Direct answer: A Christian discipleship study guide should present the gospel clearly, ground believers in Scripture, develop prayer and obedience, connect them to the local church, strengthen relationships, train them for service, and prepare them to help another person follow Jesus. Its goal is not merely informed Christians, but mature and multiplying disciples.
What Is Christian Discipleship?
Christian discipleship is the lifelong process of following Jesus, learning from Him, becoming more like Him, obeying His commands, and helping others do the same. It includes teaching, but it cannot be reduced to lessons alone. Jesus formed disciples through truth, relationships, example, correction, prayer, service, and mission.
A strong Christian discipleship study guide should therefore connect biblical understanding with lived obedience. It should help believers answer four questions: What has God revealed? What has Christ commanded? How should I respond? Who can I help with what I am learning?
Nine Essential Foundations
1. The Gospel
Who Jesus is, what He accomplished through His death and resurrection, and how people respond through repentance and faith.
2. Identity in Christ
Grace, adoption, forgiveness, new life, assurance, and the believer’s union with Christ.
3. Scripture
How to read, understand, meditate on, and obey God’s Word.
4. Prayer
Adoration, confession, thanksgiving, petition, listening, and dependence on God.
5. Obedience
Following Jesus in decisions, habits, relationships, money, sexuality, work, and service.
6. The Church
Worship, teaching, baptism, communion, fellowship, shepherding, gifts, and mission.
7. Relationships
Love, forgiveness, reconciliation, accountability, family life, and bearing one another’s burdens.
8. Mission
Witness, compassion, service, hospitality, generosity, and participation in the Great Commission.
9. Multiplication
Learning to share the gospel, lead a simple study, model obedience, and disciple another person.
A Twelve-Lesson Christian Discipleship Pathway
| Lesson | Main question | Key passage | Practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. The Gospel | What has God done through Jesus? | 1 Corinthians 15:1–4 | Write and share a two-minute gospel explanation. |
| 2. Repentance and Faith | How do I respond to Christ? | Mark 1:14–15 | Confess one area and take one faithful step. |
| 3. Identity in Christ | Who am I because I belong to Jesus? | 2 Corinthians 5:17 | Replace one false identity statement with Scripture. |
| 4. The Bible | How do I hear and obey God’s Word? | 2 Timothy 3:14–17 | Use observation, interpretation, and application on one passage. |
| 5. Prayer | How do I grow in communion with God? | Matthew 6:9–13 | Pray through the Lord’s Prayer each day. |
| 6. Abiding in Christ | Where does spiritual fruit come from? | John 15:1–11 | Establish one daily abiding habit. |
| 7. Obedience | How does love for Jesus become action? | John 14:15 | Obey one command you have delayed. |
| 8. Christian Community | Why do I need the church? | Acts 2:42–47 | Participate in worship, fellowship, or service. |
| 9. Relationships | How should the gospel shape my relationships? | Colossians 3:12–14 | Encourage, forgive, or reconcile with someone. |
| 10. Spiritual Gifts and Service | How can I serve the body of Christ? | 1 Peter 4:10–11 | Use one ability to serve another person. |
| 11. Witness | How can I speak about Jesus? | 1 Peter 3:15 | Prepare and share your testimony. |
| 12. Making Disciples | Who will I help follow Jesus? | Matthew 28:18–20 | Invite one person into an intentional relationship. |
What Every Lesson Should Contain
- A clear biblical objective. State what the learner should understand and practice.
- A passage read in context. Let Scripture provide the foundation rather than attaching isolated verses afterward.
- Questions for understanding. Observe the text before moving to opinion.
- Questions for the heart. Address motives, fears, desires, unbelief, and relationships.
- A practical skill. Practice prayer, testimony, Bible reading, gospel explanation, service, or leading a discussion.
- A specific application. Write what will be done, when, and with whom.
- Accountability and prayer. Review the previous commitment and ask God for help.
- A multiplication step. Identify someone who can receive the lesson next.
A 75-Minute Discipleship Meeting
| Part | Time | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Personal check-in | 10 minutes | Connect the study to real life. |
| Accountability review | 10 minutes | Discuss the previous act of obedience. |
| Scripture study | 25 minutes | Understand the passage and its meaning. |
| Heart and application discussion | 15 minutes | Identify the needed response. |
| Skill practice | 10 minutes | Practice a reproducible discipleship skill. |
| Prayer and multiplication | 5 minutes | Pray and name the next person to encourage. |
What a Study Guide Should Avoid
- Information without obedience
- Dependence on one gifted teacher
- Questions that can be answered without opening the Bible
- Pressure to reveal private information in unsafe settings
- Isolation from a healthy local church
- A program that never prepares participants to disciple others
How The Pursuit of God Can Support the Guide
Tozer’s book can strengthen the sections on spiritual hunger, surrender, faith, worship, and abiding. It is most helpful when used as a supporting resource within a broader biblical discipleship pathway rather than as the only curriculum.
Continue With The Pursuit of God Annotated Study Edition
The Pursuit of God (Annotated): A Modern Study Guide to A. W. Tozer’s Classic on Abiding in Christ and Making Disciples preserves Tozer’s original message while adding chapter summaries, study resources, word searches, and practical connections to abiding, obedience, and disciple-making.
View the Book on Amazon← Return to The Pursuit of God Knowledge Catalogue
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of a Christian discipleship study guide?
Its purpose is to help believers know Christ, understand Scripture, obey Jesus, grow in community, and become able to help others follow Him.
How many lessons should a discipleship guide contain?
There is no required number. A twelve-lesson foundation is practical, while deeper programs may continue for six to twelve months.
Should discipleship be done only in a classroom?
No. Teaching is important, but discipleship also requires relationships, modeling, prayer, service, correction, accountability, and shared mission.
What is the final goal of discipleship?
The goal is mature, obedient followers of Jesus who glorify God and help other people become disciples.