A disciple is a believer who is in a process
of becoming more like Jesus Christ
throughout one’s lifetime through practicing spiritual habits
of prayer, Bible study, fellowship, evangelism, and service to others.

Stages of Spiritual Growth

Growth Stage	Lookers	Listeners	Learners	Laborers	Leaders
Examples from Jesus’ ministry:	John 1:35-42	Matthew 4:18-22	Mark 3:7, 13-15	Mark 6:7-13 John 6:1-14	John 15:4 Luke 24:45-49
Task of the Disciple Maker:	Evangelize	Establish	Edify	Equip	Empower

Characteristics of People
at the End of Each Stage

Lookers

They are aware of and observe the lives of Christians. (John 4:16-22)
They may attend church. (John 4:20-24; Hebrews 10:25)
They may know facts about Christ, but lack a personal relationship with Him. (John3:1-19)
They recognize that Jesus is God. (Mark 1:11)
They have an understanding of Christ as the way to salvation. (John 1:39, 14:6)
They are being challenged to trust Christ as Savior. (John 6:60-66)
They have confessed their sins, repented, & have been baptized. (Matthew 3:6; Mark 1:15)
They have settled their decision to trust Christ as Savior. (John 3:16-18)
They are given time to consider the call to commitment to growth in Christ. (2 Peter 3:18)

Listeners

They have a hunger for spiritual growth. (1 Peter 2:2-3)
They want to spend time with other Christians. (John 2:2, 3:22)
They learn to trust God’s Word in the face of doubts. (Matthew 4:4)
They have assurance of salvation. (1 John 5:11-13)
They understand the need for worship, Bible study, prayer, fellowship & witness. (John 4:23-24)
They share their faith with others. (John 1:40-42)
They are led by the Spirit. (Luke 4:1, 14, 18; Romans 8:14-16)
Their lifestyle begins to reflect a change in values & priorities. (Matthew 3:8)
They are challenged to a deeper level of discipleship. (Matthew 4:19; Luke 5:1-11)

Learners

They have a deepening awareness of the need to make Christ the first priority in their lives. (Luke 5:11, 27-28)
They have a growing hunger for the Word of God. (Luke 5:1)
They are increasing in their awareness of and sensitivity to the movement of God in their lives. (John 5:17)
They share their faith regularly. (Luke 8:39; Mark 1:45; John 5:19-20)
They are growing more aware of sin in their lives. (Luke 5:8)
They have a hunger for the things of God. (Luke 6:20-27)
They are learning the principles of giving. (Luke 6:38)
They are establishing a solid foundation for spiritual growth. (Luke 6:46-48)
They demonstrate compassion for hurting people. (Luke 7:12-13)
They practice lessons learned from Bible Study. (Luke 8:14, 21; Mark 3:35)

Laborers

They are willing to give Christ first priority in their lives. (Matthew 8:19-22)
They are personally involved in ministry. (Matthew 10:1-42)
They realize the importance of continued spiritual growth. (Matthew 10:24-25)
They are gaining an understanding of the Kingdom of God. (Matthew 10:7)
They are aware of the spiritual authority they possess in Christ. (Matthew 10:7)
Their lives glorify God. (Matthew 5:13-16)
They focus on what lasts for eternity instead of temporal gain. (Matthew 6:19-34; 10:42)
They become selective in terms of whom they allow to instruct them & demonstrate spiritual stability. (Mark 4:24-25; Matt. 16:6, 12; Ephesians 4:11-16)
They understand the centrality and role of the Church in God’s Kingdom. (Matthew 16:16-18)
They usually minister as a team and not in isolation. (Luke 10:1)
They consistently practice spiritual habits of worship, Bible study, prayer, fellowship, & witness. (Luke 11:1-13; 8:1-8)
They practice sacrificial giving. (Mark 12:41-44; 2 Samuel 24:18-25)

Leaders

They lead a life filled & guided by the Spirit. (Jn 14:17, 16:13, 20:22; Acts 1:8)
They abide in Christ and are obedient to Christ’s commands. (John 15:5, 14, 21:16; Matthew 28:10, 16: Acts 1:4)
They experience contrition, repentance and restoration after failure. (Matthew 26:19-20; Luke 24:53; John 21:15-19)
They pray on the basis of the Word and in the authority of Christ. (John 15:7, 16:33)
They are growing in godly character. (Colossians 1:27-28; John 15:5)
They recognize and respond to the activity of God in daily life. (Luke 24:30-31; John 8:47; John 20:15-17)
They are sent into the world to bear witness to Christ. (John 15:17; 17:18, 20:21; Matthew 28:19-20; Luke 24:53; Mark 16:18-20)
They produce lasting spiritual fruit. (John 15:8, 16)
They take care of the physical needs of others. (John 15:12-13, 17; 19:26-27; Acts 4:32-37)
They don’t let opposition deter them. (Acts 8:1b, 4)
They function in Christ’s absence as reproducing disciple makers. (Acts 1:9-11; 2:14-47)
They see disciple making as a lifestyle, not an activity. (2 Timothy 2:2)

Characteristics of People at the End of Each Stage

Lookers

Learners

Laborers

Characteristics of People
at the End of Each Stage