Discipleship doesn’t have to be complicated.
You don’t need a full curriculum. You don’t need a workbook with ten colors and five videos. You don’t need to know every answer.
What you need is the Bible—open, alive, and clear.
That’s how Jesus did it. He didn’t hand His disciples a three-ring binder. He opened the Scriptures, walked with them, asked questions, and taught them what God had said. One moment at a time. One lesson at a time. One life at a time.
And you can do the same. You can disciple someone—not with pressure, but with purpose—by walking them through one book of the Bible.
One book. One conversation. One soul.
Here’s how.
1. Start Small. Start Simple. Start Now.
Most people never disciple anyone because they think they have to be a pro. But you don’t need a title. You need a willing heart.
Pick one person. Just one. Maybe it’s someone younger in the faith. Maybe it’s a new believer. Maybe it’s someone who’s been in church a long time but has never been taught how to read the Word for themselves.
Then choose one book of the Bible to walk through together.
Start with something short and packed with gospel truth:
1 John (Assurance and love)
Titus (Doctrine and discipleship)
Philippians (Joy and Christ-centered living)
Mark (Action and the life of Christ)
Don’t overthink it. The goal is not to impress—it’s to grow together.
2. Meet Regularly and Read Together
You don’t need a classroom. You need consistency.
Meet once a week—or whatever rhythm works for both of you. Keep it simple. Grab coffee. Sit in the living room. Meet over Zoom if you have to.
Open the Bible together. Read a small section—maybe five to ten verses. Don’t rush. This is not about covering ground. It’s about planting truth.
Take turns reading. Let the words sink in. And then start asking questions.
3. Ask Three Questions Every Time
These three questions can disciple anyone, anywhere:
What does it say?
→ Observe the text. Point out what’s actually written. Repeated words? Commands? Promises?
What does it mean?
→ Interpret. What is the author saying? What did this mean to the original audience?
What does it call us to do?
→ Apply. What changes? What truth hits home? What’s the next step of obedience?
These questions don’t need to be perfect. You’re not trying to preach. You’re walking side by side, helping someone hear from God—straight from the text.
4. Pray Every Time You Meet
Before you begin, stop and ask the Lord to open your eyes. Psalm 119:18 says, “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.”
And when you finish reading, pray again. Thank God for what He showed you. Ask for help to obey. Pray for one another’s lives.
Discipleship is more than knowledge. It’s spiritual formation. Don’t skip the prayer. That’s where hearts are softened and lives are changed.
5. Be Honest, Not Polished
You don’t have to know everything. And you shouldn’t pretend you do.
If you hit a hard verse, say, “I’m not sure. Let’s study that this week and come back to it.”
That teaches more than giving a fast answer. It shows humility. It shows how to search the Scriptures. It shows dependence on the Lord—not just our own understanding.
And when something hits your own heart—say it. If a verse convicts you, share it. If it reminds you of a struggle or a joy, let them see it.
Discipleship is not a performance. It’s one beggar showing another beggar where to find bread.
6. Let the Book Shape the Journey
Don’t bring your agenda to the text. Let the text set the direction.
If you’re walking through Titus, you’re going to talk about sound doctrine, godly living, leadership, and grace.
If you’re walking through Philippians, you’re going to deal with joy in suffering, humility, and the surpassing worth of knowing Christ.
Let the book be the map. Don’t detour every time something “feels relevant.” Trust that the Word is relevant—because it’s alive.
And as you go, connect themes. Mark patterns. Let the truth build week after week, verse after verse.
7. Call for Action, Not Just Information
Don’t just ask, “What stood out to you?” Ask, “What needs to change?”
What’s the Spirit pressing on their heart? What truth do they need to believe more deeply? What sin needs to be confessed? What step needs to be taken this week?
If discipleship stays in the head, it dies there.
But when it moves to the heart—and then the hands—that’s when growth takes root.
So ask good questions. And then listen. Be patient. Be gentle. Be bold.
Truth without response is just information. But truth responded to? That’s transformation.
Final Word: The Bible Is Enough
You don’t need to be brilliant.
You don’t need to have all the answers.
You don’t need to be perfect.
What you need is to believe the Bible is enough—and to love someone enough to walk with them through it.
One book. One person. One step at a time.
You can do this. God has called all of us—not just pastors—to make disciples. And He’s given us the perfect tool: His Word.
So start today. Pick a book. Send the text. Open the Bible. Ask the questions.
And let the Spirit of God do what only He can do.
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📘 Want Help Studying the Bible with Clarity?
I've created a free guide to help you (or those you're discipling) study the Bible with confidence:
It’s full of simple, practical steps to read God’s Word with understanding and depth.