Relational Discipleship includes both mentoring and discipleship. Relationships with God and with one-another are key in every aspect of our lives as we develop a biblical worldview.
Mentoring is building a relationship with someone and modeling how to live a life that reflects the character of God.
Discipleship is strengthening someone's relationship with Christ by teaching them how to live a life that reflects the character of God.
You mentor non-believers - seekers as well as people far from God - as well as believers who may be struggling or just stuck in their faith. Everything we say and do must reflect the character of God when we claim Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Mentoring always points others to Jesus by both words and deeds!
You disciple someone once they have received Christ as their Savior AND have made Him Lord of their life. This is absolutely crucial - we can be very selfish in our faith if we think having Jesus as our Savior is enough...after all, He died for me, right? Transformation in our lives only happens when we make Him Lord - giving Him complete control of our lives...our thought life as well as our active life! Giving Jesus Lord status in our lives is the first step in developing a Biblical Worldview (viewing everything through the eyes of Jesus). Making Him Lord is also the starting point in fulfilling the Great Commission to Go Make Disciples because we begin caring about the things that God cares about - lost people!
Living a life that reflects the character of God is an active, loving response to His love and grace. We don't do anything to gain approval or love; we do everything in response to the love and grace He has shown us. There's a big difference in both responses! That difference is a matter of abundant life and bondage!
1 John 4:8 (ESV) - Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.
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