The Cost of Discipleship - The Importance of Discipleship

This message begins a new series on discipleship by focusing on “The Cost of Discipleship.” Discipleship is not simply one ministry of the church, but the central mission of the church. While the gospel call includes seeing people saved and born again, it does not end there. True discipleship is the ongoing work of forming believers into the image of Christ and equipping them to disciple others.Throughout Scripture we see a consistent pattern of spiritual growth and generational investment, from Moses and Joshua to Elijah and Elisha, from Jesus and His disciples to Paul and Timothy. Spiritual maturity is not instant but progressive, built step by step as believers grow in knowledge, temperance, patience, and godliness.This message explores why discipleship matters. It is commanded by God, it equips every believer for ministry, it strengthens the entire church, and it ensures that the next generation is grounded in the truth of Christ. A discipled church is not centered around a single leader, but is a body of believers who are trained, mature, and active in the work of the gospel.Ultimately, discipleship is how the church becomes spiritually healthy, missionally effective, and generationally faithful.Thanks for listening to the Living Faith St. Louis podcast. This episode is part of our weekly sermon ministry from Pastor Blade Sbisa, with occasional guest speakers and special series. For more information, visit the LFSTL website.