Our series on the essentials of women’s ministry continues today with a focus on discipleship.
If you’ve been following along, you may have read the post on theology.
Discipleship is closely connected to theology; it is taking the knowledge one has learned about God (theology) and putting it into action.
Definitions
Let’s start with some definitions.
- Disciples are followers of Christ who intentionally and regularly study God’s Word and seek to obey the Word as they live out their faith.
- Discipleship is the process of studying and living out God’s Word with one or more believers, as modeled by Christ.
Before we get into some practical ideas, I want to look at what God’s Word says about making disciples.
What God’s Word Says About Making Disciples
Matthew 18:19-20 (ESV): “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. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Titus 2:3-5 (ESV): “Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, 4 and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, 5 to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.”
All believers are commanded to make disciples. This is not just a project for the pastors in our church.
Paul gave specific instructions to women. Older women are to teach younger women what is good. What’s good? The Bible.
Biblical Examples
What examples of disciple-makers do we see in the Bible? There are many – Elizabeth and Mary and Moses and Joshua, just to name two.
Today I want to look at two women who discipled their son and grandson.
Paul, in a letter to Timothy, encouraged him, to remain faithful, saying, “I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.” 2 Timothy 1:5 (ESV)
Don’t you just love that God included the names of Timothy’s mother and grandmother in the Bible? These women will forever be known as devoted disciple-makers.
God’s Word is clear that we are to be disciples and make disciples.
Is Bible study the same as discipleship?
Is this the same as Bible study? Here’s the short and simplified answer.
Bible study is usually done in much larger groups and often uses a Bible study book (and sometimes a video). The primary teacher is usually the book’s author.
Discipleship groups are typically groups of 2-5 women that meet weekly to study God’s Word for 12-18 months with the goal of replication. Discipleship groups often spend time in prayer, memorize scripture, and use accountability questions. The Holy Spirit serves as the primary teacher.
Some churches offer both options for their women. Some churches offer just one or the other.
I don’t know what’s best for your church, but I have seen firsthand the acceleration of spiritual growth through a formal discipleship program. Maybe it’s something the Lord wants you and your team to prayerfully consider.
5 Ways to Encourage Discipleship in Your Women’s Ministry
1.We can and should encourage organic discipleship.
It is a wonderful thing when women ask other women to disciple them! It reveals a desire for spiritual growth. How wonderful it is when spiritually mature women want to disciple other women in your church.
2. We can share testimonies at our events and even on social media or in our newsletters.
Hearing from women who have been or are being discipled will encourage other women that they will benefit too.
3. We can provide a formal format for discipleship.
While organic discipleship is great, formal discipleship offers a clear on-ramp for women who are looking to be discipled and it allows church leadership to select sound discipleship materials and spiritually mature leaders.
We have a church-wide scripture reading program that our men’s and women’s discipleship groups use. Our groups use Robby Gallaty’s HEAR format that can be found in his book, Replicate (affiliate link). His wife, Kandi, has a discipleship book for women called Disciple Her. You could also use an inductive-style Bible study method, like my READ Bible Study Method. I’d encourage you to select something that will work well for women who are new to the Bible and those who are not.
4. We can provide training for discipleship group leaders.
I’ve heard leaders struggle to find women who are ready and willing to lead.
You may need to host a short-term discipleship group just for new leaders. Teach them the process and let them practice leading. Or you may want to host a half-day workshop to train leaders in the discipleship method you want them to use.
5. We can suggest creative solutions for discipleship.
Many women feel they don’t have time for one more thing – especially one more weekly thing.
A leader at a conference I recently attended shared her creative solution to discipling during a busy season. The younger woman whom she disciples comes over every two weeks at 6:45 AM. She fixes breakfast for both of them, and then they talk about their Bible reading. A young mom may need to meet after her children go to bed in the evening.
Help your women find ways to make it happen.
To recap, 5 ways we can encourage discipleship in our church are to:
- encourage organic discipleship
- share testimonies
- provide a formal format for discipleship
- provide training for discipleship group leaders
- offer creative solutions for discipleship
We may think our women are already discipling and being discipled, but unless discipleship has been intentionally built into the DNA of your church, it’s not likely.
According to Back to the Bible, discipleship efforts have stalled. Only 31% of Americans say they have ever personally discipled or mentored another person in the Christian faith.
The Back to the Bible’s State of Christianity in America 2025 report highlights the need for greater spiritual depth. You can request a copy here.
I pray we’ll be leaders who pray for and plan for women to be followers of Christ who intentionally and regularly study God’s Word and obey the Word as they live out their faith with other believers.
Today’s Toolbox Tasks:
- Discuss the 5 ways to encourage discipleship with your team.
- Identify the specific discipleship needs of the women in your church.
- Prayerfully move forward as the Lord leads.
You can find more information about discipleship and how to establish discipleship groups on the Women’s Ministry Toolbox blog here and in my book, Women’s Ministry Essentials.
Don’t forget to pre-order Women’s Ministry Essentials and submit your order information here to receive the Discipleship by Design training.
You may also want to check out:
Women’s Ministry Essentials (affiliate link)
Book Review: Disciple Her
My List of Discipleship Resources
Five Practical Ways to Incorporate Evangelism Into Your Women’s Ministry
Women’s Ministry Essentials: Cultivating a Culture of Prayer
Why Theology is Essential for Every Women’s Ministry
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