There are plenty of books and courses out there on discipleship. So why write another one?

Well, to be honest, we haven’t.

There are many wonderful courses that will point you to Jesus, grow your knowledge of the Bible, and stir your affections for Christ in ways we never could. But discipleship isn’t something you just learn about - it’s something you experience. This is why we’ve taken some of the best bits from those pre-existing courses and pooled them together into something simple, practical, and personal.

Even though many churches talk about discipleship - not every church defines it the same way. So, with the help of discipleship leaders like Jeff Vanderstelt (Gospel Fluency) and Paul Tripp & Tim Lane (How People Change), this course aims to distill a biblical vision of discipleship—one that goes beyond just head knowledge and gets to, "The Heart of Discipleship".

For many, discipleship means following the rules.

Discipline. Self-control. Obedience.

In Jesus’ time, that’s exactly how people saw discipleship. Jewish pupils followed the Law (the Torah) with great discipline and accuracy. They studied, memorised, and obeyed their rabbi’s teachings. But Jesus flipped that idea completely upside down.

Instead of saying, “Follow the Law,” He said, “Follow me” (Mark 1:17).

This was, and still is, revolutionary because Jesus’ call to discipleship isn’t a call to master the rules - its an invitation into something far deeper and more personal.

And a relationship with Jesus, is a matter of the heart (Matthew 6:21).

But the heart, in Scripture, is never just the place of feelings - it’s our control centre. It’s the epicentre of our emotions, the seat of our will and the command room where decisions are made, loves are shaped, and desires are born. Proverbs tells us that everything we do say and think flows from our heart (Proverbs 4:23). Jesus echoes this when He says, “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matt. 12:34),

The heart is significant not just because it's where feelings happen, but because it's where worship happens - either of god or something else. Psalm 115:8 tells us that when we worship God, we become like him (2 Corinthians 3:18), but when we worship something else, we become like that thing too; "Those who make them [idols] become like them; so do all who trust in them.”

What our heart worships and loves, we become.

The things that fill our hearts shape our lives. And when our affections are captivated by Jesus, we become like him.

Which is why discipleship can’t stay in a classroom.

• It isn’t a formula to master - it’s a relationship to pursue (John 15:4-5)
• It’s not a science - it’s an art
• It's not a box to tick - it's an experience to enjoy (Psalm 34:8)

In fact, while you are in discipleship you’ll continue you’ll learn about discipleship as you experience it (Colossians 3:16).  It’s about following Jesus together - seeing and savouring who he is as you walk alongside others as they do the same, applying what you’re learning, and being drawn into a deeper relationship with Him along the way (Hebrews 10:24-25).

That’s the heart of discipleship.

At Disciples Church, we define discipleship as:

A lifelong journey of following Jesus together—being transformed by His grace in the context of a Christ-centred community.

But what does that actually look like in daily life?

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 about getting to the heart & living it out.
• 🚫 A solo journey—discipleship happens in community.
• 🚫 Only for the super-spiritual—Jesus called ordinary people.
• 🚫 About being perfect—it’s about being transformed.

Discipleship IS:

• ✅ Gospel-centred—Jesus’ work, not ours, is what changes us (Ephesians 2:8-9, Titus 3:5)
• ✅ Relational—it’s about knowing and walking with Jesus (Philippians 3:8)
• ✅ Communal—we grow by discipling and being discipled (Proverbs 27:17)
• ✅ Transformational—what captures your heart, shapes your life (Proverbs 4:23)
• ✅ Reproducible—disciples make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20, 2 Timothy 2:2)

Our hope is that you won’t just grow in knowledge, but that you’ll be captivated by Jesus in a way that transforms even the most ordinary moments of life.

It’s natural to ask, What’s in it for me?

Will discipleship make me a better person? 
Help me overcome struggles? 
Bring more joy?

God-willing, yes. But that’s not the point.

The goal of discipleship isn’t self-improvement—it’s being with Jesus.

And yet, the closer you walk with Him, the more your heart changes. In Christ, you are made new—with a new identity, a new purpose, and a new heart.

But following Jesus from a distance changes little. The real power comes from proximity. Like Moses, who spoke with God face to face and left radiating His glory (Exodus 34:29), or the woman who touched His cloak and was instantly healed (Mark 5:28-29), being close to Christ - beholding his glory is what transforms you (2 Corinthians 3:18). You are IN Christ. You are eternally united with Him. Nothing in all creation can separate you from your gracious Saviour (Romans 8:31-39). In this sense, following Jesus means being with Him, walking in step with the Holy Spirit, and continually learning to more fully live out the new identity you have in Him.

So yes—along the way, 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 

so that you are so captivated by Jesus that you can’t help but be transformed.

That’s the invitation of discipleship—to experience the transforming power of Jesus firsthand, in community, by simply enjoying Him.

And this isn’t just an abstract idea—it changes everything. Jesus doesn’t just have the power to redeem your struggles—He loves to. And He’s not waiting for you to fix yourself. He’s inviting you today into the heart of discipleship—a real, ongoing relationship where He changes you from the inside out (Philippians 1:6, Ezekiel 36:26).

As we begin this discipleship journey together, we want to start by sharing our stories. For some groups, this may be a helpful way to get to know one another more deeply. For others who have journeyed together for some time, this is a chance to reflect again on the goodness of God in your life and hear how the gospel has taken root in each person’s story. Our hope is that these conversations will open the door to meaningful, gospel-centred encouragement and deeper connection as we walk forward together.

1️⃣ Tell the story of how you came to put your faith in Jesus.
This is your gospel story—how Jesus became real to you and what it meant to trust Him.

• What were the key moments or people God used to draw you to Himself?
• What gospel truth did you come to believe at that time?
• What were you trusting Jesus for? What made the message of the gospel good news for you?
• Try to make Jesus the hero of your story—not just what you did, but what He did in you.

2️⃣ Share about a time when you experienced significant spiritual growth.
This could be a season where your love for Jesus deepened, your understanding of the gospel expanded, or your character began to change.

• What were the circumstances of that season?
• Were there specific people (mentors, leaders, friends) who helped disciple or encourage you?
• What practices, relationships, or moments helped shape your growth during that time?

3️⃣ Where do you sense the Holy Spirit stirring growth in your life right now?
This is an opportunity to name where you’re at right now in your journey of following Jesus.

• Is there an area of your heart where Jesus is drawing you closer?
• Are there patterns, fears, or doubts that He’s gently confronting?
• Is there a gospel truth you’re learning to trust more deeply?

