In making disciples, the debate between relational discipleship and program-based discipleship often takes center stage. Both approaches have their strengths and weaknesses, and understanding these can help churches and leaders align their strategies with biblical principles and the unique needs of their communities. Let’s explore the pros and cons of each approach, emphasizing how to strike a balance that fosters both depth and growth.

Relational Discipleship: The Heartbeat of Transformation

What Is It?

Relational discipleship focuses on building deep, meaningful relationships where spiritual growth occurs through intentional mentoring, shared experiences, and personal accountability. It mirrors the ministry of Jesus, who invested heavily in a small group of disciples over an extended period.

Pros of Relational Discipleship

  1. Depth of Growth: Relationships allow for personalized teaching and mentoring. Issues of the heart, habits, and spiritual struggles can be addressed more effectively.
  2. Accountability: Discipleship thrives in a context of trust where accountability fosters spiritual maturity.
  3. Authenticity: Relational discipleship often leads to deeper, more authentic faith as disciples see the lived-out example of their mentor’s life.
  4. Sustainable Multiplication: When disciples are personally invested in, they are more likely to invest in others, creating a ripple effect of multiplication.

Cons of Relational Discipleship

  1. Time-Intensive: Building meaningful relationships requires a significant investment of time, which can limit the number of people a mentor can disciple effectively.
  2. Limited Reach: Relational discipleship often focuses on a few individuals, making it challenging to disciple large groups simultaneously.
  3. Dependency Risks: Without intentional empowerment, disciples may become overly reliant on their mentor instead of growing in self-led spiritual maturity.
  4. Program-Based Discipleship: Structured and Scalable

What Is It?

Program-based discipleship emphasizes structured teaching, organized events, and systematic processes to equip individuals spiritually. This method often involves classes, workshops, and discipleship tracks.

Pros of Program-Based Discipleship

  1. Scalability: Programs can reach many people simultaneously, making them ideal for growing churches.
  2. Consistency: A structured approach ensures that everyone receives the same foundational teachings, minimizing gaps in biblical knowledge.
  3. Accessibility: Programs can be tailored for specific groups (new converts, youth, or leadership development) to meet diverse needs.
  4. Efficiency: Programs often provide a clear path for discipleship, from foundational principles to advanced spiritual growth.

Cons of Program-Based Discipleship

  1. Lack of Personalization: Programs may not address individual spiritual needs or struggles.
  2. Transactional Feel: Participants may engage with programs out of obligation rather than a desire for genuine transformation.
  3. Limited Relational Depth: Programs often focus on imparting knowledge but may lack the relational component needed for deep, lasting change.
  4. Overemphasis on Completion: Discipleship can become a “check-the-box” activity, where finishing a program is seen as the goal rather than a means to spiritual growth.

Finding the Balance: A Blended Approach

Both relational and program-based discipleship have their place in the church, and the key to effective discipleship lies in combining the strengths of both approaches.

Integrating Relational and Program-Based Discipleship

  1. Programs with Relational Components: Design programs that include small group discussions, mentorship opportunities, and relational accountability to add depth to structured teachings.
  2. Scaling Relationships: Train leaders to disciple others relationally, expanding the reach of relational discipleship within the church.
  3. Flexible Pathways: Use programs to provide foundational knowledge and relational discipleship to address individual struggles and personal application.
  4. Equip for Multiplication: Both methods should aim to empower disciples to become disciple-makers, ensuring the sustainability of the church’s mission.’’


Discipleship That Reflects Christ

True discipleship isn’t about choosing between relational and program-based approaches—it’s about aligning with Christ’s method of making disciples. Jesus combined teaching the masses with investing deeply in the few. Churches must seek the wisdom to discern how to employ both strategies effectively, ensuring that disciples are not only informed but transformed.

In the end, the goal of discipleship is not to complete a program or even maintain a relationship—it’s to lead people into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ, equipping them to live out and share the Gospel. By embracing both the relational and programmatic elements of discipleship, we can create a culture where spiritual growth is both scalable and deeply personal.

What’s your church’s approach to discipleship? Are you fostering relationships, building programs, or blending both? Let’s strive to make disciples who reflect Jesus's heart.