5 Quotes from: "How Do I Disciple Others?" By: Garrett Kell

And why you should add it to your book stack in 2025.

If you haven’t yet looked through any of the brief booklets in the 9 Marks Church Questions series, you should definitely add a few of them to your reading plans for 2025. They’re roughly 60-70 pages, but they’re brief and able to be read in a single sitting. Other than this one by Garrett Kell, I have loved and often reference What If I'm Discouraged in My Evangelism? by Isaac Adams. I believe the series is up to 39 different booklets and you’re sure to find something that you’re interested in or that would be helpful for you as you lead your church and family.

Discipling as Our Primary Job

Jesus instructs his disciples that wherever they go, their primary job is to make disciples. This means every relationship we have should be flavored with either evangelism or discipling. p. 12

The Great Commission is often the starting ground in understanding our role as disciples— for good reason— but I rarely hear it argued this clearly that our relationships with the world only exist in these two categories. To me, it’s freeing. Clarifying. It also, whether intended or not, makes much of church membership and what it means to practice the one another passages in scripture. Existing within a web of discipling relationships does not mean that I am the spiritual and theological authority over a certain number of people within my circle of influence and interaction, but rather it makes clear that my call as a Christian is to care for the souls of those around me with as much intention as I do for my own.

Discipling as an Essential Fruit of Faith

Mark Dever often says, “If you say you’re following Jesus but aren’t helping others follow Jesus, I don’t know what you mean when you say you’re following Jesus.” p.14

Again, this quote is connected with the point above. However it emphasizes the fact that to be Christ’s is to care for others. There are no DIY followers of Jesus Christ, no matter what we may be tempted to believe. Who are you helping to follow Jesus?

Discipling as More Than an Intellectual Exercise

Discipling isn’t merely an intellectual enterprise of passing information to others. We need to share with others a faith that can be observed and imitated. As the author of Hebrews exhorted his readers, “Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith” (Heb. 13:7) To be faithful disciple-makers, we must supply people with imperfect examples of how to love others, demonstrate joy in tough circumstances, pursue peace with neighbors, exhibit patience in trials, express kindness in conflict, embody gentleness when offering correction, and model self-control in all things. We should be like living Bibles who illustrate devotion to Christ. p.18-19

In some circles, the model of 1-on-1 discipleship that has become popular can make it seem as if coffee and books are the essential discipleship components. I am all in favor of this flavor of discipleship (if you don’t believe me, check out my about page.) however, discipleship is far more rich and diverse than this. Discipleship must include a balance of pursuit (through study, careful critique, and learning) and participation (in the actual day to day lives of others). One without the other makes disciples that may be tempted to believe that the Christian life can be fully comprised in either assent to specific doctrines, or through a lived experience. The model of Jesus ought to serve as our counterbalance. He is the faithful teacher, but he is also the perfect model.

Discipling as Central to Our Homes

Since each family is unique, discipling at home will look different. Some families might have intentional, planned times for Scripture reading, prayer, and spiritual conversations. Others might choose to simply weave biblical encouragement into conversation throughout the day. Whatever the case, husbands and wives should have a plan for how they intend to do spiritual good to each other and to their children. p.21

Discipleship is central to our homes. I admit, it’s hard to understand as a new dad exactly how this should look considering my daughter cannot keep her attention on anything for very long and our rhythms seem to change with the phases of the moon. However, the point from this quote that stood out to me was the value and necessity of having a plan in place to do the spiritual good of those under your care. It makes sense right? I put my own bible reading on my calendar each day where I can find a bit of unhurried time. Why do I not do the same for the encouragement of my wife and the edification of our family? The plans and structures we create for our lives and homes must go through periods of change depending on the various seasons we go through, but the existence of a plan should be essential in every season.

Discipling in Faith, Not Fear

If you fear people, you will not love them well. Fear can hinder you from sharing your struggles or weaknesses because you want to impress them. Fear might keep you from asking penetrating questions or calling out sin. p. 48

Ouch. I am naturally bent towards passivity and away from confrontation. However, as a disciple-maker, fear may hinder our love for those we seek to love and lead. One (secular) book that has been helpful for me in growing past my tendency for passivity is Uncommon Candor by Nancy K Eberhardt.

I hope these quotes give you a glimpse into the effectiveness and the practicality of these little books. I highlighted over 15 different notes to hold onto from this one alone. Leave a comment and let me know what your favorite quote is or if you have a book from this series that you would recommend!