Discipleship of Leaders

2025 © Mary Banks All rights reserved.

Mary Banks Ministries & Bible Teachers International PO Box 11563, Spring, TX 77391

866.682.1344 (toll free) www.marybanks.net www.bibleteachers.com www.btbn.tv www.mbfaithlibrary.com www.msogglobalchurch.net All verses of the Holy Bible are taken from The King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

The Core Definition Of Discipleship

Discipleship originates from “discipline,” emphasizing the level of effort required to guide individuals toward aligning with God’s heart, mind, and Word. It involves convincing people to discipline themselves in the Word, leading them to take on the mind of Christ.

Key Characteristics of True Discipleship

1. Spiritual Transformation

Discipleship involves the ability to carry an individual to a new spiritual location, a new awareness, and a new knowledge of their relationship with Christ and man. It brings individuals to greater steadfastness in their walk with Christ, where they move spiritually and gain new knowledge of where they were, where they’ve moved to, and how they got there.

2. Taking on Christ’s Mind

Submitting to the mind of Christ is a natural outcome of discipleship. It involves thinking and feeling like Him, resulting in attributes such as patience, love, and long-suffering. Christ must be your life, not what we are trying to become.

3. Self-Denial and Cross-Bearing

True discipleship requires denying self, including enduring tests, trials, and offenses. As Luke 14:33 states: So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.

This means no one on earth may have greater influence than Christ—including our own ideas, ways, or opinions.

WHAT Discipleship?is

Discipleship vs. Bible Study

Unlike Bible study, which focuses on specific subjects and knowledge acquisition, discipleship is deeply personal and transformational. It involves:

1. Guiding individuals toward a deeper understanding of Scripture in the context of their personal spiritual lives.
2. Tailoring the process to meet unique individual needs.
3. Helping people embody the teachings in their daily lives.
4. Addressing personal spiritual issues that may not be appropriate for general preaching.

The Ultimate Goal

The goal of discipleship is not just to make converts, but to make disciples who can then disciple others - creating “soul winners” and leaders who can continue the multiplication process. Jesus exemplified this by fishing for men, bringing them to commitment, then discipling and training them to be leaders themselves. True discipleship brings true edification, bringing individuals into the knowledge of Christ, of the wiles of the devil, and destroys mindsets. It facilitates a true walk in the Spirit, empowering the Body of Christ to live as Christ lived and minister as He ministered.

There has been a spiritual decline in the present-day church. Although there has been numerical growth in the church’s membership globally, there has been a significant decline in spirituality. This decline is not due to the absence of teaching or preaching. There are more Bible colleges, seminaries, and ministers today than at any other time in the history of the Church. So why the decline?

There are many who attempt to do what they believe to be discipleship of the Body of Christ. But in many instances, upon close inspection, they are merely recapping messages (sermons) that have already been preached. This may or may not work on all occasions where discipleship is the intent.

If you are going to use a preministered lesson to disciple, then you should know that you might have to do some tweaking or repurposing of the content to sufficiently meet the need. Consider this.

Jesus and Paul are our chief examples of a discipler. They either knew or discerned, but most definitely understood, the mindset of the people they were about to address.

1. Their discipleship was a response to the mindsets that either stood or sat before them.

Luke 9:51-56

51 And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem,

52 And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him.

53 And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem.

THE NEED True Discipleship for

54 And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did?

55 But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.

56 For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them. And they went to another village.

Notice that it was Jesus whom the Samaritans mocked, but He was not disturbed by their ignorant response to Him. Instead, He stood in the mind of the Spirit of God.

He confronted them with where they were in their hearts. This should be the end product of true discipleship.

2. Their responses were intentional and targeted.

Matthew 17:17-20

17 Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him hither to me.

18 And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour.

19 Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out?

20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief:

THE NEED FOR TRUE DISCIPLESHIP

Discipleship deals with the current spiritual location. Discipleship confronts that spiritual location and exposes Satan’s hiding place in the heart. How long must I suffer you? This is the question Jesus posed to His disciples. It was a direct confrontation.

Then Jesus went on to expose what was in the heart. O faithless and perverse generation; This statement exposed the doubt and unbelief that filled the hearts of the disciples.

Even if teaching a lesson is the order of the day, then you must be sure that you are teaching a lesson that deals with the majority of those whose mindsets are not aligned with the Word and the Spirit of God.

3. They targeted wrong thinking and revealed its opposition to

Godliness.

Matthew 16:23

But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.

Our wrong thinking is an offense to Christ. He is here in our bodies to continue doing the will of the Father. Every time we depart from the truth, even in our thoughts, it is a vexation for the Christ living inside of us. He is vexed because our wrong thinking is rebellion against the mind of Christ. At some point, we all must embrace this truth, or we will surely end up in hell.

