From convert to disciple-maker. Complete 12-week discipleship curriculum to mentor a new believer.
Before you begin, grasp the heart behind disciple-making
Most churches are full of Christians who've never been discipled.
They attend church but don't grow
They make decisions but don't change
They know Jesus but don't follow Jesus
They have faith but no transformation
The crisis isn't evangelism. It's discipleship.
Jesus' Last Command:
"Go and make disciples"
Not: "Go and make converts"
Not: "Go and fill churches"
But: "Go and make disciples"
A disciple is a follower who becomes a leader who multiplies disciples.
A savior (Jesus is)
A therapist (though you listen)
A boss (though you lead)
Perfect (you're growing too)
A guide
A model
An investment
An encourager
Build on the right foundation before you begin
Discipleship is the process of:
by Jesus into His image
to follow Him completely
to serve and lead
to multiply disciples
Just Bible study
Just accountability
Just learning information
A program with an end date
It's a lifestyle of following Jesus with someone walking alongside you.
Matthew 28:19-20:
"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."
Reach people
Bring them in
Help them grow
Practice what they learn
Jesus' discipleship approach:
He chose 12
He spent most time with them
He showed them how to live
He confronted sin and error
He gave them authority
He sent them to make disciples
You follow this same model.
Before you disciple, examine your heart:
Set yourself and your disciple up for success
Not everyone is ready. Not everyone is who you should disciple.
Be crystal clear about what you're offering:
The discipleship relationship needs structure.
Same time, same place, same rhythm
Purpose for each meeting
Confidentiality and trust
Always moving toward transformation
Honest about progress and struggles
Regular intercession
Master these before you start discipling
Faithful, Available, Teachable
Don't waste time on lukewarm Christians. Find someone hungry for growth who will actually show up and apply what they learn.
They need to see your life
Discipleship isn't a Bible study—it's life-on-life. Let them see how you pray, handle conflict, witness, and worship. Model what you teach.
The goal is reproduction
From day one, tell them: "I'm discipling you so YOU can disciple someone else." Aim for 2 Timothy 2:2 multiplication.
Meet weekly, no excuses
Pick a time and stick to it. Consistency builds discipline. Missing weeks kills momentum.
Ask the hard questions
Ask about sin, Bible reading, prayer, evangelism. Don't let them coast. Iron sharpens iron.
Let them go after 3 months
At 12 weeks, commission them to disciple someone else. If you hold on, you hinder multiplication.
A proven roadmap that takes disciples through four progressive phases
Theme: Who you are in Christ
Focus: Identity, belonging, security
Outcome: Disciples know who they are and who God is
Theme: How to follow Jesus
Focus: Disciplines, decisions, direction
Outcome: Disciples have practices and direction
Theme: How to serve others
Focus: Gifts, calling, impact
Outcome: Disciples are serving and leading
Theme: How to multiply disciples
Focus: Leadership, mentoring, commissioning
Outcome: Disciples become disciple-makers
Starting point
Weeks 1-6
Weeks 7-9
Weeks 10-12
Goal: Transform converts into multiplying disciple-makers in 12 weeks
A proven roadmap to take someone from new believer to disciple-maker
Make sure they know they're saved
Practical wisdom for guiding your disciple's growth
How was your week? Build rapport. Transition to content.
Present the lesson. Answer questions. Make it personal.
Process what you taught. Explore application. Share experiences.
Explain homework. Clarify expectations. Pray.
Prayer for them. Encouragement. Availability.
Questions drive growth better than advice.
Help them think deeper
Push toward growth
Ensure understanding
Maintain progress
Essential questions to ask every week:
How to navigate obstacles and keep discipleship on track
Response:
Clarify that 2-3 hours per week is reasonable investment. Disciple-making requires commitment.
Response:
Growth is often invisible. Look back at weeks 1-4. Notice shifts. Celebrate small wins.
Response:
Disciple-making requires prioritization. What might need to decrease? What's more important than your spiritual growth?
Response:
It's okay to wait. But be honest about your commitment level. Don't start if you're not ready.
Recognizing readiness and commissioning new leaders
Signs your disciple is ready to become a disciple-maker:
Tell them specifically how they've changed. Celebrate their journey.
Show them the need for more disciple-makers. Excite them about multiplication. Paint a picture of their impact.
Give them this curriculum. Help them understand the process. Connect them with support.
Commission them formally. Pray for their disciples. Pray for their success.
Let them go make disciples. Trust them with the process. Maintain connection.
"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."
Get the full 30+ page Level 4 guide with detailed lesson plans, discussion questions, accountability forms, and troubleshooting tips.
✓ 30+ pages • ✓ Lesson plans • ✓ Accountability forms
You've discipled one person. Now it's time to multiply—train leaders who can train others.