How you mentally model discipleship for your church can change your thinking, your efforts, and your results. Here's how mental models can change everything:
In the 19th century, people believed that diseases like cholera were spread through foul air, or “miasma.” This idea led to efforts focused on avoiding bad smells instead of tackling the real cause. Cholera was devastating, with tens of thousands dying each year during outbreaks. Everything changed when Dr. John Snow mapped a deadly cholera outbreak in London to a contaminated water pump. His discovery showed that disease was spread through water, not air, and this insight turned public health thinking on its head.
With this new understanding, cities shifted from simply reacting to outbreaks to preventing them. Clean water systems and proper sewage management became priorities, saving countless lives. People realized that unseen germs, not mysterious vapors, were the true enemy, leading to lasting improvements in public health.
Discipleship Models and How they Work
This story shows how powerful a change in thinking can be. Just as this new mental model transformed how society fought disease, adopting fresh ways of thinking in discipleship can transform how we help people grow spiritually. In this column, we’ll look at nine mental models of discipleship that can reshape the way we guide others in their walk with Christ.
Discipleship is the core mission of the Church, embodying Jesus' Great Commission to "go and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19, ESV). Yet, implementing effective discipleship in our churches can often be challenging... and the ways you do it might vary quite a bit from one church to another!
With over 20 years of pastoral experience, I've tried various discipleship models, and seen the unique strengths (and weaknesses!) of each. In this comprehensive guide, we'll do an overview of 9 different models of discipleship, their strengths, and practical ways to implement them in your church.
1. One-on-One Discipleship Model
Description: One-on-one discipleship involves a more mature believer mentoring a less mature believer in their spiritual journey. This model is highly relational and personalized, allowing for deep, meaningful connections and tailored spiritual growth.
Strengths of this Discipleship model:
Personalized attention and mentorship.
Deep relational bonds and accountability.
Flexibility in addressing individual spiritual needs and questions.
Implementation Tips:
Identify mentors: Look for spiritually mature members who can mentor others.
Set expectations: Clearly define the goals and structure of the mentorship.
Provide resources: Equip mentors with study guides, books, and other discipleship resources.
Example:
Paul and Timothy's relationship in the New Testament is a prime example of one-on-one discipleship (Philippians 2:22).
2. Small Group Discipleship Model
Description: Small groups, often consisting of 6-12 people, meet regularly to study the Bible, pray, and support each other. This model fosters community and mutual growth.
Strengths of this discipleship model:
Builds community and relational support.
Encourages participation and discussion.
Provides a safe environment for sharing and accountability.
Implementation Tips:
Form diverse groups: Mix ages, backgrounds, and spiritual maturity levels.
Train leaders: Ensure group leaders are equipped to facilitate discussions and care for group members.
Encourage consistency: Promote regular attendance and engagement.
Example:
The early church often met in small groups in homes, as described in Acts 2:46.
3. Classroom or Seminar-Based Discipleship Model
Description: This model involves structured teaching sessions, often in a classroom setting, focusing on specific topics or books of the Bible. It's similar to traditional educational formats.
Strengths of this discipleship model:
Structured and systematic approach to learning.
Opportunity for in-depth study and teaching.
Suitable for covering a wide range of topics.
Implementation Tips:
Plan a curriculum: Develop a comprehensive set of discipleship classes.
Use skilled teachers: Ensure teachers are knowledgeable and engaging.
Incorporate interaction: Allow time for questions and discussion.
Example:
Sunday school classes or midweek Bible studies are common forms of classroom-based discipleship.
4. Life-on-Life Discipleship Model
Description: Life-on-life discipleship integrates spiritual growth with everyday living. Discipleship happens through shared activities and experiences, such as family meals, service projects, and daily routines.
Strengths:
Integrates faith into daily life.
Provides real-life examples of Christian living.
Encourages holistic spiritual growth.
Implementation Tips:
Model transparency: Be open about your own spiritual journey.
Include your family: Involve family members in discipleship activities.
Be intentional: Look for everyday opportunities to disciple others.
Example:
Jesus' discipleship of the Twelve was (in many ways) a life-on-life model, as they traveled, ate, and ministered together (Mark 3:14).
5. Peer Discipleship model
Description: Peer discipleship involves believers at similar stages in their faith journey discipling each other. This model emphasizes mutual growth and accountability. This may be considered overlapping with the one to one discipleship, but the structure is more "sideways," or can be considered a subcategory or a particular way of doing of 1-on-1.
Strengths of this model of discipleship:
Mutual encouragement and accountability.
Shared experiences and struggles.
Promotes a sense of equality and mutual respect.
Implementation Tips:
Pair wisely: Match individuals with similar spiritual maturity levels.
