Discipleship

Discipleship refers to the process of being guided by a teacher or master in order to learn beliefs, practices, and character. It traditionally involves a relationship of mentorship, instruction, and imitation, with the learner adopting the aims and methods of the teacher.

In Christianity, discipleship centers on Jesus and his followers who sought to learn from him, obey his commands, and participate in his mission. The term highlights both personal formation and outward witness, often through scripture study, prayer, worship, communal life, service, and mission. The Great Commission is a key scriptural basis for deliberate disciple-making, sometimes distinguishing between a status of being a disciple and the activity of making disciples.

In other religious traditions, discipleship takes distinct forms. In Buddhism, a disciple (śiṣya) follows a teacher to study the Dharma and practice meditation toward enlightenment. In Hinduism, the guru–śiṣya relationship binds the student to the teacher for spiritual guidance. In Sikhism, followers align with the Gurus and the Guru Granth Sahib. In Islamic contexts, emphasis on learning under a qualified teacher exists within various strands, including Sufi orders where a murshid guides spiritual training.

In contemporary usage, discipleship can refer to mentorship and leadership development beyond religious settings, including formal programs, small groups, or informal relationships focused on personal growth, ethical formation, and practical application. critique often centers on power dynamics, dependence, and the risk of coercive influence.

See also: disciple, mentorship, spiritual discipline.