During his three years in Ephesus, the apostle Paul invested deeply in people’s lives. He taught them God’s Word, trained leaders, and modeled faithful obedience. He wept with them, prayed with them, and warned them about false teachers who would distort the truth. His goal wasn’t entertainment but transformation—bringing men and women to repentance and faith in Christ. Without intentional discipleship, Paul knew the church would drift. He warned that “fierce wolves” would come, even from among their own number, to draw people away (Acts 20:29–30). The same danger exists today. Churches that replace biblical discipleship with motivational speeches, entertainment, or cultural trends may still draw a crowd—but they lose their spiritual engine. The result is eventual decline, maybe not in numbers but in true spiritual transformation by the gospel’s power. Without biblical teaching and guidance, believers become vulnerable to false doctrine, shallow faith, and moral compromise. So what does biblical discipleship look like in practice? In Acts 20, Paul’s words and actions highlight six essential qualities every church must practice if we’re to remain faithful to Christ. 1. Discipleship requires presence. Paul reminds the elders, “You yourselves know how I lived among you the whole time” (v. 18). He wasn’t distant but present, living among them, teaching both publicly and from house to house (v. 20). Discipleship is more than sermons or lectures—it’s life shared. Just as God sent his Son to be present with us, so we must be present with one another. True discipleship happens when we enter into each other’s lives, walking together through joys and struggles. The problem with this approach today is that it takes too much of our time, isn’t “scalable,” and doesn’t grow our platform. It’s easier to record a video or stand onstage in front of thousands than to be a meaningful part of someone’s life. If you want to take part in biblical discipleship, you must limit yourself to discipling a few people. Jesus discipled 12 people, and I doubt any of us could do more than that at any given time. 2. Discipleship requires teaching. Paul didn’t hesitate to declare “the whole counsel of God” (v. 27). He preached repentance, faith in Christ, and the grace of God. Teaching was at the heart of his ministry. It’s great and necessary to “do life together,” but that on its own will never constitute true biblical discipleship. Discipleship requires consistent, clear teaching that shapes both belief and behavior. Every Christian needs to be both a learner and, in some capacity, a teacher of God’s Word. This means investing time into personal Bible study. It also means reading and studying God’s Word together. 3. Discipleship requires consistency. Paul spent three years teaching in Ephesus, and he “[didn’t] cease night or day to admonish every one with tears” (v. 31). His ministry was marked by perseverance. Discipleship isn’t a quick program or weekend seminar. It requires steady investment over time, like physical training does. Spiritual growth comes through repeated exposure to God’s Word and ongoing encouragement to obey it. At times, we’ll fail in our discipleship efforts, but we mustn’t give up. With regularity and consistency, we’ll see fruit over time. 4. Discipleship requires humility. Paul served “with all humility and with tears” (v. 19). Humility is the soil in which discipleship takes root. Without humility, we resist correction, ignore conviction, and attempt to point others to ourselves rather than to Christ. As a discipler, I must be quick to admit my mistakes, confess my sins when appropriate, and provide a humble example of a servant of Christ. This will ensure I’m not pointing people to myself but rather to my Savior. A proud teacher may impress people, but only a humble disciple-maker will truly lead others closer to Jesus. 5. Discipleship requires patience. Paul endured hardships, opposition, and tears as he ministered (v. 19, 31). Yet he didn’t give up. Discipleship is often slow and frustrating. People stumble, resist, and sometimes walk away. But our patience reflects trust in God’s power to save and transform. By persevering through difficulties, we display the same long-suffering love that Christ shows toward us. 6. Discipleship requires attentiveness. Paul urged the elders to “pay careful attention to [themselves] and to all the flock” (v. 28). He knew spiritual dangers were real. Wolves would come to deceive and destroy, and the only defense was vigilant shepherding. If you’re going to engage in discipleship, you can be sure that sooner or later, Satan will be looking for a way to discourage, distract, or tempt. Discipleship means being alert—not only to your own spiritual condition but also to the needs and vulnerabilities of those you’re discipling. Regular accountability, prayer, and fellowship help keep us awake to the Enemy’s schemes. Cost of Neglecting Discipleship Paul’s words in Acts 20 remind us that discipleship isn’t optional. It’s the very heartbeat of the church. When discipleship is neglected, the church inevitably drifts. Unfaithfulness in teaching leads to unfaithfulness in conduct, and sin is soon justified rather than confessed. This downward spiral doesn’t usually happen overnight. It begins with small compromises—replacing biblical preaching with entertainment, neglecting personal accountability, softening calls to repentance. Over time, truth is lost. Paul’s vision for discipleship requires presence, teaching, consistency, humility, patience, and vigilance. Yet when these qualities are embraced, the church remains faithful to its true mission—the gospel of Jesus Christ at work in transformed lives.