Christian Discipleship is the life and practice of following Jesus Christ.

One may know about Jesus and even believe in Jesus as an important historical and spiritual figure. But one becomes a disciple of Jesus by entering into a personal relationship with him and making him the guiding force of one’s life. A disciple is not an “admirer of Jesus,” but a servant who follows faithfully and willingly.

A disciple is a student—a life-long learner. Christian disciples devote their lives to the reading and studying of God’s inspired word as found in the Old and New Testaments and come to know the teachings of Jesus through them and through interaction with others who share this identity.

Prayer, worship, life experiences, and God’s grace enable disciples to develop a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. By being totally committed to Christ, disciples find their primary identity in him. Their faith is nurtured, shaped, and then expressed in and through the faith community called the “church.”

Disciples exhibit joy, peace, humility, self-control, and are guided in all things by love, God’s greatest command. Through love, disciples are peacemakers and seek to relate to others with kindness, integrity, generosity, and patience.

Disciples follow the example of Jesus, and give of themselves—their time, energy, and money—to furthering God’s kingdom by witnessing to the Good News, ministering to and with persons who are poor and those who are marginalized.

Above all, disciples share the love and grace of Jesus Christ with others, inviting them to a new life in Christ.