“One thing have I asked of the Lord, that I will seek after... to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord...”
- Psalm 27:4

We all have an idea of who God is. But more often than not, that idea doesn’t come from his Word—it comes from our own lives. Our feelings. Our frustrations. Our needs.

When things fall apart, we don’t start by asking, “Who is God?” We start with ourselves:

• Who am I?
• What do I need?
• What can God do for me?

It’s natural. We want help. We want healing. We want hope. And so we turn to God—but not necessarily for who He is. We turn to Him for what we hope He’ll do. Fix my marriage. Remove the anxiety. Make life easier.

But when we approach God only as someone who exists to serve us, we’re not really seeing Him—we’re using Him. He becomes a tool, a product, a solution to our problems. And in that, we’ve started building a version of God that looks suspiciously like us.

We imagine:

• If God doesn’t give me a sign, He must be distant.
• If He doesn’t heal me, He must be weak.
• If He doesn’t fix them, He must not care.

That imagined god isn’t the God of the Bible—it’s a projection of our disappointments. As Sam Albury puts it:

A god made in our own image can’t transform us. He might comfort our biases. He might reinforce our expectations. But he will never confront us, correct us, or call us into something deeper.

When we follow a god we’ve imagined, we end up with a discipleship that is just as imaginary. It might look like Christianity from the outside—church attendance, Christian language, even moments of spiritual excitement—but it has no power to change us.

Because the only thing that can flow from an imaginary god… is imaginary change.

By treating God as a means to an end, we are extracting the heart - the personal relationship - from God, and consequently, from discipleship.

When we do that, we’re not dealing with the real God, but an imaginary God. And the only thing to come from an imaginary God, is imaginary change.

We all want real change that lasts.

We want to be less anxious, more patient, less angry, more kind. We want to kick bad habits, overcome shame, and break free from destructive patterns.

But here’s the thing:

“Change doesn’t start with us. It starts with the great I Am” 
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This is because true, lasting Gospel transformation is not something you make happen, it happens to you.

And this kind of change always goes through the pathway of the heart. For our outward behaviour to be changed, our beliefs first need to be changed at a heart level; when our inner person is being transformed by Christ the impact will overflow.

Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 3:18:
“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.”

Do you see what Paul is saying? We don’t transform ourselves. Transformation happens as an effect of beholding the glory of the Lord.

What is the glory of the Lord?

What we believe about who God is, will shape how we live.

Jeff Vanderstelt, in Gospel Fluency, writes:
“We need to identify the lies we believe and replace them with the truths of the gospel.”

• If you believe God is angry, you’ll keep Him at arm’s length.
• If you believe God is distant, you’ll feel like He doesn’t care.
• If you believe He is a taskmaster, you’ll live as if His love depends on your performance. 

But if you see God as He really is - loving, holy, merciful, and good, and all the other aspects of His nature, revealed in His Word - you’ll be drawn into a deeper relationship with Him.

And as you behold Him, He transforms you. Change is an effect of beholding God. It’s not something you can force. It’s what happens when you spend time with the real God.

If we want to experience life in its fullness—life as it was meant to be lived—we must first come to Jesus who said coming to Him is where life is found; not just eternal life, but abundant life in the here and now (John 5:39-40, John 10:10)

Throughout this chapter, we’ve only scratched the surface of who God is. We’ve touched on His love, holiness, and beauty, but Scripture reveals so much more. God is infinitely just, rich in mercy, and perfectly wise. He is near to the brokenhearted, faithful in every promise, and sovereign over all creation. Each of these characteristics reveals a different facet of His glory and has the power to speak directly into the different experiences and needs we carry.

For some, knowing God as a perfect Father brings comfort after feeling abandoned. For others, His justice brings reassurance in a world full of injustice. And for many, His mercy is a lifeline when we feel trapped by sin and shame.

Let’s take some time to explore what stands out most to you, reflect on God’s character, and consider how knowing Him personally transforms our lives.


1️⃣ How have you personally experienced God’s character in your life?

• Think back to a time when God’s love, justice, mercy, or holiness (or any other characteristic) became real to you.
• How did that experience shape your understanding of who God is? Did it challenge or deepen your faith?
• What did you learn about His nature that you can carry with you into future challenges?

2️⃣ Which aspect of God’s character is most meaningful to you right now, and why?

• Is there a specific characteristic that resonates with your current season of life or personal experiences?
• For example, do you find hope in God’s faithfulness because you’ve experienced uncertainty, or comfort in His mercy because you’ve felt the weight of guilt?
• Share how this aspect of who God is has encouraged or challenged you.

3️⃣ What tends to be your default view of God?

What are you believing about God based on your experiences, fears or emotions?


• When you pray, do you see Him as distant or close?
• When life is hard, do you assume He is withholding, uncaring, or punishing you?
• When you sin, do you believe He is disappointed, angry, or ready to abandon you?

4️⃣ What does Scripture actually say about God?

Now compare your assumption with what the Bible says.
Some examples:

• If you assume God is distant, read Psalm 34:18
• If you assume God is powerless, read Jeremiah 32:27
• If you assume God is angry and impatient, read Exodus 34:6

5️⃣ 
How can you grow in beholding and trusting more of God’s character?

• Are there characteristics of God you tend to overlook or struggle to believe in your daily life (e.g., His justice, wisdom, or compassion)?
• What could you do this week to intentionally focus on a characteristic of God that you’ve perhaps neglected?
• Consider practical steps such as praying specifically about that characteristic, meditating on Scripture, or asking others in your community how they’ve experienced it.

6️⃣ What specific step will you take to replace lies?


• What is one lie you’ve believed about God that you need to let go of?
• What scripture will you hold onto this week to replace that lie with truth?
• How can you make beholding God’s beauty a daily habit (prayer, Scripture, worship, community)?

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.”
- Romans 1:16

At the heart of Christianity is not a philosophy, a moral code, a religious system or even advice—it’s news. Good news about what has been done.

That’s literally what “gospel” means: good news.

The gospel is the declaration that Jesus has done for us what we could never do for ourselves. It’s not advice on how to get to God—it’s the announcement that God has come to us.

If we want to really know who God is, then we need to look at what He has done through Jesus’ life, death, resurrection and ascension.

• LIFE: Jesus lived the life we should have lived - in perfect obedience
• DEATH: Jesus died the death we should have died - as the sinless substitute
• RESURRECTION: Jesus rose again, defeating death itself - giving us new life in Him
• ASCENSION: Jesus ascended to His throne and sent His Spirit - to rule and reign

But the gospel is not just a concept to wrap our heads around, it’s an expression of love through the person of Jesus Christ. Romans 5:8 puts it this way:

This means that salvation is not about us or what we have to do. Instead, it’s about what Jesus has already done.
Keller puts it this way,

If you want to know how to be saved, simply believe in what He has done for you.

