Why Discipleship Matters

At Impact Church, we believe discipleship isn’t just a church program—it’s the heartbeat of our mission. That’s why this September, we’re kicking off a brand-new series on discipleship. Over the next few weeks, you’ll hear not only why discipleship is central to who we are, but also how it looks in our house. Every church disciples differently, but our process is what we call the Discipleship Pathway—a clear, intentional way to help people live like Jesus and love like Jesus.

Maybe you’re new to church, and the word discipleship feels unfamiliar. Let’s do a quick crash course.

Jesus gave His church one clear command in Matthew 28:19 (NIV):

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

Notice, He didn’t suggest we make disciples—He commanded it. Discipleship is not optional for followers of Jesus; it’s our calling.

Unfortunately, many churches in North America have focused on creating converts—people who make a one-time decision for Christ—without following through with the real work of walking alongside new believers. Francis Chan once said, “We must remember that the goal is not just to grow churches, but to grow disciples.”

The New Testament word disciple (Greek: mathētēs) literally means learner, student, or apprentice. It comes from the verb manthanō—to learn by use and practice. In other words, discipleship isn’t just information; it’s transformation. You don’t become a disciple by merely sitting in a chair on Sundays—you become one by walking so closely with Jesus that you begin to look, act, and think like Him.

Romans 8:28–29 (NLT) makes it crystal clear:

“For God knew His people in advance, and He chose them to become like His Son.”

Our purpose in life is simple: to look like Jesus. That’s why our mission at Impact is to live like Jesus and love like Jesus.

When Jesus called His disciples in Matthew 4:19, He used two powerful words: Follow me. He didn’t just say “believe in me” or “watch me.” He said, “Do what I do.” Following Him means intentionally leaving behind the old way of life and actively stepping into His mission.

If following Jesus requires intentionality, then making disciples as a church requires the same. That’s why we’ve created our Discipleship Pathway.

What is the Discipleship Pathway?

Think of it as a spiritual growth strategy—a map designed to help every person at Impact grow into a healthy, mature disciple of Christ. The pathway has four parts:

CONNECT | GROW | CARE | GO

Now, here’s the key: this pathway isn’t a step-by-step checklist where you graduate from one stage to another. Discipleship isn’t linear—it’s lifelong. Instead, we treat it like a strategic map. At any given moment, we should be connecting, growing, caring, and going—all at the same time.

• If we only grow but never care, our faith becomes hidden.

• If we only care but never grow, our love lacks truth.

• If we only connect but never go, we risk becoming inward-focused.

True discipleship means living out all four rhythms together.

This Week’s Focus: Connect

Why start with connection? Because God designed us for authentic community. Proverbs 13:20 (NLT) says, “Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.” Who we surround ourselves with shapes our spiritual life.

It’s like two clear glasses of liquid: one filled with water, the other with hydrogen peroxide. They look almost identical, but one brings life while the other brings harm. The same is true with people—we need life-giving relationships centered on Christ, not toxic ones that distort truth.

Community isn’t about perfection—it’s about commitment. The early church in Acts wasn’t flawless, but they pressed through differences, stayed united, and built a family on mission. That’s the kind of community we’re called to cultivate at Impact.

Ephesians 2:19–20 (NLT) reminds us:

“You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family. Together, we are His house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus Himself.”

Why It Matters

From the very beginning, God said, “It is not good that man should be alone” (Genesis 2:18). Even in paradise, community was necessary. We were created in the image of a relational God, which means connection is part of our spiritual DNA.

At Impact, we believe that we are better together. That’s why we prioritize prayer gatherings, small groups, serve teams, meals, and worship nights—because discipleship doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens when we choose to lean in, walk with others, and live out our faith in real, everyday community.

So here’s the challenge: don’t just be near the power source—plug in. Proximity doesn’t equal power. Transformation happens when you commit to authentic, Christ-centered relationships.

That’s why discipleship matters.