1. Why Discipleship?
"Follow me" - Jesus
Summary
The heart of discipleship is about a relationship with Jesus. It’s about being with Jesus, experiencing His transforming power, and walking closely with Him in a lifelong relationship that changes your heart, identity, and purpose.
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Why a Discipleship Course?
You’ve probably seen the word discipleship on books, websites, church programs—even coffee mugs. It’s a familiar word. But for many, it’s still a foggy one.
Some hear it and think of evening Bible studies or accountability groups. Others think of spiritual disciplines, mentoring, or intense theological training. And to be honest - none of those are wrong. But none of them quite get to the heart of discipleship, either.
So we wanted to peel back the layers and ask the deeper question:
What does it really mean to follow Jesus - not just with your head or habits, but with your heart?
That’s why we wrote this series. Not to offer a program. Not to give you more rules. But to help you see that at the centre of discipleship is a Person. Not a system. Not a checklist. Just Jesus.
And when you follow Him - truly follow Him - your whole life begins to change. Not just your behaviour, but your heart. Your desires. Your sense of self. Your vision of the world. Because discipleship isn’t just about information - it’s about transformation.
Not just in your head, but in your heart.
Where your deepest loves live.
Where your identity takes root.
Where your worship ignites.
So whether you’re just starting out or looking to go deeper, we invite you to walk with us through this content. Not because we have all the answers - but because when your heart is captured by Christ, everything changes.
Let’s get to the real heart of discipleship - Jesus.
Some hear it and think of evening Bible studies or accountability groups. Others think of spiritual disciplines, mentoring, or intense theological training. And to be honest - none of those are wrong. But none of them quite get to the heart of discipleship, either.
So we wanted to peel back the layers and ask the deeper question:
What does it really mean to follow Jesus - not just with your head or habits, but with your heart?
That’s why we wrote this series. Not to offer a program. Not to give you more rules. But to help you see that at the centre of discipleship is a Person. Not a system. Not a checklist. Just Jesus.
And when you follow Him - truly follow Him - your whole life begins to change. Not just your behaviour, but your heart. Your desires. Your sense of self. Your vision of the world. Because discipleship isn’t just about information - it’s about transformation.
Not just in your head, but in your heart.
Where your deepest loves live.
Where your identity takes root.
Where your worship ignites.
So whether you’re just starting out or looking to go deeper, we invite you to walk with us through this content. Not because we have all the answers - but because when your heart is captured by Christ, everything changes.
Let’s get to the real heart of discipleship - Jesus.
Why Discipleship?
For many, discipleship means following the rules.
Discipline. Self-control. Obedience.
It sounds noble - but it often feels heavy.
In Jesus’ time, that’s exactly how people saw discipleship. Jewish pupils followed the Law (the Torah) with great precision. They studied, memorised, and obeyed their rabbi’s teachings with intense dedication.
But then Jesus came - and turned everything upside down. Instead of saying, “Follow the Law,”, he said, “Follow me” (Mark 1:17). That was revolutionary back then and honestly, it still is today. Jesus’ call to discipleship isn’t a call to master the rules - it is a call into something far more enjoyable, deeper, and personal.
Discipleship is a call into a relationship with Jesus.
Not rules, but a relationship. A real relationship that draws you close to the One who knows you, loves you, and invites you to find life in Him.
This changes everything because all of a sudden, discipleship isn’t about doing - but about being with Jesus.
“And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him…” (Mark 3:14).
Discipleship is fundamentally relational.
Not a matter of behaviour, but a matter of the heart.
But what is the heart, anyway?
In Jesus’ time, that’s exactly how people saw discipleship. Jewish pupils followed the Law (the Torah) with great precision. They studied, memorised, and obeyed their rabbi’s teachings with intense dedication.
But then Jesus came - and turned everything upside down. Instead of saying, “Follow the Law,”, he said, “Follow me” (Mark 1:17). That was revolutionary back then and honestly, it still is today. Jesus’ call to discipleship isn’t a call to master the rules - it is a call into something far more enjoyable, deeper, and personal.
Discipleship is a call into a relationship with Jesus.
Not rules, but a relationship. A real relationship that draws you close to the One who knows you, loves you, and invites you to find life in Him.
This changes everything because all of a sudden, discipleship isn’t about doing - but about being with Jesus.
“And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him…” (Mark 3:14).
Discipleship is fundamentally relational.
Not a matter of behaviour, but a matter of the heart.
But what is the heart, anyway?
The Heart of the Matter
We’re more confused about the heart than just about any other part of our being. The heart can be warm or cold, tender or hard, light or heavy - and sometimes all before breakfast. It can break, sink, flutter, race, skip a beat, and even get stolen by someone we find attractive. You can wear it on your sleeve, cross it and hope to die, or swear you gave it away last Christmas. We’re told to follow it, even though we can have a change of heart… or just lose heart altogether.
How can the heart be so fragile and fierce?
