What Is Christian Discipleship?
A Simple, Biblical Path to Following Jesus Every Day
This guide explains what it means to follow Jesus, how disciples grow spiritually, and how biblical principles from the 12 Steps can help believers live out their faith with clarity and consistency.
Christian discipleship means following Jesus, becoming more like Him, and learning to live His teachings daily. It involves Scripture, prayer, repentance, community, and obedience. The Disciple Lifestyle approach blends biblical teaching with a practical 12-Step model to help believers grow spiritually, overcome struggles, develop healthy habits, and experience lasting transformation.
Core Practices: Daily Scripture · Prayer · Confession · Accountability · Serving Others · Spirit-Led Obedience
This page is your complete guide to understanding and living as a disciple of Jesus.
The Meaning of Discipleship
In Scripture, a disciple is someone who learns from Jesus to live like Jesus.
Jesus’ call is simple yet life-changing:
“Follow Me.” — Matthew 4:19
Discipleship is:
A relationship with Jesus
A lifestyle of spiritual habits
A process of transformation
A mission to live and love like Christ
It is not about perfection, but direction — becoming more like Jesus day by day.
The Core Elements of Biblical Discipleship
1. Walking Daily with Jesus
Discipleship begins with spending regular time with the Lord through:
Scripture
Prayer
Worship
Reflection
Like any relationship, closeness comes from time and intentionality.
2. Growing in Christlike Character
The Holy Spirit shapes believers to reflect Jesus’ character:
Love
Humility
Patience
Integrity
Forgiveness
Compassion
Spiritual fruit doesn’t grow by accident — it grows through abiding in Christ (John 15:5).
3. Living in Community & Accountability
Jesus never discipled people alone.
The early church grew through:
Fellowship
Support
Teaching
Accountability
Shared mission
Healing and transformation happen best in community, not isolation.
4. Obedience to Jesus’ Teachings
Disciples of Jesus obey Him not to earn salvation, but because they love Him.
“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” — John 14:15
Obedience is an act of:
Trust
Devotion
Spiritual maturity
Confession, repentance, and spiritual renewal
How the 12 Steps Help Christians Live as Disciples
The 12 Steps were built on biblical principles of:
Surrender
Confession
Repentance
Amends
Prayer
Service
Daily spiritual renewal
These principles align beautifully with the teachings of Jesus.
The Disciple Lifestyle 12-Step Integration Model
Your ministry’s unique approach blends the timeless principles of discipleship with the biblical principles behind the 12 Steps.
Here’s how they connect:
Step 1 → Honest Self-Examination
Admitting our need for God is the foundation of humility and faith.
Step 2–3 → Surrender to Jesus
Trusting God and turning our lives over to Him is at the heart of discipleship.
Steps 4–7 → Repentance & Character Transformation
Scripture calls believers to confess sin, seek cleansing, and grow in holiness.
Steps 8–9 → Relational Healing
Jesus teaches forgiveness, reconciliation, and restoration.
Steps 10–12 → Daily Habits, Prayer, and Serving Others
A disciple lives in continual growth and shares God’s grace with others.
A Simple Daily Discipleship Path
1. Read & Reflect on Scripture
10–15 minutes in God’s Word anchors your day in truth.
2. Pray Honestly & Consistently
Talk to God about everything — fears, needs, gratitude, temptations.
3. Confess Quickly & Walk in Grace
Keep short accounts. Confession builds freedom and humility.
4. Practice Accountability
Share victories and struggles with a trusted believer or small group.
5. Serve Someone Today
Small acts of love shape Christlike character.
6. End Your Day with Reflection
Ask: Where did I see God today? Where do I need grace?
These simple steps create deep, lasting spiritual growth.
The Marks of a Growing Disciple
A growing disciple increasingly shows:
• Love for God’s Word
• Consistent prayer habits
• Confession and repentance
• Freedom from sinful patterns
• Relational healing
• Community involvement
• A heart to serve
• Evidence of the Holy Spirit’s work
Transformation is gradual but real.
How to Start Your Discipleship Journey Today
Explore Daily Devotionals
Click Here for free devotionals from Disciple Lifestyle.
Begin the Christian 12-Step Journey
Click Here to Download the Disciple Lifestyle Workbook
Join a Small Group or Start One
Featured Resource — Disciple Lifestyle, A Simple Plan For A Blessed Life.
Click Here to download the book or Click Here to buy the book on Amazon