Become a Disciple at Maple Grove

Choosing someone to disciple is a significant decision for several reasons. The main reason is that you’re investing in someone with the hope that they’ll eventually invest in others as well. It’s not about selecting a friend or finding someone with a similar personality. Think about how Jesus chose Peter, who wasn’t always the easiest person to be around, but Jesus saw someone who could influence and invest in others.

Before beginning the journey, here are the qualities we look for in a potential disciple.

EAGERNESS
Look for someone who is genuinely eager to begin the journey. We should never have to pressure anyone into the disciple-making process. If someone needs convincing to start, chances are they’ll need convincing to stay. It’s important to choose someone who shows a clear and enthusiastic desire to be discipled.

CONSISTENCY
Paul specifically advised Timothy to invest in “faithful men”—those who have demonstrated a track record of consistency. Disciple-making isn’t about persuading someone to be faithful; it’s about investing in those who already are. When choosing someone to disciple, look for a pattern of consistency in their attendance at worship services, groups, and other commitments. Remember, we’re not expecting perfection, just a reliable pattern of faithfulness.

TEACHABLE
A crucial aspect of disciple-making is investing in someone who is open to learn. Discipling someone who is closed off or believes they already know everything can be extremely challenging, if not impossible. The Great Commission calls us to “teach them to obey” the commands of Jesus, making teaching and learning essential to the process. That’s why it’s so important to disciple someone who is teachable and willing to grow.

TIME
The reality is that disciple-making requires a commitment of time. Everyone is busy, so being busy can’t be an excuse. The real question isn’t whether the person you’re considering has enough time, but whether they’re willing to make time. It comes down to this: will the person you want to invest in commit to prioritizing the disciple-making journey?

INVESTORS
From the start, it’s important to make it clear that we expect the person we invest in to be willing to pass on what they’ve learned and disciple someone else after your journey together is complete. The disciple might not feel entirely ready or confident at first, but the key is their willingness to become a disciple-maker and continue the journey with someone else.