The 5 Stages of Discipleship: A Journey from Unbelief to Disciple Maker

In our walk with Christ, discipleship is not a one-time event but a lifelong journey of growth and transformation. The Bible repeatedly calls us to mature in our faith and to lead others in doing the same. This path can be broken down into five distinct stages of discipleship, each representing a unique season in our spiritual development. I read an article a few months ago and the author had these 5 stages of discipleship and I wanted to share it with you. These stages help us understand where we are, where others might be, and how we can help one another along the way.

Let’s explore the five stages of discipleship and how they shape our spiritual journey.

1. Spiritually Dead
Marked by: Disbelief

The first stage of discipleship begins with unbelief. Those in this stage have not yet accepted Christ as their Savior and remain spiritually disconnected from God. The Bible describes them as “dead in transgressions and sins” (Ephesians 2:1). These individuals may be skeptical or indifferent to spiritual matters, but this does not mean they are unreachable. Our role as disciples is to meet them with love, share the gospel, and offer a living example of what it means to walk with Christ.

What they need:

• An introduction to the gospel
• Personal testimony of God’s transformation
• Loving relationships with believers

2. New Believer (Infant)
Marked by: Lack of Understanding

Once someone comes to faith, they enter the stage of a new believer, often referred to as a spiritual infant. At this stage, their understanding of God and Scripture is limited. They are excited about their newfound faith but need guidance to grow. Just as a physical baby requires care, nurture, and teaching, spiritual infants need foundational knowledge of who God is, how to pray, and how to navigate the Bible.

What they need:

• Foundational teaching on biblical truth
• Discipleship and personal mentoring
• Encouragement and answers to their questions

3. Growing Believer (Child)
Marked by: Self-Focus

As believers continue to grow, they enter a stage marked by childlike tendencies—this time not of ignorance, but of self-centeredness. At this stage, they may begin to apply biblical truths to their lives but are still primarily focused on their personal needs and spiritual growth. They have started walking with God, but their worldview and decisions still revolve around themselves. The challenge here is to move them beyond a self-centered faith into a God-centered and others-centered life.

What they need:

• Help in understanding how to serve others
• Guidance in applying biblical principles to all aspects of life
• Opportunities for accountability and spiritual growth

4. Maturing Believer (Young Adult)
Marked by: Service and God-Centeredness

In this stage, the believer has grown past their self-focus and begins to look outward. They are passionate about serving God and others, contributing to the body of Christ, and finding their purpose in God’s plan. The maturing believer has learned to focus on God’s will rather than their own, and they are eager to serve in the church, community, or in ministry. This stage represents a significant shift toward spiritual maturity as they become more God-centered and other-centered in their actions and motivations.

What they need:

• Opportunities to serve and lead
• Continued spiritual guidance
• Encouragement to develop leadership skills in ministry

5. Disciple Maker (Parent)
Marked by: Intentionality and Reproducing Disciples

The final stage is where a believer has matured to the point of being able to disciple others. Just as a parent raises a child, spiritual parents take on the responsibility of guiding new or younger believers in their faith. At this point, the focus is on intentional mentorship, investing time in the lives of others, and helping them grow into mature disciples. Disciple makers reproduce their faith by leading others to Christ and equipping them to do the same.

What they need:

• Opportunities to mentor and disciple others
• Continued growth in leadership and discipleship
• Ongoing prayer and accountability to sustain their own faith

Understanding these stages helps us evaluate where we are in our spiritual walk and equips us to help others move forward in theirs. Discipleship isn’t a straight line—it’s a process that involves growth, setbacks, and continual learning. Whether you’re just beginning your journey with Christ or have been walking with Him for years, there is always room to grow.

If you’re in the earlier stages of discipleship, seek out mature believers who can guide you. If you’re further along, consider how you can intentionally invest in others to help them grow. The ultimate goal is to reach the stage of a disciple maker, where your faith is not only personal but reproducible in the lives of others.

As we embrace each stage of discipleship, we become part of God’s plan to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). Where are you in your journey? And how can you help someone else take the next step in theirs?

The path of discipleship is not about perfection but about progression. From unbelief to becoming a disciple maker, we are all called to grow and help others do the same. As we understand these stages, we can better navigate our spiritual growth and become more effective in leading others to Christ. Together, we can fulfill the Great Commission and expand God’s Kingdom, one disciple at a time.

In Love,

Pastor Jody