When we talk about disciplemaking, we’re talking about people who are “learners.” The Greek word discipulus means one who learns, who follows, who is ready to open up to the new. Disciples want to learn about Jesus, they want to learn from Jesus, and they want to learn to follow Jesus. Disciples are people eager to learn.

My friend Diane lamented the mistake she made about the women she invited into her small circle. “I chose people who I thought needed to grow, not those who wanted to grow.” Sometimes those who need to grow as disciples may not want to grow as disciples. We must look for those in whom the Holy Spirit is at work, and this is often demonstrated by people who are eager to learn.

_

Excerpted from Walk With Me: Simple Principles for Everyday Disciplemaking by Bill Mowry (© 2021). Published by Moody Publishers. Used by permission.

Author Bio: BILL MOWRY (M.A., Ohio State University) has a passion for creating ministry cultures where relational disciplemaking is the norm. Bill and wife Peggy serve on staff with The Navigators Church Ministries in Columbus, Ohio. Bill is a published author in culture building, evangelism, and disciplemaking. You can contact Bill at his website: www.alongsider.com.