But then what?

What happens after that? Do we leave the gospel at the door and just try our best to avoid sin and show up to church?

Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection are the pinnacle of the gospel, but the implications of what was achieved through it extend throughout all of biblical redemptive history— they were preempted through events like the Exodus, the Covenants, and God’s dealings with His people in the Old Testament. On this side of Christ’s Cross at Calvary, the impact of the gospel continues throughout church history and reaches into our personal lives today.

There was a church that was launching a big new series on how to be on fire for God. The advertising looked great—bold graphics, powerful slogans, a promise to help their congregation “go deeper” in their faith.

But something was missing.

There was no mention of Jesus.
No mention of the gospel.

Curious, someone asked one of the elders—a well-respected older gentleman—how the gospel fit into this series.

He chuckled and said, “The gospel? I don’t need the gospel. I was saved as a kid. I need something more than the gospel now.”

That statement revealed the problem perfectly.

For many, salvation feels like a doorway into Christianity—but once inside, we believe it’s up to our own effort to live as “good Christians.”. It’s as though somewhere along the way, we start thinking of the gospel as spiritual kindergarten—as if it gets us in the door, but once inside, we need to “graduate” to something deeper, something more advanced.

But the gospel is not a test to pass or a program to complete. It is primarily about the person and work of Jesus, which means that we can never graduate from the gospel.

Paul explains it like this;

The gospel is not just the key to salvation—it’s the power that fuels the entire Christian life. The same gospel that saved you is the gospel that sustains you. The gospel is not simply the entry point into Christianity but also the means by which we grow and mature in our faith.

Many believers struggle with what Lane and Tripp call the “gospel gap”—a disconnect between the forgiveness we received at salvation (past grace) and the hope of eternal life (future grace). But what we often miss is the present power of the gospel (present grace). The gospel isn’t just about saving us from sin—it’s about transforming how we live today. Whether it’s helping us navigate difficult conversations, respond to blessings, deal with anxiety, or battle temptations, Christ’s grace is actively working in our lives, giving us everything we need to grow into the fullness of our Gospel Identity - who we are IN Christ, both individually and corporately. We’ll explore this more in the following sessions. 

The Gospel is daily power that enables you to live out of your new identity and walk in a new relationship with God and others.

How?

The gospel is powerful because it addresses the deepest needs of our hearts.

The work of Jesus on the cross targets our hearts, the causal centre of who we are; our desires and our motivations. When our hearts are transformed, lasting change flows into our behaviour.

It’s not just about modifying our behaviour—it’s about fundamentally changing who we are.

When we accept Christ, we are no longer defined by our past mistakes or failures. We are made new.

We are a new creation and this new identity shapes how we see ourselves and how we live our lives.

But as easily as we forget who God is, we also easily forget what he has done. And so in these ordinary, daily moments, we need to preach the gospel to our own hearts. For example:

• Comfort: When we seek relief in food, entertainment, or distractions, we forget that Jesus bore our burdens on the cross so we could find true rest in Him (Matthew 11:28).
• Control: When we spiral into stress, we forget that Jesus conquered death and reigns as King, ensuring that nothing—not even chaos—can separate us from His love (Colossians 1:17, Romans 8:38-39).
• Approval: When we obsess over what others think, we forget that Jesus was rejected in our place, crucified for our sin, and raised to life so that we might stand fully accepted before God (Isaiah 53:3, Ephesians 1:6).

At the heart of discipleship is gospel-ling ourselves and one another—reminding each other daily of who Jesus is and what He has done.

By keeping the gospel central, we realign our worth and identity with Christ, rather than our achievements or failures. It shapes how we live—not just in big decisions, but in the quiet, daily choices of life.

Peter writes in 2 Peter 1:3-9 that God has given us everything we need for life and godliness. This is not just about eternal salvation but also the ordinary, day-to-day moments of life—the mundane tasks, the challenges of relationships, and the frustrations we face at work or home. God’s provision is comprehensive, meeting both our spiritual and practical needs. Whether we are making dinner, helping a friend through grief, or dealing with our own doubts, His grace is sufficient in every situation. We are not lacking; we have what we need in Christ right now.

Through the resurrection and ascension of Jesus, we have received the Holy Spirit—God’s empowering presence living within us. The Spirit is not just an abstract force for dramatic moments but a daily helper who guides, comforts, and strengthens us. He empowers us to live in obedience, grow in grace, and bear fruit, even in the ordinary rhythms of life. Whether it’s responding with patience during a conflict or extending forgiveness when wronged, the Holy Spirit equips us to live out our faith practically, demonstrating that God’s power is active in every aspect of life.

We can also see what God has done in our lives and the lives of those around us. When we share how the gospel is transforming us, we declare the ongoing work of Christ in a way that builds up others. Personal testimony is powerful—not because it draws attention to us, but because it highlights what God is doing. As we testify to how God has brought healing, restored relationships, or provided strength in weakness, we remind others of His faithfulness and encourage them to trust in His promises. Our stories of transformation become an invitation for others to see how God’s grace can work in their lives too. The gospel, after all, isn’t just something we believe—it’s something we live and share.

The gospel is the good news that Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection bring salvation and transformation. But it’s not just a past event—it’s the daily power we need to live as new creations, walking in a new identity. As we keep the gospel central, allowing it to speak into the details of our everyday lives, we experience the fullness of life God intends for us.

The gospel isn’t just about what happens when we die—it’s about the power of Christ changing us here and now. But sometimes, we experience the “gospel gap”—when our functional beliefs don’t match what we say we believe. Instead of relying on the transforming power of the gospel, we fill that gap with other things that, though they seem helpful or even biblical, leave us spiritually stuck. Recognising this gap is key to stepping into the fullness of what God has provided for us in Christ.

1️⃣ How have you experienced the “gospel gap” in your own life?

• Do you ever find yourself thinking of salvation only as a future promise (getting into heaven) rather than something that affects your everyday life?
• What are some practical ways you tend to fill the “gospel gap” instead of relying on Christ’s grace in the present? Consider this list (from Chapter 1 of How People Change) :

• Formalism: Going through religious motions without heart change
• Legalism: Trying to earn God’s approval through good works
• Mysticism: Relying on emotional experiences to feel close to God
• Activism: Finding your identity in ministry and social causes
• Biblicism: Gaining theological knowledge without applying it to life
• “Psychology-ism”: Over-relying on self-help techniques for change
• “Social-ism”: Prioritising community over a personal relationship with Christ

• Have you ever overlooked the power of the gospel to change you in the present? How has that affected your spiritual growth or daily struggles?
• Can you think of a specific moment when you recognised the need to shift from one of these substitutes back to trusting in Christ’s work?

