The Spiritual Gift of Disciple-Maker
Disciple-Maker: A Spiritual Gift Definition
The Disciple Maker spiritual gift seeks the healthy spiritual development of people within their circle of influence. Accordingly, a gifted Disciple Maker may also display the ministry gifts of Pastor and/or Teacher. Typically the gifted Disciple Maker prefers to minister to small groups or within a one-on-one mentoring relationship. In short, the gifted Disciple Maker is skilled at developing deep interpersonal relationships. He also values teaching Bible principles, and intercessory prayer, to help others grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ.
Biblical Instructor, Gift Expression
The Disciple-Maker as a Bible Instructor. Biblical Instructors care about people. To this end, they desire to communicate biblical concepts and truths. Typically, Biblical Instructors make excellent Bible study leaders, Sunday school teachers and instructional small group leaders. As an example, look to Acts 8:26-40. Here Philip utilizes his Disciple Maker gift as a Bible Instructor when he helps the Ethiopian leader understand the book of Isaiah.
Pastoral Shepherding, Gift Expression
The Spiritual Gift of Disciple-Maker as a Pastoral Shepherd. Pastoral Shepherding focuses on caring and nurturing small groups of Christ Followers. To this end, Pastoral Shepherds passionately care for the welfare of the group as well as the individuals that comprise the group. For example, in Acts 20:27-32 Paul gives his instructions to the Ephesian pastoral leaders: “Guard yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood…”
Personal Mentorship, Gift Expression
The Spiritual Gift of Disciple-Maker as a Personal Mentor. Personal Mentors invest their lives into the lives of others. To that end, they prefer close one-on-one relationships. Typically, they feel a personal responsibility for the spiritual welfare of their disciples. For an example, look to the account of Priscilla, Aquilla and Apollos in Acts 18:24-28 is an illustration of Personal Mentorship. Pricilla and Aquilla invited Apollos to live with them while they mentored and instructed him. This intense mentorship was exactly what Apollos required in order to be biblically and spiritually prepared to support the ministry of the Apostle Paul.