What teaching of Jesus am I actively practicing right now?
A JGM FIELD GUIDE · BY MARENEO “RENO” FLOURNOY
Are You
a Disciple?
Following Jesus is more than claiming a name. It is learning His way, practicing His teaching, loving His people, and helping someone else grow.
01 · THE QUESTION
You can carry the label and still avoid the life.
Jesus did not invite people to admire Him from a distance. He called them to follow. A disciple is a learner who stays close enough to Jesus for His words, example, and Spirit to reshape everyday life.
“A disciple is not simply someone who knows about Jesus. A disciple learns from Jesus and lives what He teaches.”
READ IT FOR YOURSELF
“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
JOHN 13:3502 · THE EVIDENCE
Five marks of a disciple.
These are practices to grow in, not boxes to use against yourself or other people.
- 01
Learns from Jesus
A disciple returns to Scripture, asks honest questions, and lets truth correct assumptions.
Read: Luke 6:40 · John 8:31–32 - 02
Loves like Jesus
Love becomes visible through patience, forgiveness, generosity, truth, and practical care.
Read: John 13:34–35 - 03
Obeys what Jesus teaches
Knowledge moves into action. A disciple chooses the way of Jesus when it costs something.
Read: Matthew 7:24–27 · John 15:9–17 - 04
Lives in community
Disciples pray, learn, worship, share, and care for one another instead of trying to grow alone.
Read: Acts 2:42–47 - 05
Helps others follow
A disciple points people toward Jesus, teaches what He commanded, and models a repeatable life.
Read: Matthew 28:18–20 · 2 Timothy 2:2
03 · THE MIRROR
Don’t rush past the honest questions.
Where is love visible in the way I treat difficult people?
Who knows my real spiritual condition and can challenge me?
Who am I helping learn and live the way of Jesus?
Write your responses in a journal or discuss them with someone you trust. This reflection is not a scored assessment.
04 · THE PRACTICE
A seven-day discipleship rhythm.
Small, repeated obedience forms a life. Use this rhythm for one week, then repeat what helped you stay attentive to Jesus.
- DAY 1Read Luke 6:39–49. Write one sentence defining discipleship.
- DAY 2Read John 13:1–35. Practice one quiet act of love.
- DAY 3Read Matthew 28:16–20. Name one person you can encourage.
- DAY 4Read Acts 2:42–47. Strengthen one Christian relationship.
- DAY 5Review something Jesus taught and put it into action.
- DAY 6Share what you are learning with another person.
- DAY 7Reflect: what changed, and what will you continue?
YOUR NEXT STEP
Now find your starting point.
Complete the free ETS Academy profile assessment. You will see a growth-focus summary across six competencies and receive one lesson matched to your clearest learning need. This is a recommendation, not a leadership credential.