Let’s say you have a person in mind you would like to disciple. Perhaps they have asked you spiritual questions in the past, or are a new Christian who has recently started coming to your church or Bible study, or even a person you know going through a difficult time. Whatever the case may be, you need to initiate the first, and subsequent, meetings together. But what do you say, exactly?
I tend to describe what we will be doing as opposed to using the word discipleship. I may eventually use that term, but many people are confused as to what that even means. So instead, I invite them to what we will be doing. I think you will understand what I mean as I share with you some of my favorite scripts.
Let’s unpack five scenarios and the corresponding script I would use in each.
- A person in your life who asks you spiritual questions. Perhaps this is a person who you work with or converse with at church, and you seem to be the one they are comfortable approaching to ask their spiritual questions.
You could say, “Would you be interested in meeting on a regular basis? We could spend time talking over your questions and reading the Bible. I have some short lessons from scripture I think could really help you.”
2. A person who is a new believer. If you happen to come across someone who has recently put their faith in Christ, let’s say in the past two years, ask them point blank if someone has come alongside them to walk through the basics of the Christian faith with them.
If the answer is no, then you can say, “There are some topics in the Bible I’d love to show you that will help you build a strong foundation in Christ. Would you be available to meet regularly to explore those?”
3. A person who is new to your church/Sunday School class. I find the number one place to find people to disciple is at church. People are literally walking in the doors for help.
If they are new you can say, “I wondered if you would be available to meet weekly for about six weeks? There is a Bible study workbook for new people, explaining the basics of Christianity. I’d love to go through these with you.”
4. Any woman you know (or any man you know if you are male).
“I’m starting a small Bible study this fall and I’d love to invite you to be a part. We will meet weekly for two months and explore foundational lessons of faith in Christ (or basic Bible lessons). Would you be available to join in?”
5. Ok, I have a bonus script just for you reading this article.
“I read an article recently about the importance of helping others spiritually. The author shared about meeting with others for short Bible study lessons and prayer, and you came to mind. If you are up for it, I’d love to get together on a regular basis to learn about God together.”
So there you have it, five scripts you can use to invite another to begin a discipleship relationship. Reread these, take the one you could see yourself saying, and use it this week! The great news is your next discipleship relationship is just a script away!
Lori Joiner is an author, speaker and discipleship coach in Katy, Texas. To invite her to speak at your next event and to browse her full list of Bible studies and resources, visit LoriJoinerMinistries.org. You can also find her podcast, Your Discipleship Coach, on Apple podcast and Spotify.
