Discipleship Part 3: Growing in Influence

A disciple of Jesus disciples others. It is a godly use of influence. Influence has a variety of connotations. It can be positive or negative. An “influencer” today can simply be someone with a lot of social media followers selling product. Traditionally, influence is a form of leadership that has an effect on someone’s life. Some influence comes from title or position, but arguably the most lasting type of influence comes from the character of an individual who invests in another. The more time we spend with someone, the more influence they have on our beliefs and behaviors.

How will you use your influence? A powerful picture of how to use influence comes from Paul's simple invitation he wrote to a group of Christians in Corinth: “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 11:1

Bold. Clear. Invitational. Simple. This is a statement of the wise use of influence. Learn from Paul. Don’t use your influence just for a brand, your name or some fleeting purpose. Think bigger! Discipleship at its heart is a transfer of a way of living that can only happen up close. It’s the good kind of peer pressure.

Follow me as I follow Christ. This is apprenticeship. Do as I do, I’m only a few steps ahead.

An apprentice doesn't simply study a craft from a distance. An apprentice watches someone, learns from them, practices what they practice, receives correction, and gradually becomes capable of doing what the disciple maker (teacher) does. That is a helpful picture for discipleship as influence.

We can think of it in terms of several levels of influence that widen our reach. We aren't simply transferring information. We're helping people learn a way of life. It takes a plan.

L1 — A disciple (taking personal ownership for faith)

I'm beginning to follow Jesus. I'm learning Scripture. I'm asking questions. I'm figuring out what it means to live as a Christian holistically with my time, my priorities, my finances, and relationally. As stated in prior “discipleship” posts, this is growth in believing, belonging, and becoming. Personal ownership.

L2 — A disciple maker. Now, helping another identify and take a next step.

You are now taking seriously helping others grow in their faith. It isn’t enough that Jesus is transforming you; you want it for your family and friends too! This is where a church may ask you to lead a small group. Maybe someone has asked you to teach them to pray or read the bible or how to parent or how to date well or keep a strong marriage. You are shaped by Jesus, and that is increasing your spiritual influence.

L3 — A disciple maker of disciple makers. Your reach is multiplying outward.

The goal isn’t “get to L3”; the goal is to be faithful to Jesus wherever he has you. However, some will find themselves here. Paid or unpaid, through a local church, these people are a gift to the Kingdom of God. These are men and women who pastor those they are discipling and help them see themselves as multiplying disciple makers.

The movement at every level is: Learn → Live → Lead

We are constantly moving repeatedly through this process and inviting others to join. Jesus didn't merely call people to follow Him. He told His followers to make disciples.

Discipleship influence doesn't require perfection.

Sometimes we hesitate to disciple others because we think, I'm not far enough along. Great! This response could be a sign of healthy humility, and you are ready. We are not “leading as experts”; we are disciples of Jesus too. We need to be honest about where we are still growing while helping someone else grow. This kind of honest vulnerability makes discipleship more accessible.

Imagine these kinds of conversations as normal:

• “I'm still learning how to pray consistently. Here's what I'm trying.”

• “I'm working on forgiveness right now. Can we talk about what that looks like?”

• “This is something God has been teaching me in our Scripture reading this week.”

Discipleship is about inviting others to walk with us. This is how we move beyond “what did you learn? To “what are you doing with what you have learned?” and “who else are you passing this along to?” If you are the one discipling, you just may find this is exactly the environment God is going to use to continue to spur you onto greater maturity in Christ.

This is using our influence for eternal kingdom significance.

Reflection

• Where would I place myself right now? L1, L2, L3?

• How have I overcomplicated discipleship?

• Who is one person I could intentionally help take their next spiritual step?