Discipleship:Becoming What You Behold

Discipleship is the lifeblood of the Church. It is not just a program but the essence of Jesus’ call to His followers. At Kingdom Vanguard, we believe the Western church is at a pivotal moment where revitalization, recalibration, and restoration are not only necessary but urgent. Discipleship is the key to unlocking this transformation. However, discipleship is not merely about teaching principles or growing attendance—it is about becoming. As leaders, we must recognize the power of what we behold, because ultimately, we become what we behold.

The Apostle Paul understood this when he wrote in 2 Corinthians 3:18, “And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another.” This Scripture is a leadership blueprint. Transformation happens when believers fix their eyes on Jesus, allowing His glory to reshape their identity, character, and purpose. For leaders, the question is clear: How do we guide people to truly behold Christ? More importantly, how do we create discipleship systems that foster this transformation while addressing the unique challenges of our time?

The Leadership Challenge of Discipleship

In today’s world, discipleship faces significant challenges. Distractions abound. The culture of instant gratification and shallow connections often eclipses the depth required for transformation. Many discipleship models focus on transferring information rather than inspiring imitation. To recalibrate, we must return to the model of Jesus—relational, intentional, and deeply spiritual. Jesus didn’t simply gather people; He invested in them. He taught them to see the Kingdom of God and live it out daily.

Simon Sinek reminds us that effective leadership begins with a clear why. For the Church, the why of discipleship is rooted in the Great Commission: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). This mission is non-negotiable. However, the how must evolve to meet the needs of this generation. Leaders like Peter Wagner have emphasized the need for strategic systems, while Bill Johnson speaks of the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in discipleship. Both perspectives are crucial: discipleship requires structure and Spirit.

Beholding Christ Through Relational Discipleship

The principle of “you become what you behold” takes on new meaning in relational discipleship. Jesus lived life with His disciples, modeling what it meant to serve, love, and lead. Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Discipleship flourishes in the context of relationships. Leaders like John C. Maxwell emphasize that leadership is influence, and influence is most powerful when it is personal. When we walk closely with others, our lives reflect Christ in ways that inspire others to do the same.

However, relational discipleship cannot exist without accountability. Dan McCollam frequently teaches that healthy accountability nurtures growth by creating space for vulnerability and truth. Leaders must prioritize environments where trust is built, truth is spoken in love, and believers feel supported as they grow. This relational approach reflects the early church in Acts 2:42-47, where believers devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, and prayer. This holistic, communal model of discipleship must be our aim.

Grounding Discipleship in Scripture and Spirit

While relationships are vital, they must be anchored in Scripture and empowered by the Holy Spirit. The psalmist declares, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). Leaders must guide their disciples to engage deeply with the Word of God, not as a set of rules but as divine instruction for life. The Hebrew word תּוֹרָה (Torah) emphasizes teaching and guidance. Discipleship programs that focus on teaching believers to engage with Scripture in this way empower them to navigate life with clarity and conviction.

Moreover, Randy Clark reminds us that the Holy Spirit’s role in discipleship is irreplaceable. Transformation comes not by might or power but by the Spirit of God (Zechariah 4:6). Discipleship without the Spirit is incomplete. Leaders must create space for the Holy Spirit to work in the lives of their disciples through prayer, worship, and spiritual gifts. This balance of Word and Spirit creates disciples who are not only informed but empowered.

Empowering Leaders for Kingdom Impact

Myles Munroe often said, “The greatest tragedy in life is not death but a life without purpose.” Discipleship must go beyond personal growth to empower believers to live out their God-given purposes. Ephesians 4:12 reminds us that leaders are called to “equip the saints for the work of ministry.” Discipleship is about mobilizing believers to use their unique gifts to advance the Kingdom of God. This means shifting from a consumer mindset to a contributor mindset. Churches must prioritize equipping believers to lead in their spheres of influence, whether in ministry, business, education, or the arts.

This empowerment requires intentionality. As John C. Maxwell teaches, “Leadership develops daily, not in a day.” Leaders must be committed to developing others over time, celebrating progress while challenging them to grow. Discipleship is not a one-size-fits-all approach; it requires discernment and adaptability to meet people where they are and lead them to where God is calling them.

Leadership Solutions and Action Steps

As leaders, we must take decisive steps to recalibrate discipleship in our churches and organizations. Here are three actionable solutions:

1. Create Intentional Pathways: Discipleship must be a clearly defined process. Develop pathways that guide believers from new faith to maturity, including milestones like foundational teaching, small group participation, and opportunities to serve. This provides clarity and direction for both leaders and disciples.

2. Prioritize Relational Mentorship: Invest in training mature believers to mentor others. Mentorship fosters accountability, encouragement, and multiplication. Encourage leaders to follow Paul’s example with Timothy (2 Timothy 2:2), creating a culture where discipleship is shared and sustainable.

3. Embrace a Kingdom Mindset: Teach believers to live with a Kingdom perspective, understanding their role in advancing God’s reign on earth. This includes addressing social issues, serving communities, and living out the values of love, justice, and mercy. Equip disciples to see their faith as a mission, not just a personal journey.

Finally, we must lead by example. Leadership is not about perfection but authenticity. As Bill Johnson often says, “You cannot impart what you do not possess.” Leaders must first behold Christ themselves, allowing His presence to transform their lives before they can effectively disciple others.

A Call to Action

Discipleship is the foundation of a healthy, thriving Church. It is the answer to the challenges of a distracted culture, shallow Christianity, and leadership gaps. At Kingdom Vanguard, we are committed to equipping leaders to build discipleship systems that reflect the heart of Christ and the values of His Kingdom. Together, we can raise a generation of leaders who behold Christ and reflect His glory to the world.

As Isaiah 55:11 reminds us, “So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty.” Let us commit to this vital work, trusting in God’s promise that our labor in His Kingdom will bear eternal fruit.

Sources

• Clark, Randy. There Is More!. Shippensburg, PA: Destiny Image, 2008.

• Johnson, Bill. The Way of Life: Experiencing the Culture of Heaven on Earth. Shippensburg, PA: Destiny Image, 2018.

• Maxwell, John C. Developing the Leader Within You 2.0. Nashville: HarperCollins Leadership, 2018.

• McCollam, Dan. The Good Fight of Faith. Vacaville, CA: Sounds of the Nations, 2016.

• Munroe, Myles. Rediscovering the Kingdom. Shippensburg, PA: Destiny Image, 2004.

• Sinek, Simon. Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action. New York: Portfolio, 2009.

• Wagner, C. Peter. Church Growth and the Whole Gospel: A Biblical Mandate. Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock, 1998.