Bible Study vs. Discipleship: Why Every Believer Needs Both

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." 2 Timothy 2:15

Sometimes there is confusion about the difference between bible study and discipleship. Every disciple of Jesus definitely needs to be a student of the bible. Bible study is a key element in helping us grow in our faith and equipping us to deal with real life situations we face as humans. The captioned verse from 2 Timothy encourages us to be people who know how to handle the "word of truth" correctly. Bible study plays a key role in our growth as disciples of Jesus. 

Discipleship is also based on the bible and contains elements of bible study. However, when discipleship is done correctly those being discipled learn how to be disciple-makers. It is assumed in a discipleship class that everyone is being equipped to disciple others. 

Bible study is done in one of three ways. The most common is through what we learn from listening to preaching and learning how to apply biblical principles to our lives. The second style of bible study is done through personal devotions or studying the Scriptures on our own. Finally, another method is through small group studies which have the advantage of discussing concepts and principles with others for even better retention of what is being studied. In a small group setting there is usually a teacher or leader who is knowledgeable and can lead the participants in a deeper understanding of the Scriptures. This is very good and necessary. 

Even though discipleship training is based on the bible it does not require a teacher but rather a facilitator. The role of the facilitator is to guide others in the discipleship group through a discussion of the Scripture but done in a way that is more of a mentoring process. While being discipled each participant is learning how to be a discipleship group facilitator or how to disciple someone else who will also become a disciple-maker. 

Bible study and discipleship are not in competition. Both are necessary but if we are ever going to be successful in fulfilling the mandate Jesus gave us to go and make disciples we are going to need to equip as many Jesus followers as possible to also be disciple-makers.