Benefits of discipling.

Few things keep us fresh in ministry as much as the ministry of discipling. It brings desperation into our prayer lives as we yearn for our disciplees to do well in life. It brings deep perplexity over their failures, which drives us to our knees. It challenges us to find answers to the questions and problems that they are facing, and that helps us to learn much and grow in our knowledge of theology and ministry.

Discipling also challenges us to be spiritually alert, for we know that we cannot help them to be holy unless we ourselves are holy. Sometimes I find that a young staff worker I am discipling struggles with some of the same things that I am struggling with. What an incentive for me to get my life straightened out so that I can help him.

Ajith Fernando, Jesus Driven Ministry, Chapter 10

If Jesus, after being with his disciples almost continuously for three whole years, found that they took a long time to understand his teaching, we should not be surprised when progress is slow in our attempts to disciple people. ..... We musn't get discouraged when those we disciple act in ways that seem to betray all that we have taught them. We must persevere in teaching them the Word, knowing that this is what will ultimately effect a change in their thinking and attitudes.

Ajith Fernando, Jesus Driven Ministry, Chapter 10