What Is a Disciple? #

A disciple is someone who: #

Strengthens themself in the Lord #

To be strengthened in the Lord means to enter His presence in confidence because of what Jesus accomplished. (Hebrews 4:15–16) The access you have to the Father gives you strength. Practicing the spiritual disciplines helps you to draw closer to God, which deepens your faith and strengthens you in the Lord. These spiritual disciplines include daily Bible reading, prayer, engaging in worship, service, being in community, and journaling.

But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God. —1 Samuel 30:6 (ESV)

Manages their household #

Managing your home starts with strengthening yourself in the Lord. When you faithfully steward the time, talents, and resources God has given you, they can be poured into others in your city. This responsibility applies to all Christians—whether married, single, or with children.

Managing your household includes practical matters like finances as well as intentional rhythms rooted in the spiritual disciplines. It also includes the culture of the home. Just as plants need certain conditions to grow, the conditions of your environment can be either conducive or hindering to growth.

He must manage his own household well. —1 Timothy 3:4 (ESV)

Makes disciples #

This is what we are called to do as Christians. Jesus defines discipleship as giving to others what God has given to you: “Freely you have received; freely give.” (Matthew 10:8b NIV) What you have learned from God as His student, you teach others. What He has fed you with, you give away to others who are hungry. You have received God’s gifts freely, so freely give. (Matthew 10:8b)

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”—Matthew 28:18–20 (ESV)