Alongsiders: Life-to-Life Discipleship

Jesus was an Alongsider

Jesus intentionally ministered Life-to-Life with a select few. When the Lord invited His disciples to “be with him” (Mark 3:14), it meant joining the Lord in His life. Together, they went to social events and on walking expeditions. They enjoyed faith conversations, and shared in the joys and sorrows of ministry.

Paul as an Alongsider

The apostle Paul practiced a relational approach to ministry. Even though he often launched a church and moved on, he demonstrated a relational approach to ministry. From his example in the Thessalonian church, what can you observe about his relational approach?

Read these sections of 1 Thessalonians 2

• 1 Thessalonians 2:7
• 1 Thessalonians 2:8
• 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12
• What do you think it meant for Paul to be like a mother or a father to this new group of believers?
• Describe Paul’s intentionality in growing the faith of these new believers.

You as an Alongsider

Who has God placed you alongside in your work, home, or play aspects of life? Is there someone in your spheres of relationship that you can come alongside and disciple?

BULL’S-EYE: The New Testament’s portrait of a disciple becomes the target you aim for in making disciples.

R: The R stands for relationships. A relationship with God and a relationship with those whom we disciple provide the appropriate context for the disciplemaking process.

2D: There is always an open Bible between an alongsider and the person he or she is discipling. Around this open Bible, discovery and discussion (2D) take place.

3A: Discipleship includes application, accountability, and affirmation. Alongsiders are on an application journey. Accountable relationships encourage follow-through. Affirmation encourages people to keep going.

The preceding resource is adapted from The Ways of the Alongsider by Bill Mowry.