4. Without true discipleship, the Body of Christ will never be spiritually developed.

Now the question is, “Why is there a lack of discipleship in the Body of Christ?” The reason is simple. The leaders themselves have not been discipled to the degree that they fear God for their own souls. Therefore, it is very difficult for them to fear for those whom they lead.

DISCIPLESHIP OF LEADERS

Because there is no fear of God in the leader’s heart for the disposition of souls, there is indeed a lack of compassion or simply, a lack of love for the people of God.

Now, most leaders in my ministry would dispute this conclusion. Especially the part about a lack of love for the people of God. But think for a moment. If you do not fear the loss of your soul, then how is it possible for you to fear the loss of the souls of others?

Now, the next question is, “Why don’t you have that fear for the loss of your own soul?” In all my years of ministering to the Body of Christ, I am thoroughly convinced of one thing: many leaders in the Body of Christ are not convinced of the severity of not walking in the Spirit. In fact, in most cases, they have equated walking in the Spirit with moral goodness.

Moral goodness is as far as the Law of Moses could take the people of God. But this new creature is more than morally good. He is the righteousness of Almighty God. He is a spiritual being, living in a body of flesh, in a world that hates his very existence. Therefore, he must be discipled in the Spirit, by the Spirit. He must be taught the purpose, power, and administration of his salvation.

He must be discipled into the mind of God, even to be able to understand the purpose of God. Without this discipleship, he will never come to maturity to minister in the power of God.

As a leader or potential leader you must embrace the reality set before you by the Word of God. Flesh and blood will not inherit the Kingdom of God. The fleshy mind is enmity against God. Yet there are saints who refuse to walk in the Mind of Christ. And many of them are leading others.

Philippians 2:5

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

Do we not see this as a commandment that must be fulfilled in each of us? Jesus told us what must be the mind of the sons of God.

Luke 14:26-27, 33

26 If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.

27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple….

…

33 So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.

These are mindsets that forbid becoming a disciple of Jesus Christ. But if you are not His disciple, then what are you? The answer is ‘lost.’

Yes, there is a spirit of apathy in the leadership of the Body of Christ regarding discipleship. Sadly, many have simply put it out of their minds. leaders in the body who Discipled Firstmust be

Now tell me . . . How many people in your sphere of leadership submit to God above all other influences? How many embrace suffering and persecution without murmuring, complaint, or offence? How many saints in your measure are willing to forsake all that they have to follow Christ?

Can you answer yes to all of the above? Or, could it be that this is not your mind either? The truth is, it is not the mind of most leaders in the Body of Christ. Therefore, it is not the mindset of those who follow such leaders.

1. Without true discipleship, a leader will never be able to spiritually develop others.

Matthew 15:10-12

10 And he called the multitude, and said unto them, Hear, and understand:

11 Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.

12 Then came his disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying?

Now here is where the rubber meets the road. Here is where many ministers cease to become effective disciplers. They draw the line at the first sign of potential offense, especially where truth confronts those who are wealthy or in power. The fear of a negative consequence stops the flow of righteous discipleship. Sometimes leaders fear the individual will become offended with them and may even leave the ministry. But I ask you, which is better: to tell the truth and risk the offense, or to allow our brother or sister to remain in that negative disposition until they depart this world?

Matthew 15:13

But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up.

LEADERS IN THE BODY WHO MUST BE DISCIPLED FIRST

Discipleship will truly reveal who is on the Lord’s side. Discipleship will weed out all self-righteousness. They will either leave the ministry or remain with a misdemeanor that says, “I do not agree with God.” It will be a disposition that cannot be hidden any longer.

Matthew 15:14

Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.

It needs to be understood that many who have not been thoroughly discipled are either partially or totally blind to how their ways are completely contrary to the ways of God.

Matthew 15:15-20

15 Then answered Peter and said unto him, Declare unto us this parable.

16 And Jesus said, Are ye also yet without understanding?

17 Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught?

18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.

19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:

20 These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.

I need you to see that Jesus is making it clear that discipleship must be targeted. He even lists here some of the things that are in the hearts of men that must be eradicated before they can truly become His disciples. If you are timid about confronting such things, then you are resisting the Holy Spirit in your ministry to the Body. We are charged with washing one another’s feet. That is precisely what discipleship does. It uses the Word of God to wash us clean from the things that defile the blessed salvation and grace given to us by God our Father.

Walking in the Life of Christ Is Essential To Discipleship

Discipleship is not effective without a life of holiness.

Jesus was able to change the mindsets of the twelve disciples because they were able to look upon Him and see what they were to be.

