Advent and Discipleship: Preparing the Way for Deeper Relationships with Christ

I’m preparing this article on Sunday, December 1, 2024 – the first Sunday of Adent. Outside my window there’s a fresh coating of snow on the ground reminding me of God’s grace and forgiveness. My heart has a renewed hope for the coming year and how we can all serve the Lord in His mission to build the Church.

As we step into the season of Advent, we are reminded of a central truth in our faith: God calls us to prepare our hearts and lives for His coming. Advent is a time of anticipation, reflection, and renewal, and it presents an incredible opportunity to deepen discipleship both individually and as a congregation.

"Prepare the way of the Lord, make His paths straight." – Matthew 3:3

This call from John the Baptist resonates deeply with the heart of Advent. It challenges us to clear away distractions and focus on the mission of becoming and making disciples of Jesus Christ.

As we enter a new year on the Christian calendar, I wanted to share five practical ways to use Advent as a launching pad for discipleship in 2025:

1. Start Small Group Advent Studies

Advent is a perfect time to gather small groups for Bible studies centered on the themes of hope, peace, joy, and love. Use Advent devotionals or create a curriculum that ties these themes to the life and mission of Christ. If you’re preaching an Advent series this year, use it to do a deeper dive in your small groups or weekly Bible study. Small groups provide a space for deep conversations, relationship-building, and mutual encouragement.

Action Tip: Pair newer believers with seasoned disciples for these studies to foster mentoring relationships.

2. Create Opportunities for Service

Advent reminds us of God’s ultimate act of love in sending His Son. Encourage your congregation to reflect this love through service. Organize outreach events such as preparing meals for those in need, visiting shut-ins, or supporting a local charity. Get a group together and write Christmas cards to be delivered to Senior residents in your community.

Discipleship Link: As people serve together, they learn to live out their faith in practical ways, building a deeper understanding of what it means to follow Christ.

3. Incorporate Daily Advent Devotionals

Provide your congregation with a daily Advent devotional that includes scripture, reflection questions, and a simple prayer. Encourage families to read together or individuals to journal their thoughts. As we have learned over the past four years, social media is a great way to post a short Advent devotion aimed at your community.

Action Tip: Share highlights from these devotionals during Sunday worship or midweek gatherings to create a sense of shared spiritual journey.

4. Invite the Community to Advent Events

Host events like a Christmas concert, “Journey to Bethlehem” walk, or candlelight service, and explicitly invite your community. I really mean that. Go out of your way to invite others to attend these special events. At one church I served we did a drive-in movie every Saturday night in the church parking lot. We used a transmitter so families that were out looking at Christmas lights could come in, sit in the warmth of their cars, and tune their radios to the audio of the movie. Our hospitality team would serve hot chocolate and cookies during the movie.

Use these gatherings to share the Gospel message and build bridges with those who may not yet know Christ.

Discipleship Link: Plan follow-up efforts like offering an “Intro to Faith” class in January to welcome those who show interest in learning more.

5. Make Space for Reflection and Prayer

The busyness of the holiday season can overwhelm the soul. Offer a midweek “Advent Prayer and Reflection Night” where people can come and quietly prepare their hearts for Christ. Include guided prayers and moments for silence, focusing on gratitude and renewal.

Discipleship Link: Teach your congregation that slowing down and listening to God is a foundational part of growing as a disciple.

Closing Encouragement:

As we journey through Advent, let us see it as more than a countdown to Christmas. It is a season ripe with opportunity to grow deeper in our faith, invite others into the story of Christ, and prepare the way for a year of fruitful disciple-making in 2025.

How is your church using Advent to deepen discipleship? Share your thoughts and join the conversation!

Follow me on Facebook, my Leadership Edge for Smaller Churches Group, and on X @ItsTimeSam. Share this article on your social feeds to inspire others this Advent season!