Revisiting Discipleship in Christian Education: A Comprehensive Approach

In the early 1980s, the concept of discipleship was a dominant theme within Christian circles. During this period, I embraced the Christian faith, encountering a vibrant movement that emphasized discipleship not merely as a personal spiritual pursuit but as a dynamic, relational process of growth and multiplication. Books like The Lost Art of Disciplemaking by LeRoy Eims and others circulated widely, propelling the idea that discipleship was the heart of the Christian mission. The ethos of the time encouraged believers to move beyond mere conversion, to become disciples who, in turn, would make other disciples. Small groups within churches were often referred to as "D-groups," and the model of exponential growth—where one disciple makes two, who then make four, and so on—was heralded as the biblical model for expanding God's kingdom.

However, this emphasis on discipleship gradually diminished in many circles. Despite its decline as a trend, the call to make disciples has never waned in Scripture. In Matthew 28:19-20, the Great Commission remains a timeless mandate: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations." It is crucial to revisit this biblical vision, especially in the context of Christian education, where the opportunity to shape young lives for Christ is both profound and strategic.

Discipleship in Biblical Perspective

Biblically, discipleship is a multi-faceted process that involves the following:

• Following Jesus: It begins with a commitment to follow Jesus wholeheartedly (Luke 9:23). A disciple is not just a learner but an apprentice, someone who observes, emulates, and participates in the life and mission of Christ.
• Cost and Transformation: Jesus made it clear that discipleship comes with a cost (Luke 14:26-33). It involves a radical transformation of one's life, values, and priorities.
• Multiplication: Discipleship is inherently multiplicative. Paul’s instruction to Timothy—“what you have heard from me... entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2)—outlines a generational process where disciples make disciples who make disciples.

Incorporating this biblical vision into a Christian school context requires intentional strategies that weave discipleship into the fabric of every aspect of school life.

Re-envisioning Discipleship in the Christian School Setting

1. Classroom Integration: Cultivating a Biblical Worldview

A Christian school’s primary task is to provide an education that is firmly rooted in a biblical worldview. Each classroom should serve as a fertile ground where students can explore God’s truth across all disciplines.

• Curricular Design: Every subject—from science to literature, mathematics to history—can be taught from a biblical perspective. For instance, science classes can explore the marvels of God's creation, highlighting His creativity and order. History lessons can examine the providence of God in human affairs. This approach helps students understand that all truth is God’s truth and that every academic pursuit points back to the Creator.
• Character Formation: Classroom instruction should go beyond academic knowledge to focus on character development. Integrating character education with biblical principles helps students embody virtues such as integrity, humility, perseverance, and love. Teachers can incorporate discussions on how biblical characters exhibited these traits in various situations, making the lessons relatable and applicable.
• Spiritual Mentoring: Teachers act as spiritual mentors, not just instructors. They can create an environment where students feel comfortable discussing spiritual matters, asking questions about faith, and seeking guidance. Structured times for spiritual reflection, prayer, and discussion can be built into the classroom schedule, fostering a culture where spiritual growth is a natural outcome of daily learning.

2. Extracurricular Activities: Beyond the Classroom Walls

Discipleship extends beyond academic instruction into the realms of sports, arts, and other extracurricular activities. These settings provide practical contexts for students to live out their faith.

• Sports as a Discipleship Tool: Athletics can be an incredible platform for discipleship. Coaches should view their role not merely as developing athletes but as shaping disciples. Pre-practice devotions, prayer before and after games, and discussions on sportsmanship provide opportunities to teach biblical principles like teamwork, perseverance, humility, and honoring God in all endeavors. Coaches can share personal testimonies of how faith influences their approach to competition, using sports as a metaphor for the Christian life.
• Clubs and Interest Groups: Establish faith-centered clubs where students can explore specific aspects of their faith more deeply. This could include Bible study groups, apologetics clubs, or mission-oriented groups. These clubs offer students the chance to take ownership of their spiritual growth, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.
• Retreats and Service Projects: Organize annual spiritual retreats and regular service projects. Retreats provide a concentrated time for students to disconnect from daily distractions and focus on their relationship with God. Service projects, whether local community outreach or global mission trips, offer practical ways for students to put their faith into action. They learn the value of serving others and the joy of being the hands and feet of Christ.