2️⃣ How have you experienced the transformative power of the gospel in your life?

• In what ways have you seen real change through God’s grace, either in your character, actions, or perspective?
• Think about a specific area where the gospel has brought healing or growth. What did God do through that experience?
• Are there areas of your life where you’re still longing for transformation? How can you lean into the gospel’s power there?

3️⃣ How does the gospel address the deepest needs of your heart?

• What specific longings (comfort, approval, control, or security) do you find yourself chasing?
• How does the gospel offer a better fulfilment for those needs than the things you typically turn to meet those longings?
• What biblical promises can you hold onto when you feel those needs arise?

4️⃣ How has the gospel impacted your relationships with others?

• Are there relationships where you’ve seen forgiveness, patience, or reconciliation because of God’s work in your life?
• Is there a relationship right now where you need to apply gospel truths—such as forgiving someone or seeking reconciliation?
• How can you invite your group to pray with you about those relationships?

5️⃣ What gospel truths do you need to hold onto in this present moment?

• What current challenges are you facing where you need to trust God’s promises?
• Are there fears, doubts, or struggles that can be reframed through the lens of your new identity in Christ?
• Which specific gospel truth will you meditate on this week to help anchor your faith?

6️⃣ What practices can help you keep the gospel central in your daily life?

• What are some practical ways you can regularly preach the gospel to yourself? (Consider prayer, Scripture memorisation, worship, or journaling.)
• How can you remind others of the gospel in your daily conversations or actions?
• How does sharing your testimony—even small moments of God’s faithfulness—encourage you and others to keep trusting in Him?

 7️⃣ Personal Testimony:

• What is one way or area where you sense God calling you to grow right now?
• What gospel truth speaks directly into that growth area?
• Do you have a recent testimony of how God has been working in your life, either through growth, encouragement, or gospel fruit? Consider sharing this with someone in your MCG.

“All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ.”
- Ephesians‬ ‭1‬:‭3‬ (NLT)

It’s a question we all ask at some point.

But let’s be clear—this isn’t the kind of question that comes from an existential crisis, like when Derek Zoolander stares into a puddle and asks, "Who am I?" Nor is this about peeling back the layers of our personality to discover some hidden, authentic self deep inside.

This question isn’t about finding ourselves by looking within—it’s about looking outside of ourselves, to our Creator and Saviour, to see who Jesus has made us to be. Discipleship is a process of letting go of our self-definition and allowing our hearts to be shaped by Christ.

When we ask "Who am I?" in light of the gospel, we’re not starting with our uniqueness or personality (although Jesus delights in both). Instead, we’re asking a much deeper, more transformative question: Who am I IN Christ?

Because the truth is, when you are IN Christ, your identity is no longer something you achieve—it’s something you receive.

Everything we’ve explored so far has led us to this point. It is only in light of who God is (chapter 1) and what He has done (chapter 2)—that we can see our true selves.

This is because our identity isn’t built on our feelings, circumstances, or achievements—it is grounded in the unshakable reality of our union with Christ.

Scripture tells us time and time again that if you have put your faith in Jesus, then you are "in Christ".

What an unusual idea—that we are "in Christ". What does it mean, and how do we make sense of it?

In his book, "One With My Lord", Sam Allberry explores this concept in great detail and, at one point, refers to an analogy where he imagines one is abroad and desires to fly home to Perth. He asks;

Scripture describes multiple gospel identities that are true of everyone who has placed their faith in Jesus. These aren’t things we work toward or strive for—they are realities that define us because of our union with Him.

For example;

• I am not rejected, but accepted (John 1:12)
• I am not broken, but complete (Colossians 2:9-10)
• I am not held hostage to sin, but free (Romans 8:1)
• I am not in danger, but secure (2 Corinthians 1:21-22)
• I am not uncertain, but assured (Romans 8:28)
• I am not insignificant, but significant (Ephesians 2:10)
• I am not weak, but empowered (Philippians 4:13)

When we grasp that our identity is defined by Him, we begin to see ourselves as we truly are.

Some gospel identities will resonate more deeply with us depending on our circumstances. For example, if you grew up in a home where love felt conditional or distant, the truth that you are fully known and fully loved by your heavenly Father may be particularly powerful. Because this will vary for each person, we will explore these more deeply in the Reflection Questions.

The point is, no matter what the world says about you, who you are in Christ is true, foundational and unchanging.

Knowing our identity in Christ is not just an encouragement—it’s a weapon.

As disciples, we are in a daily battle against sin. But here’s the good news: in Christ, even our relationship to sin has changed.

Before Christ, we were enslaved to sin.
But now, we are free.

Sin still tempts us, but it no longer defines us. And through the power of the Holy Spirit, we now have the ability to choose righteousness—to respond not with old patterns, but with gospel fruit that is growing in increasing measure.

How do we do that?

When you believe you are worthless, the gospel reminds you that you are beloved (1 John 3:1).

When you feel trapped in sin, the gospel declares that you are free in Christ (Romans 6:6-7; John 8:36).

When you think you are alone, the gospel assures you that God is always with you (Matthew 28:20).

This is why discipleship is never done alone. Sin is easier to fight when we stand together, strengthening and reminding one another of the truth.

It’s one thing to know your identity in Christ, but what does it look like to actually live in light of it?

Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 10:5

This means daily surrendering our thoughts, emotions, and decisions to Jesus—aligning them with the truth of who we are in Him.

But we are not left to figure this out on our own.

This divine power is the Holy Spirit who is actively at work within us, shaping us, convicting us, and drawing us closer to Christ. The more we depend on Him, the more we see His power in our everyday lives.

So who are you?

You are in Christ.
You are a new creation.
You are adopted and loved.
You are free and victorious.
You are never alone.

And nothing—absolutely nothing—can change that (Romans 8:38-39).

Our identity shapes everything about us—how we see ourselves, how we interact with others, and how we respond to life’s challenges. Yet, too often, we build our identity on things that shift and fade—our achievements, failures, relationships, or emotions. But Scripture tells us that when we are in Christ, our identity is not something we achieve—it’s something we receive. The challenge is learning to live in that truth. In these questions, we’ll explore what it means to root our identity in Christ, confront the lies that compete for our hearts, and step into the freedom that comes from knowing who we truly are in Him.