The people of God and those of the world should be able to look upon you and see an express image of Christ walking the earth. Christ must be your life - not what we are trying to become.

In order to be a disciple of Christ, we must deny ourselves.

Denying self includes tests, trials, and offenses.

• When we are offended, do we believe we have the right to exercise a negative response to the offense?

Matthew 5:43-44

43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.

44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

To resist this mindset is to resist the Holy Ghost living inside you. It is utter rebellion. The truth is, most of those who lead in the Body of Christ have no intention of walking in this mind.

In doing so, they have departed from the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Therefore, they can’t form such a mindset in the people they lead.

LEADERS IN THE BODY WHO MUST BE DISCIPLED FIRST

Galatians 2:20

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

This is the Gospel of Christ. It is the Mystery of Godliness fulfilled. God is living in the flesh. Our bodies are the temple of the Holy Ghost. We are the offspring of Almighty God.

Love is not something we must learn. It is who we are. When it feels unnatural for us to love an enemy, it is because we are not walking in the spirit.

• When we are tested, we want to exercise our right not to be inconvenienced.
• When we are tried, we want to exercise our right not to suffer. A true disciple surrenders these rights for the sake of Christ - his Discipler.

Discipleship and Bible Study are not interchangeable terms, and as leaders, we should understand their unique attributes for effective ministry.

Bible Study is the systematic study of the Bible to understand its teachings, history, and application. It typically involves examining specific passages, books, or themes within Scripture to gain knowledge and insight into God’s Word.

Bible Study can be done individually or in groups and often includes the use of commentaries, concordances, and other study aids to enhance understanding. Discipleship means to discipline.

• In the faith, it is to bring the mind of the believer to a place where it never resists the Word of God.
• The purpose of discipleship is to ensure the Body of Christ manifests the ‘oneness’ of the Spirit of God.
• Discipleship, as compared to a Bible study, is a more comprehensive process that involves confrontation, mentoring, and guiding individuals into spiritual growth and ministerial development (the administration of their measure in God).
• It encompasses not only the study of Scripture but also the practical application of biblical principles in daily life.
• Discipleship involves building and strengthening the bond of love in the Body of Christ.
• It is more than getting the saints to change their behavior. It is demanding that they manifest a walk in the Spirit of Christ.
• The fruit of discipleship is a manifested son of God, walking in a sinless life. the difference between and

Discipleship Bible Study

Key Differences in Approach

Bible Study typically focuses on imparting knowledge and understanding of Scripture. The primary goal is to help participants learn about God, His character, His promises, and His expectations for believers.

1. Bible Study sessions often follow a structured format, with a teacher or facilitator leading discussions on specific topics or passages.
2. Discipleship, however, goes beyond knowledge acquisition. It focuses on character formation, spiritual maturity, and the manifestation of Christ in believers.
3. Discipleship’s primary focus is the implementation of the Word of God in the lives of those being discipled.
4. Discipleship demands a more personal and relational approach, where a mature believer (the discipler) invests time and effort into the spiritual growth of another person (the disciple).

Ephesians 5:26

That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, It is the Word of God that will wash and cleanse us of any wrong thinking, influences of the world, and forbidden desires of the heart.

The Word of God washes by confrontation. It is the Master who confronts and demands at the same time. He gives no time for debate or contemplation. He simply says, While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation (Hebrews 3:15).

Discipleship also departs from a structured format in that we are all instructed to wash the feet of one another. Therefore, the outpouring of truth is the key element of discipleship. Such outpouring can be done at any place or at any time, and by anyone. Thus, discipleship is not limited to the pastor or other members of the leadership staff. It is the responsibility of every believer to speak the truth in love to anyone, at all times.

Raising the Bar of Spiritual Expectation

Over the years, I observed that many leaders often did not have the same expectation for the spiritual accomplishments of their congregants as I had or have for them. Many times, we give up on people too quickly, especially when they don’t seem to be progressing. I had to relentlessly pursue the development of those whose mental dispositions offer monumental opposition to the attempts to disciple.

If we expect little from people, they will give us little. If we expect much from people, they will give us much. When Jesus called the twelve disciples…

• He expected them to be able to do the same works that He did.
• He expected them to heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, and cast out devils (Matthew 10:8).
• He expected them to be able to teach and preach the Gospel with the same authority and power that He had.

You must truly consider how many of these expectations you have for your own life. Now you must revisit your expectations for your people. Your expectations are revealed in your ministerial plans.

