Purposefully Purposed - Are you a disciple or just a believer?

In a world overflowing with distractions, quick solutions, and shallow spirituality, it's easy to forget the true essence of following Jesus and being a disciple. Today, many claim to BELIEVE in Jesus, but are they genuinely following Him? Discipleship is more than just a church initiative or a popular Christian term. It should be the core of the Christian faith.

What Is Discipleship?

Discipleship is the continuous journey of growing to resemble Jesus in all aspects of our lives. It focuses on transformation and the pursuit of holiness rather than achieving perfection. A disciple is not just a believer in Jesus; they are someone who learns from Him, follows Him, obeys His teachings, and assists others in doing likewise.

In Matthew 28:19–20, Jesus gave the Church its mission:

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you."

This wasn't a suggestion—it was a command.

Why Is Discipleship So Important?

1. It Deepens Our Relationship with Christ

Discipleship is how we grow in intimacy with Jesus. It invites us to go beyond Sunday services and into daily surrender. Through prayer, studying the Word of God, obedience, and accountability, we learn to hear God's voice, trust His ways, and walk in His truth. This is how we transition from focusing on religion to relationship with God.

2. It Produces Spiritual Maturity

Without discipleship, believers can remain spiritually immature—saved but stagnant. Discipleship helps us move from milk to meat (Hebrews 5:12-14), developing character, wisdom, and resilience. It equips us to navigate trials, resist temptation, and live fruitful lives.

3. It Equips Us to Make Disciples

Discipleship is not just about personal growth—it’s about multiplication. Mature disciples disciple others. Just like Jesus invested in the twelve, we’re called to pour into others—mentoring, encouraging, and teaching them to follow Christ. This is how the Church grows and strengthens.

4. It Builds Christian Community

Discipleship thrives in relationships. It connects us to spiritual mentors and peers who walk alongside us in love, truth, and accountability. It creates safe spaces for growth, confession, prayer, and encouragement—reminding us we’re not alone in our faith journey.

5. It Aligns Us with God’s Mission

God’s heart is for the world to know Him. When we embrace discipleship, we align ourselves with His mission. We begin to see our lives, jobs, and relationships as opportunities to reflect Christ and spread the Gospel. Discipleship equips us to live on purpose and our heart posture becomes aligned with the will of Christ.

For many years, I lived as a believer, yet I felt a sense of emptiness. I personally understand what it's like to feel incomplete. Although I believed in Christ, I didn't truly understand what being a disciple meant. There were parts of me laying dormant until I began to focus on discipleship and having a relationship with Christ.

Becoming a disciple and transitioning from religion to a relationship with Christ fills in the empty and missing pieces. You no longer feel stagnant, confused, or empty.

Discipleship isn’t easy, but it is worth it. It’s how we grow, how we endure, and how we fulfill the calling Jesus placed on our lives. If you feel stuck, empty or shallow in your faith, consider this your invitation to go deeper. Jesus is still saying, “Come, follow Me.”

Will you answer the call?

At C.O.U.R.A.G.E. to Aspire, we intend to respond to the call by assisting others in their spiritual journey, transitioning from mere believers to true disciples. Our goal is for everyone to comprehend what it means to have a personal relationship with Christ and to fulfill their God-given purpose. Therefore, within the next four months, we are introducing the following programs:

I. Hope on Purpose—Youth Curriculum

II. Hope on Purpose—Healing & Deliverance

III. Purposefully Purposed Youth & Young Adult One-on-One Discipleship Program

IV. 12—Month Weekly Discipleship Program

We look forward to having you join us. More details will be available soon!