“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28

We live in a culture obsessed with progress. Whether in our careers, fitness goals, or even spirituality, we measure success by movement—always asking, “What’s next?” Unfortunately, this mentality has crept into how many churches approach discipleship.

In many discipleship models today, including popular frameworks like the 4 Chair Discipling method, there’s a strong emphasis on advancement: moving from seeker to believer, believer to worker, and worker to disciple-maker. These stages offer clarity, but they can also send the wrong message: that maturity is about performance, not presence.

With Plan & Purpose, we believe discipleship is not about racing to the next chair—it’s about becoming more like Jesus in every part of life. It’s not a ladder to climb but a life to live, rooted in Christ, empowered by the Spirit, and nurtured in community.

The Hidden Danger of Performance-Based Discipleship

It can unintentionally foster pressure instead of peace.

When progress becomes the metric, people often feel they’re falling short. This leads to striving, guilt, or pretending to be further along than they truly are.

It risks valuing output over transformation.

When the final “chair” is to become a disciple-maker, people may feel their worth is tied to how many they’ve reached, rather than how deeply they abide in Christ.

It can marginalize unique journeys.

Not everyone grows at the same pace or in the same way. The Holy Spirit leads some through seasons of rest, suffering, or silence. Linear models often leave little room for these holy detours.

It often downplays the role of the Holy Spirit.

Spiritual maturity is not self-manufactured. True growth happens not by effort alone, but by surrender—letting the Spirit form the character of Christ in us.

A Better Way: Relational, Spirit-Led, Whole-Life Discipleship

Relational

Jesus discipled through friendship, meals, walking and weeping with people—not through a system, but through a life shared. (John 15:15)

Spirit-Driven

We don’t produce fruit by trying harder. We bear fruit by staying connected to the Vine. (John 15:5; Gal. 5:22–23)

Holistic

Discipleship isn’t just Bible study or church involvement—it’s how we treat others, how we respond to pain, how we work, rest, and love.

Grace-Fueled

The starting line, the journey, and the finish are all covered in grace. Discipleship doesn’t begin once you’ve “got it together”—it’s for the broken, the learning, the stumbling saints being remade in Christ’s image.

The Way of Jesus

Jesus didn’t rush people into roles or stages. He invited them to be with Him (Mark 3:14). He loved them in their doubts (John 20), their failures (Luke 22), and their immaturity (Mark 10:37). His invitation wasn’t “perform for Me,” but “follow Me.” And following Him isn’t about climbing spiritual ladders—it’s about walking with Him daily, becoming more like Him, and inviting others to do the same.

Let’s Rethink Discipleship

With Plan & Purpose, our mission is simple yet deep:
Not just believing in Jesus, but becoming like Him.

We believe the church doesn’t need more programs—we need more presence. Not more stages, but more stories. Not more pressure, but more peace.

Let’s trade the treadmill of performance for the freedom of formation. Let’s return to the kind of discipleship that feels more like a walk with a friend than a corporate training session.

Let’s follow Jesus—together.

Reflection Questions:

– Have you ever felt pressured to “move up” in your faith instead of simply being present with Jesus?

– What would it look like for you to slow down and truly abide?

– Who around you needs a patient, grace-filled companion on their discipleship journey?