1. Vision
“And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord,
are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another.
For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.”
- 2 Corinthians 3:18
are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another.
For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.”
- 2 Corinthians 3:18
Welcome to our Discipleship Development!
Whether you’re yet to step into leadership or you’ve been leading others for years, we’re glad you’re here.
Over these 7 sessions, our hope is to help you:
Discipleship doesn’t need to be complicated or heavy. It’s simply life with Jesus, together - real, relational, and joyful.
Whether you’re yet to step into leadership or you’ve been leading others for years, we’re glad you’re here.
Over these 7 sessions, our hope is to help you:
- Catch the vision and heartbeat of discipleship at DC,
- Understand the biblical foundations of discipleship,
- See how Word, Spirit, and community shape the way we grow,
- And be equipped to confidently and joyfully lead others in following Jesus - in both formal and informal ways.
Discipleship doesn’t need to be complicated or heavy. It’s simply life with Jesus, together - real, relational, and joyful.
Hearts Captivated by Christ
At Disciples Church, we long to see hearts captivated by Christ, transformed by the Spirit, and reflecting His glory together in every part of life.
When we behold Christ, we fix our eyes on who He is - His character, His Word, His grace.
When we become like Christ, we open our lives to the Spirit’s shaping work - the quiet, patient forming of the heart.
When we reflect Christ, His beauty and truth spill naturally into our relationships, workplaces, and city.
Discipleship at DC isn’t a class to complete or a project to manage; it’s a way of life that happens in two ways:
Both matter, and both express the same heartbeat: following Jesus together.
Our hope is to see every person at DC walking in genuine relationships that help them love Jesus more deeply and live more faithfully. A church full of disciples who make disciples - not by striving harder, but by enjoying Jesus together. Because discipleship is relational, it should never feel forced or formulaic. It’s a joy-filled rhythm - a friendship shaped by grace, built on Scripture, empowered by the Spirit, and anchored in the gospel.
When we behold Christ, we fix our eyes on who He is - His character, His Word, His grace.
When we become like Christ, we open our lives to the Spirit’s shaping work - the quiet, patient forming of the heart.
When we reflect Christ, His beauty and truth spill naturally into our relationships, workplaces, and city.
Discipleship at DC isn’t a class to complete or a project to manage; it’s a way of life that happens in two ways:
- Formal Discipleship — this is the scheduled time together, in structured spaces like discipleship groups, mentoring, or leadership relationships, where there’s intentional growth, prayer, and accountability.
- Informal Discipleship — this is the organic kind of life-on-life that is found in everyday rhythms: conversations after church, meals shared, text messages of encouragement, walking with people through the highs and lows of life.
Both matter, and both express the same heartbeat: following Jesus together.
Our hope is to see every person at DC walking in genuine relationships that help them love Jesus more deeply and live more faithfully. A church full of disciples who make disciples - not by striving harder, but by enjoying Jesus together. Because discipleship is relational, it should never feel forced or formulaic. It’s a joy-filled rhythm - a friendship shaped by grace, built on Scripture, empowered by the Spirit, and anchored in the gospel.
2. Principles
“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”
- 1 Thessalonians 5:11
- 1 Thessalonians 5:11
If Vision tells us why we make disciples, this session helps us see how.
Discipleship is not a checklist or a course - it’s the slow, relational, Spirit-led work of helping others follow Jesus and grow into His likeness.
At DC, our approach to discipleship is simple enough to remember, but deep enough to transform lives.
We build on a few key principles that shape our heart and posture, and then practise a few core habits that help us walk with people well.
This is where discipleship becomes not just a theory, but a way of life.
Discipleship is not a checklist or a course - it’s the slow, relational, Spirit-led work of helping others follow Jesus and grow into His likeness.
At DC, our approach to discipleship is simple enough to remember, but deep enough to transform lives.
We build on a few key principles that shape our heart and posture, and then practise a few core habits that help us walk with people well.
This is where discipleship becomes not just a theory, but a way of life.
Principles
1. IT’S ALL ABOUT RELATIONSHIP
Discipleship begins and ends with relationship. The goal isn’t information transfer, but communion - helping someone walk closely with Jesus, not just know about Him. We will never become like Christ if we are not with Christ. And just as the relationship with Him is central, so too is the relationship you share with the person you’re discipling. They are not your project or your protégé - they are your brother or sister in Christ. Discipleship is simply walking with someone as you both walk with Jesus.
2. SHARE YOUR JOY
We talk about what we love. Discipleship works the same way - it’s simply sharing the joy you’ve found in Jesus. The gospel is good news - and good news is meant to be spoken, sung, and shared. Let joy lead your conversations. Talk about what stirs your affection for Him. Let laughter, gratitude, and worship spill out. Don’t rush to fix or correct - just keep showing people that Jesus is worth knowing, trusting, and enjoying. Because when your joy in Him is real, others will want to know the reason for it.