1️⃣ What does it mean to be "in Christ"?

• Read 2 Corinthians 5:17. What does this passage say about your identity?
• Sam Allberry uses the analogy of being "in the plane" to describe what it means to be in Christ. How does this analogy help you understand your relationship with Jesus?
• What are some ways you’ve struggled to believe that your identity is fully found in Christ?

2️⃣ How does your gospel identity shape the way you see yourself?

• Our world tells us to define ourselves by achievements, experiences, or feelings. How does the gospel offer a better foundation?
• Think about a time when you placed your identity in something other than Christ. How did that impact your thoughts and actions?
• How can knowing that your identity is received, not achieved, bring freedom to your life?

3️⃣ What difference does your gospel identity make in your daily life?

• Read 2 Peter 1:3-4. What does it mean that God has given us "everything we need for life and godliness"?
• What are some ways you can practically live out of your new identity in Christ rather than falling back into old ways of thinking?
• What role does the Holy Spirit play in helping you walk in your gospel identity each day?

4️⃣ How does your identity in Christ change how you fight sin?

• Read Romans 6:6-7. How does being "in Christ" change your relationship with sin?
• Jeff Vanderstelt says, "We need to identify the lies we believe and replace them with the truths of the gospel." What are some lies you tend to believe about yourself, and what gospel truths counter them?
• What practical steps can you take to replace lies with truth when temptation arises?

5️⃣ How does your gospel identity affect your relationships?

• If your identity is secure in Christ, how does that change the way you respond to criticism, rejection, or failure?
• How does knowing you are fully accepted by God shape the way you extend grace to others?
• Is there a specific relationship in your life where you need to apply the truth of your gospel identity more fully?

6️⃣ Personalising Gospel Identity: Holding Onto the Truth of Adoption

• Gospel identities often resonate more deeply depending on personal experiences. Which gospel identity (e.g., accepted, free, significant, secure, adopted child, redeemed) stands out to you right now, and why?
• Consider sharing how this particular gospel identity is meaningful to you with your group. How can you encourage one another to live confidently as beloved children of God?

Example: Holding Onto the Truth of Adoption

Theology of Adoption Applied
Adoption is not just a theological concept—it’s a life-altering reality. Before Christ, we were spiritual orphans, lost and without a home, but in His great love, God didn’t just rescue us—He made us His own. Ephesians 1:4-5 tells us that before the foundation of the world, God chose us, predestined us for adoption, and took great delight in calling us His children. This means that no matter our earthly circumstances—whether we come from loving homes or broken ones, whether we feel wanted or forgotten—we have a Father in heaven who has intentionally and joyfully made us part of His family. And because our adoption is secured in Christ, it can never be undone. Unlike human adoption, where relationships can strain or even fracture, God’s adoption is eternal. He does not regret choosing you. He does not waver in His love. You are not an afterthought, a burden, or an obligation—you are His beloved child, fully embraced and forever secure. When doubts creep in and tell you that you are alone, unwanted, or unworthy, take those thoughts captive and replace them with the truth: You are chosen. You are cherished. You are home. And nothing—not your past, not your failures, not even your own doubts—can separate you from the love of your Father (Romans 8:38-39).

• Read Ephesians 1:3-6. How does this passage speak to your identity as a child of God?
• Adoption into God’s family means that He chose you before the foundation of the world (v4) and that He delights in calling you His child (v5). How does this truth challenge or encourage you?
• If you have experienced broken or distant relationships—especially with earthly parents—how does the reality of being fully adopted and loved by your heavenly Father bring hope?
• When you face doubts or struggles, what specific promises from Scripture can you hold onto to remind yourself of your secure place in God’s family?
• How can you actively take thoughts captive and proclaim the truth of your adoption in Christ to yourself when you are tempted to believe lies about your worth or belonging?

“...love one another: just as I have loved you...”
- John 13:34‬

Happiness and success, we are told, is achieved by using people to get ahead - connect when it's convenient and detach when it's not. But what if relationships aren't something we do or use, but something we are created for?

In Genesis 2:18, God declares for the first time in all of creation that something is not good—Adam's aloneness. But this is no design flaw, this is because Adam was made in the image of someone who is not just a me, but an us.

God—Father, Son, and Spirit—exists eternally in a perfect, loving relationship. And so to be created in His image is to be created for relationship - both with God and others. We cannot become who we are meant to be in isolation because to be fully human is not just to be me—it is to be us.

This is why discipleship can never be done alone—because a relationship with Jesus is also a relationship with His people. Community isn’t merely helpful for following Jesus—it’s essential.

This means that every aspect of discipleship—whether worship, prayer, mission, or growth—is meant to be lived out together. Following Jesus was never designed to be a solo act, but a shared pursuit of (and enjoyment in!) Christ, shaped by the presence of others.

There are many effects of doing discipleship together—but one of the most remarkable effects is the heart-level change that becomes possible. As others help us to see who Jesus is—and who we are in light of Him—the very desires of our hearts begin to shift. Others help us to see our need for Jesus and the gospel in ways that we could never do as individuals.

This is because when we are known and loved in an authentic Christian community, our blind spots can be revealed and exposed from a relationship of trust.

This is where real heart change happens - not in isolation - but in community.

As we speak the gospel into one another’s lives, as we listen, encourage, invite, forgive, and walk with one another through the everyday stuff of life, a supernatural transformation takes place: we become more like Jesus (2 Corinthians 3:18)

How do we know that?

Because Scripture is unapologetically communal in its communication of the gospel.

From Genesis to Revelation, the biblical story is not the tale of isolated individuals pursuing private spirituality—it is the story of a people redeemed by God and formed into a family. In fact, when Paul writes to the churches, he rarely addresses them in the singular. Nearly every “you” in his letters is plural, not individual. He is writing to the collective church, not to lone believers on solo missions.

This is where the “one another” commands take centre stage.

The phrase "one another" (Greek: allēlōn) appears 100 times in 94 verses in the New Testament! All of that to say, 'one another-ing' not an optional extra. Instead, this way of living shapes what discipleship looks like in daily life:

• Love one another (John 13:34, Romans 13:8, 1 Peter 1:22)
• Encourage one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
• Bear one another's burdens (Galatians 6:2)
• Forgive one another (Colossians 3:13)
• Confess sins to one another (James 5:16)
• Serve one another (Galatians 5:13)

You can’t “one another” by yourself.
You can’t be part of the body while living disconnected from the body.
Therefore, following Jesus is not only believing—it’s belonging.

