Create Discipling Content

Discipling happens in all kinds of ways​ and all kinds of contexts.

What we sometimes call formal discipling happens in planned moments, usually in a small group or one-on-one, centered on reading the Bible together and learning more about Jesus and following him.

This site provides lots of ready-made content (here​ and here​ and here) that you can use as-is or adapt to your group. But for the times when you want to do your own thing and map out your own schedule, here's an easy rundown of one way you can do that.

Start with the Story

We recommend that you start with a Bible passage or biblical theme rather than with a current topic. Scripture is powerful and relevant and it will speak to the deepest questions and most difficult situations we are facing. If your students are struggling with friend issues, trust that the Bible passage you've chosen and the questions you've composed will lead to truth about friendships — and probably other things, too.

When we start with a topic and then pick a smattering of verses about that topic, we're not giving Scripture space to speak for itself. We are using it piecemeal to support our own message and agenda. Instead, read through a book of the Bible bit by bit each week, or focus on longer passages of Scripture that provide a fuller picture and more complete teaching than individual verses do.

Here are two ways to choose what parts of the Bible to read:

• Read the same passage you used at club, but look at it through a fresh lens. Instead of just meeting Jesus through the story, see what the story says about following Jesus and living for him.
• Read through a book of the Bible together, story by story or section by section. Plan your own, or use The John Project​ or Gospel of Mark​ (by Young Life) or Mark in a Month​ (by Sean McGever), or create your own series.

Study the Story and the Backstory

In order to guide others into Scripture, you must have explored it first yourself. Do not skip this step. Here are some ideas from Three P's of Discipling:

• Read the passage multiple times, from different versions, and listen to an audio version.
• Jot down your observations and questions as you read. Engage with those and see where they lead.
• Anticipate what questions you think your students might have and start exploring those yourself.
• Learn something more about the passage from a study Bible, a commentary, or a BibleProject video. This doesn't need to be extensive or exhaustive. Just push yourself to be a learner so that you can cultivate the same attitude in those you're discipling. You'll find links to lots of these on the Useful Stuff​ page.
• Copy out the passage for yourself, more than once if possible. You'll notice new and different things through this practice.
• Pray. Do not overlook the power and importance of inviting God to teach you and to guide you.

Compose the Questions

Good questions are key to good discipling. Here's (almost) everything you need to know about writing good discussion and reflection questions.

Craft the Experience

Don't overthink how good content flows. It usually starts with some kind of opener, moves on to the Bible passage, transitions into discussion and reflection, and ends with prayer. Really. That's all there is to it. That, plus a lot of prayer and personal preparation during your own time with the Lord. Take all the different pieces you've created and collected, and stitch them together into a learning experience that everyone can engage with. You can use this template as a starting point.

Reflect - Discuss

• What kind of discipling content seems to engage your students best? Why?
• If you've created your own content before, what part of the process do you enjoy most? Why? What part is most difficult for you?
• What are some biblical passages and themes you want to create content for? When and how will you do that?

If you have ideas or suggestions about content you'd like us to create, or if you'd like to collaborate on a series of lessons, please email us here. We love making things for and with others.