What to Talk About in Discipleship: Topics for Every Stage of Faith
Not all discipleship looks the same. What a new believer needs is vastly different from what a seasoned leader needs. One-size-fits-all curriculum often misses the mark because it treats everyone the same.
Here's a guide to the topics that matter most at each stage of spiritual growth.
Stage 1: New Believer (First 6-12 Months)
Someone who recently trusted Christ needs foundational truths and basic practices. Don't overwhelm them with systematic theology -- give them the essentials.
Topics to cover:
- What happened when you believed (assurance of salvation)
- How to read the Bible (start with a Gospel, then Psalms)
- How to pray (ACTS model: Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication)
- Understanding the Gospel (not just "I prayed a prayer" but the full story of creation, fall, redemption, restoration)
- The role of the Holy Spirit
- Why church matters (it's not optional)
- Baptism and what it means
- Basic spiritual warfare (the enemy is real, but Christ has won)
- Sharing your story (simple testimony)
Tone: Encouraging, patient, celebratory. New believers are excited but easily confused.
Stage 2: Growing Believer (1-3 Years)
They've got the basics. Now it's time to build depth and consistency.
Topics to cover:
- Developing a consistent quiet time
- Understanding the Bible as one story
- Spiritual disciplines beyond reading and praying (fasting, solitude, generosity)
- Dealing with sin and temptation
- Community and serving in the church
- Evangelism and sharing faith intentionally
- Handling doubt and hard questions
- Biblical decision-making
- Relationships and purity
Tone: Challenging but supportive. Push them to take ownership of their own growth.
Stage 3: Maturing Believer (3+ Years)
They're established. Now it's about going deeper and preparing to lead.
Topics to cover:
- Theological foundations (God's character, the Trinity, Scripture's authority)
- Sanctification and the long obedience
- Suffering and perseverance
- Ministry calling and spiritual gifts
- Leadership principles
- Marriage and family (if applicable)
- Work as worship
- Generosity and stewardship
- Global missions and the Great Commission
Tone: Peer-like conversation. Less teaching, more mutual sharpening.
Stage 4: Emerging Leader
They're ready to disciple others. Now you're equipping them to multiply.
Topics to cover:
- How to disciple someone (what you've been doing with them)
- Teaching and explaining Scripture
- Handling conflict and difficult conversations
- Humility in leadership
- Vision-casting and mobilizing others
- Mentoring vs. managing
- Self-care and avoiding burnout
- Building a personal board of directors (who speaks into their life)
Tone: Releasing. You're working yourself out of a job -- and that's the goal.
How to Assess Someone's Stage
Don't assume. Ask:
- How long have you been following Jesus?
- What spiritual practices are part of your life right now?
- What topics feel overwhelming or unfamiliar to you?
- Have you ever discipled someone else?
Then tailor your content accordingly.
DisciplePair Has Tracks for Each Stage
We've built curriculum tracks designed for different stages:
- First Steps -- 8 weeks for new believers
- Foundations of Faith -- 12 weeks for growing believers
- Called to Lead -- 10 weeks for emerging leaders
Each session includes Scripture, questions, prayer prompts, and action steps. No prep required.