Discipleship in girl’s ministry is crucial during the formative years of their young lives. Discipleship establishes a strong foundation in the student’s faith, encourages growth and nurtures relationships that become a vital role throughout their spiritual walk in life. As a Girl’s Ministries Coordinator, I have experienced first-hand the importance of discipleship. Not only have I experienced discipleship through ministry, but I have learned what the Bible teaches us about discipleship and the results of its importance.
We read the story of Queen Esther, and we know that through her life's decisions she was able to free a nation from persecution. Esther was born into captivity to Jewish parents. The bible doesn’t specify what happened to her parents, but we do know that her cousin Mordecai took her in. Mordecai raised her, poured into her and established a relationship with her. Years, time, intentionality allowed for that relationship to be one where he invested into Esther’s life. He provided teaching, guidance, and encouragement while she navigated life’s challenges but especially the challenges of being a queen. Mordecai had no idea when he took Esther in that she would one day become queen, but as queen, Esther’s decisions were heavily influenced by Mordecai's wisdom and faith in God.
There must be Mordecai’s for there to be Esther’s in this world. There must be individuals willing to pour into a generation, willing to see past their present and optimistic of the potential that God has placed in each of them. They must lead by example, encouraging spiritual growth through their teachings while establishing strong biblically based principles. Equipping them to live out their Christian values, guiding them to a deeper understanding of who they are in Christ and preparing them to be future leaders expanding the Kingdom of God is the true character of a Mordecai.
I believe there are three key elements of discipleship in girl’s ministry. The first is teaching biblical truths:
Encourage them to study the Word of God and learn who He is while teaching them about God’s love, character and His plan for their lives. Making each Biblical teaching relevant to the world they are currently living in provides practicality and a connection to their everyday struggle and decision making.
Model relationship building. There is no effectiveness in discipleship without relationship. Leaders, parents, volunteers or whoever you have serving as mentors have to be trusted, and trust comes with time and intentionality. Sharing personal experiences, living what you preach and creating a safe space is crucial. These girls will look for guidance, wisdom and encouragement from someone they trust, admire, and can relate to.
Empowering leadership. Create an environment where girls are encouraged to take initiative and provide opportunities for them to use their gifts. Involve them in teaching. Allow them to lead worship or plan events. Give them the opportunity to serve the community they are a part of. Empowering them to be in a leadership position is the only way they can begin putting into practice what they learn as they discover their capabilities.
Discipleship gives room for girls to develop a deeper relationship with God and become world changers. Discipleship allows them to find their identity, be confident and aids in their ability to navigate life’s pressures such as anxiety, low self-esteem, sexual identity and so on. Discipleship creates upcoming immovable leaders that will carry the gospel forward for future generations to come.
Barna Group Research did extensive studies on the faith retention of Christian youth. 70% of youth leave the church after high school and college. They did find that if the student formed a strong foundation, especially those discipled at a young age, they had a higher chance of remaining connected to the church as adults.
Let the church and the home unite in discipling this generation creating future leaders. Written by: Rebeca Reyes Assistant Girls Ministries International YD
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