So sentimental and stubborn?
It really is a poetical paradox with a pulse.
But all these sayings - as confusing as they are - point to something deeper: the heart matters.
How can the heart be so fragile and fierce?
So sentimental and stubborn?
It really is a poetical paradox with a pulse.
But all these sayings - as confusing as they are - point to something deeper: the heart matters.
Jesus explains why with a vivid image: if your life is like a tree, then your heart is the root system. What you believe and love in your heart (roots) will always show up in your fruit (behaviour). That’s why He said, “each tree is known by its own fruit… for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Luke 6:44–45).
The rest of Scripture tells the same story - the heart is never just the place of emotion; it is the epicentre of our being (Proverbs 4:23). It’s where we treasure what matters most, where love is cultivated, and where decisions are made (Matthew 6:21, Deuteronomy 6:5, Proverbs 16:9). It holds our deepest desires, reveals our truest self, and from it overflows everything we say, do, and become (James 1:14, Proverbs 27:19, Matthew 12:34).
That’s right - our heart is so central (and vulnerable!) that whatever it is captivated by - whatever it loves - you become!
Love success and you become a work-a-holic.
Love comfort, and you become apathetic.
Love control, and you become anxious.
But love Jesus?
If your heart is captivated by Jesus - if your affections are stirred by who He is and what He has done - then you’ll become more like Him!
That’s why the heart of discipleship is the heart!
It’s about who has your heart.
The rest of Scripture tells the same story - the heart is never just the place of emotion; it is the epicentre of our being (Proverbs 4:23). It’s where we treasure what matters most, where love is cultivated, and where decisions are made (Matthew 6:21, Deuteronomy 6:5, Proverbs 16:9). It holds our deepest desires, reveals our truest self, and from it overflows everything we say, do, and become (James 1:14, Proverbs 27:19, Matthew 12:34).
That’s right - our heart is so central (and vulnerable!) that whatever it is captivated by - whatever it loves - you become!
Love success and you become a work-a-holic.
Love comfort, and you become apathetic.
Love control, and you become anxious.
But love Jesus?
If your heart is captivated by Jesus - if your affections are stirred by who He is and what He has done - then you’ll become more like Him!
That’s why the heart of discipleship is the heart!
It’s about who has your heart.
What is Discipleship?
So if the heart really is the heart of discipleship - because it’s both the centre of our lives and the centre of our relationship with Jesus - then we need clarity, because not everything that claims to be discipleship actually is.
Let’s start by clearing up a few misconceptions.
Discipleship is NOT:
So what does real discipleship look like?
Discipleship is a lifelong journey of following Jesus together - being transformed by His grace in the context of a Christ-centred community.
That’s the big picture. But let’s break it down a little more.
Discipleship IS:
Our prayer is that with this biblical, heart-focused vision of discipleship, you won’t just grow in head knowledge, but be captivated by Jesus in a way that transforms even the most ordinary moments of life.
Let’s start by clearing up a few misconceptions.
Discipleship is NOT:
- 🚫 A beginner’s course - you never outgrow or graduate from the need to follow Jesus.
- 🚫 Just about learning more information - It’s not just about learning more information - it’s about getting to the heart & living it out.
- 🚫 A solo journey - authentic discipleship happens in community.
- 🚫 Only for the super-spiritual - Jesus called ordinary fishermen, tax collectors and regular people into discipleship.
- 🚫 About being perfect—it’s about being transformed.
So what does real discipleship look like?
Discipleship is a lifelong journey of following Jesus together - being transformed by His grace in the context of a Christ-centred community.
That’s the big picture. But let’s break it down a little more.
Discipleship IS:
- ✅ Relational—it’s about knowing and walking with Jesus (Philippians 3:8)
- ✅ Gospel-centred—Jesus’ work, not ours, is what changes us (Ephesians 2:8-9, Titus 3:5)
- ✅ Transformational—what captures your heart, shapes your life (Proverbs 4:23, 2 Corinthians 3:18)
- ✅ Communal—we grow by discipling and being discipled (Proverbs 27:17)
- ✅ Reproducible—disciples make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20, 2 Timothy 2:2)
Our prayer is that with this biblical, heart-focused vision of discipleship, you won’t just grow in head knowledge, but be captivated by Jesus in a way that transforms even the most ordinary moments of life.
What Should I Expect?
Whether discipleship is new to you, you’ve been discipled before, or you’ve even led others, this course isn’t a step-by-step program you graduate from. It’s a biblical discipleship tool—designed to help you grow deeper in your walk with Jesus and equip you to disciple others.
This journey is built around six key questions that provide a gospel-centred and heart-focused framework for discipleship.
All of these questions are not designed as a once-off experience - they’ll come up again and again in your future discipleship. Taking time to reflect on them in each session will set you up for deeper growth as you follow Jesus. They can become a tool to help you engage deeply with God's Word, expose lies you are believing, uncover misplaced loves, and realign your heart to the truth.
