“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them… teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always…”
— Matthew 28:19–20 (ESV)
Introduction: The Forgotten Commission?
In an age of instant information, digital sermons, and global Christian conferences, the Church of today finds itself rich in resources but often poor in personal transformation. Many believers are well-informed but not well-formed. We know the gospel but struggle to live it out in community. Why? Because discipleship and mentorship—the very fabric of Christian growth—have often been sidelined or misunderstood.
This article seeks to recapture the biblical vision of discipleship and mentorship, exploring their relevance, role, and necessity in today’s Church. It is a call to return to the relational, intentional, and incarnational model laid down by Christ and the early Church.
1. Defining Discipleship and Mentorship
Though closely related, discipleship and mentorship are distinct but complementary components of spiritual formation.
Discipleship is the lifelong process of following Jesus, learning from Him, obeying His teachings, and helping others do the same (Luke 9:23; John 8:31).
Mentorship is a more focused relationship where a mature believer guides, nurtures, and supports the growth of another in faith and life, often through personal experience and accountability (2 Timothy 2:2).
In essence, discipleship is the goal; mentorship is one of the key vehicles to get there.
2. The Biblical Mandate
The call to discipleship is not optional. It is the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20), not the “Great Suggestion.”
Jesus modeled this by investing deeply in twelve men, spending time with them, teaching them, correcting them, and ultimately commissioning them to do the same with others. Paul followed this example by mentoring Timothy, Titus, and others, charging Timothy:
“And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” (2 Timothy 2:2)
From Moses mentoring Joshua, to Elijah mentoring Elisha, to Jesus mentoring His disciples, Scripture presents mentorship not as a program, but as a pattern—a lifestyle of spiritual reproduction.
3. Why Discipleship and Mentorship Matter Today
In a culture of consumer Christianity, mentorship and discipleship counter the trend of passive faith. Here’s why they’re vital:
a. They Ground Believers in Doctrine and Identity
Many Christians struggle with spiritual confusion or shallow faith. Discipleship offers depth, helping believers understand Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16-17), theology, and their identity in Christ (Ephesians 1:3-14).
b. They Provide Accountability and Encouragement
Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds us to stir one another toward love and good deeds. Mentorship fosters a space for honest accountability and pastoral encouragement.
c. They Develop Future Leaders
Churches that prioritize mentoring cultivate a healthy pipeline of spiritually mature leaders who can faithfully handle God’s Word (Titus 1:5-9; Acts 6:1-7).
d. They Foster Multiplication, Not Just Addition
Programs often add; discipleship multiplies. When each believer is trained to disciple others, the Church grows exponentially, both in maturity and number.
4. The Current Gaps and Challenges
Despite its biblical centrality, discipleship and mentorship are often under-practiced in today’s churches. Some reasons include:
Programmatic substitutes: Churches may replace relational discipleship with classes, assuming knowledge equals growth.
Over-busyness: Leaders and members alike are often too busy to invest deeply in others.
Fear or inadequacy: Many feel unqualified to disciple, forgetting that God uses the willing, not just the well-polished.
Generational disconnect: A lack of intergenerational engagement often deprives younger believers of seasoned guidance.
5. Practical Steps Toward a Culture of Discipleship
Reviving discipleship in the Church doesn’t require reinventing the wheel but returning to Scripture and re-aligning our priorities. Here are some practical steps:
a. Pastoral Modeling
Pastors and leaders must model discipleship and mentorship intentionally, like Paul with Timothy. A church’s culture flows from its leadership.
b. Relational Structures Over Programs
Move beyond rigid curricula to foster relationships where life is shared and transformation happens naturally (Acts 2:42-47).
c. Train and Equip
Offer training on how to mentor and disciple—how to lead Bible studies, ask good questions, pray with others, and walk alongside them.
d. Create Opportunities for Connection
Facilitate small groups, intergenerational meetups, and organic discipleship opportunities where mentorship can be birthed naturally.
e. Prioritize the Long View
Discipleship is not an 8-week class; it’s a lifelong journey. Encourage a long-term mindset in those mentoring and being mentored.
6. The Reward: A Mature, Missional Church
A Church committed to discipleship and mentorship will be:
Doctrinally sound, able to discern truth from error.
Relationally healthy, marked by unity, humility, and mutual edification.
Missionally active, multiplying disciples who impact their communities.
As Dallas Willard once said,
“The greatest issue facing the world today… is whether those who, by profession or culture, are identified as ‘Christians’ will become disciples—students, apprentices, practitioners—of Jesus Christ.”
Conclusion: Will We Obey the Commission?
Today’s Church stands at a crossroads. Will we settle for mere attendance and content consumption, or will we recommit to the radical call of Jesus—to “make disciples” and walk with one another toward Christlikeness?
Discipleship and mentorship are not add-ons to the Christian life—they are the Christian life. As we embrace them, we will see not just church growth, but church health. Not just crowds, but communities. Not just converts, but disciples who make disciples.
“Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
— Matthew 4:19
Let us follow Christ. Let us disciple others. Let us build His Church—one life at a time.
Suggested Reading & References:
Bonhoeffer, Dietrich – The Cost of Discipleship
Coleman, Robert E. – The Master Plan of Evangelism
Willard, Dallas – The Spirit of the Disciplines
Hull, Bill – The Complete Book of Discipleship
Scripture References:
• Matthew 28:18–20
• Luke 9:23
• 2 Timothy 2:2
• Acts 2:42–47
• Ephesians 4:11–16
