How Do Leaders Grow in their Discipleship?

As those who make disciples, Christian leaders desire to follow Christ’s example and act in a manner that would be appropriate for Him. However, misunderstandings about discipleship continue to flourish. Occasionally, people equate it with conversion or evangelism.

The truth is that becoming a disciple entails more than simply accepting Jesus Christ as our savior and savior from sin.

The misinterpretation of discipleship is only one of the many problems that leaders have encountered and how to communicate Gospel stories and imitate the Truth as they move through various stages of growth. Interestingly, it can be beneficial for leaders to see discipleship as a procedure and journey to development.

How can we ensure that we are growing as a leader and a disciple? The answer is S-O-A-R!


1. Shape authenticity.

Only in authentic environments can true discipleship take place. As Christian leaders, we will not advance in maturity if we cannot be honest with our people and admit our shortcomings. A specific example of this is during church gatherings. Many of us pretend to be someone we are not because we fear our fellow Christians would not accept us for who we indeed are: sinners saved by grace. So, we don a mask that conceals who we are.

Finding growth is a matter of authenticity. In every aspect, this authenticity ought to be increasing. Authenticity among leaders attracts people, especially when there is so little of it.

2. Observe the talk.

Although we have all heard the phrase “walk the talk,” Christian leaders must practice it. The pathway of discipleship comes with learning what it means to connect and lead with Christ and to experience the joy of having our sins forgiven. Moreover, it provides language to the call for us to be disciples.

Equally, walking with others in discipleship offers a unique opportunity for leaders to grow and learn about God and experience a close relationship with Him while also contributing to His creation.

On their journey, Christ walks beside His disciples. He walks with them while listening to their stories. He inquires first before revealing anything to them. It is a craft we can grow from and improve as we practice listening more frequently. It is about guiding people toward the following action. It is about how we can show the love of Christ to someone in a personal way.

As time passes, our people will need actual chances to serve, share, and live out their relationship with Christ. Hence, allowing them to lead a Bible study and assisting them in spreading the Gospel are two examples of this we leaders can initiate.

3. Amplify more leaders.

Not every disciple will become a leader, but every growing leader needs to be a developing disciple emulating Christ’s example in others. At best, non-disciple-making leaders are merely task managers; at worst, they could hinder those they lead and set a wrong standard for the Christian community.

Disciple-making employs a few straightforward techniques, such as discussing how to create connections, what it means to go slowly and live, how to bring depth to people’s lives, and what it is to live with a purpose. Inviting one, two, or three persons into a close group of connections to learn how to live as Jesus’ disciples alongside them is a commonplace life example.

To help others go along the path to deeper discipleship, we may ask God to reveal where people are and how to assist them. We may till the soil, fertilize and water, and create a suitable environment for God’s grace. God provides growth.

4. Return to Christ.

We cannot force our spiritual development by making it the center of our attention. After all, it is not a feeling or experience we all have right now. In reality, we distribute seeds. However, we cannot force it to grow because, as mentioned earlier, Christ gives the growth. Then, how do we proceed with the process of growing as disciples of Christ? What is our primary goal if development itself is not? We must keep the glory of Christ in mind rather than concentrating on our deeds, our skills, or our will to get better.

Returning to Christ is synonymous with knowing and loving Him. We do not seek to grow in Christ; instead, we set out to savor His grace. Only if our attention is consistently drawn back to Christ and His numerous positive gestures of mercy and grace can they help to transform us into more like Him.


More than ever, people want an accurate portrait of Christ to help them navigate the multitude of voices claiming to speak the truth. As Christian leaders and disciples, we must safely and gently lead them to the reality their souls yearn for. It is when growing in Christ becomes a beautiful thing.