Back to the Basics: The Role of Discipleship for the Mature Believer

As a pastor, I’ve seen it time and time again—Christians who have been in the faith for years but feel stuck, stagnant, or uncertain about their next steps. They’ve read their Bibles, attended church, and served in ministry, but something is missing. That “something” is often discipleship.

As I think about the mature (not necessarily in age) Christians we have in the church, I see too many of them sitting, complacent, and not engaging in the growth and work of the church. Many do not attend events, classes, and corporate prayer. Most are not growing in the Lord's grace, knowledge, and sanctification. How do I know that? The lack of discipleship and mentoring. 

We talk a lot about discipleship regarding new believers, and rightfully so. But what about those of us who have walked with Christ for years? Does discipleship still matter? Absolutely. In fact, I’d argue that mature believers need discipleship just as much as new believers—if not more. Discipleship isn’t a phase of the Christian life; it’s the foundation. It’s what keeps us growing, accountable, and effective for the Kingdom of God.

When I think about the early church, I see something radically different from what we often experience today. Acts 2:42 (Our 242 Group Life Verse) tells us, “And they were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to the prayers.” That’s it. No fluff. No entertainment. Just believers committed to learning, growing, and living out their faith together.

But somewhere along the way, we’ve made church complicated. We’ve exchanged devotion for convenience, traded deep relationships for surface-level gatherings, and replaced personal discipleship with church programs. We must get back to the basics—to intentional, life-on-life discipleship.

The Role of Discipleship for the Mature Believer
Many seasoned Christians assume that discipleship is only for new believers, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Here’s why discipleship is crucial for those of us who have been in the faith for a while:

1. We Never Stop Growing
Maturity isn’t about arriving at a point where we “know enough.” It’s about continually growing in Christ. The Apostle Paul, one of the most influential figures in the New Testament, said, “Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:12). If Paul wasn’t done growing, neither are we.

Discipleship keeps us humble and hungry for God’s Word. It challenges us to go deeper, to wrestle with Scripture, and to apply it to our daily lives.

2. We Are Called to Lead the Next Generation
One of the mature believers' biggest mistakes is assuming that church leadership is responsible for disciplining the next generation. While pastors and elders play a role, discipleship is every believer’s responsibility. Paul told Timothy, “ And the things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” (2 Timothy 2:2).

We’re missing part of our calling if we're not disciplining someone. The younger generation needs men and women of faith who will pour into them, teach them, and model what it looks like to follow Christ in an ungodly world. Click here Titus 2 for more reading. 

3. We Need Accountability
Spiritual maturity doesn’t mean we become immune to temptation or complacency. In fact, the longer we walk with Christ, the more Satan targets us. Without accountability, it’s easy to drift. That’s why Proverbs 27:17 says, “Iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”

Discipleship provides a structure of accountability. It ensures we have people in our lives who will challenge us, pray for us, and keep us on the right path.

4. We Must Remain Mission-Focused
Jesus didn’t call us to be comfortable; He called us to go (Matthew 28:19-20). But too often, mature believers settle into a routine of attending church, enjoying fellowship, and staying within their Christian circles. If we’re not careful, we can lose sight of our mission.

Discipleship keeps us engaged in the work of the Kingdom. It reminds us that our faith isn’t just for us—it’s meant to be shared.

So, what does this mean for you? If you’ve been a Christian for a while, let me challenge you with two things:

Find a mentor. No matter how long you’ve been walking with Christ, you still need guidance. Find someone who can disciple you, challenge you, and help you grow.

Disciple someone else. Invest in the next generation. Take a younger believer under your wing. Teach them what you’ve learned, walk with them, and model a life devoted to Christ.
The church is at its strongest when mature believers step up, disciple others, and remain committed to their own growth. It’s time to get back to the basics—back to what Jesus commanded us to do. Let’s be a people who grow, disciple, and build the Kingdom together.

Are you ready to take the next step in discipleship? Who is God calling you to invest in today?

In Love,

Pastor Jody