• What are you teaching? Do you know and understand the Mystery of Christ?
• What are you demonstrating? Are you the example of walking in the Spirit?
• How often are you discipling? Do you engage in confrontational ministry?
• What type of training in the gifts is set in place for those aspiring to work ministry? The goals for ministry are already laid out for us. setting goals and for Expectations

Leadership Development

Ephesians 4:11-13

11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: Can you truly say that what you teach and demonstrate will bring the saints to walking in perfection? I assume that you are teaching the same things you yourself have learned. Well, the question is, did what was taught and demonstrated to you bring you to perfection? If not, and if the Word you were taught is true, then at some point you have denied that Word.

If that be so, then you will never be able to demonstrate what you teach or preach. You will leave the people without a living example of the truth. Therefore, they, too, will be forever lacking in their spiritual development.

Now this is so seriously fatal to those who follow you. If they do not have another source of reference for the truth, they and you too, will perish.

SETTING GOALS AND EXPECTATIONS FOR LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

Ephesians 4:14

That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

If you fail in discipleship, your people will be spiritually immature. They will not be stable in the things you might have brought them to believe. This means that teaching and preaching alone are not enough. Discipleship forces you to engage in real life situations, circumstances, and relationships as they are being lived by the saints. It demands that the Word of God become the authority in all situations, circumstances, and relationships.

Ephesians 4:15-16

15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. It is your responsibility as a leader, to nurture and seek to bring to the forefront all that the Master has placed in His disciples.

The Purpose of the Wilderness

The Wilderness is a place of Preparation for Ministry. It is time for the truth we have heard to become a part of who we are.

Hearing truth and becoming truth are two different stages of spiritual development.

1. Silent Seasons Develop Faith - Learning to Trust When God Seems Absent Usually, it is a place where the Lord is silent and leaves you to the hearing of your own conscience. Thus, many think the Lord has abandoned them…

It is time for the truth we have heard to become a part of who we are. As your apostle I must speak according to the utterance of the Holy Ghost. It is no oversight that only a few of you are chosen to be in these sessions, for they are designed to either prepare you for your upcoming wilderness experience, or to interpret the one you are currently living in.

Key Scripture:

2 Corinthians 5:7

(For we walk by faith, not by sight)

Every life decision must be according to the leading of the Holy Ghost. We must obey the Faith in all things.

THE WILDERNESS

is God’s Advanced Training Ground

Habakkuk 3:17-18 (Referenced in The Prayer of Shigionoth)

17 Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls:

18 Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.

2. Values are Crystallized - What You Truly Believe is Revealed Under Pressure It is a place where the values you hold are defined and manifested.

Deuteronomy 8:2

And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no. The Lord has kept us here until we can prove that we have the character to handle what He has called us to do.

Matthew 4:3-4 (Jesus in the wilderness)

3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.

4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

The Wilderness is God’s Advanced Training Ground

3. Character is Refined - Impurities are Burned Away Through Trials The wilderness is the place of cleansing, purging, proving, refining, and defining.

1 Peter 1:6-7 (Referenced in Fiery Trials)

6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:

7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.

Gold may lose value or beauty, get lost or stolen, or corrode when exposed to certain elements. In contrast, our faith, when tested, increases in value.

Job 23:10

But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

Testing and trials always originate in the foresight and foreknowledge of God.

4. Purpose is Clarified - Your Calling Becomes Clear Through Testing Each trial is approved by God. He is the one directing your spiritual growth. He knows what trials will accomplish His desire in you.

Romans 8:28

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

These trials are a setup: the stage is being set for you to glorify God more profoundly than ever before.

2 Timothy 2:3-4

3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.

Our Father God is that King, and we are His soldiers. He prepares us for the spiritual battlefield, ensuring we possess an unwavering resolve and the mind of Christ before launching us into ministry.

5. Spiritual Authority is Established - Proven Faithfulness Grants Greater Influence God will not allow truth to produce hypocrites. He is raising up faithful ministers.

Matthew 25:21

His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

Luke 14:31-33

31 Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand?

The Wilderness is God’s Advanced Training Ground

32 Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace.

33 So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.

Any leader chosen by God to perform a work has been tried in God’s foresight and provisions for his failures have been made. God knew beforehand that we would sometimes fail or miss the mark of His will. He knew that some of us would fall into certain temptations.

Did you think for one moment that Jesus did not count up the cost of your discipleship? These things did not take God by surprise. He has looked beyond our failures and judged the disposition of the heart on the other side of His mercy and long suffering in our lives.

Yes, God has already counted the cost, and He knows there will be some warriors that will come out as pure gold when they pass through the fiery trials of this hostile world.

1 Peter 5:10

But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

Knowledge gained from fellowship with God and experiences of obedience in trials form your faith. They establish your resolve to glorify God, and that faith cannot be lost or stolen.

Hebrews 5:8-9

8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;

9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him.

Every believer must navigate their personal wilderness experience to fulfill their divine calling to work the ministry of reconciliation.

