Introduction

Welcome to the Pathway

A journey of discipleship that nurtures genuine faith, builds lasting relationships, and helps people encounter Christ.

What Is Discipleship?

Discipleship is the lifelong journey of following Jesus. It's not a program, a course, or a checklist to complete. It's a living, growing relationship with Christ that transforms how we think, live, and love.

The word “disciple” simply means “learner” or “follower.” In the Gospels, Jesus called ordinary people to follow him, learn from him, and become like him. That same invitation extends to us today.

Why a Pathway?

While discipleship is deeply personal, it rarely happens in isolation. People grow in faith best when they're supported, encouraged, and guided by others who are further along the journey.

This pathway provides a framework for both individuals and churches. It's not rigid or prescriptive, but it offers clear steps and practical guidance for those exploring Christianity and those supporting them.

This pathway is relational, not transactional. It's built on the understanding that discipleship happens in community, through relationships, prayer, and shared life together.

Who Is This Course For?

This course serves two distinct audiences, each with different needs:

For Individuals Exploring Faith: If you're curious about Christianity, recently committed to following Jesus, or wanting to grow deeper in your faith, this pathway will help you understand what the journey looks like and what steps you might take next.

For Church Leaders and Volunteers: If you're a clergy member, church volunteer, or someone involved in welcoming newcomers, this pathway equips you to create an effective, relationally focused discipleship culture in your church.

The Two Parts of This Course

Part One: Your Personal Journey (Module 1) outlines eight key steps in an individual's faith journey, from first exploring Christianity through to sharing testimony and serving in the church community.

Part Two: Leading the Pathway (Modules 2–11) provides church leaders with ten practical steps for creating and sustaining a discipleship pathway, including choosing courses, training mentors, establishing nurture groups, and more.

How to Use This Course

Work through the modules at your own pace. Each module is designed to be read in 10–15 minutes, with space for reflection and practical application.

If you're exploring faith personally, focus on Module 1 and refer back to other modules as they become relevant to your journey.

If you're a church leader, work through the entire course to gain both perspectives—understanding the individual's journey and learning how to support it effectively.

What Makes This Different?

Many churches run excellent introductory courses like Alpha, Pilgrim, or Christianity Explored. This pathway builds on those foundations by asking: “What happens next?”

Too often, people complete a course, make a commitment to Christ, and then drift away because there's no clear next step. This pathway addresses that gap by providing a structured but flexible framework for ongoing discipleship.

It emphasizes mentorship, community, practical support, and gradual integration into church life—not just intellectual knowledge or one-off experiences.

Remember: This is not just a checklist. It's a prayer-driven, relationally focused approach that recognizes people come to faith at different paces, from different backgrounds, and with different needs. The goal is not speed or efficiency—it's genuine, lasting discipleship.

Ready to Begin?

The next module explores the individual's personal journey through eight key steps. Whether you're walking this path yourself or helping others walk it, understanding this journey is foundational to everything that follows.