3. Fostering a School-Wide Culture of Discipleship

Creating a school culture that prioritizes discipleship involves modeling, mentoring, and a commitment to spiritual growth across the entire school community.

• Modeling by Staff and Faculty: Teachers, administrators, and staff must model discipleship in their daily interactions. Their lives should be visible testimonies of what it means to follow Christ. Professional development for staff should include training on spiritual mentoring and effective discipleship practices. When students see their educators living out their faith authentically, it provides a powerful example to emulate.
• Chapel Services and Worship: Regular chapel services should be central to the school’s discipleship strategy. These gatherings are not just routine; they are opportunities for collective worship, teaching, and spiritual challenge. Chapel messages can focus on themes such as faithfulness, courage, service, and the call to make disciples. Incorporating student-led worship and testimonies can engage students more personally in the worship experience.
• Parental Partnership: A holistic discipleship approach involves partnering with parents. Provide resources and workshops to equip parents to disciple their children at home. Encourage open communication between school and home to reinforce the values and lessons taught at school, ensuring that students receive consistent discipleship guidance.

4. Structured Discipleship Pathways: Intentional and Progressive

To move students from conversion to discipleship and eventually to disciple-makers, a Christian school must establish a structured process that guides students through progressive stages of spiritual development.

• Discipleship Curriculum: Implement a comprehensive discipleship curriculum that covers the basics of the Christian faith, spiritual disciplines, apologetics, and leadership training. This curriculum should be age-appropriate, with foundational teachings for younger students and more in-depth explorations of theology, ministry, and leadership for older students. Incorporating small group discussions, reflective journaling, and practical assignments helps solidify learning and application.
• Peer Mentoring and Leadership: Develop a peer mentoring program where older students are trained to disciple younger ones. This not only provides younger students with role models but also gives older students practical experience in leadership and discipleship. Equip these student leaders through regular training and support, helping them grow in confidence and effectiveness as disciple-makers.
• Spiritual Milestones: Recognize and celebrate spiritual milestones in students' lives. This could include public declarations of faith, baptism, completion of a discipleship course, or involvement in mission work. Marking these milestones provides tangible markers of spiritual growth and encourages students to continue progressing in their faith journey.

5. Encouraging Multiplication: Disciples Who Make Disciples

The ultimate goal of discipleship is multiplication. A Christian school should encourage students to see themselves not just as recipients of discipleship but as active participants in God's mission to make disciples of all nations.

• Empowering Students: Empower students to take ownership of their faith by involving them in ministry opportunities. This could include leading chapel services, organizing outreach events, or starting Bible studies. Encourage them to share their faith with peers, both within and outside the school community.
• Global and Local Mission Mindset: Foster a mindset that discipleship extends beyond the school’s walls. Encourage students to engage in local and global missions, understanding that they are part of a larger mission to reach the world with the gospel. Whether it's through short-term mission trips, community service, or evangelism efforts, students should be challenged to think about how they can be disciple-makers in every context of their lives.

Conclusion: Building a Legacy of Discipleship

Integrating discipleship into a Christian school is about more than implementing programs or adding spiritual activities. It's about creating a holistic environment where every aspect of school life—academic, extracurricular, relational—is intentionally designed to foster spiritual growth. By doing so, the school not only educates students academically but also equips them to become mature, Christ-like individuals who are committed to making disciples in their future families, churches, workplaces, and communities.

In revisiting discipleship, we return to the heart of the Great Commission. A Christian school that adopts this model not only impacts the lives of its students but also contributes to the broader mission of God's kingdom, raising up generations of disciples who will go out and make disciples, to the glory of God.