1Corinthians 12:14 For the body does not consist of one member but of many.
This more limited, topically focused method of disciple-making does not remove the need for longer-term, broader discipling relationships. Jesus and Paul went that route. And even those of us with families or full-time work would be wise to consider how we might disciple more like they did — perhaps by inviting a younger believer to live with us for a time or finding a job alongside a brother or sister. But in busy seasons, thinking in a more limited way may open fresh possibilities.
Alongside Titus 2, our own experience and the New Testament’s broader teaching seem to encourage this approach. As far as experience goes, think back to your own most formative times as a Christian. How did you grow? Perhaps you can point to one incredibly influential person who invested deeply in you — a Paul who made you his Timothy. But probably most of us remember several people who each contributed significantly to our maturity. His example taught me how to pray. Her hospitality modeled the evangelistic life. His friendship helped me defeat that sin. Her morning habits showed me how to meet with God.
If that’s how God often matures us anyway, why not make the process more intentional? Why not take another believer alongside you and say, “Can we get together for the next few months so we can talk about fatherhood?” “Do you want to come with me as I share Jesus on the streets?” “Can I show you my budget and walk through some principles of Christian stewardship with you?”
As for other biblical teaching, Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 3:21–22 that all the church’s leaders, not just one, belong to God’s people for their upbuilding. Later, he pictures Christ’s people as a body whose members each contribute to the health of the whole (1 Corinthians 12:14–20). Indeed, as we mature, we come to see not only what we have to offer others but also the limits of what we have to offer. So, like Barnabas in Antioch, we may give others what we have and then grab a Paul so he can give more (Acts 11:22–26).
The one God-man has given many models to his church. So, sometimes, we may disciple best by offering someone the best of what we have and then encouraging him or her to keep learning from others. (Hubbard)
