Matthias Lohmann teaches that discipleship is helping others follow Jesus by doing them deliberate spiritual good, ultimately aiming to help Christians grow in Christlikeness. Rooted in the Great Commission (Matthew 28), discipleship begins with evangelism, continues through incorporation into the church (baptism), and grows through teaching believers to obey all Jesus commanded. Lohmann stresses that God Himself is the ultimate disciple-maker, and His primary instrument is the Word of God, which reveals Christ. As believers behold Christ in Scripture, the Spirit transforms them into His image (2 Corinthians 3:18).

While growth is God’s work, every Christian bears responsibility for pursuing maturity, not blaming others for lack of growth. Scripture repeatedly commands believers to grow, warning against spiritual stagnation. Still, discipleship happens best in the local church, where God’s Word is preached and believers can instruct, encourage, and admonish one another.

For pastors, Lohmann highlights two major duties: feed the sheep by faithfully preaching Christ from all Scripture, and protect time to disciple others, especially future leaders. He outlines practical principles: choose teachable and committed people, model godliness, admit weakness, encourage and correct, be patient, ask good questions, set goals, give real responsibility, cultivate love, and above all pray, remembering that only God gives growth.

Pastors & Leaders Conference 2019