2. THE GOSPEL IS AN INVITATION
The gospel is never a shove; it’s an invitation of grace. Just like you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink, so too, you can't force people into deeper discipleship. We can point, pray, and speak truth, but we can’t produce transformation. Only the Spirit can awaken thirst. Truth without grace condemns, but truth wrapped in the gospel draws. Where a challenge says, “You’re failing here”, an invitation says, “Jesus knows your struggle, and He’s already stepped into it to give you life, now live out of that truth!” The gospel doesn’t demand change to earn love - it offers love that produces change. Our role is to hold out that invitation again and again, trusting that the Spirit will transform.
3. SLOW MOTION GLORY
God’s glory is slow motion glory. He doesn’t rush transformation - He reveals it gradually, “from one degree of glory to another.” This is the pace of discipleship. God rarely works to our timelines because His purpose is not efficiency but intimacy; He grows people slowly so that we can’t take the credit. The Spirit’s work unfolds through ordinary days, quiet prayers, and seasons that teach us to trust His timing rather than our urgency. Immediacy is the enemy of discipleship, because God delights to display His power not in speed but in steadfastness. Think about your own life - how patient has God been with you? That same patience is now the pace of discipleship.
Discipleship begins and ends with relationship. The goal isn’t information transfer, but communion - helping someone walk closely with Jesus, not just know about Him. We will never become like Christ if we are not with Christ. And just as the relationship with Him is central, so too is the relationship you share with the person you’re discipling. They are not your project or your protégé - they are your brother or sister in Christ. Discipleship is simply walking with someone as you both walk with Jesus.
2. SHARE YOUR JOY
We talk about what we love. Discipleship works the same way - it’s simply sharing the joy you’ve found in Jesus. The gospel is good news - and good news is meant to be spoken, sung, and shared. Let joy lead your conversations. Talk about what stirs your affection for Him. Let laughter, gratitude, and worship spill out. Don’t rush to fix or correct - just keep showing people that Jesus is worth knowing, trusting, and enjoying. Because when your joy in Him is real, others will want to know the reason for it.
2. THE GOSPEL IS AN INVITATION
The gospel is never a shove; it’s an invitation of grace. Just like you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink, so too, you can't force people into deeper discipleship. We can point, pray, and speak truth, but we can’t produce transformation. Only the Spirit can awaken thirst. Truth without grace condemns, but truth wrapped in the gospel draws. Where a challenge says, “You’re failing here”, an invitation says, “Jesus knows your struggle, and He’s already stepped into it to give you life, now live out of that truth!” The gospel doesn’t demand change to earn love - it offers love that produces change. Our role is to hold out that invitation again and again, trusting that the Spirit will transform.
3. SLOW MOTION GLORY
God’s glory is slow motion glory. He doesn’t rush transformation - He reveals it gradually, “from one degree of glory to another.” This is the pace of discipleship. God rarely works to our timelines because His purpose is not efficiency but intimacy; He grows people slowly so that we can’t take the credit. The Spirit’s work unfolds through ordinary days, quiet prayers, and seasons that teach us to trust His timing rather than our urgency. Immediacy is the enemy of discipleship, because God delights to display His power not in speed but in steadfastness. Think about your own life - how patient has God been with you? That same patience is now the pace of discipleship.
Practices
If the principles describe the heart posture of discipleship, the practices show what it looks like in motion. These four habits are not steps to master, but rhythms to cultivate - simple, repeatable ways to walk with others as they walk with Jesus.
1. LISTEN
“Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” — Matthew 12:34. Listen deeply. Pay attention not just to people’s words, but to what their words reveal. Beneath every story or struggle is a belief about who God is and who they are. As you listen, ask the Spirit to help you hear what’s really being said — fears, hopes, longings, or lies that need gospel truth. Listening is how we love first and lead wisely.
2. POINT
Point to Jesus. Always. Every conversation will drift somewhere - toward self-help, theological rabbit warrens, frustration, guilt, or comparison - that's ok! But be sure to gently steer it back to Jesus. Whether through Scripture, prayer, or story, help people see how Jesus meets them right where they are. Reframe the conversation in light of His grace. When in doubt, get to the gospel.
3. INVITE
Discipleship is not about pressure but participation. Rather than challenge from a distance, invite people to take a step closer to Jesus. Invite them to trust, to obey, to believe again. Let the Spirit lead your timing and tone, knowing that gospel invitations go further than human challenges ever can.
4. HOPE
Have gospel hope. People are complex and messy. So were you... so ARE you. Growth is slow. But the gospel gives us reason to hope. See the person how Christ sees them. Even when fruit seems invisible, God is still at work. So keep showing grace, keep praying, and keep believing that the Spirit is doing what only He can do. Hope keeps you patient when progress feels impossible and joyful when results aren’t immediate. The same God who has been patient with you is patient with them - and His timing is always perfect.