Set goals: Establish clear discipleship goals and meeting times.
Encourage openness: Foster an environment of honesty and vulnerability.
Example:
The relationship between David and Jonathan in the Old Testament is an example of peer discipleship (1 Samuel 18:1-4).
6. Digital Discipleship Model
Description: In our digital age, discipleship can extend beyond physical meetings through online platforms. This model includes virtual Bible studies, mentoring via video calls, and social media engagement.
Strengths of this model for discipleship:
Accessibility for those with busy schedules or geographic barriers.
Utilizes modern technology to reach more people.
Offers flexibility in timing and format.
Implementation Tips:
Choose the right platforms: Use platforms that your congregation or audience is comfortable with.
Be consistent: Schedule regular virtual meetings and interactions.
Promote engagement: Encourage participation through interactive content and discussions.
Example:
Online Bible study groups and discipleship apps are contemporary examples of digital discipleship.
7. Programmatic Discipleship Model
Description: This model involves structured programs with clear steps and milestones. It often includes courses, retreats, and events designed to facilitate spiritual growth.
Strengths:
Clear structure and progression.
Focused and goal-oriented.
Provides a comprehensive approach to discipleship.
Implementation Tips:
Develop a clear pathway: Outline the steps and milestones in your program.
Include diverse elements: Mix teaching, activities, and community building.
Evaluate regularly: Assess the program's effectiveness and make adjustments as needed.
Example:
Churches that primarily expect their calendar of events to accomplish discipleship are an example of this model. The answer to most challenges or new challenges spiritually is to attend another event, worship service, retreat, camp, etc. Some might argue that Israel's schedule of 7 feasts through the year, and the Christian year are examples of this model.
8. Family-Based Discipleship Model
Description: Family-based discipleship equips parents and guardians to disciple their children at home. This model emphasizes the role of the family in spiritual formation.
Strengths:
Reinforces the importance of faith in the home.
Provides consistent spiritual guidance.
Encourages family unity and shared values.
Partners well with the church when done well.
Implementation Tips:
Provide resources: Offer parents guides, family devotionals, training, and activities.
Host family events: Create opportunities for families to learn and grow together.
Support parents: Equip and encourage parents in their role as spiritual leaders.
Example:
Family devotions and parent-child Bible studies are practical expressions of family-based discipleship.
9. Mission-Oriented Discipleship Model
Description: This model combines discipleship with mission and service. It focuses on discipling believers as they engage in outreach and ministry activities.
Strengths:
Integrates discipleship with practical service.
Encourages outward-focused faith.
Provides real-world applications of biblical principles.
Implementation Tips:
Create opportunities: Organize mission trips, service projects, and outreach events.
Link service with teaching: Combine practical service with spiritual teaching and reflection.
Debrief and reflect: Provide time for participants to share experiences and learn from them.
Example:
Jesus sent out His disciples in pairs to minister and preach, blending discipleship with mission (Luke 10:1-20). John Wesley insisted early that his disciples in the Methodist church be involved in "works of mercy" and even instituted the "Class meeting" originally the purpose of accountability to good deeds to the poor.
Which Discipleship Model is the "right one?"
Here’s the bottom line:
Every model has elements of real discipleship. Jesus Himself used multiple approaches—He taught large crowds, discipled in small groups, mentored individuals like Peter, James, and John, and sent His followers out on mission.
Every model has gaps. No single approach covers everything, which is why churches often blend models to meet the needs of their people.
The right model is the one you'll actually DO. Just like diets, the best one isn’t the most detailed or famous—it’s the one you’ll stick with. A well-intended but unused discipleship model is no better than having none at all.
That’s exactly why I developed NewStart Discipleship—to give small church pastors a model that’s not just theoretically effective but realistically doable. Over the last few years, I’ve poured my experience as a pastor into crafting a clear, simple, and practical discipleship plan that any church can use to lead new believers into deep, lasting faith.
If you’ve been struggling to get discipleship off the ground in your church—or if you’re tired of “winging it” every time someone comes to Christ—NewStart provides a ready-to-go pathway that you can start using immediately.
Want to see how it works? Let’s get your discipleship plan in place today.
Whether you lean toward one-on-one mentoring, small groups, or family discipleship, NewStart provides ready-to-use tools, step-by-step guidance, and a clear plan to make disciple-making second nature in your church.
No more scrambling to figure out what to do when a new believer shows up. No more wondering if your discipleship efforts are really working. With NewStart, you’ll have a simple, proven plan to make disciples who make disciples—without burning yourself out in the process.
➡️ Ready to take the next step? Check out NewStart Discipleship today and start building a culture of discipleship that lasts!
"And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2, ESV).