Although belonging to one another is rewarding, it is not without its risks. Allowing others into our lives takes courage because authenticity can be uncomfortable, inconvenient and counterintuitive. But so was the cross.

It was for the joy set before him that Christ endured the cross. And when he died he did so not merely for individuals—but His bride, the Church. And that community, the church, IS His plan for change in your life.

Sin thrives in isolation but suffocates in the light (Ephesians 5:11-13). And so, in a grace-filled community, where people know you, love you, and call you to repentance, you are free from condemnation (Romans 8:1) and are invited to experience the healing and freedom of the gospel in a profoundly real way.

“Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed.” (James 5:16)

It may feel risky, but to be known and loved despite your faults is one of the greatest blessings of discipleship.

If this is you, you’re not alone.

It would be naive to think that Christians won’t hurt one another—sometimes deeply.

But we can take heart in the unflinchingly honesty with which Scripture speaks about the messiness of God’s people. The early church wasn’t exactly a highlight reel of perfect fellowship—it was full of conflict, division, hypocrisy, immaturity, and sin (take the Corinthians as an example!). The church has always been riddled with dysfunction. And yet… it was still beloved. The church is still called “the body of Christ.” And apparently, to Christ, still worth building.

But in a gospel-formed community;

• hurt can be met with healing
• failure can be met with grace, and
• sin can be met with truth and restoration. 

This is where the one-another commands come alive—not just in warm greetings, but in costly forgiveness (Colossians 3:13), patient bearing (Ephesians 4:2), and tender-hearted mercy (Ephesians 4:32). This is the intrusive community of grace we all need.

It’s not easy. But it’s worth it.

Because when we walk in the light together, Jesus does something miraculous—He forms a people who reflect Him better together than we ever could alone.

And that is the reward: to be part of a community where grace is not theory but practice, where healing flows through honesty, and where the love of Christ is made visible not just in sermons, but in lives intertwined.

Community is both the context of discipleship and the catalyst. It shapes not only who we are, but how we live and what the world sees. Here are just three identity-shaping realities that show why discipleship in community is worth it:

1. We Are Transformed
When we allow others into the mess and beauty of our everyday lives, discipleship moves from surface-level behaviour management to deep, heart-level transformation (Romans 12:2). By a work of the Holy Spirit and through confession, encouragement, and grace, real and lasting change happens—not in isolation,  in relationship with one another.

2. We Are Fortified
Together, we are fortified against sin and the enemy. The enemy knows that a lone sheep is easier to pick off than one who is safely among the flock. That’s why isolation is dangerous—but gospel communities are fortified by one another. When we fight side by side—praying, encouraging, reminding each other of our gospel identity—we become stronger, together as "Iron sharpens iron" (Proverbs 27:17). The Church is a spiritual army, equipped for the fight and united under Christ our King. You were never meant to fight sin or Satan alone (Ephesians 6:10-18)!

And last, but not least;

3. We Reflect Christ, Better!
There is a ceiling on how much of Christ can be made visible through an individual. But when the church functions as it should—diverse yet united, honest yet gracious, flawed yet forgiven—it becomes a living, breathing display of the gospel and the character of Christ to a watching world. In a culture where individuality is king, a Christ-centred community is radically countercultural—not because of who we are, but of who our affections are for (Philippians 2:1-2).

We were never meant to follow Jesus alone. From the beginning, God designed us for relationship—first with Him, then with one another. But community is more than just helpful; it’s essential. As we grow together in gospel-centred community, our hearts are shaped, our blind spots exposed, and our lives transformed. These questions will help you explore how the people around you are part of God’s plan to change you, challenge you, and encourage you as you follow Jesus.

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
- Proverbs 4:23

Let’s say you’ve made it this far.

• You know who God is - holy and gracious.
• You know what He’s done - He’s rescued you in Christ.
• You’ve discovered who you are - a new creation.
• And you’re walking in community with other believers.

And yet - somewhere in the quiet - there’s a question you can’t shake:
Why do I still fall short?

I still snap at my kids...
I still grumble at work....
I still get bitter, anxious, jealous, withdrawn...
I still reach for old habits and react with old patterns...

Why is personal transformation so difficult?

If I’ve been made new, then why don’t I live like it?
Why do I still carry so much impatience, insecurity, and pride?
Why does my behaviour so often betray my identity?

These aren’t minor slips.
They feel like proof that I’m not who I’m supposed to be.
And honestly?
You’re not wrong to feel that tension.

We can’t even live up to our own expectations - let alone anyone else’s. Let alone Jesus’.

So we give up.
We say, “I’ll just wait until Jesus returns—then I’ll finally live the way I should.”

But this isn’t how Scripture talks about change.

“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Jesus has already begun that work in you - right now.

Discipleship isn’t just about knowing Christ - it's about growing in Christ.
It’s about being transformed.

Not superficially. Not eventually. But deeply and continually - “from one degree of glory to another” (2 Corinthians 3:18).

And that kind of change is possible.
In Christ, real, long-lasting change is possible.

So where do we begin?

Should we just stop giving into temptation? (e.g. no more unhealthy food)
Or make stricter rules? (e.g. alcohol only on weekends)
Or remove the temptation all together? (e.g. delete social media apps)
Or grit our teeth and promise,  “I won’t do that again.”? (e.g. no more porn)
Or just keep quiet? (e.g. bite our tongue when we want to gossip)\
Or set better goals? (e.g. by this time next month I'll have quit)

These attempts to control our environment or behaviour may help a bit, but they are not a great place to start because not only does this kind of change take huge amounts of willpower - it rarely lasts.

Sometimes it works. For a while.
But eventually, the old patterns return.
The same reactions surface.
The deeper problem remains.

Why?

Because real change doesn’t start with behaviour or environment modification.
It starts with the heart.

In Scripture, the heart is the control centre of your life—not just what you feel, but what you believe, desire, trust, and worship. And until the desires of your heart are transformed, your behaviour will always circle back. New fruit can’t grow from old roots.

That’s why the heart of discipleship…is the heart.

In Scripture, the heart is never just your emotions. It’s the control centre of your life. It’s where your beliefs are formed, your desires take root, and your will is set.

And Jesus says: What grows out of your life reveals what’s buried in your heart.

“No good tree bears bad fruit… for each tree is known by its own fruit.
The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good,
and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil.”
— Luke 6:43–45

So when you see sinful, reactive, or unhealthy behaviour in your life, it’s not just a fruit problem.
It’s a root problem.

The pressures of life - stress, conflict, disappointment, temptation - don’t create your response.
They expose it.

