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What is Discipleship?


Discipleship is the journey of following Jesus Christ, learning from Him, and becoming more like Him every day. It's not about perfection, it's about direction. As a disciple, you intentionally walk with Jesus, grow spiritually through Scripture and prayer, and let the Holy Spirit transform you from the inside out.

Why This Matters for Memphis and Beyond

At FA Memphis and Boundless Online Church, we believe discipleship isn't a solo mission, it's a community adventure. Whether you're here in the 901 or joining us online from anywhere in the world, we're committed to walking alongside you as you grow in Christ. This post will help you understand what discipleship really means and how you can take your next step.


What Does It Mean to Be a Disciple?

Let's start with the basics. A disciple is simply someone who follows Jesus. The word comes from the Latin discipulus, meaning "student" or "learner." But in the biblical sense, it's way more than just head knowledge, it's a lifestyle.


When Jesus called His first disciples, He didn't just invite them to a Bible study. He said, "Follow Me" (Matthew 4:19). That meant leaving their nets, their boats, and their old ways of living to walk with Him daily. It was relational, transformational, and totally life-changing.

Discipleship vs. Discipling: What's the Difference?

Here's a helpful distinction:


  • Discipleship is your personal walk with Jesus, becoming more like Him ("Christ in me").

  • Discipling is your ministry to others, helping someone else grow in their faith ("Christ through me").


Both are important, but discipleship comes first. You can't pour into others what you haven't received yourself.


Diverse group of disciples walking together on a journey of following Jesus with Bibles in hand

The Core Elements of Discipleship

Discipleship isn't a one-size-fits-all checklist. It's a dynamic, Spirit-led journey. But there are some foundational elements every follower of Jesus should embrace:

1. Daily Surrender and Cross-Bearing

Jesus said, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me" (Luke 9:23, NIV). That's not about suffering for suffering's sake, it's about surrendering your will to God's will every single day.


Discipleship means saying "yes" to Jesus and "no" to the old ways of thinking, living, and reacting. It's dying to self so Christ can live through you.

2. Growing Through God's Word

You can't become like Jesus if you don't know Jesus. And the best way to know Him is through Scripture. The Bible isn't just a religious book, it's God's living, breathing Word that transforms us (Hebrews 4:12).


Discipleship means regularly reading, studying, and obeying the Bible. Not out of legalism, but out of love. When you love someone, you want to know them, and God has given us His Word so we can know Him deeply.

3. Walking in the Power of the Holy Spirit

Here at FA Memphis, we're an Assemblies of God church, and we believe the Holy Spirit isn't optional, He's essential. Jesus Himself said, "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you" (Acts 1:8, NIV).


Discipleship isn't a self-improvement project. It's a supernatural transformation powered by the Spirit. He's the One who convicts, comforts, teaches, and empowers us to live like Jesus.

4. Practicing the Sacraments

Baptism and Communion aren't just rituals, they're acts of obedience and remembrance. Baptism is your public declaration that you're all in with Jesus. Communion reminds us of the price He paid and the new covenant we're part of.


If you haven't been baptized yet, let's talk about it! It's one of the most powerful steps you can take as a disciple.


Person kneeling in prayer with open Bible, illuminated by Holy Spirit light from above

Discipleship Is Better Together

Here's the thing: discipleship was never meant to be a solo journey. Jesus didn't send His disciples out alone, He sent them in pairs and communities. The early church didn't just attend services; they lived life together, shared meals, prayed for one another, and grew in faith as a family (Acts 2:42-47).

Life Groups: Your Memphis Connection

If you're in the Memphis area, we'd love to invite you into a Life Group. These are small, intentional communities where you can dive deeper into God's Word, ask questions, pray with others, and build real friendships.


Life Groups meet throughout the 901, whether that's in Cordova, Bartlett, Germantown, or anywhere in the Memphis metro. It's where discipleship happens in real time, with real people, over real conversations (and sometimes really good food).

Boundless Online Church: Your Global Connection

Not in Memphis? No problem. Boundless Online Church is our digital extension, and it's designed for people just like you, wherever you are in the world. You can join live online services, access teaching resources, and connect with a global community of believers who are serious about growing in Christ.


Whether you're across town or across the globe, you have a seat at the table.


Diverse Christian community gathering for fellowship and Bible study in Life Group setting

What Discipleship Looks Like in Everyday Life

Discipleship isn't just a Sunday thing, it's an every day thing. Here's what it might look like practically:

  • Morning time with God: Starting your day with prayer and Scripture before the chaos kicks in.

  • Grace in the hard moments: Choosing forgiveness when someone wrongs you, because that's what Jesus does.

  • Speaking life: Using your words to encourage, not tear down.

  • Generosity: Giving your time, resources, and talents because everything you have is a gift from God.

  • Evangelism: Sharing your story and inviting others to know Jesus, not because you have it all figured out, but because He does.


Discipleship is messy, imperfect, and full of grace. It's not about being flawless, it's about being faithful.

Your Next Step

So where do you go from here? Here are three simple next steps:


  1. Commit to daily time with Jesus. Even if it's just five minutes, start somewhere. Read a chapter of the Bible, pray, journal, or just sit in silence with Him.

  2. Get connected. Join a Life Group in Memphis or hop online with Boundless. You were made for community.

  3. Ask God to show you one person you can disciple. It doesn't have to be formal. It could be a coworker, a neighbor, or a family member. Just invite them to walk with you as you walk with Jesus.

FA Memphis Series

FA Memphis Series: So we can make sure we know that these are being posted to Boundless Online Church (www.boundlessonlinechurch.org). Boundless Online Church is an online outreach ministry of FA Memphis Church, here in Cordova, TN.

Let's Walk This Out Together

Discipleship is the adventure of a lifetime. It's not always easy, but it's always worth it. And you don't have to do it alone.

If you're in Memphis, come visit us at 8650 Walnut Grove Road and ask about Life Groups. We'd love to meet you and help you take your next step.


If you're joining us online, head to www.boundlessonlinechurch.org and explore the resources, teachings, and community waiting for you.


Need prayers? Text us day or night at 1-901-213-7341.

(Note: This line is for prayer and pastoral support, not emergency services. If you are in immediate danger or need urgent help, please call 911.)


Let's do this. Together.

 
 
 

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