THE WILDERNESS IS YOUR SPIRITUAL CRUCIFIXION

A crucible is a ceramic or metal container in which metal or other substances are placed in and subjected to high temperatures, wherein they are melted down to a flexible liquid that can be poured into a mold that has been fashioned to specifications by its creator.

The wilderness serves as the crucible where flesh and soul, spirit and truth, desire and need, revelation and experience, are all poured into the crucible called wilderness.

• Intellectual knowledge transforms into experiential reality. You move from knowing about God’s character to experiencing and manifesting it.
• Theory becomes practice. The doctrines you’ve studied must now be lived out under pressure.
• Head knowledge descends to heart transformation. What was once mental assent becomes the very fabric of your being.
• The Word becomes flesh in your life. Just as Christ was the Word made flesh, believers must allow God’s truth to become incarnate through their wilderness experiences.

The Wilderness is God’s Advanced Training Ground This is not optional but mandatory: You will have to eat this meat whether you allow yourself to digest it or not. The wilderness forces integration of truth into your very identity.

The wilderness is for those who are of full age, mature believers.

Hebrews 5:14

But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. This maturity requirement means:

1. Spiritual senses are developed: You can discern between good and evil through experience, not just teaching.
2. Capacity for strong meat: Able to handle difficult truths that would overwhelm newer believers.
3. Proven track record: Your spiritual senses have been exercised through previous tests and trials.
4. Readiness for deeper revelation: Prepared to receive truths that require spiritual maturity to understand and apply.

Wilderness preparation is selective, reserved for those who have demonstrated spiritual readiness.

It’s where you must eat the meat of deeper spiritual truth.

The meat metaphor represents advanced spiritual nutrition that requires:

1. A developed spiritual digestive system: Ability to process complex spiritual realities.
2. A willingness to consume difficult truths: Some revelations are hard to accept but necessary for growth.
3. An active participation in your own development: You must choose to eat rather than remain on spiritual milk.
4. A sustained spiritual nourishment: Moving beyond basic doctrines to the deeper mysteries of God.

The wilderness becomes the dining room where God serves these advanced spiritual meals. The consumption is mandatory; you cannot refuse the meat and expect to advance in your calling.

You cannot proceed in God’s purposes until you properly navigate the wilderness. The divine checkpoint system:

Progression is conditional: Forward movement depends on wilderness graduation. Your character must match your calling: In other words, your internal development must align with your external assignment.

Proving precedes promotion: God tests your faithfulness in the wilderness before expanding your influence.

Spiritual readiness is verified: The wilderness reveals whether you’re truly prepared for your next level of responsibility.

The Comprehensive Wilderness Curriculum

Many resist wilderness experiences. However, your resistance and resentment to wilderness experiences will leave you undeveloped in wisdom and the true knowledge of God. It will leave you hollow and unable to stand against the wiles of the devil. Thus, your lack of development will affect the Body and hinder the advancement of those you lead or influence. Therefore, obedience in the wilderness is mandated, not optional.

1. Importance of Knowing Those You Lead

1 Thessalonians 5:12

And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you.

This scripture teaches us that we should know the spirituality of all those we lead. This cannot be accomplished by preaching on Sunday mornings or weekly Bible studies alone.

To truly know someone spiritually means to understand their strengths and weaknesses, their spiritual gifts and callings, their areas of struggle and victory, and their level of spiritual maturity. This kind of knowledge can only be gained through close relationships and observation over time.

IMPORTANT FACTS: From the Apostles

Let me give you an example from the educational field. A teacher can work in a classroom with thirty students. There will be some who excel in the curriculum that she/he teaches. The test of the ability of that teacher is whether she/he can take that material and disciple the entire class into that curriculum. If she/he cannot reach the students who are not excelling, then that teacher is limited in his/her ability.

The same principle applies to spiritual leadership. If a leader can only develop those who are naturally gifted or spiritually inclined, then that leader is limited in his ability to disciple. A true leader should be able to take anyone who is willing and develop them spiritually, regardless of their starting point.

2. Understanding the Root of Opposition to Discipleship

The only meaningful opposition to this plan will come from within yourself. The problem is with the spirit of the mind (the soul): what it thinks, desires and wills to do. The soul is the seat of our emotions, intellect, and will. It is the part of us that wants to be in control and resist change.

Therefore, the focus of all counsel or discipleship must begin with the disposition of the soul. At the time of counsel, we need to discover the soul’s disposition toward the Word of God, toward authority, toward change, and spiritual growth.