That moment you snapped at your kids wasn’t caused by their noise.
That spiral of anxiety wasn’t caused by the calendar.
That grumbling heart at work wasn’t caused by your boss.

They were revealed by those things.
And what was revealed was where your heart is rooted.

Because our responses aren’t shaped just by what we’re facing -
They’re shaped by what we’re trusting.

And when our hearts are misaligned with God -
when we’re believing lies or worshipping false things -
our behaviour will show it.

The Bible calls this sin.
And sin isn’t just about what we do.
It’s about what we love.
And what we love, we worship.

Jesus doesn’t just confront our actions - He confronts our worship.

And when our worship is misplaced, what grows from our lives is not love, joy, peace, and patience (etc. See Galatians 5:22-23) -
but anti-fruit from a disordered heart:

• Anger
• Fear
• Envy
• Self-pity
• Control
• Despair

They don’t grow in a vacuum. Anti-fruit grows when our hearts are drawing life from false roots - from the need for approval, from the illusion of control, from the comfort of success - instead of Christ.
Thorns are the anti-fruit that grow when our hearts worship something other than Jesus.

Often, instead of dealing with the roots, we go straight for the fruit.
We cut off the bad behaviour and hope it doesn’t grow back.
We manage the anger, monitor the envy, silence the fear.

But like chopping apples off a tree, they always come back.
Because nothing has changed below the surface.

Real change only happens when the roots change.
And that’s why real discipleship always leads us - not just to better behaviour - but to a transformed heart.

So what do we do when thorns show up in our lives?

We don’t just trim the branches.
We trace them to the roots.

Instead of asking, “How can I stop doing this?”
We learn to ask, “What am I believing right now that’s driving this behaviour?”

Discipleship means learning to trace the fruit back to the root—
and then realign your heart with what’s true.

Let’s say I’m angry again.
I snap at someone I love.
I feel the conviction, but I don’t know what to do except apologise and promise to try harder next time.

But beneath the thorn of anger is a tangle of misaligned beliefs:

• Who do I think I am? I’m acting like I’m a god—like my will should be obeyed instantly.
• What has Jesus done? He absorbed the full weight of God’s wrath on my behalf. He didn’t lash out—He laid down His life.
• Who is God? He is slow to anger and rich in mercy. Patient. Kind. Not quick to punish—but quick to forgive.

And as I remember the truth of the gospel—not just in my head, but deep in my heart—something shifts.

The root begins to change.
And when the root changes, so does the fruit.

Now, instead of erupting in anger, I respond with patience.
Not because I’m trying harder to behave,
but because I’m learning to trust Jesus more fully.
I am believing more wholeheartedly in who God is, what he has done, and who I am in Christ, and living empowered by those truths.

This is how transformation happens.
This is what real discipleship looks like—where lasting change flows from a heart that’s being reshaped by gospel truth.

What challenges will you face on the path of discipleship?

You will face pressure.
You’ll react in ways you’re not proud of.
You’ll see anti-fruit appear - old habits, old fears, old fruit you thought was gone.

But that’s not failure.
It’s invitation.

Each moment becomes an opportunity to realign your heart.
To return to what’s true.
To let your roots grow deeper in the gospel.

Because Jesus isn’t after behaviour tweaks.
He’s after heart transformation.

“True change happens when we stop managing behaviour and start dealing with the heart.” - Paul Tripp, How People Change

So don’t just cut off the bad fruit.

Go deeper.
Go to the roots.
Go to Jesus.

“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭6‬

After exploring the character of God, the gospel, and how it shapes our identity, community, and struggles—we now arrive at the question most people ask first:

What difference does it actually make?

Everywhere you look, the world is offering answers: wake up at 5am, build atomic habits, win friends, influence people, declutter your house, optimise your routine, become your best self.

The message is clear - we all need and want to change.
But the method is always the same - try harder. Fix yourself. Save yourself.

But at the heart of discipleship is a better story.

The gospel doesn’t demand that you perform your way into transformation.
It promises transformation as the fruit of a heart that is rooted in Christ (John 15:5).
And this kind of gospel fruit doesn’t grow through striving - but through worship.

When your heart is captured by Christ, the Spirit begins to produce change in you—slowly, deeply, supernaturally.

Not just a better version of you. A new creation. Which means that real and lasting change is not only free from striving, but possible!

That’s gospel fruit. And that’s what this chapter is all about.

In Chapter 5, we learned that thorns—or what we might call anti-fruit—grow from hearts that are drawing life from false roots. When our hearts are rooted in the need for control, comfort, approval, or success (to name a few), we respond to life’s challenges with fear, anger, avoidance, and pride.
They don’t grow in a vacuum. Anti-fruit grows when our hearts are drawing life from false roots—from the need for approval, from the illusion of control, from the comfort of success—instead of from our relationship with Christ (Jeremiah 17:5-6).

Thorns are the fruit of false worship. They are sin in bloom.

But when our hearts are rooted in Jesus, nourished by gospel truth and dependent on the Spirit, a different kind of fruit emerges—gospel fruit. This fruit isn’t manufactured by effort; it’s cultivated through worship realignment (Galatians 5:22–23).

Anti-fruit is the result of de-creation—when life unravels under the weight of sin.

Gospel fruit is the result of new creation—when the gospel rewrites the story of our lives and hearts (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Gospel fruit is produced from our union with Christ; We are in Him, we are being transformed by Him and so the fruit that flows out of us mirror His character and nature (Romans 8:29).

“Trials in themselves do not make us or break us. They simply reveal what is already inside of us.” — How People Change

As we explored in earlier chapters, what we believe about God and what we believe about ourselves shapes how we live. We live out of our hearts. And our hearts are shaped by what we trust, worship, and love most (Proverbs 4:23).

Jeff Vanderstelt says, “We always live out what we truly believe in our hearts—not just what we say we believe.”

So if you want to know what you’re believing in a given moment, look at the fruit.

When gospel fruit is present, it means the gospel is being functionally believed. Not just intellectually affirmed, but relied upon in real time (James 2:17-18).
This is why repentance and faith are central—not just to becoming a Christian, but to living as one. Dane Ortlund paints this picture:
“Each experience of despair is to melt us afresh into deeper fellowship with Jesus. Like jumping on a trampoline, we are to go down into freshly felt emptiness, but then let that spring us high into fresh heights with Jesus. The Bible calls this two-step movement repentance and faith.

“Repentance is turning from Self. Faith is turning to Jesus. You can't have one without the other. Repentance that does not turn to Jesus is not real repentance; faith that has not first turned from Sin and Self is not real faith.”

