Like Jesus, we are called to recognize that life’s everyday moments offer extraordinary opportunities to invest in discipleship. Many perceive leadership as a grand stage, a title, or a position of authority. However, true Christian leadership, like discipleship, thrives in relationships and everyday moments.

My own journey through leading in a church plant, navigating various new roles, and seeking out theological education has underscored the importance of understanding discipleship not as a position of authority or a program, but as an intentional, influential investment in relationships. Leadership and discipleship share a vital connection: influence. John Maxwell defines leadership as “influence, nothing more, nothing less.” It’s the capacity to shape character, development, and behavior.

Discipleship becomes the practical application of that influence within a relationship. My first conscious experience with discipleship happened when I was only 15. I started intentionally spending time with one of my younger cousins. We’d go out for ice cream or just hang out and talk because I wanted to influence her positively. Looking back, I realize
this was my first application of a key biblical concept.

As I’ve matured in my faith, I’ve realized how deeply important disciple-making is in the life of every Christian. Discipleship is a God-given relationship, a theological framework designed for gospel impact. One Christian seeks to cultivate another, nurturing their love for and service to Jesus Christ while actively participating in their spiritual growth, and then encouraging them to reproduce that investment in others.

Many recognize their need to invest in disciple-making skills, and the Bible offers examples of discipleship relationships, such as Moses and Joshua, Jethro and Moses, Naomi and Ruth, and Mordecai and Esther. These men and women used their relationship to influence believers in their lives, highlighting God’s intentionality in teaching us.

God uses His Word in His discipleship of us. Jesus truly is the ultimate model for integrating Christian discipleship seamlessly into daily life. He didn’t confine His teaching to the synagogue; instead, He embodied discipleship “on the go,” transforming ordinary encounters into opportunities for growth and transformation.

His approach can be understood through several intentional actions woven into the fabric of His daily interactions. He demonstrates for us how discipleship can occur not just in structured settings but in the midst of life’s journey.

1. Jesus sought out individuals 
   Jesus actively sought out individuals, inviting them into His world. “Follow me,” He told the fishermen in Mark 1:17, extending an invitation to a shared mission. He didn’t wait for them to come to Him; He met them where they were. Likewise, in Mark 3:14, He appointed the 12 “to be with him,” emphasizing the importance of presence.
   
   
2. Jesus gave His disciples access to His life
   Being with Jesus meant witnessing His dependence on the Father, His self-denial, and His re revolutionary paradigm for leadership. The disciples observed His character, authenticity, and emotional maturity—traits far more compelling than aiming for perfection. He modeled a work ethic, rest, morality, sacrificial giving, patience, and gentleness. He showed them how to pray and then let them see Him pray.
   
   
3.  Jesus modeled service
   Jesus didn’t just talk about service; He modeled it. John 13:14-17 recounts Jesus washing the disciples’ feet, demonstrating servant leadership and instructing them to “wash one another’s feet.” He embodied humility, challenging the notion a leader is above such tasks. This highlights a crucial distinction that true disciple makers work alongside those they disciple.
   
   
4. Jesus sent His disciples
   In Mark 6:7-13, Jesus sent the disciples out to preach and heal, after advising them on everything from travel etiquette to their core message. He shared His authority, providing practical opportunities for them to flex their burgeoning skills. Just as I teach my children to cook by inviting them, modeling for them, and then advising them, Jesus  guided His disciples through real-world experiences, building on the unique gifts He saw within them.
   
   
5. Jesus was invested in His disciples’ ministry
   Upon their return (Mark 6:30), Jesus invited them to come away and share with Him. He wanted to hear their experiences, share in their victories, and help them learn from their failures. This involves cultivating their potential, guiding growth, and preparing  individuals to reproduce the discipleship process in others.
   
   
6. Jesus captured teachable moments
   From parables to sermons to casual conversations, He reinforced their learning in diverse ways. He taught them how to forgive, serve, and lead, tailoring His approach to their individual needs and challenges. He taught them in their moments of fear, zeal, and
   hypocrisy, showing them how to respond to grief, frustration, and fatigue.

My own experience mentoring young women has demonstrated to me that discipleship
doesn’t happen overnight. Rather, it is a long, winding road, a journey I’m committed to.
Watching them grow in wisdom, skill, and spiritual maturity is a humbling reminder our
investment in others can have a lasting impact.

The impact of Jesus’s discipleship methods absolutely extended beyond immediate results; it echoes through generations. His teaching and example resonated powerfully when Peter and John stood before the Sanhedrin in Acts 4. Those in power “recognized that they had been with Jesus,” even though the disciples were “uneducated and untrained” (Acts 4:13, CSB). Jesus exemplifies the transformative power of relational discipleship. This happens for each of us as we orient our lives to view discipleship not as a program or a curriculum but as a lifestyle. Like Jesus, we are called to recognize that the ordinary moments of life offer extraordinary opportunities to invest in others and leave a lasting impact. We, too, can provide discipleship as we go.