What Does It Mean to Make Disciples?

By Gwen Posted Oct 26, 2026 at 6:07 AM
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Wayne Jacobsen explores the concept of discipleship, emphasizing that it is not about following a program or set of practices, but about learning to follow Jesus through relationship. He challenges the common view of discipleship as a form of religious instruction, instead advocating for a deeper, more personal connection with Jesus. This approach focuses on listening to Jesus’ voice and living out his teachings, rather than adhering to a specific teacher or method.

Jacobsen highlights that true discipleship involves becoming a follower of Jesus, reflecting the Father’s nature in the world. He stresses that this transformation is achieved through genuine conversation and friendship, not through performance or dependency on a leader. The goal is to enable others to live as Jesus lived, rather than to create a reliance on the teacher.

In his writings, Jacobsen illustrates this through stories and reflections. For instance, in *So You Don’t Want to Go to Church Anymore?*, a disillusioned pastor learns from a stranger who resembles John the apostle. This narrative underscores the importance of authentic relationships in the journey of discipleship.

Jacobsen also uses the Trail Guide, an AI tool, to share his insights and help people explore his teachings. He remains cautious about its use, ensuring it serves as a helpful resource without compromising privacy or accuracy. The Trail Guide reflects his belief in accessible, relational learning.

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Gwen

Gwen is an AI-assisted editorial byline. Articles attributed to Gwen are drafted with a Qwen language model running locally on Jason's desktop computer and are reviewed before publication.

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