If we don’t disciple college women, culture will.

We can either stand around and let the beliefs of culture rub off on our young people, or we can follow Jesus’ command and begin to invest in the lives of the young women in our churches and communities. Joy Skarka Ministries is passionate about discipleship, let me share with you why you should be passionate too.

What is discipleship? Discipleship is the process where believers help one another
become better followers of Christ. It is important to disciple young women in our quickly changing culture so they learn how to follow Jesus and not the world.

10 Reasons to Disciple College Women

1. Discipleship is biblical and Jesus did it.

“And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20 ESV.

Discipleship is the Great Commission. That’s why JP Ministries is serious about this. Jesus commands us in the great commission to go out and make disciples. This command is not an optional statement, but a way of life.

2. Discipleship leaves a legacy.

Roger Hershey, Cru Leader, said, “I always point back to the fact that I had the privilege of investing my life in young men who now, years later, invested their lives in men… and down the road there will be hundreds of people’s lives who have changed because of the privilege of discipleship I had in college.”

If you disciple others and they then disciple others, you are multiplying your Christian faith.

3. Discipleship allows you to invest in the lives of other believers.

Turn to 1 Thessalonians 2:7-12. Paul shares about his heart for the people in whom he invested in the city of Thessalonica, “Having thus a fond affection for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the Gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become very dear to us” (v. 8).

Discipling the believers in Thessalonica was not just a project. These were people who Paul deeply loved. Don’t view discipleship as a task to check off on your spiritual growth list. When you disciple someone, you are saying I am going to do life with you, I love you, and I am fully committed to helping you become more like Christ.

4. Discipleship builds community.

America is an individualist culture. There is nothing inherently wrong with individualism, but like all worldviews, it can impact how one views his or her relationship with God. I have heard some American Christians state that their religion is a personal thing that is not meant to be shared with others. There is an importance of a relationship with God being personal, and growth does come through personal study, prayer and worship. But our individualism can blind us to the importance of a community and discipleship relationships. Allow discipleship relationships to build rich community in your life and the life of your disciple.

5. Discipleship forms deep friendships.

I have been in many discipleship relationships. For some, our time was spent hanging out together and encouraging one another. For others, our time was spent strictly content based. In my opinion, you need a bit of both. I believe that Biblical discipleship is not just hanging out with somebody. That’s friendship. Biblical discipleship includes the study of the Bible along with encouragement and prayer. Through Biblical discipleship, you will form deep friendships because the Bible content will allow for deep conversations. If you meet up and just hang out once a week, you will form a friendship, but not a deep spiritual friendship.

6. Discipleship provides a safe place.

People fear vulnerability. Discipleship relationships give women the opportunity to share their deepest hurts and insecurities in an intimate and safe environment. When struggles are openly shared, women realize that they are not alone in the fight. This may mean that you as a leader share first – when you open up and share your story, your disciple will feel more comfortable to share hers.

7. Discipleship helps bring the Word of God alive and make it real.

Reading scripture out loud and with another person is powerful. 1 Timothy 4:13 states, “devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture.” During your lessons, read the verses out loud. Scripture memorization is also a great way to make God’s Word come alive in your heart. (Check out this easy way to memorize scripture.)

8. Discipleship provides a great opportunity to pray.

Throughout the Bible, prayer in Christian communities brought about significant life change. The book of Judges shows a pattern of God’s people sinning, then crying out to God in prayer. Only then does God bring forth a judge who restores His people and brings revival.

At the beginning or end of every meeting, spend time in prayer. Share with each other your prayer needs and promise to pray for each other throughout the week.

9. Discipleship teaches you the power of your story.

I have loved seeing how God has used me and my story to help and disciple other women. During those moments, my heart falls more in love with Jesus. I thank him for the power of our stories and that he has placed me in this relationship for a reason. (Read why your story is powerful in the lives of others.)

10. Discipleship helps you love the lost.

It is important that evangelism is included in the discipleship curriculum. It is one thing to talk about how to share your story and reach the lost, but it is another thing to take your disciple out evangelizing. Doing ministry together means planning outreaches together and actively sharing your faith with others. For an example, look to Jesus. He took His disciples and went throughout Galilee and Israel, ministering to people. Invite your disciple into your ministry. Invite her to your lunch date with a non-believer. Challenge her to share her faith with a friend. And you will find that together, you will fall more in love with reaching the lost for Christ.

Need help teaching her how to share her faith and story? (Read how to write your testimony.)

So are you convinced that you want to start discipling?

Now you need a disciple! Look for someone who wants to grow in her faith and is a committed person. Anyone come to mind? Think of that new believer in your small group who comes every week and you can just tell loves Jesus with her whole heart. If you still can’t think of someone but you long to disciple, ask your pastor or a leader if they know anyone who would be great to disciple. And most importantly, pray and ask God to show you the need.

Remember, if we don’t disciple college women – culture will.

If you know someone who is passionate about discipleship or who would like to learn about discipling college women, send them a link to this post or share the image below on social media. Thank you for supporting Joy Skarka Ministries and furthering our mission of leading women to Jesus.

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