1. LISTEN
“Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” — Matthew 12:34. Listen deeply. Pay attention not just to people’s words, but to what their words reveal. Beneath every story or struggle is a belief about who God is and who they are. As you listen, ask the Spirit to help you hear what’s really being said — fears, hopes, longings, or lies that need gospel truth. Listening is how we love first and lead wisely.
2. POINT
Point to Jesus. Always. Every conversation will drift somewhere - toward self-help, theological rabbit warrens, frustration, guilt, or comparison - that's ok! But be sure to gently steer it back to Jesus. Whether through Scripture, prayer, or story, help people see how Jesus meets them right where they are. Reframe the conversation in light of His grace. When in doubt, get to the gospel.
3. INVITE
Discipleship is not about pressure but participation. Rather than challenge from a distance, invite people to take a step closer to Jesus. Invite them to trust, to obey, to believe again. Let the Spirit lead your timing and tone, knowing that gospel invitations go further than human challenges ever can.
4. HOPE
Have gospel hope. People are complex and messy. So were you... so ARE you. Growth is slow. But the gospel gives us reason to hope. See the person how Christ sees them. Even when fruit seems invisible, God is still at work. So keep showing grace, keep praying, and keep believing that the Spirit is doing what only He can do. Hope keeps you patient when progress feels impossible and joyful when results aren’t immediate. The same God who has been patient with you is patient with them - and His timing is always perfect.
Discipleship isn’t complicated - but it is complex, slow, relational and deeply beautiful. It's more of an art than a science. It’s walking with people at God’s pace, trusting His Spirit, and keeping your eyes on Jesus together. These principles and practices aren’t a checklist; they’re the shape of a life lived alongside others in grace. Listen well. Point to Jesus. Invite with gentleness. Hope with patience. Share your joy. Because when you do, people begin to see what life with Christ really looks like - not perfect, but faithful, joyful, and full of grace. Discipleship is simply one follower of Jesus helping another to love Him more.
3. Discipleship
“Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you.
So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands.”
- Psalm 63:3-4
So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands.”
- Psalm 63:3-4
Discipleship is about a relationship with Jesus. And that happens best when we do it together. Discipleship is how we grow, how we change, and how we learn to live in the freedom of the gospel. It’s how we help each other see Jesus more clearly, trust Him more fully, and worship Him more deeply.
That’s why we’ve created The Heart of Discipleship - a simple, foundational resource that helps people understand what it really means to follow Jesus. When someone is new to discipleship, The Heart of Discipleship is the best way to begin. It’s gospel-centred, relational, and designed to be led by real people - like you - who are walking with Jesus and willing to walk alongside others.
As a discipleship leader, your role isn’t to have all the answers - it’s to create a space where people can encounter Jesus together. This training course will equip you to do just that: to lead with humility, clarity, and confidence as you help others take their next step with Christ.
So whether you’re leading your first group or you’re a seasoned guide, let’s get to the heart of it - together.
That’s why we’ve created The Heart of Discipleship - a simple, foundational resource that helps people understand what it really means to follow Jesus. When someone is new to discipleship, The Heart of Discipleship is the best way to begin. It’s gospel-centred, relational, and designed to be led by real people - like you - who are walking with Jesus and willing to walk alongside others.
As a discipleship leader, your role isn’t to have all the answers - it’s to create a space where people can encounter Jesus together. This training course will equip you to do just that: to lead with humility, clarity, and confidence as you help others take their next step with Christ.
So whether you’re leading your first group or you’re a seasoned guide, let’s get to the heart of it - together.
Pathway for New Discipleship Participants
When someone new joins your discipleship group, there are a few options for taking them through The Heart of Discipleship.
1. One-on-One
2. Integrate HoD into Your Group
Because HoD is discipleship, you can weave its chapter questions into your regular group rhythm. As your group works through the sermon content, try to;
3. All-in Refresh
If you find yourself with a few participants who haven't walked through HoD in detail (or for a while), why not pause your regular discipleship content and take your group through HoD together for 7–14 weeks? This ensures everyone shares the same foundation, even if it means revisiting familiar material. HoD is designed to be repeated and adapted to your season of life.
Key Reminders
1. One-on-One
- Basic: A DL steps out temporarily and leads new people through HoD one-on-one for 7–14 weeks. Note: This means you may lose time with your current group during this season.
- Max: A DL takes on additional one-on-one meetings with new people while maintaining their current group (effectively doubling the discipleship load for 7–14 weeks).
2. Integrate HoD into Your Group
Because HoD is discipleship, you can weave its chapter questions into your regular group rhythm. As your group works through the sermon content, try to;
- Start with a simple question for the new discipleship participant: “What stood out to you from this week's HoD content?".
