Why Discipleship?

Making Disciples: A Command to Obey

Jesus clearly commanded His followers to make disciples. He said:

“Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
(Matthew 28:19–20)

Discipleship is not optional for followers of Christ—it is central to the mission of the church. As we help others grow in their faith and follow Jesus, we participate in the very work Christ gave His church to accomplish.

Making Disciples: A Purpose to Fulfill

God did not only save us from sin, He saved us for a purpose.

Scripture says we are God’s “workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10). Discipleship helps believers grow in obedience to Christ and live out the good works God has prepared for us.

Making Disciples: A World to Reach

God’s heart has always been for the nations.

The prophet Malachi declared, “My name will be great among the nations, from the rising of the sun to its setting” (Malachi 1:11). Jesus taught that the Gospel must be proclaimed to all peoples (Mark 13:10). One of the most effective ways this mission moves forward is through disciples who help make other disciples (2 Timothy 2:2).

When believers grow and multiply their faith in others, the message of Christ continues to spread throughout the world.

Making Disciples: A Life to Model

Jesus not only commanded discipleship—He modeled it.

Rather than focusing only on large crowds, Jesus intentionally invested His life in a small group of disciples who would carry His mission forward (Mark 3:14). In the same way, we grow best when we walk closely with other believers who encourage us, challenge us, and help us follow Christ more faithfully.

Jesus said, “My Father is glorified by this, that you produce much fruit and prove to be my disciples” (John 15:8).

Experiencing the Abundant Life

Jesus came so that we might experience abundant life (John 10:10). One of the greatest joys of that life is helping others come to know Christ and grow as His disciples.

Through discipleship, we learn to follow Jesus more faithfully and help others become fully devoted followers of Christ.

What Are Discipleship Groups?

Discipleship Groups are small, intentional gatherings designed to help believers grow deeply in their walk with Christ and learn to disciple others.

These groups are designed to encourage spiritual growth, accountability, and multiplication.

Key Elements of Our Discipleship Groups

• Accelerated spiritual growth through intentional discipleship

• High accountability among trusted believers

• Regular Scripture reading and memorization

• Gender-specific groups of 3–5 believers

• Weekly or bi-weekly gatherings

• Flexible meeting locations (homes, coffee shops, church, restaurants, bookstores, etc.)

Because of their size and intentional focus, these groups create an environment where believers can grow quickly in their faith and learn to invest in others.

Discipleship Groups and Our Pathway

Discipleship Groups are a key step in helping believers grow along the Eastgate pathway:

Believe → Belong → Become → Be Sent

• Believe – Growing in the truth of the Gospel through Scripture

• Belong – Building meaningful relationships with other believers

• Become – Being transformed into mature disciples of Jesus

• Be Sent – Multiplying disciples by investing in others