Be Intentional: Discipleship Doesn’t Happen by Accident
- Leadership Harbor Coach
- Jun 11
- 3 min read
“Discipleship isn’t accidental. It’s the result of intentional living, faithful preparation, and Spirit-led obedience.”
When Doubt Meets Purpose
I’ll be honest—when I attended the International Maxwell Conference in March 2022, I wasn’t sure I’d made the right decision to join the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team. Doubts swirled. Was this really where God wanted me?
Then I had lunch with my friend John.
As I listened to him speak, something shifted. I realized he wasn’t just teaching leadership—he was teaching kingdom principles. Everything he shared was grounded in the Gospel. He had taken the truths of Scripture and presented them in a way that cut through the fear of not being “Bible smart enough” to live or lead well. In that moment, it became clear: this journey was exactly where I needed to be.
The Weight of the Great Commission
In Matthew 28:16–20, Jesus gave His disciples, and us, a charge that can feel both inspiring and intimidating:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations… teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”
Matthew 28:19–20 (ESV)
This calling can easily stir up fear:
Fear of failure
Fear of leaving comfort behind
Fear of what others will think
Fear of standing out too much or not being enough
John Maxwell names these very fears in his teaching. They are real. But they’re not the end of the story.
Intentional Growth Leads to Intentional Discipleship
In The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth, Maxwell reminds us that we don’t drift into growth. We choose it. The same is true of discipleship. It requires intentionality.
“You cannot expect growth spiritually or in leadership if you aren’t willing to be intentional about it.”
That truth echoes the Apostle Peter’s instruction in 1 Peter 3:15:
“… always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you…” (ESV)
That phrase—always be prepared—doesn’t leave room for casual discipleship. Preparation must be part of our lifestyle.
What Football Taught Me About Faith
Before I was a leadership coach, I was a defensive coordinator for a football team. Preparation wasn’t optional. If I showed up on game day without knowing the opponent’s offense or what position each of my players would play, we’d get destroyed. Every gap on the field—the space between offensive linemen—had to be accounted for. If not, the opposing team would find it and run right through. It’s the same with discipleship.
We all have spiritual “gaps” or places in our lives where we haven’t prepared, where fear creeps in, or where we avoid confrontation or responsibility. If we don’t prepare our hearts and minds, those gaps will be exploited. Not by an opposing team, but by doubt, distraction, and discouragement.
Being intentional means:
Studying Scripture
Reflecting on your faith story
Anticipating tough conversations
Praying for opportunities and courage
Preparation turns fear into confidence and passivity into purpose.
A Lesson From Parenting
Seven years ago, my wife and I adopted a 9-year-old boy. I thought God was giving me an opportunity to train him—to raise him up in the way he should go. But as the days passed, I discovered something humbling: God didn’t place my son in my life just so I could disciple him. God placed my son in my life so God could disciple me. Every struggle, every moment of joy, every tough conversation became a training ground for my own heart. The same is true in any discipleship relationship. Discipleship doesn’t just transform others; it transforms you.
Don’t Wait for the “Right” Moment
It’s easy to convince ourselves that we’ll grow or act “when the time is right.” But here’s the truth: there’s no such thing as the perfect time. There’s only now.
Intentional discipleship starts with one small, faithful step:
Write out your testimony. What’s your reason for hope?
Ask God to reveal who He’s calling you to pour into.
Practice sharing your story with gentleness and respect.
Prepare—not for perfection, but for obedience.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to have all the answers. You don’t need to be a spiritual giant. You just need to show up—and be prepared for God to use you.
“God didn’t command us to disciple others for their benefit alone. He commanded it so He could disciple us in the process.”
So take a breath. Be honest about the gaps in your life. Then get intentional. Read. Pray. Reflect. Prepare.
Because when the moment comes, and it will, you’ll be ready.
Go, live beyond average!
Your Coach - Aaron Jones
P.S. Reach out to me or one of the Leadership Harbor coaches to set up a discovery coaching session or to join one of our fantastic leadership opportunities.
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