And remember—this is just the entrée. The main course is enjoying Jesus for a lifetime. Discipleship is slow. It’s personal. It’s full of detours and wonder and hard days and unexpected joy.
But it’s also deeply worth it - because Jesus doesn’t invite you to walk alone. He promises to walk with you through every step (Matthew 28:20).
This journey is built around six key questions that provide a gospel-centred and heart-focused framework for discipleship.
- Who is God?
- What has God done?
- Who am I?
- Who are we?
- What challenges will I face?
- What difference does it make?
All of these questions are not designed as a once-off experience - they’ll come up again and again in your future discipleship. Taking time to reflect on them in each session will set you up for deeper growth as you follow Jesus. They can become a tool to help you engage deeply with God's Word, expose lies you are believing, uncover misplaced loves, and realign your heart to the truth.
And remember—this is just the entrée. The main course is enjoying Jesus for a lifetime. Discipleship is slow. It’s personal. It’s full of detours and wonder and hard days and unexpected joy.
But it’s also deeply worth it - because Jesus doesn’t invite you to walk alone. He promises to walk with you through every step (Matthew 28:20).
What's in it for Me?
Just before we begin, you might be wondering:
What’s in it for me?
Will discipleship make me a better person?
Help me overcome struggles?
Bring more joy?
By God’s grace—yes. But that’s not the point.
Because while change isn’t the goal of discipleship, it is the effect. And the real power comes from proximity. Following Jesus from a distance changes very little. But when you purposefully “draw near to the throne of grace” - everything changes (Hebrews 4:16).
Think of Moses, who spoke with God face to face and left radiating His glory, or the woman who touched His cloak and was instantly healed, being with Christ IS what transforms you!
And here’s the good news: you don’t have to earn that nearness. If you are already in Christ then nothing in all creation can separate you from your gracious Saviour.
Discipleship simply invites you to live out of that reality. To be with Him. To walk in step with the Spirit. To learn to more fully live out the new identity you have in Him.
So yes - our prayer is that you will grow in joy, patience, and holiness. You will sin less, love more, and live differently. But not because you tried harder.
It will be because your heart has been realigned, your loves reordered and your worship redirected - until you are so captivated by Jesus that you can’t help but be transformed.
That’s the invitation of discipleship:
To enjoy Jesus.
To walk with Him.
To be changed by Him.
This is no abstract idea. This is a real relationship with the real Jesus - who doesn’t just have the power to redeem you - He loves to. And He’s not waiting for you to fix yourself. He’s inviting you now - into the heart of discipleship - a relationship where He changes you from the inside out (Ezekiel 36:26).
What’s in it for me?
Will discipleship make me a better person?
Help me overcome struggles?
Bring more joy?
By God’s grace—yes. But that’s not the point.
Because while change isn’t the goal of discipleship, it is the effect. And the real power comes from proximity. Following Jesus from a distance changes very little. But when you purposefully “draw near to the throne of grace” - everything changes (Hebrews 4:16).
Think of Moses, who spoke with God face to face and left radiating His glory, or the woman who touched His cloak and was instantly healed, being with Christ IS what transforms you!
And here’s the good news: you don’t have to earn that nearness. If you are already in Christ then nothing in all creation can separate you from your gracious Saviour.
Discipleship simply invites you to live out of that reality. To be with Him. To walk in step with the Spirit. To learn to more fully live out the new identity you have in Him.
So yes - our prayer is that you will grow in joy, patience, and holiness. You will sin less, love more, and live differently. But not because you tried harder.
It will be because your heart has been realigned, your loves reordered and your worship redirected - until you are so captivated by Jesus that you can’t help but be transformed.
That’s the invitation of discipleship:
To enjoy Jesus.
To walk with Him.
To be changed by Him.
This is no abstract idea. This is a real relationship with the real Jesus - who doesn’t just have the power to redeem you - He loves to. And He’s not waiting for you to fix yourself. He’s inviting you now - into the heart of discipleship - a relationship where He changes you from the inside out (Ezekiel 36:26).
So, step in. Be open. And trust that through discipleship, Jesus is ready to do more in you than you ever imagined (Ephesians 3:20-21).
Get to the Heart
This is a chance to share your story and how Jesus has changed your life. Like the psalmist says, “Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell what he has done for my soul” Psalm 66:16. Whether you’re new to the group or have walked together for years, it’s an opportunity to reflect on God’s grace and encourage one another in the gospel.
1. Tell the story of how you came to put your faith in Jesus.
2. Share about a time when you experienced significant spiritual growth.
3. Where do you sense the Holy Spirit stirring growth in your life right now?
2. Share about a time when you experienced significant spiritual growth.
3. Where do you sense the Holy Spirit stirring growth in your life right now?
2. Who is God?
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Summary
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Seriously...
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It Won't Be Long...
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Hold Out A Bit Longer...
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And We'll Get There...
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Get Ready...
Get to the Heart
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