True Discipleship:
A Call to Love and Lead
When Jesus called His disciples, He didn’t choose those who had it all together. He chose imperfect people with messy lives. His invitation, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19, KJV), was not a demand for instant transformation but a call to walk with Him, to learn, and to grow.
This is the heart of discipleship—walking alongside others, leading by example, and loving them through their journey. Yet, one of the greatest challenges in the church today is how quickly we forget this. We can become like the Pharisee in Luke 18, who stood in the temple boasting of his righteousness and looking down on the humble publican who prayed, “God be merciful to me a sinner.” (Luke 18:13, KJV).
Jesus made it clear who was justified that day: “For every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” (Luke 18:14, KJV). The church should never be a place of judgment but a haven of grace, where humility and love prevail.
Too often, churches focus on telling people they need to change without showing them how. When they falter or fall, we blame them for not changing fast enough instead of asking ourselves: Did we do our part? Did we love them? Did we equip them with the tools to grow?
At Fresh Start Ministries, our mission is to be different. We strive to be a place of love, mercy, and forgiveness—a church that embodies the example of Jesus Christ. Here, we believe discipleship isn’t about celebrating people only when they are winning but walking with them through their struggles. Whether someone is on the mountaintop or in the valley, we are committed to standing beside them.
Paul’s instruction is clear: “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” (Galatians 6:1, KJV). Restoration is our responsibility, not rejection.
Look at Jesus with Peter. After Peter denied Him three times, Jesus didn’t abandon him. Instead, He restored him and reaffirmed his purpose: “Feed my sheep.” (John 21:17, KJV). Jesus’s example teaches us that true discipleship requires patience, love, and commitment.
As the church, our calling is to love people through their journey—both their victories and their failures. Discipleship is about equipping others to grow in their faith and showing them what a life transformed by Christ looks like.
Practical Ways to Live Discipleship
Be an Example: Your actions often speak louder than your words. Live a life that reflects the love, mercy, and forgiveness of Christ so others can see Him through you.
Offer Support: Don’t just tell someone they need to change—walk with them through the process. Be there to encourage, guide, and pray for them.
Teach by Doing: Share practical tools like Bible study techniques, accountability, and prayer habits to help others grow spiritually.
Discipleship isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress, and that progress happens best in community.
If you’re longing for a church that is different—a church where things are happening for God’s kingdom, where love abounds, encouragement is a priority, and discipleship is more than a word—you’ll find it here at Fresh Start Ministries.
We are a church that believes in loving people where they are, walking with them through their struggles, and celebrating their victories. Whether life has you soaring or stumbling, there is a place for you here.
Come experience a church that’s making an impact—a church that embodies the example of Jesus, where love, mercy, and forgiveness flow freely. You don’t have to walk this journey alone. We are here for you, and there’s a family waiting to welcome you home.
Fresh Start Ministries. A place where hope rises, lives are transformed, and disciples are made. There’s a place for you here.
