LIFESHAPES: The Square

In Jesus’ time, people didn’t just believe in Him—they trusted Him completely. They followed Him, learning not only from His words but from His way of life. – Roald

That’s what it means to be a disciple. Like an apprentice receiving hands-on training, we learn in the realities of daily life how Jesus would live if He were in our place. And when we disciple others—whether at home, at work, or anywhere in between—we invite them to learn alongside us, training them to follow everything Jesus commanded (Matthew 28:18-20).

Let’s explore how Jesus invited, trained, and sent out His disciples.

The Four Stages of Discipleship

To visualize this, draw a square. Each side represents a key stage in the journey:

Stage 1: Invite & Direct

💡 “Directive Discipling”

Scripture: Mark 1:16-20

When Jesus called His first disciples, He simply said, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” They followed—without knowing much at all.

🔹 What did the disciple know? Very little.
🔹 What did the disciple need? Clear direction.

Jesus didn’t explain every detail upfront. He gave an open invitation, a compelling vision, and the first step: Follow me.

📌 Key Lesson: New disciples need clarity. Be direct. Show them what to do and model the way forward.

Stage 2: Coach & Encourage

💡 “Encouraging Coaching”

Scripture: Mark 9:14-29

Later, as the disciples tried to do what Jesus did, they stumbled. Their results were mixed, and failure was part of their experience.

🔹 How does a disciple feel at this stage? Likely frustrated and unsure.
🔹 What do they need? Encouragement and coaching.

Jesus didn’t let failure stop them. Instead, He used it as a teaching moment. Like a good coach, He identified what went wrong, corrected them, and sent them back out to try again.

📌 Key Lesson: Growth comes through practice. Give disciples opportunities to try, fail, and improve with guidance and support.

Stage 3: Invite Deeper & Deepen

💡 “Vulnerable Discussion”

Scripture: John 13-15 (Upper Room)

After years of following Jesus, the disciples experienced a shift. In the Upper Room, Jesus washed their feet (John 13), offered them assurance (John 14), and called them from servants to friends (John 15).

🔹 What is happening here? The relationship is deepening.
🔹 What do disciples need at this stage? Preparation for leadership and greater responsibility.

Jesus was open about the trials ahead. He shared personally, strengthened their faith, and equipped them to carry on without Him physically present.

📌 Key Lesson: As disciples mature, be real with them. Share your struggles, invite them into deeper understanding, and prepare them for leadership.

Stage 4: Deploy & Support

💡 “Deployed Discipling”

Scripture: Matthew 28:16-20

Jesus’ final words to His disciples? “Go and make disciples.” He entrusted them with His mission, knowing they weren’t perfect—but they were ready.

🔹 What was Jesus’ ultimate goal? For His disciples to become disciple-makers.
🔹 What did they need at this stage? Confidence, a clear mission, and ongoing support.

Jesus gave them authority, direction, and a promise: “I am with you always.” They weren’t alone as they stepped into leadership.

📌 Key Lesson: At some point, disciples must be sent. Trust their growth, empower them, and continue to support them as they lead others.

Reflection & Action

Where Are You in Your Own Discipleship?

Think about when you’ve learned a new role or skill. As you moved through different stages, what did you feel? What did you need?

Now consider your own journey with Jesus:

What stage are you in?
What do you need to grow?

Who Are You Discipling?

Everyone follows someone—and someone is looking to you.

Where are they in their discipleship?
What do they need from you right now?

Moving Forward in Discipleship

Let’s commit to making progress together. How will we track growth? Should we check in—through a call, text, or follow-up conversation?

Helping Others Move Through the Stages

Stage 1 | Be Clear & Direct

New disciples may feel confident but lack understanding. Set a clear path and model the way.

Stage 2 | Coach & Encourage

Start guiding discussions. Help them debrief failed attempts. Encourage them through ups and downs.

Stage 3 | Share & Prepare

Increase their responsibility. Share your own challenges. Help them learn from your mistakes.

Stage 4 | Support & Empower

Give them freedom to lead while offering support as needed. Encourage them to disciple others.

Training Someone for a Role or Task?

Think through these key questions:
🔹 What do they know? Assess their understanding and confidence.
🔹 What do they need? Identify their motivation and skill gaps.
🔹 What’s the plan? Move them through these steps:

The Discipleship Square:
1️⃣ I do, you watch – Model the task.
2️⃣ I do, you help – Let them assist you.
3️⃣ You do, I help – They take the lead while you guide.
4️⃣ You do, I watch – They take full ownership.

By the end, they won’t just know how to do it—they’ll own the role and be ready to lead others.

Discipleship is a journey—from following to leading, from learning to teaching. Jesus modeled the process. Now, it’s our turn. – Roald

Who will you disciple today?)