{"id":264463,"date":"2024-08-12T12:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-08-12T18:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.navigators.org\/?post_type=resource&p=264463"},"modified":"2025-01-14T12:30:46","modified_gmt":"2025-01-14T19:30:46","slug":"10-ways-to-encourage-another-disciplemaker","status":"publish","type":"resource","link":"https:\/\/www.navigators.org\/resource\/10-ways-to-encourage-another-disciplemaker\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Ways to Encourage Another Disciplemaker"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\u201cTherefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing\u201d 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 1 Thessalonians, the apostle Paul emphasized encouraging one another. Encouragement was so important that Paul even sent Timothy to be<\/em> an encouragement to them when he couldn\u2019t be there himself (1 Thessalonians 3:2<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes the journey of following Christ can be difficult and painful, which makes it crucial that we encourage other disciplemakers. Encouraging another disciplemaker may propel them to take the next small step to grow in their relationship with Christ and help someone else do the same. Here are 10 ways you can encourage a disciplemaker in your life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Write an encouraging letter.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

An encouraging letter may be timely words that can be read again. \u201cTherefore encourage one another with these words\u201d 1 Thessalonians 4:18 (NIV)<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Encourage someone by sharing your personal testimony of overcoming and growth.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Your personal testimony<\/a> may not be like the apostle Paul\u2019s in Acts 22, but sharing your story and journey with God may be what encourages someone in your circle of influence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Offer your supportive presence, even when you do not understand.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A group of women did this for Jesus when He was crucified. \u201cMany women were there, watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to care for his needs\u201d Matthew 27:55 (NIV)<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Affirm someone\u2019s worth by tangibly expressing kindness, especially when they hurt.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Ask God to show you how you can affirm someone\u2019s value by meeting a practical need. \u201cDo nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves\u2026\u201d Philippians 2:3 (NIV)<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Encourage another disciplemaker by listening.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Listening to someone share what\u2019s on their heart is a way for them to know you see and care for them. \u201cMy dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry\u2026\u201d James 1:19 (NIV)<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Rejoice in someone\u2019s successes.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While living in a world of comparison and competition, celebrating one another can be the encouragement someone needs. \u201cRejoice with those who rejoice\u2026\u201d Romans 12:15 (NIV).<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Offer to help another disciplemaker. <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It may encourage them to know you saw the need and want to help. <\/strong>\u201cAnd we urge you, brothers and sisters . . . encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone\u201d 1 Thessalonians 5:14 (NIV)<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

8. Speak encouraging words.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Spoken words are powerful, so let your words build someone up rather than tear them down. \u201cDo not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen\u201d Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

9. Encourage someone by praying for them.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Pausing to pray for someone may be the encouraging interruption they need. \u201cTherefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective\u201d James 5:16 (NIV)<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

10. Review the story of God\u2019s faithfulness.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Watch how encouragement grows when you join another disciplemaker in naming the ways God has been faithful in each of your lives. \u201cMay God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it\u201d 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 (NIV)<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Download a print-friendly PDF of 10 Ways to Encourage Another Disciplemaker <\/em>to pass along. Navigators Discipleship Tools are designed for sharing with your Bible study, church groups, and those you are discipling.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Adapted from <\/em>Discipleship Journal\u2019s Best Small-Group Ideas<\/em><\/a> (Vol. 1), \u00a91996, 2005 by Discipleship Journal. Used by permission of <\/em>NavPress<\/em><\/a>, all rights reserved.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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