Scripture:
“Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” – Matthew 4:19 (ESV)
There’s something powerful about being invited into someone’s life. It’s how Jesus began His ministry—not with a program, but with people. When He said “Follow me,” He wasn’t offering a class. He was inviting His disciples into a journey. And that journey became a life shared, a friendship formed, and ultimately, a movement that changed the world.
That’s what relational discipleship is all about—doing life together in a way that points people to Jesus. It’s not about having all the answers or leading a perfect life. It’s about showing up, being honest, opening Scripture, and praying alongside people as they walk through life.
Jesus built His ministry on meaningful relationships. He spent time with people. He knew their names, their stories, their struggles. He spoke the truth with love and grace. He modeled what a godly life looked like in real time, and He invited His followers to do the same.
Relational discipleship is less about “meeting attendance” and more about spiritual presence. It’s fueled by prayer, shaped by the Word, and sustained by loving relationships where people feel safe to grow, fail, and ask honest questions.
It also reflects the heart of our Faithful Bible Teaching approach—verse-by-verse teaching of the Bible, reliance on the Holy Spirit, and a deep belief that transformation happens when people are truly known and loved. Discipleship works best in community, when adults empower others by walking alongside them in faith, not above them in hierarchy.
If we’re serious about helping people follow Jesus for a lifetime, we have to stop asking them to attend something and start inviting them to be part of something—our lives, our homes, our stories, and most importantly, the story of Jesus.
Reflection Questions:
Who in your life helped you grow spiritually through relationship and time spent together?
What does it look like for you to invite someone to “follow you as you follow Christ”?
Are there ways you can slow down and make space for deeper relationships with those around you?
Read yesterday’s post HERE!