciples provides a one-on-one or small group discipleship program that typically lasts approximately twenty weeks. The goal is to equip people to disciple others, not to foster indefinite dependence. Discipleship is not a call to be a "professional student." Professional students seldom transition from university life to the real-world demands of applying what they've learned. Christian Discipleship requires a beginning stage of gaining knowledge and building a relationship with God. Still, this stage is short-lived compared to the lifelong process of actually knowing God, being known by Him, and helping others to know Him.

What role does prayer play in discipleship and disciple-making? 

Prayer is essential for spiritual transformation, which only God can accomplish in the hearts and minds of individuals. Prayer provides wisdom, produces relationships, opens hearts to truth, and sustains us through trials and challenges. Oswald Chambers once wrote, "Prayer does not fit us for the greater works; prayer is the greater work." At Calling All Disciples, we believe that prayer is the currency of a discipleship coach's personal, abiding relationship with Jesus Christ. (Jeremiah 29:11-14).

How do I find or become a discipleship coach or mentor?

Seek out mature believers in your church who demonstrate Christ-like character and have been trained in disciple-making. Most discipleship coaches begin by discipling one person successfully, then gradually expand their influence as the Lord provides opportunities. Some churches offer training programs, and organizations like Navigators, Cru, or Calling All Disciples provide effective coaching resources and development opportunities.

Join the Mission of Discipleship

Are you ready to join Jesus in accomplishing His Great Commission? Great! Come and see how we can help you build a discipleship program to help you grow in your faith and equip others to follow Jesus Christ through disciple making.