What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus? The word itself means "a learner; a pupil", that is, one who is being taught. Discipleship is therefore a process; the work of a life-time; the same as being progressively transformed into the image of Christ. The Great Commission is to "make disciples of all nations [every ethnic group] … teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you" (Mt 28:19-20). "Make disciples" is one word in Greek meaning "disciple others into becoming disciples".

We are all called to this discipling process – to "make" disciples – whether we have personally led the ones we are discipling to the Lord or not. All the following specific biblical gifts are needed and we each have at least one of them; probably two or three: prophesying and anointed preaching; serving and providing practical help; teaching and giving clear instruction; encouraging and counselling; sharing and giving generously; leading and presiding; showing mercy and cheerful sympathy; helping and taking over to free others up; governing and guiding; shepherding and discipling; worship leading; evangelising; administrating; providing hospitality; and communicating creatively. (There are probably others too.)

Discipling others into becoming disciples has many aspects. It involves friendship, setting an example, sharing simple biblical truths, listening, empathizing, spending social as well as "spiritual" time together, accepting the person as they are, pastoring them, etc., etc. It also involves bringing a grace-filled challenge when appropriate. Who are you and I discipling at the moment in any of these ways? I'm sure we are all doing more than we realize.

Is it possible to be a Christian and not to be a disciple? I don't think so, because Jesus made counting the cost a condition of becoming one of his followers and he calls us to a sacrificial and radical lifestyle. (See Lk 14:25-35). Is it possible to be saved without becoming a disciple? Again I don't think so. But what of the repentant thief crucified with Jesus? He was saved in the very process of dying, as others sometimes are. He confessed with his mouth that Jesus is Lord to the unrepentant thief crucified with him. And he believed in his heart that Christ would rise from the dead by asking to be remembered by him. He thereby fulfilled the requirements of Rm 10:9. But he had no time to be developed into a disciple. However, without splitting hairs, we should surely see becoming a Christian and becoming a disciple as the same thing. So, becoming a Christian without becoming a disciple is not an option.

How is our own discipleship progressing? Have we invited others to challenge and admonish us if they feel it necessary? Are we allowing that to happen by underlining to them that we are serious? Are we living open and transparent lives? Are we receiving regular teaching input and putting it into practice? Are we daily feeding ourselves from God's Word?