That’s what it looks like to live by the gospel: turning from sin and self-reliance (repentance) and turning toward Jesus again and again (faith). This is the daily rhythm of gospel fruitfulness (Mark 1:15).

We do not produce fruit in our own strength. Jesus said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).

Just like a branch cannot bear fruit unless it remains connected to the vine, we cannot bear gospel fruit unless we are abiding in Christ. That connection is cultivated through worship, prayer, Scripture, confession, and community (Colossians 3:16).

Paul Tripp writes: “Lasting change is the result of the Spirit working through the gospel in the soil of everyday life.”

The Holy Spirit takes the truth of who Jesus is and applies it to the deep places of our hearts. The fruit isn’t in trying harder—it’s in trusting deeper (Galatians 3:3).

So, what does gospel fruit actually look like? Here are a few examples:

• A quiet peace in the middle of uncertainty.
• A willingness to confess sin and ask for forgiveness.
• A new hunger for God’s Word.
• Courage to do what’s right, even when it’s costly.
• Gentleness where there once was harshness.
• Patience instead of irritation.
• A deepened love for people you once resented.

Fruit often starts small, but it is always evidence of God's grace at work (Philippians 1:6).
“The real question is not whether we sin, but whether we are bothered by our sin.” — Edwards on the Christian Life, Dane Ortlund
When we are convicted, when we are softened, when we want to change—that’s fruit beginning to grow.

In Gospel Fluency, Jeff Vanderstelt introduces a practical framework for discipleship and heart transformation known as "Fruit to Root." It helps us trace the outward behaviours we display—our fruit—back to the inward beliefs we hold—our root. This process reveals whether we’re living out of gospel truth or something else entirely.

This is what gospel-centred, heart-oriented discipleship looks like: It’s not just behaviour management—it’s heart realignment. It’s not just doing better—it’s believing truer. And in that space, gospel fruit grows.

It works like this: if you see bad fruit—such as anger, fear, or jealousy—trace it back to the root. What were you believing about God in that moment? What were you desiring? What lie were you trusting?

Let’s say you find yourself snapping at a friend. The instinct might be to excuse it: "I was tired," or "They were being difficult." But gospel fluency invites us to dig deeper: Was I believing that I needed to be in control to feel safe? Was I desiring to be respected above all else? Was I trusting in my own sense of justice instead of God’s grace? That’s the fruit-to-root journey—naming the behaviour and tracing it back to the belief beneath it (Romans 12:2).

But the gospel doesn’t just help us work backwards. It also allows us to move forward—from root to fruit. Once we've identified the lie or idol beneath the surface, we replace it with gospel truth: Jesus is Lord, I am secure in Him, and His Spirit is with me. When the root changes, so does the fruit. The outward change is no longer about effort but about worship—right belief leading to new behaviour.

This two-way process—fruit to root, then root to fruit—helps us move from surface-level change to deep transformation. As Vanderstelt puts it:
“We don’t just need to change what we do; we need to change what we believe about God, ourselves, and others.” — Gospel Fluency, p. 169

So don’t lose heart if the growth feels slow—stay rooted in Christ, keep turning back to Him, and trust that the Spirit is faithfully producing fruit in you, one day at a time.

Gospel fruit is not a product of self-effort—it’s the natural overflow of a heart that is being transformed by Jesus. As we grow in believing the truth about who God is, what He has done, and who we are in Him, the Spirit produces real, visible change. These questions are designed to help you reflect on how the gospel is bearing fruit in your life—and where there may still be areas for deeper heart-level transformation. Take time to slow down, examine what’s happening beneath the surface, and invite the Spirit to realign your worship and desires with the truth of the gospel.

“Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others.”
— 2 Timothy 2:2 (NLT)

One of the best ways to understand discipleship is to experience it. As you participate in a Discipleship Group, you’ll have opportunities to apply the gospel to your own life—with the help of a discipling community—and begin learning how to walk alongside others and help them do the same.

So keep going. The Heart of Discipleship is just the beginning—an introduction to what we hope you will experience more deeply through ongoing discipleship within your Missional Community Group.

Gospel fruit grows over time. It’s not always dramatic. Sometimes it’s slow, hidden, and even hard to see. But even small shoots of growth are evidence of the Spirit’s work in your life (1 Thessalonians 5:23–24).

Martin Luther famously said, “The whole of the Christian life is one of repentance.”

Each day is a new opportunity to turn from sin and self and toward Jesus. As our hearts become more captivated by Him, gospel fruit begins to take shape in our words, actions, and relationships (Luke 8:15).

We do not grow alone. Gospel fruit flourishes in Gospel community.

“We need others to help us see the gospel in ways we can’t see on our own.” — Gospel Fluency, p. 72

When others walk with us—reminding us of truth, helping us identify thorns, celebrating fruit, and calling us back to Jesus—we grow more than we ever could in isolation.

This is why discipleship in community matters. The Spirit works through the Body to produce gospel fruit in us—not just for our sake, but for the building up of the whole church (Ephesians 4:15–16).

So don’t lose heart if the growth feels slow—stay rooted in Christ, keep turning back to Him, and trust that the Spirit is faithfully producing fruit in you, one day at a time.

A wise disciple-maker said many times, "Discipleship is not truly discipleship until it is third generation."

This echoes the pattern we see in 2 Timothy 2:2: Paul discipled Timothy, who was to entrust the gospel to reliable people, who would then teach others. Four generations of multiplication—all flowing from one faithful disciple.

"You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others."
— 2 Timothy 2:2 (NLT)

Until that kind of reproducibility happens, discipleship is still just "investment". And that investment is valuable—transformational even. But if it stops with the individual, it can become a cul-de-sac instead of a highway. If a disciple never becomes a discipler, the potential for kingdom growth is limited.

At Disciples Church, our vision is to Make Disciples, Mature Disciples, and Multiply Disciples. We long to see this kind of generational growth. We want every disciple to be equipped to help others follow Jesus—and to do so in a way that is gospel-centred, heart-oriented, and relationally grounded.

To do this well, we need to equip ordinary followers of Jesus to become disciple-makers. And that can be challenging. Discipleship is both a science and an art. There needs to be enough structure to guide and enough flexibility to adapt. We want to make it easily reproducible. This is what we have aimed to do with the framework we are using for our discipleship at DC.

As you grow in this journey, you’ll learn the framework, grow in confidence, and eventually have opportunities to lead. This happens not through lectures or manuals, but through community—learning by doing, in a hands-on apprenticeship-style process that mirrors the way Jesus trained His disciples.