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

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."

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 notes

In 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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The church runs a _____ course for new members.

Etymology

From disciple, via Old French from Latin discipulus 'pupil, learner', from discere 'to learn', plus the noun suffix -ship denoting state or condition.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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following formation spiritual formation apprenticeship tutelage adherence

Related Words

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Rhymes for discipleship

spaceship battleship apprenticeship

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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.

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