8 Characteristics of a Disciple

Marks of a Mature Disciple

By Doug Franklin July 23, 2020

We’d all like to have a clear picture of the characteristics of a disciple. As we’re growing students towards spiritual maturity, it’s good to know what a mature disciple looks like.

We know that discipleship is a lifelong journey. When we hear Jesus’ Great Commission to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matt. 28:19), we can be tempted to think Jesus is only talking about evangelism. But Jesus doesn’t stop there; he continues, “and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (v. 20).

growing students towards maturity

This is an important step in making discipleship the core of your ministry. Not only are we called to introduce students to Jesus—we’re also told to grow them toward a mature faith and encourage them to live out certain characteristics of a disciple.

Over and over, New Testament writers stress the difference between immature and mature disciples. Paul tells the Ephesians that Christ equips his people to grow from infancy to spiritual maturity (Eph. 4:11–14). He laments that he cannot yet walk the Corinthians toward deeper elements of faith because they’re only ready for “milk to drink, not solid food” (1 Cor. 3:2). Peter encourages his readers to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Pet. 3:18).

For ourselves and for those under our spiritual care, we cannot settle for shallow faith. We need to encourage students when we see certain characteristics of a disciple present in their lives, and we should develop those areas where their faith remains immature.

But what does a mature disciple look like? What characteristics does a disciple possess?

Here are 8 “Marks of a Disciple.” Think of a “mark of a disciple” as a sign of maturity or an important characteristic of a disciple. It’s evidence that the Gospel is bearing fruit in a student’s life. At LeaderTreks, we provide a “mark of a disciple” (a specific characteristic of a disciple) in every Bible Study lesson.

characteristics of a Disciple: the 8 marks of a mature disciple

1. Mature disciples understand their need for a Savior

Mature disciples know God’s core plan for salvation. They have internalized that they are slaves, held captive by terrible enemies: sin and death, and  they see that in this fallen, corrupt, and shattered world, they need a rescuer—Jesus, our savior and redeemer.

Mature disciples acknowledge that Jesus gave his followers freedom from sin and its effects when he took them on at the cross.

Warning Sign! When disciples lack this character trait, they show signs of having a works-based faith or acting entitled. 

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2. Mature disciples know the God of the Bible

Mature disciples know the God that they serve. They recognize that he is too awesome and too complicated to wrap their minds around, but they see that God wants a relationship with them.

Taking note of the ways God has revealed himself, mature disciples are continuing learning what God is like. They view the Bible as the story of God’s relationship with his people over the centuries, and they see his fingerprints throughout the world around them.

Warning Sign! When disciples lack depth in this area, they tend to acknowledge more than one God or lack a value for God’s Word. 

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3. Mature disciples recognize that they are made in God’s image

Mature disciples choose their God-given identity over who culture says they should be. Before they determine who they are, they focus on whose they are. 

They affirm that God created human beings in his own image, and they rejoice that Christ came and died on the cross to offer them a new and redeemed identity. Mature disciples also find in their God-given identity a God-given mission. As image bearers of the one true God, they seek to be his representatives here on earth.

Warning Sign! When students don’t live out this characteristic of a disciple, they oftentimes try to be someone they aren’t or determine their identity based on their environment. 

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4. Mature disciples serve out of love

Scripture paints a clear picture for how we should treat our fellow human beings. In Zechariah 7, the prophet chastised God’s people for going through the religious motions—fasting, sacrificing, and celebrating—one minute, then treating others poorly the next. Their worship was selfish. God wanted them to “administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. Do not plot evil against each other.”

This gets to the heart of service in a mature disciple’s life. Immature disciples may serve others when it’s convenient or when it makes them look and feel good. But mature disciples follow Jesus’ example by transforming into continuous servants. They serve others by taking God’s love for people and making it their own.

Warning Sign! When disciples lack depth in this area, they can be driven by materialism or show signs of selfishness. 

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5. Mature disciples share their faith story

The Good News of Jesus Christ is the greatest gift we can receive. Through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, we are adopted as God’s children. We are made holy, receive the Spirit, and enter into eternal loving relationship with our Lord.

Immature disciples recognize these truths in their own lives. Mature disciples follow Jesus’ instruction to share his Good News with others: “Go into the world and preach the gospel to all creation” (Mark 16:15). As mature disciples reflect on the transformation in their own lives and Jesus’ influence on their journey, they yearn for those same things in others’ lives. So they share the gospel and its influence on their story of faith with those who need to hear it most.

Warning Sign! When disciples lack this character trait, they may be afraid to talk about spiritual things or make excuses for not reaching out. 

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6. Mature disciples worship regardless of circumstance

We sing, pray, and dance because we worship. By themselves these things are not all that special and can even be self-serving. But when they are done in response to God, they become worship played out in our lives.

Mature disciples see worship as a lifestyle. Their hearts are aware of God’s constant presence, and they can’t help but marvel at his glory. Nor is their worship dependent on circumstance. Mature disciples worship God even during tough times because they know that God is always worthy of praise.

Warning Sign! When disciples lack depth in this area, they may experience feelings-based worship or have a shallow prayer life. 

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7. Mature disciples defend their faith

The Bible encourages us to defend our faith: “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,” (1 Peter 3:15). That’s the point of apologetics—to explain our hope in Christ to others.

Mature disciples are equipped to communicate God’s truth in a world that is hostile towards him. They don’t share God’s truth in an overbearing way, but they display a confidence and a willingness to unashamedly and respectfully engage our culture.

Warning Sign! When students don’t live out this characteristic of a disciple, they might disregard the Bible or be easily swayed in their beliefs. 

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8. Mature disciples join in the community of believers

Mature disciples don’t take the journey of discipleship alone. When we’re adopted as children of God, we gain millions of spiritual siblings who are on the same journey.

Immature disciples might think they can walk the path of discipleship alone. They say things like, “My faith is between God and me. I don’t need to join a church because I get more out of alone time with God.”

Yet whenever Scripture describes the life of a disciple, it’s in the context of a community of faith. Paul addresses the members of the church in Corinth as “mere infants in Christ” (1 Cor. 3:1) because there is jealousy, quarreling, and disunity among them. Mature disciples seek unity and community with other growing disciples.

Warning Sign! When disciples lack depth in this area, they tend to isolate themselves or be divisive and exclusive in relationships. 

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Curious how we chose these 8 Characteristics (Marks) of a Mature Disciple? Click here to read more about the 8 Roots of Deep Discipleship.

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using the 8 marks to create an individual discipleship plan

These are only a few key areas of maturity or characteristics of a disciple to look for in your students. These 8 Marks give you clues and signifiers that allow you to dive intentionally into a student’s life; to ask questions that lead to growth and to offer road signs that help guide students towards Christ.

Insight into the depth of a student’s faith will change the questions you ask them, the truth you speak into their lives, and the challenges you offer them. It can bring a new level of intentionality to your limited time with them and help them become rooted followers of Christ.

Ultimately, only God knows the heart of a student, only he can measure faith. And while no one but the Holy Spirit can transform the heart of a student, we are responsible for reflecting, uncovering, and resembling the truth that saves lives and makes disciples.

Here at LeaderTreks, we want to help you grow your students towards spiritual maturity. We provide a “mark of a disciple” in every Bible Study and Deep Discipleship lesson.

We also equip adult volunteers with tools called “discipleship maps” inside of HERO’s Youth Ministry Apps. These “discipleship maps” help volunteers measure students’ spiritual growth by knowing what signs of maturity and warning signs to look for in students.

Below you’ll also find a free download designed to help you create an individual discipleship plan based on these 8 Marks of a Mature Disciple.