- Follow up with discussion around the Hebrews content, but letting the new participant focus on their question (e.g. "Who is God?" / "What has he done?" etc).
3. All-in Refresh
If you find yourself with a few participants who haven't walked through HoD in detail (or for a while), why not pause your regular discipleship content and take your group through HoD together for 7–14 weeks? This ensures everyone shares the same foundation, even if it means revisiting familiar material. HoD is designed to be repeated and adapted to your season of life.
Key Reminders
- HoD is not an “extra” program - it is discipleship.
- Choose the pathway that works best for your group’s stage and your own capacity.
- Keep the focus relational and gospel-centred and heart focused - the material is simply a framework for helping hearts grow in Christ.
- Our aim is consistency across the church, while giving you the flexibility to apply this in the way that best serves your people.
4. Care
“Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you.
So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands.”
- Psalm 63:3-4
So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands.”
- Psalm 63:3-4
Coming Soon
Coming Soon
Coming Soon
5. Outreach
“Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you.
So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands.”
- Psalm 63:3-4
So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands.”
- Psalm 63:3-4
Coming Soon
It's True...
Coming Soon
6. Multiplication
“Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you.
So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands.”
- Psalm 63:3-4
So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands.”
- Psalm 63:3-4
Coming Soon
It's True...
Coming Soon
7. Help
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.”
- Galations 6:2
- Galations 6:2
Sometimes, discipleship can feel simple - listening, praying, opening Scripture together. But there are moments when something comes up and you’re not quite sure what to do next. That’s normal. You don’t have to have all the answers. When that happens, don’t carry the weight alone. The pathway for help is simple:
Discipleship Participant → Discipleship Leader → MCG Leader.
Your role is to care, listen, and pray - not to counsel beyond your capacity. If a situation ever feels bigger than what you’re comfortable handling, or if it requires more intentional biblical counselling, please reach out. One of the pastors will gladly come alongside you, offer guidance, or organise a meeting to help provide the care that’s needed.
Everything shared within discipleship should be treated with confidentiality and care. Trust is sacred. However, if a situation involves risk of harm or requires pastoral support, don’t hesitate to seek help - you’re not alone in this.
This page exists as your SOS reference point — a guide for what to do when tricky questions, complex situations, or sensitive issues arise. Keep it handy. It’s here to help you respond with wisdom, grace, and confidence when those moments come.
Discipleship Participant → Discipleship Leader → MCG Leader.
Your role is to care, listen, and pray - not to counsel beyond your capacity. If a situation ever feels bigger than what you’re comfortable handling, or if it requires more intentional biblical counselling, please reach out. One of the pastors will gladly come alongside you, offer guidance, or organise a meeting to help provide the care that’s needed.
Everything shared within discipleship should be treated with confidentiality and care. Trust is sacred. However, if a situation involves risk of harm or requires pastoral support, don’t hesitate to seek help - you’re not alone in this.
This page exists as your SOS reference point — a guide for what to do when tricky questions, complex situations, or sensitive issues arise. Keep it handy. It’s here to help you respond with wisdom, grace, and confidence when those moments come.
Commonly Asked Questions
1. What if my own faith feels dry or I’m struggling personally — should I still lead?
Answer coming soon...
2. What do I do if I feel theologically out of my depth or unsure how to answer a question?
Answer coming soon...
3. How should I respond when the conversation turns toward a controversial issue?
Answer coming soon...
4. What if my participant shares something from their past that really concerns me?
Answer coming soon...
5. What if I notice signs of serious mental health struggles or self-harm?
Answer coming soon...
6. What happens if I have concerns for someone under 18?
Answer coming soon...
7. What if my participant becomes emotionally dependent on me or over-shares?
Answer coming soon...
8. How do I handle it when someone continually resists accountability or change?
Answer coming soon...
9. How can I encourage people to actually turn up to my discipleship time?
Answer coming soon...
10. No one is responding to my messages — what should I do?
Answer coming soon...
Answer coming soon...
2. What do I do if I feel theologically out of my depth or unsure how to answer a question?
Answer coming soon...
3. How should I respond when the conversation turns toward a controversial issue?
Answer coming soon...
4. What if my participant shares something from their past that really concerns me?
Answer coming soon...
5. What if I notice signs of serious mental health struggles or self-harm?
Answer coming soon...
6. What happens if I have concerns for someone under 18?
Answer coming soon...
7. What if my participant becomes emotionally dependent on me or over-shares?
Answer coming soon...
8. How do I handle it when someone continually resists accountability or change?
Answer coming soon...
9. How can I encourage people to actually turn up to my discipleship time?
Answer coming soon...
10. No one is responding to my messages — what should I do?
Answer coming soon...