3. The Battle for the Mind

The mind is the battlefield where the real war is fought. The enemy knows that if he can control our thoughts, he can control our actions. This is why Paul tells us in Romans 12:2 to ‘be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.’ The process of discipleship involves the systematic renewal of the mind. Yes, the mind (soul), which is the spirit of the mind, was renewed at the new birth. Nevertheless, in our learning of Christ in us, we must also learn how to only think on the things He would think on. This means we will have to change our thought patterns to align with that of the Word of God.

This does not have to be a long, drawn-out process if you continue to walk in the Spirit of God into which you were born. (As the Word says, “If we live in the Spirit, we should also walk in the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25).

IMPORTANT FACTS: FROM THE APOSTLES

However, it requires patience, persistence, and a willingness to confront the deeply rooted patterns of thinking that have been established over the years. The moment you forsake righteousness in any way, you will find your thinking to be outside of the boundaries of the Faith. That is when you will find it necessary to cast down every thought that exalts itself above the knowledge of God.

4. The Pastor as Cultivator

The lesson objective is to show the pastor’s role in cultivating the character of Christ in their congregation and demonstrate that discipleship remains an essential component of nurturing God’s people.

Just as a gardener tends to his plants, providing the right environment, nutrients, and care for growth, so must a spiritual leader tend to those under his care. This involves creating an environment where spiritual growth can flourish, providing the spiritual nutrients (Word of God) needed for development, and giving individual attention to each person’s specific needs.

5. On the Job Training Model

The Lord has told us that our training during these ‘endtimes’ would be ‘On the Job Training’. Jesus trained His leaders (apostles) to reproduce by taking them with Him in ‘training sessions’. They observed Him minister to the people. They watched Him pray. They saw Him handle opposition. They witnessed His compassion and His authority.

This model requires that Pastors must quickly train their leaders to reproduce and be active in the training process of their own congregation. It is not enough for a pastor to do all the ministry himself; he must equip others to do the work of the ministry. The ‘On the Job Training’ model means that leaders learn by doing, not just by listening to lectures or attending seminars. They are given real responsibilities and are mentored through the process of fulfilling those responsibilities.

6. Developing Spiritual Attributes

Those who are being discipled must come forth by the same attributes of the Spirit. Therefore, it is needful that leaders on all levels search out these spiritual attributes in those they are developing.

Unconscious discipleship refers to the process by which spiritual attributes are developed through experience rather than through conscious efforts alone. Just as a child learns to walk, they do so not by studying the mechanics of walking but by attempting to walk; falling down and getting up repeatedly. In the same way spiritual attributes are developed through the process of living and responding to life’s challenges in a Christ-like manner.

The Testing Process

The development of spiritual attributes comes through tests, trials, and offenses. These are not punishments from God but growth opportunities.

1. When we are tested, we have the opportunity to demonstrate faith.
2. When we are tried, we have the opportunity to develop patience.
3. When we are offended, we have the opportunity to practice forgiveness. A leader who has not been through these experiences cannot effectively guide others through them. This is why Paul could say in 2 Corinthians 1:4 that God ‘comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted by God.’

IMPORTANT FACTS: FROM THE APOSTLES

7. Understanding Deep Revelations

In a visitation I encountered, the Lord made me know that many of us Bible Teachers today did not understand the deep things God has revealed to us. For this reason, many leaders in the ministry avoided teaching some of the revelations we have recently received.

This is not good, because though a leader may be lacking in his understanding of the revelations, it is safe to say that there may be those in his congregation who have received understanding of these revelations.

This presents a significant challenge in leadership development. Leaders must be willing to grow in their understanding and not limit the spiritual growth of others based on their own limitations.

8. The Danger of Placing Limitations on Divine Intellect

Avoiding Leadership Limitations We must all agree that the Lord wants all of us to understand His Word. He also wants us to be able to share His Word with all who will hear. These are profound facts that cannot be disputed. Therefore, we must look into why after so long a period for some, is it still difficult for them to understand the fresh manna sent from Heaven.

First of all, there is a mandate from the Lord to teach the truth to the people of God and the world. The Lord would not demand such a thing from you if He knew you would not be able to understand His Word. So what is His solution to your lack of understanding?

Proverbs 4:7

Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.

• Understanding is the ability to perceive, interpret, view, explain or discern a thing.
• Wisdom is the ability to apply knowledge, experience and good judgment in any given situation.

Thus, wisdom being the principal thing; is the ability to apply that which is perceived or understood.

The question is, “from where does one receive understanding?” David gave a very profound and straight forward answer to that question.

Psalm 119:104

Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way. According to David, it is through obedience to the precepts or commandments and statutes of God that understanding is rendered. If you want to truly understand the Word of God, then you must live it out in your own life. The Word is God, and to know God is to experience Him. Any other way of obtaining biblical knowledge is through human academics.

