Smartphone Discipleship

In her Lessons, Rev. Megan Koch assumes that you have many options for programmatic approaches to discipleship. For example, the church multiplication group Exponential has a Discipleship Resource Kit that you can purchase to use in your church. There is no lack of programs for church discipleship.

Rev. Koch is more concerned that you are actually doing it not only in your life but with others. She is interested in Spirit-led discipleship that is “in the wild” of your life and the lives of others. Rather than compartmentalizing discipleship to a set time and place, are you letting the Spirit disciple you every day in every way? Then, are you discipling others every day as the Spirit leads? Instead of only leaders making disciples, are disciples making disciples?

In an age where digital devices have become like the air we breathe, it’s worth asking how these tools can be harnessed for evangelism, discipleship, and spiritual growth. Smartphones can be a distraction, and we often criticize our dependence on them. However, they can also become instruments of personal and collective discipleship. God can “sanctify” them, make them holy, and use them both to amplify our connection with God and to guide others on their faith journey. 

Your smartphone can facilitate that modern-day “Tent of Meeting” about which Rev. Koch has been speaking. It can help create a portable space where you can engage with God anywhere, anytime. Just as the Israelites had the Tent of Meeting to encounter God in the wilderness, your smartphone can facilitate sacred moments of connection during your day-to-day activities.

Here are just a few of the possibilities:

• Notes for Reflection: The simple notes app on your phone can be a space for spiritual reflection. Jot down thoughts, prayers, or insights from your daily Bible reading. When God speaks to you through His Word or prayer, record what you feel He's saying.
• Scripture Apps: Applications like YouVersion put the Scriptures at your fingertips. Setting daily reminders to read a passage or following a Bible-in-a-year plan can integrate the word of God into your routine, transforming waiting times into nourishing moments with Scripture.
• Prayer Apps: Apps like Echo Prayer allow you to track prayer requests, set prayer reminders, and even pray for others in your community. They can be a prompt to “stop and pitch your tent,” taking a moment to commune with God amidst your busyness.
• Podcasts and Sermons: Spiritual nourishment can come from listening to sermons and podcasts from trusted spiritual leaders. Whether you are commuting or exercising, your smartphone can feed your soul with enriching content that challenges and inspires you to live like Jesus.
• Music and Worship: Music streaming services give access to worship music that can turn any moment into an opportunity for praise and worship. Whether you're at home or on the go, you can create an atmosphere of worship through music.

Discipling Others

The same smartphone that can aid your own personal walk with God can be a powerful tool in discipling others. When you aren’t in person, evangelism and discipleship is only a text away.

• Sharing Scripture: When you come across a meaningful passage during your Bible app reading, share it with a friend who might be encouraged by it. A simple text can be a profound way to minister to someone else’s needs.
• Prayer Networks: Use social media or messaging apps to create prayer networks where you can share requests and pray for one another. Group chats can be a digital space for communal prayer and support.
• Spiritual Mentoring: Video calls can be used for discipleship meetings, Bible studies, or accountability partnerships. Tools like Facetime, WhatsApp, Zoom or some other video conferencing app make it possible to have face-to-face encouragement without being in the same room.
• Resource Sharing: If you find a compelling sermon, a profound podcast episode, or an insightful article, don’t keep it to yourself. Forward it to someone you’re discipling and discuss what you each took away from it.
• Evangelism: Social media platforms can be modern-day Mars Hill, where you share the good news. Post verses, spiritual thoughts, or personal testimonies about God's work in your life, inviting others to discover Jesus.

The possibilities of utilizing a smartphone in discipleship are many, but the goal is always the same: to grow closer to God and to bring others along on the journey. We can use what we have on hand to provide timely spiritual resources, encouragement, and connection, whether it is part of a formal program or not.