10 Ways to Encourage Another Disciplemaker

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing” 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV).

In 1 Thessalonians, the apostle Paul emphasized encouraging one another. Encouragement was so important that Paul even sent Timothy to be an encouragement to them when he couldn’t be there himself (1 Thessalonians 3:2).

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.

1. Write an encouraging letter.

An encouraging letter may be timely words that can be read again. “Therefore encourage one another with these words” 1 Thessalonians 4:18 (NIV).

2. Encourage someone by sharing your personal testimony of overcoming and growth.

Your personal testimony may not be like the apostle Paul’s in Acts 22, but sharing your story and journey with God may be what encourages someone in your circle of influence.

3. Offer your supportive presence, even when you do not understand.

A group of women did this for Jesus when He was crucified. “Many women were there, watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to care for his needs” Matthew 27:55 (NIV).

4. Affirm someone’s worth by tangibly expressing kindness, especially when they hurt.

Ask God to show you how you can affirm someone’s value by meeting a practical need. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves…” Philippians 2:3 (NIV).

5. Encourage another disciplemaker by listening.

Listening to someone share what’s on their heart is a way for them to know you see and care for them. “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry…” James 1:19 (NIV).

6. Rejoice in someone’s successes.

While living in a world of comparison and competition, celebrating one another can be the encouragement someone needs. “Rejoice with those who rejoice…” Romans 12:15 (NIV).

7. Offer to help another disciplemaker. 

It may encourage them to know you saw the need and want to help. “And we urge you, brothers and sisters . . . encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone” 1 Thessalonians 5:14 (NIV). 

8. Speak encouraging words.

Spoken words are powerful, so let your words build someone up rather than tear them down. “Do 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” Ephesians 4:29 (NIV).

9. Encourage someone by praying for them.

Pausing to pray for someone may be the encouraging interruption they need. “Therefore 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” James 5:16 (NIV).

10. Review the story of God’s faithfulness.

Watch how encouragement grows when you join another disciplemaker in naming the ways God has been faithful in each of your lives. “May 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” 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 (NIV).

Adapted from Discipleship Journal’s Best Small-Group Ideas (Vol. 1), ©1996, 2005 by Discipleship Journal. Used by permission of NavPress, all rights reserved.