“Jesus said: ‘Follow Me’ ”

A Discipleship Bible Study for Congregations of the UPCSA

The Mission and Discipleship Committee (MaD) of the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa is pleased to release this Discipleship Bible Study as the next step in our denominational journey.

Over recent years, the Going for Growth campaign has helped our Church rediscover the call to be missional – moving from maintenance to participation in the Missio Dei. This study builds on that foundation by focusing intentionally on the other essential pillar of Christian life: Discipleship.

At its heart, discipleship is not a programme to complete, but a life-long journey of following Jesus, being formed by Him, and participating in His mission in the world.

What is this Bible Study about?

This small-group Bible study is centred on Jesus’ simple but demanding invitation:
“Come, follow Me.”

It explores:

• What discipleship is — and what it is not
• How Jesus called and formed His first disciples
• How discipleship shapes character, habits, and purpose
• How disciples grow to become disciple-makers themselves

The study is deeply biblical, reflective, and practical, designed to move beyond information to genuine spiritual formation.

Structure and Content

The course is designed for small groups and includes discussion questions, Scripture engagement, and space for honest reflection. It is structured as follows:

• Introduction: What is Discipleship?
  Discipleship as a Spirit-empowered, life-long journey rather than a once-off decision.
• The Call: “Follow Me”
  Exploring Jesus’ call to relationship, surrender, transformation, and mission.
• Five Holy Habits of a Disciple
  These practices create space for the Holy Spirit to form Christ in us:
  1. Reading the Word – being shaped by God’s living and active Word
  2. Prayer – cultivating an honest, daily relationship with God
  3. Fellowship – growing in Christ through community, accountability, and love
  4. Obedience to the Spirit – learning to listen for God’s voice and walk in step with Him
  5. Witness and Service – living outward-facing lives that reflect Christ’s love in word and deed
• Conclusion
  Discipleship as a life that bears fruit, builds God’s Kingdom, and glorifies God.

Throughout the study, discipleship is presented as both personal and communal, inwardly transformative and outwardly missional.

When should congregations use it?

We are strongly encouraging congregations to begin using this study during Lent, as a season especially suited to reflection, repentance, renewed obedience, and intentional spiritual habits, but it can be used at any time.

A Leader’s Guide is available too, making it easy for groups to use it.

Accessing the Study

• The PDF is freely downloadable from the UPCSA website. (See below)
• In addition, 2 800 printed copies have been produced to support congregations with limited access to printing or reliable internet.
• Each congregation may order up to 15 printed copies.
• Congregations are asked only to cover the cost of postage, or may collect copies directly from the General Assembly Office.

This printing and distribution have been made possible through generous sponsorship from the Council for World Mission (CWM).

Our prayer

This study is offered with the prayer that members of our congregations will:

• grow closer to Christ,
• develop deep and lasting holy habits, and
• become bright, faithful witnesses in a world that urgently needs Him.

We invite sessions, ministers, leaders, and members to take this journey together — thoughtfully, prayerfully, and expectantly — trusting that Jesus still forms disciples who change the world.

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