One to One Discipleship
You are about to begin a special and meaningful relationship with a fellow believer. You can be assured of as much or more blessing than the one you are discipling. This one-to-one discipling material is to assist you in discipling babes in Christ as well as other sheep. As obedient Christians we are to:
Make Disciples
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I will be with you always, to the very end of the age."
-- , Matthew 28:19,20
Reproduce
"And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others."
-- , 2 Timothy 2:2
As you teach and model these basic principles of the Christ-directed life, your disciple then will want to disciple another, who will in turn disciple another. This is reproduction.
Some Basic Guidelines
1. The first lesson will be done differently than the other eight lessons. Begin according to Instructions for Disciples, Appointment #1, page I-7, sharing testimonies and sharing on a piece of paper the HELM diagram according to instructions on pages I-4 through I-6. Then, in order to discuss and complete together Lesson #1, have your disciple begin reading on page 2, and continuing on. When a blank is to be filled in, both of you should look up the verses in your Bibles, then allow your disciple to read the Scriptures out loud, answer and fill in the blanks.
The other eight lessons are given to your disciple to fill out along with the assignment sheet. Your disciple completes the lesson before your next appointment. Therefore it is not necessary to read everything as in Lesson #1. Only questions and answers need to be read and shared. The rest of the material has already been read by your disciple.
Of course, you should emphasize the key points and have them underline any other important points in the lesson. (The key points for each lesson are listed in your Instructions for Discipler.)
Encourage your disciple to ask questions about anything that is unclear. Other questions that may stimulate discussion and determine understanding:
Questions to Stimulate Discussion
- Why do you think that idea is important?
- How would you explain that to someone else?
- How might the truth of that verse make a difference in your life?
2. Stress the simplicity and message of the "HELM" during Appointment #1 and prior to each lesson.
3. The assurance of salvation is of primary importance. Work and pray with your disciple until he/she has this assurance.
4. Be patient and sensitive to spiritual needs. Do not push beyond a person's capabilities. Some will move faster than others.
5. Compliment work done by the disciple and encourage him/her at every opportunity.
6. Show your love and concern. Be a listening person to personal needs and problems. Pray for your disciple.
7. Discipling one-to-one is far more than teaching facts. The facts must be taught, but the attitude of heart is caught. For example, in teaching the attributes of God, your disciple needs to sense your awe of God, your trust in Him and your love for Him.
8. Take your disciple witnessing. Plan to witness to a friend of your disciple or to a recent non-Christian visitor to your church.
9. In order for REPRODUCTION to take place it is important to keep your discipling simple. If you make it complicated and go beyond what is presented in the material, your disciple may be discouraged from reproducing because of the feeling it would be too difficult to disciple in the same way.
10. Some answers in the material require an exact word or words. There is no other answer. Other answers should be correct, but need not be expressed in the same words. Understanding, which is vital, can be determined by asking your disciple why or how.
11. If you are "discipling" a mature Christian or one who has a good grasp of the material, it is not necessary to discuss every single question. Do determine the disciple's perception of each section and especially key points of each lesson.
12. Encourage your disciple to begin discipling another by the time he/she finishes. If you disciple a "mature" Christian, explain the concept of reproduction even before you get started. As the weeks go by, pray together about whom your disciple can start discipling when you are completed.
If you disciple a "new" Christian, introduce the idea of reproduction later during the nine lessons. Pray together about whom he/she might disciple. PROVIDE NAMES IF NECESSARY.
13. Do not read INSTRUCTIONS FOR DISCIPLER material until completion of the last lesson.
14. Sometimes a person will say they desire to be discipled but will fail to follow through in completing assignments or meeting with you on a regular basis, even after much encouragement from you. It may be best to terminate the discipling until the person is ready at a future time -- there may be a lot going on in the life of the person and they cannot handle the discipling at present. Then you will be free to disciple someone who is faithful, and the person will appreciate being encouraged to wait till a later date.
15. There are many discipling processes in the life of a Christian. As you disciple someone through this material, encourage the person to be a part of other ministries of the church in order that the discipling process be continued.