In a world increasingly fragmented by individualism and self-invention, the Christian claim—that we are not our own, but belong body and soul to Jesus the Messiah—cuts sharply against the grain. But more than a bold claim, it is a lifelong journey of transformation. And at the heart of that journey lies discipleship.
Not as a program. Not as a buzzword. But as the very shape of Christian existence.
The Commission That Forms Us
When Jesus stood with His followers on the Galilean hillside, offering what we now call the Great Commission, He was not giving a farewell speech. He was launching a new creation movement. He said:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them… and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”
— Matthew 28:19–20
This is not simply a call to pass on information. It is a summons into the life of the kingdom—into a pattern of embodied obedience, communal worship, and Spirit-filled transformation. Making disciples is not an optional extra for the unusually keen. It is the Church’s vocation.
But we cannot teach what we have not first lived.
Discipleship Begins in Being Known
To be a disciple is, quite simply, to be a learner. But not in the modern academic sense. In the biblical world, to be a learner meant attaching oneself to a teacher, walking in their steps, watching how they live, and slowly—over time—taking on their character.
This is exactly what Jesus invited people into. “Follow me,” He said—not “believe this list of doctrines,” though those matter too—but follow. Learn the rhythms of grace. Watch how I handle the broken and the proud. See how I confront evil, how I trust the Father.
But following means trusting. And trust often begins when we allow someone else to see into our lives.
“Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.”
— 1 Corinthians 11:1
That was Paul’s invitation. Not because he had arrived, but because he knew the value of imitation. Discipleship thrives in proximity. In vulnerability. In letting yourself be mentored—taught, corrected, encouraged—by someone who’s further down the road.
We do not become Christlike by accident.
Formation is Not Fast—but It Is Freedom
We live in a hurried age. Everything demands speed: faster growth, quicker results, instant clarity. But God works differently. His Spirit is patient, persistent, and often subtle. Formation into Christlikeness is slow work—like yeast working through dough, or a seed growing into a tree.
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
— Romans 12:2
This renewal doesn’t happen in isolation. God has designed us to grow together. Through community. Through Scripture. Through the wise counsel of those who have gone before us. And through the quiet miracle of the Spirit working in ordinary lives.
Ask for Help. Find a Guide.
So many Christians feel stuck. Not because they’re uncommitted, but because they’re trying to carry a communal calling alone. The encouragement is simple: ask for help.
Find someone who has walked this path longer than you. Invite them to show you not just what they know, but how they live. Let yourself be discipled so that, in time, you may help others do the same.
This is not weakness. It is wisdom.
The Church doesn’t grow through information transfer. It grows when people see Christ in one another, and say: I want to walk that way too.
Discipleship is not a side project. It is how the Kingdom comes.
Final thought:
When the Church takes seriously the call to be formed—not just informed—and when believers open their lives to be shaped by others in the love of Christ, then we become what we were always meant to be: a people through whom the new creation quietly, steadily, and unmistakably unfolds.
Let us walk together—not just believing in Jesus, but becoming like Him.
Are you a pastor or ministry leader who wants help building your discipleship ministry? Give us a shout!
👉 Interested in Partnership?
Or if you’re not quite ready, here’s a solid resource:
📘 John Mark Comer – Practicing the Way: Be with Jesus. Become like him. Do as he did. – We love John Mark Comer and his approach to spiritual formation, why? Because it’s Biblical, intentional, and slow.
This blog was written by Foundry consultant T. Rowan Goodfellow.
With special thanks to Jon Tyson for the photograph.
Note of transparency: When you use the link above to purchase the recommended resource you contribute to our work through Amazon Affiliates. This is no extra cost to you, and no reduced profit for the creator of the resource.
Foundry Ministry + Media Lab 
Leave a comment