The Discipleship Process (Linking page)


Free E-mail Bible Study Bible study The Discipleship Process

  • Preface
  1. The Discipleship Process: Biblical Models for Spiritual Formation, by Ralph F. Wilson
    Available in book formats: paperback, Kindle, PDF
    What Is a Disciple? We examine the Great Commission and consider four synonyms: disciple, follower, believer, and Christian. We examine three analogies of discipleship: abiding in the vine (John 15:1-9), sitting at Jesus' feet (Luke 10:39), and taking his yoke upon us (Matthew 11:23-30). Finally, we consider what Jesus expects of his disciples -- doing, obeying, continuing, and holding firmly, with grace when we slip.
  2. Jesus' Discipling Strategy. We study the Gospels carefully to analyze how Jesus worked with his disciples -- selecting, spending time, teaching them to pray, teaching publicly and privately, rebuking, involving in ministry, and building a community of disciples.
  3. Paul the Disciple Maker. Paul worked differently from Jesus, but quite effectively. We'll consider various passages on maturity in Christ; being "formed in Christ"; correcting, rebuking, and exhorting; portraits of a disciple maker; use of his personal example; praying; mentoring; and writing letters.
  4. Elements of Discipleship Training. Turning to making disciples in our day, we examine the essential elements of the gospel, various disciple-training curricula, the roles of mentors and influencers, the role of spiritual disciplines, and developing a rule of life.
  5. Individual Spiritual Disciplines. We examine various spiritual disciples that help us encounter Jesus, sorted by frequency -- continual, daily, weekly, monthly, and annually, with particular focus on a bundle of spiritual disciplines wrapped into a daily Quiet Time. We also consider dangers of spiritual disciplines to avoid.
  6. Both Disciple and Disciple Maker. We conclude with the practicalities of growing as disciples ourselves and of discipling individuals, in small groups or classes, and as a pastor. We consider how discipleship can serve as as a church operating system.

The Discipleship Process: Biblical Models for Spiritual Formation

Copyright © 2026, Ralph F. Wilson. <pastor@joyfulheart.com> All rights reserved. A single copy of this article is free. Do not put this on a website. See legal, copyright, and reprint information.