The word disciple literally means “pupil” or “learner,” but that may be deceiving because students today often spend their day sitting in chairs and listening.   Being a disciple entails more than the transfer of information.  The disciples of Jesus lived with him, walked with him, ate with him, were taught by him, received special training from him, were sent out to minister by him, and were prayed for by him.   A good working definition might be: A disciple is someone called to walk with Christ, to become equipped to live like Christ, and to work for Christ.  

Before he ascended into heaven Jesus he took his disciples to the top of a hill and then said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”  So we have been commanded to make disciples by Christ. 

In his last letter before he was killed Paul wrote to his disciple Timothy saying, “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.” (2 Tim 2:2).  There are four generations of disciples represented in that verse: Paul → Timothy → Faithful men → Others.  

There are four basic components, Bible Study, Prayer, Accountability and Fellowship.  Those four pillars will be the four activities we will spend time and energy on in our time together.   Since we all have demands on our time from work, family and other things, the plan is to spend every other week talking about the Bible and praying.   In addition every week those who have dedicated themselves to growth in discipleship will meet with or talk to their buddy, or partner, or (using AA lingo) a sponsor who will hold them accountable for areas of their life they want to grow in.   Those meetings may be accomplished on the phone or at another meeting between times together, or after the regular meeting, but it should be at least weekly, and perhaps more often if needed.  The goal, of course, is to push each other onto greater and greater things.  For fellowship we will plan some occasional events, BBQ, fishing trips, etc.

Some questions we use in our accountability: