Discipleship Demystified

By Fred Wikoff

No one said the English language is easy, but finding a simple definition for discipleship borders on the ridiculous. Many dictionaries don’t even list the word and the ones that do, often define it as a variation of disciple . . . which is akin to saying they are one and the same word. And if so, why two words when one will do?

The obvious answer is because they are two different words. And I would guess that the big reason the public in general has trouble separating them, is partly due to their fuzzy if not erroneous idea of what a disciple is.

For instance, my large unabridged dictionary offers as its first definition of disciple: “one of the twelve personal followers of Christ.” While this is an interesting bit of information, it is grossly misleading in that it does not define disciple.

In reality, the definition of disciple has nothing to do with Christ or His followers. One only has to read the Old Testament to see that the word has been around a long time. (See Isaiah 8:16) So it is obvious that the term did not originate with Christ or His followers as some would have us believe.

Its wide use throughout the New Testament indicates that it was a common term at that time in history. John the Baptist, (Matthew 9:14) Moses, (John 9:28) and many other teachers of that time all had disciples. And the actual meaning at that time, as translated from the Greek via Latin, simply means a learner, or student.

Once this is known, differentiating between disciple and discipleship becomes relatively easy. Discipleship is simply putting into practice what one has learned as a disciple. Thus Christian discipleship is just doing what Christ has taught us.

What makes Christian discipleship doubly hard to understand, is that it refers to virtually every area of our Christian life. It includes everything from living a life pleasing to Christ, to interacting with our fellow disciples, to following Christ’s directive to “go into the world and preach the gospel …” Mark 16:15

Indeed the use of discipleship is in itself so all inclusive that it often leaves one uncertain as to what the speaker is talking about. And I must wonder, are the terms, teaching, fellowship, and evangelism so outdated that we must incorporate a chic buzz word to give them added meaning? Or is it just easier to use one word to cover them all?

Whether its disciple or discipleship, our misuse of words has the potential to weaken our effectiveness and hinder the growth of Christ’s kingdom. To be successful our discipleship requires effective communication among fellow disciples, as well as those we are trying to reach for Christ. And if the words we use don’t do this, it would be better if we simply didn’t use them.

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations . . . and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20

Fred Wikoff writes from Eugene, Oregon. EugeneSpud@msn.com