noun
discipleship
dih-SY-puhl-ship
Discipleship (noun) means In Christianity, the practice of following Jesus as a learner and living by his teaching, and the process by which believers are taught and formed to do so. Example: “The church runs a discipleship course for new members.”
noun
1
In Christianity, the practice of following Jesus as a learner and living by his teaching, and the process by which believers are taught and formed to do so.
"The church runs a discipleship course for new members."
"For him, discipleship meant giving up the promotion."
2
The state of being a disciple of any teacher, leader or school of thought, and the loyalty and study that go with it.
"Her years of discipleship under the old master shaped every painting she made."
How to use discipleship
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishFollowing a teacher, especially Jesus, and being trained to live that way.
When to use it
Chiefly religious, particularly Protestant and evangelical usage.
Easily confused with
evangelism
mentorship
apostleship
Common pairings
discipleship programme
cost of discipleship
make disciples
discipleship group
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Etymology
From disciple, via Old French from Latin discipulus 'pupil, learner', from discere 'to learn', plus the noun suffix -ship denoting state or condition.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for discipleship
See all rhymes for discipleship →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between discipleship and evangelism?
Evangelism is telling people the Christian message in the hope they will believe it. Discipleship is what follows: teaching, mentoring and forming those who do believe so that their lives and habits change over time.
What does discipleship actually involve in practice?
Typically regular study of scripture, prayer, meeting in a small group or with a mentor, and putting the teaching into practice in ordinary life. Many churches structure it as a course, but the word covers the lifelong process rather than a set programme.
What is the meaning of discipleship?
"discipleship" (noun) means in Christianity, the practice of following Jesus as a learner and living by his teaching, and the process by which believers are taught and formed to do so.
What is another word for discipleship?
Other words for "discipleship" include following, formation, spiritual formation, apprenticeship, tutelage, adherence.
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