Introduction
Discipleship has always been relational, but the way we connect has changed. Today, digital tools can extend your discipleship efforts beyond Sunday morning—creating opportunities for growth, accountability, and community throughout the week.
But technology alone isn't discipleship. The goal isn't to replace in-person relationships—it's to enhance and extend them. Here's how to build a digital discipleship strategy that actually works.
What Is Digital Discipleship?
Digital discipleship uses technology to:
- Facilitate spiritual growth and Bible study
- Enable connection and community online
- Provide teaching and resources on-demand
- Support accountability and prayer
It's not about being "online for the sake of being online"—it's about meeting people where they are and giving them tools to grow in their faith.
1. Create a Discipleship Pathway
Before you choose tools, define your pathway.
Questions to Answer:
- What does spiritual maturity look like in our church?
- What are the steps from first-time visitor to mature disciple?
- How can digital tools support each stage?
Example Pathway:
- Awareness: Social media, website, livestream
- Connection: Online small groups, digital newcomer follow-up
- Growth: Bible study apps, sermon discussion guides, online courses
- Service: Volunteer coordination, ministry team communication
- Leadership: Leadership development content, coaching, mentoring
2. Leverage Digital Small Groups
Small groups don't have to meet in person to be effective.
Platforms:
- Zoom: Best for video-based groups
- RightNow Media: Pre-made Bible studies with discussion guides
- Slack or Discord: Ongoing conversation between meetings
- WhatsApp Groups: Simple, mobile-friendly chat for prayer and encouragement
Best Practices:
- Keep groups small (6-10 people max)
- Use video when possible (not just voice)
- Have a clear topic or study
- Assign a facilitator to guide discussion
- Use breakout rooms for deeper conversation
3. Provide On-Demand Discipleship Content
Not everyone can attend live events—give them resources they can access anytime.
Content Ideas:
- Sermon archives: Organize by topic, series, or Scripture
- Devotionals: Daily or weekly email devotionals
- Teaching videos: Short, topical Bible teachings (5-10 minutes)
- Podcasts: Sermon replays or discipleship conversations
- Bible reading plans: Use YouVersion, Bible.com, or create your own
Pro Tip: Create a members-only section on your website for exclusive discipleship content.
4. Use Apps to Facilitate Bible Study
Top Bible Study Apps:
YouVersion Bible App (Free)
- Bible reading plans (thousands to choose from)
- Verse of the day
- Note-taking and highlighting
- Share verses on social media
Dwell (Subscription)
- Audio Bible with multiple voices
- Listening plans
- Beautiful interface
Logos Bible Software
- Advanced study tools for leaders
- Commentaries, original languages, cross-references
RightNow Media
- Video-based Bible studies
- Small group resources
- Kids and youth content
5. Build Community Through Digital Platforms
Discipleship happens in community—digital tools can foster connection.
Options:
Church App (Subsplash, Pushpay, Tithe.ly)
- Centralized hub for sermons, events, giving, and prayer requests
- Push notifications for announcements
- Private groups and forums
Facebook Groups (Private)
- Create groups for small groups, ministries, or demographics (men, women, parents)
- Share prayer requests, encouragement, and resources
- Easy to use (most people already have Facebook)
Slack or Discord
- More organized than Facebook
- Create channels for different topics (prayer, Bible study, general chat)
- Better for younger demographics
6. Facilitate Prayer and Accountability
Digital tools can support prayer and accountability between believers.
Prayer Tools:
- Echo Prayer: Digital prayer wall for your church
- PrayerMate: Organize prayer requests and track answered prayers
- Group text threads: Simple and effective for prayer chains
Accountability:
- Weekly check-ins via text or messaging app
- Video calls with accountability partners
- Shared goals and progress tracking (Covenant Eyes for internet accountability, Habitica for spiritual disciplines)
7. Create Discipleship Courses or Challenges
Structured, time-bound content works well digitally.
Ideas:
- 30-day Bible reading challenge
- New believer's course (video + workbook)
- Spiritual disciplines challenge (prayer, fasting, Scripture memory)
- Leadership development cohort (online meetings + assignments)
Tools:
- Google Classroom (free, simple)
- Teachable or Thinkific (paid, more polished)
- Email series with assignments
8. Equip Parents for Family Discipleship
Help parents disciple their kids at home.
Resources to Provide:
- Weekly family devotional guides
- Age-appropriate Bible study plans
- Conversation starters for dinner table discussions
- Printable activities and crafts
Recommended Tools:
- Parent Cue app (Orange curriculum)
- RightNow Media Kids
- The Bible Project videos for families
9. Measure What Matters
How do you know if your digital discipleship is working?
Metrics to Track:
- Engagement rates (views, downloads, participation)
- Small group attendance (in-person + online)
- Repeat engagement (are people coming back?)
- Testimonies of life change
- Volunteer involvement (are disciples becoming disciple-makers?)
Qualitative Feedback:
- Surveys and feedback forms
- One-on-one conversations with participants
- Stories of spiritual growth
10. Don't Replace In-Person Discipleship
Digital tools are supplements, not replacements.
Remember:
- Face-to-face relationships are irreplaceable
- Digital discipleship works best alongside in-person community
- Some people will always prefer in-person over online
Hybrid Approach:
- Offer both online and in-person small groups
- Use digital tools to enhance Sunday morning teaching
- Create pathways for online attenders to connect in person
Conclusion
Digital discipleship isn't about being trendy—it's about being faithful to the Great Commission in a digital age. When used intentionally, technology can help you make disciples who make disciples.
Start small. Experiment. Learn what works for your church. And remember: the goal isn't more technology—it's more transformed lives.
Need help building a digital discipleship strategy? Let's talk about what that could look like for your church. Schedule a consultation.