Discipling in the Way of Jesus

One who “follows and spreads the teaching of another,” is called a disciple. Matthew 4:19 would suggest that a disciple is someone who is following Jesus, being changed by Jesus, and is committed to the mission of Jesus.

I picture the disciples being with Jesus every day for three years experiencing all these aspects without really thinking about which of the three categories they were fulfilling because it was all done in relationship with him. [1]

One minute they are fishing, or collecting taxes, and the next they are with Him, going wherever He is headed. Next, they are trying unsuccessfully to cast out demons, or on a mountain with Him when Moses and Elijah join them, and a Voice says “Listen!” Finally, under the direction and power of the Holy Spirit, they are proclaiming Jesus to Kings, religious authorities, and Gentiles with compelling resilience.

When we choose to follow Jesus, we experience similar supernatural wonders in a very natural ‘down to earth’ surrounding.

I have been listening to testimonies of those who are actively helping others to become disciples, by training but also by going and showing how they do it. Many have testified to the power of simple prayer, asking the Lord to lead them to people and how He answered in quite unusual ways. Prayer is a key component in all we do but especially when we go out with the expressed desire to share the Gospel with those in need.

When one woman goes shopping at Wincos she just asks the cashier at check-out if there is anything she can pray for them about as she drives home with her groceries. Seldom do strangers refuse prayer and while many are not asked the question often if ever, they usually can think of something, and often with tears, express real felt needs. She makes it clear before she leaves them that she believes in Jesus who loves to answer our prayers.

Jesus may not have used a tool to share, per se, but those following Him may have understood what one disciple maker shared about thinking in terms of 4 questions:

• “Why?” …we should know the purpose behind our motivation, Ephesians 2:4 “because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.”
• “Who?” two groups: us, His disciples, and all who come seeking Him, i.e.. Those who are far from God but close to us!” …
• ”What?” – what is it we share? Again 2 things: Your Story and God’s Story…short testimony to connect with people and the Good News. And finally…
• “When?” deciding times to pray for lost people, deciding times to share with the lost and deciding times to share with others how to do the same.

A disciple listens, learns, reproduces.

Another person aiming to disciple in the way of Jesus speaks of hoisting up “7 Sails” that involves: 1. Focus on the Word, 2. Extraordinary Prayer (i.e. praying for the seemingly impossible or miraculous), 3. Cast Vision, 4. Train believers to go out among the lost, 5. Go out, 6. See Groups start, and, 7. Ongoing Coaching (2 Tim 2:2 “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.”)

This Fall we at MissionConnexion Southwest will be involved and involve the whole body of Christ in a number of significant opportunities to disciple in the way of Jesus. On April 2 and 3 we gathered pastors and Christian leaders from around the region to share how they can be involved and get their churches involved.

• On November 7-8, MissionConnexion Southwest will host its 5^th annual, regional conference at Pure Heart Church in Glendale, Arizona with Workshops, Exhibitors, and Speakers: Sean McDowell, and Mark Matlock, President of Urbana. Opportunities exist now for disciples to serve in the preparation on the Steering (planning) team, recruiting for Pray-ers, Volunteers, people to distribute programs, Campus Guides, etc.
• On December 28, 2025 – January 1, 2026, URBANA 25, the largest and oldest student missions conference is coming to the Phoenix Convention Center, and there is already momentum for:
  • 50-Day, 24/7 Prayer Force emphasis
  • Church-led Volunteer team to serve alongside the InterVarsity / Urbana staff and students coming from all over the USA to listen, learn, and be sent out to the ends of the earth
  • Worldview training through the Perspectives, Pathways, and Kairos courses in preparation for this unique season.

Discipling in the way of Jesus can take all forms to fit your personality, understanding and where you find yourself in your walk with Him. I hope that you are experiencing His leading and that you will choose some of these opportunities to grow in the way of Jesus.