Therefore, the Lord will not allow a spirit of enlightenment if you do not reverence the Word you have already received from Him. If you did reverence the Word of God, you would seek out understanding from those through whom the Lord is speaking. Eventually, if your apathy persists, you will reach a place where comprehension of the Word will be foreign to you.

God will not illuminate the depths of His truths to those who are not willing to study and search out a thing from the sources made available to them. Consequently, they will be left to discern its meaning with their intellect.

IMPORTANT FACTS: FROM THE APOSTLES

This warning emphasizes the importance of reverence and obedience to revealed truth. Leaders who fail to honor and act upon the truth they have received will find themselves unable to understand deeper truths.

This creates a ceiling on their ability to disciple others into higher levels of spiritual understanding.

9. Understanding Apostolic Order

Understanding apostolic order and the structure of the ministry in detail is essential for proper leadership development. The principles and structures presented here are eternal truths and reflect a manifestation of God’s design for spiritual leadership. Apostolic order is not man’s invention but God’s design for how spiritual authority should function. Leaders must understand their place in this order and how to operate within it effectively.

This includes understanding the different levels of authority, the proper channels of communication, and the responsibilities that come with each level of leadership.

The Importance of Spiritual Structure

Every leader must understand that they are part of a larger structure and that their effectiveness is tied to their proper functioning within that structure. This is not about organizational politics but about spiritual alignment with God’s design for leadership.

When leaders operate outside of proper spiritual structure, they limit their effectiveness and create confusion in those they are trying to lead. Proper structure provides the framework within which spiritual gifts can operate effectively and spiritual growth can take place in an orderly fashion. Remember these facts. Hold them to your heart, and God will reward you with the privilege to serve in His kingdom.

In-House Discipleship:

I want to focus on a mindset in the church that must be changed in order for each of our churches to prosper in ministry. As it relates to auxiliary leaders and even undershepherds of any calling, we must examine our definition and placement of leadership. Case Scenario 1: The Spiritually Mature President with Limited Administrative Skill In a local church setting, it is customary that Presidents of auxiliaries must be able to disciple the members of that auxiliary. The selection process prioritizes spiritual maturity, ensuring that leaders can guide members in the faith.

In one case, the chosen President excels in spiritual mentorship but struggles with administrative management and operational planning. Another member of the auxiliary possesses strong management and organizational skills, yet their attempts to assist are often perceived as undermining the President’s authority. This creates tension, resulting in underutilized talents and strained relationships within the auxiliary. Case Scenario 2: The Administratively Skilled President with Limited Spiritual Oversight Reversing the roles, a different auxiliary elects a President primarily for their management expertise and practical know-how. While operations run efficiently, there is little intentional spiritual development of the board members. Within the auxiliary, there is a member who is more spiritually mature and demonstrates a strong walk in the Spirit. However, this individual is rarely engaged in shaping the spiritual life of the group.

Methods and Approaches to Discipling Leaders

EXERCISE 1:

It is now ten months before the World Conference, where leadership transitions will take place. The church leadership must determine how to address the imbalance in the current leadership dynamic before the next installation of officers. What would be your counsel and resolution of each scenario?

There are different focuses of discipleship. How do you rate yourself on each of these?

1. Some discipleships focus on apostolic order issues.
2. Some focus on personal character issues such as ministerial witchcraft, purifying the heart, or the opposition of marital status.
3. Other discipleships may focus on spiritual gifts, callings, or specific areas of ministry. The method of discipleship that Jesus used was to live with His disciples. How do you rate yourself on each of these? Have you been the example of Christ to those in your sphere of influence? Be honest and explain why you answer the way you do.
4. He spent three and a half years with them,
5. Teaching them not only through His words but also through His actions.
6. They saw how He prayed,
7. How He dealt with people,
8. How He handled opposition,
9. And how He responded to various situations.

An Evaluation Exercise Based on the Seven Churches of Revelation Jesus evaluated seven churches in Revelation 2-3, commending their strengths and addressing their weaknesses. Use this exercise to honestly assess your church using the same biblical criteria. Rate each area on a scale of 1-5, where 1 = “Strongly Disagree” and 5 = “Strongly Agree”.

Instructions:

• Be honest and objective in your evaluation
• Consider your church’s overall patterns, not isolated incidents
• Discuss your responses with other church leaders or members
• Use this as a starting point for prayer and action

1. Ephesus - The Loveless Church

Strengths to Evaluate:

Our church demonstrates hard work and perseverance in ministry 1 2 3 4 5 Our church maintains doctrinal purity and tests false teachings 1 2 3 4 5 Our church cannot tolerate wickedness and stands against evil 1 2 3 4 5 Judge Your Church

EXERCISE 2: SUBMIT YOUR RESPONSES AT THE FOLLOWING LINK: HTTPS://TINYURL.COM/NHN6UY2F

Critical Issue to Address:

Our church maintains passionate, first-love devotion to Christ (Rate HIGH if your church has NOT lost its first love)

1 2 3 4 5

2. Smyrna - The Suffering Church

This church received only commendations - no criticisms from Jesus. Exemplary Qualities:

Our church remains faithful during persecution or opposition 1 2 3 4 5 Our church is spiritually rich despite material limitations 1 2 3 4 5 Our church handles criticism and slander gracefully 1 2 3 4 5

3. Pergamum - The Compromising Church

Strengths to Evaluate:

Our church remains true to Jesus’ name and doesn’t deny our faith 1 2 3 4 5

Exercise 2

Our church maintains faithful witness in a hostile environment 1 2 3 4 5 Critical Issues to Address:

Our church maintains biblical standards and doesn’t tolerate false teaching (Rate HIGH if your church does NOT compromise)

1 2 3 4 5 Our church maintains moral purity and doesn’t compromise with worldly values (Rate HIGH if your church maintains purity)

1 2 3 4 5

4. Thyatira - The Adulterous Church

Strengths to Evaluate:

Our church demonstrates genuine love and faithfulness 1 2 3 4 5 Our church serves others consistently and perseveres through trials 1 2 3 4 5 Our church is growing in good works and recent deeds exceed earlier ones 1 2 3 4 5 Critical Issues to Address:

Our church properly addresses and disciplines false teaching and immoral behavior (Rate HIGH if your church handles these issues well)

1 2 3 4 5

DISCIPLESHIP OF LEADERSHIP

5. Sardis - The Dead Church

Positive Elements:

Our church has people who remain spiritually pure and uncompromised 1 2 3 4 5 Critical Issues to Address:

Our church is spiritually alive, not just maintaining a reputation (Rate HIGH if your church is truly spiritually vibrant)

1 2 3 4 5 Our church completes what it starts and follows through on commitments 1 2 3 4 5 Our church is watchful and alert to spiritual dangers 1 2 3 4 5

6. Philadelphia - The Faithful Church

This church received only commendations - no criticisms from Jesus. Exemplary Qualities:

Our church keeps God’s word faithfully 1 2 3 4 5 Our church boldly identifies with Christ and doesn’t deny His name 1 2 3 4 5

Exercise 2

Our church perseveres faithfully despite having limited strength or resources 1 2 3 4 5 Our church effectively uses the ministry opportunities God provides 1 2 3 4 5

7. Laodicea - The Lukewarm Church

This church received only criticisms - no commendations from Jesus. Critical Issues to Address:

Our church is passionate and zealous for Christ, not lukewarm (Rate HIGH if your church is spiritually hot, not lukewarm)

1 2 3 4 5 Our church recognizes its true spiritual condition and doesn’t have false pride (Rate HIGH if your church has accurate self-awareness)

1 2 3 4 5 Our church has spiritual vision and can see clearly (Rate HIGH if your church has good spiritual discernment)

1 2 3 4 5 Our church is clothed with righteousness and good deeds (Rate HIGH if your church demonstrates righteousness)

1 2 3 4 5 Christ is central in our church life, not excluded from decisions and activities 1 2 3 4 5

DISCIPLESHIP OF LEADERSHIP Reflection Questions

For Personal Reflection:

• What was most surprising about your church’s evaluation?
• Which strengths should your church celebrate and build upon?
• What areas of growth concern you most?
• How might Jesus view your church today?
• What specific steps can you take to address weaknesses?

For Group Discussion:

• Compare your individual evaluations with other church members
• Discuss areas where perceptions differ significantly
• Identify top 3 priorities for church improvement
• Plan specific actions to address critical issues
• Establish a timeline for re-evaluation

For Church Leadership:

• How can leadership model the changes needed?
• What systems or structures need to change?
• How will you communicate these findings to the congregation?
• What resources are needed to address growth areas?
• How will progress be measured and tracked?

Action Planning

Immediate Actions (1-3 months)

Medium-term Goals (3- 12 months)

Long-term Vision (1+ years)

List specific actions your church can take in the next 1-3 months...

List goals and initiatives for the next 3-12 months...

Describe your long-term vision for church health...

Exercise 2

Remember Christ’s Promise “To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

- Revelation 3:21-22

Christ’s evaluation comes with hope and promise. Every church can overcome through His power and grace. Use this evaluation as a starting point for renewal and growth in your spiritual journey together.

I love you all with the love of our Savior Mary, the apostle of Jesus Christ

THE PAPERBACK