Discipleship 101: How To Help People Find What’s Right

Notable clergyman and Biblical scholar Warren W. Wiersbe once wrote that discipleship is a “daily discipline” because we “follow Jesus a step at a time, a day at a time.” Getting saved and accepting Jesus can be a struggle because it involves self-examination at the most personal level.

“When I die, will my life matter as it is?”

The moment all current Christians realize the answer is a resounding “no” outside of Jesus, the veil is lifted, the rose-colored glasses are removed, and minds are genuinely open to hear what God wants from each of us. He wants daily living.

Does it sound like we’re patting ourselves on the back, insisting on our credentials, asserting our authority? Well, we’re not. Neither do we need letters of endorsement, either to you or from you. You yourselves are all the endorsement we need. Your very lives are a letter that anyone can read by just looking at you. Christ himself wrote it—not with ink, but with God’s living Spirit; not chiseled into stone, but carved into human lives—and we publish it (2 Corinthians 3:2-3 MSG).

Our lives are an honor to God for what Jesus did on the Cross. We live each day. That’s salvation. But to do it for God, that’s discipleship. Regrettably, many new Christians need the initial steps provided to them. As babies, we didn’t just pop up and sprint. We needed help. Jesus wants to hold our hands in four simple ways to start walking in the right direction.

If you know someone who needs those first steps, please help create discipleship for the world.

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How to Find the Right Bible

This can be one of the easiest or one of the most challenging decisions for a new Christian or a curious soul. Many translations offer different types and practical features. When evangelizing those newly interested (or reinvigorated) in faith, ask them a few easy questions to narrow their choices. This is discipleship at the most intimate level—help someone find their love letter from Christ:

Do you want more of a “storytelling” version of the Bible or something more academic to study? That could lead them to the New Living Translation, the Amplified Classic Version, or the New King James Version. For both, consider leading them to secure a parallel Bible that includes the academic and authentic (KJV) alongside a more illustrative description of the Scriptures.
How long do you have to read the Bible daily? If they say, “only a few minutes,” there are many study Bibles that can help them explore each scripture more deeply with God.
Do you want to write notes or use the existing ones? Devotional Bibles can help a new Christian learn more and dig deep in God’s Word, whereas a Journaling Bible allows them to write their inspirations. Reference bibles will enable readers to explore the connections between Bible verses.

How to Find the Right Church

As with the Bible, finding the right church for a new believer is more than a visit; it’s about understanding. In discipleship, we must understand what someone wants from a church. More importantly, it’s what they need, so we should lead them to it.

Attending a church that aligns with one’s beliefs and preferences provides a supportive environment, promotes spiritual development, and cultivates meaningful relationships. Discipleship is found in a church through membership and being involved. Here’s how to help these impressionable souls and hopeful Christians to find a place that fits them:

Worship can be different. The morning music is more than a few songs, and I am waiting to hear the pastor. Music is a personal choice. Some people want a concert-style environment for their praise and worship. Others may wish to add a more acoustic flair to experience a pure sense of connection with God.
What matters is inside. Any piece of clothing that is too tight or loose can create different feelings. What works for one person may be a deterrent for another. Take this time to discover what they want in terms of nurturing, belonging, worshiping and preaching.
But size can matter as well. Smaller churches (up to 1,000 members) have a close-knit community where you can quickly learn names and stories. A medium-sized church (1,000 to 2,000 members) strikes a good balance between that intimacy and the growth trajectory ahead. A large church, commonly known as a megachurch, has more than 2,000 members. They offer multiple programs, services, and ways to get involved, but that size isn’t for everyone. In terms of discipleship, be sure to ask what works for them.
Some preach. Some teach. The pastor not only establishes the service but also brings a distinctive way of delivering a life-changing message. Depending on their skills, talents, and gifts, the sermon will be delivered accordingly.

How to Find the Right Fit

When someone visits a church, they look for what they need. What ministries are offered? When are the services to attend? What groups will help them fit in? While those are important to someone’s journey at a church, what’s crucial is recognizing that a church that aligns with an individual’s understanding of faith is the right choice for them.

You may want to encourage someone to visit a house of revival, healing, the gifts of the Holy Spirit, with evidence of speaking in tongues, and other miracles. Yet, without the proper discipleship to help them understand what to expect, it could do more harm than good.

Our job is to help them understand what to believe, how to apply it to their lives, and choose. Here are a few other things to explore to find the best place for them:

Learn what they believe. All Christian churches that preach the truth of the Bible and the glory of a savior set to redeem us all from sin should be the same, but they’re not. What is the church’s mission and vision? Where do they stand on the covenant relationship with God, serving others, and the power of the Holy Spirit?
Learn who’s leading. Leadership that articulates the church’s theological position, teachings, and mission reassures members that they’re in the right place. It promotes confidence that they are in a community where faith is nurtured well, and people lead them with valor, boldness, and a deep understanding of God’s Word (much like Charlie Kirk).
Learn the commitment to the congregation. Some churches prioritize feeding the flock, but not always nurturing their souls. Are there areas where you can get involved? How can the church help you navigate a deeper connection to faith and Jesus Christ? What does it mean to be a member of the church? These questions underscore our commitment to you.

How to Find Their Right Place

Once we understand the need for discipleship in our salvation, we take on Christ as our example and are challenged to find a new Bible, attend a new church, and understand how to see our new family of faith. The most essential thing is growth.

In evangelism and discipleship, both lead to the same place: becoming a more mature Christian. Most babies grow on milk and eventually begin digesting some meat. Christians are no different.

I had to feed you with milk, not with solid food, because you weren’t ready for anything more substantial. And you still aren’t prepared, for your sinful nature still controls you. You are jealous of one another and quarrel with each other (1 Corinthians 3:2-3, NLT)

Finding a bible or locating a church is only the beginning. This is something we have all learned through experience, and, as people in our lives, we can share this salient fact to help them better understand their journey in Christ. To help that connection with Christ, use this acrostic for explanation: