What Is Discipleship and Why Does It Matter?

From ROOTED, Discipleship Keys for Women

I’m so glad you’re here because today's is the first teaching that is part of Rooted, a discipleship series I created especially for women who are hungry for more of God but unsure where to start. These teachings are simple, solid, and centered in the Word. I believe spiritual growth doesn’t have to be complicated to be powerful. I hope you'll join me each week as I help you walk through your discipleship journey with the Lord.

First, I want to focus on discipleship and what it means in the life of a believer. Many people are walking with Jesus but still don’t feel grounded. Maybe that's you. You love God, you attend church, and you’re doing your best, but something still feels missing. You’re hungry to grow deeper, but you’re not sure what that actually looks like. You hear people talk about “discipleship,” but nobody ever really explains what it means.

So, what is discipleship? Discipleship goes deeper than just being a Bible word. It’s a lifestyle. A way of living that says, “I’m not just believing in Jesus, I’m following Him.” This first teaching in our Rooted series is where we pause and understand what that means.

Discipleship is essential for your walk, and you can begin stepping into it with purpose and intention. Let's get started!

What I'll Help You Learn in This Lesson

• What discipleship truly means according to Scripture

• Why every believer, no matter their past or present, is called to be a disciple

• How discipleship is different from just attending church or having a title

• What the first steps of discipleship actually look like in real life

Discipleship Is Not a Church Role; It’s a Daily Walk

“And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” – Luke 9:23

A position, platform, or the number of years you’ve been saved doesn't make you a disciple. Giving your life to Jesus and following Him with your whole life, day by day makes you a disciple.

Many believers attend church for years but never learn how to walk with Christ in a way that transforms how they think, live, respond, and grow. But discipleship calls you into deeper waters. It’s personal. It’s challenging. And it’s completely possible with the help of the Holy Spirit.

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Disciples Learn, Grow, and Obey

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” – Matthew 28:19–20

Jesus didn’t just tell us to believe in Him, He told us to learn from Him and to teach others. That’s what discipleship is all about. You're being a student of Christ, continually learning His Word, growing in faith, and living it out in daily obedience.

This means you’re not expected to know it all up front. But you are expected to keep learning. To seek wisdom. To ask questions. To grow, even if it’s slow. And then to help someone else do the same.

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Discipleship Is Rooted in Relationship with Jesus

“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” – John 15:4–5

True discipleship cannot happen without a relationship with Jesus. And relationship isn't tied up in meaningless routines. It's all about connection. As a disciple you don't just memorize verses; you abide in Christ. You seek Him, listen for His voice, and walk closely with Him.

Without abiding, your efforts will feel dry and religious. But when you walk in relationship, everything changes. You begin to desire what He desires. You begin to see change, not because you’re trying harder, but because you’re walking closer.

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Discipleship Is for You Even Where You Are Right Now

“And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” – Jeremiah 29:13

You don’t have to be a pastor’s wife, a ministry leader, or a Bible scholar to be a disciple. You just need to be willing. God calls ordinary women (mothers, students, workers, singles, retirees) to follow Him with intention.

You are not here just because. And you're not falling through the cracks. Your life may feel messy, or you may feel like you're not qualified to follow Jesus. If you are reading this and your heart is stirred, then He is already inviting you to go deeper. All you have to do is respond.

Now, are you ready to take today's teaching and reflect on your own spiritual growth? Ask yourself the following questions to better understand where you need to grow.

• How have I viewed discipleship until now?

• What has held me back from going deeper in my walk with Jesus?

• What would it look like to follow Jesus more intentionally this week?

There are a few steps I want you to take this week to help you achieve progress in your walk with the Lord. Feel free to write me if you need motivation to take the first step or if you want to share your accomplishments!

1. Set aside 10–15 minutes each day to spend in Scripture and stillness

2. Write down what God reveals to you or stirs in your heart as you read

3. Ask God to show you what it means to follow Him more closely right now in your season

Discipleship is not just for Bible teachers. It’s the call on every believer’s life. You don’t need to be degreed or have your life all together. You just need to be willing to want to follow Jesus with your whole heart. This new chapter in your life starts with a simple yes.

As you walk through this Rooted series, know that you’re not just learning about God. You’re learning to walk with Him. Let's say a prayer today as you make the decision to grow in your spiritual walk:

Heavenly Father, I want to be more than a believer, I want to be a follower. Teach me what it means to be a disciple. Show me how to live my life in a way that reflects You. Give me a hunger for Your Word, a heart to obey, and a desire to stay close. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Jessica Frazier

Today’s discipleship teaching was written by Jessica Frazier. Follow along for more faith-building teachings to guide you as you grow in your walk with the Lord. All Scripture and insights shared are inspired by the Bible and my own journey with Christ—I teach from both truth and testimony, so that women can understand what God says, find their footing, and live rooted in Him.