Discipleship in Pakistan: Why Making Disciples is the Heart of Church Planting and Long-Term Spiritual Growth

While evangelism introduces people to Jesus, discipleship is what helps them follow Him faithfully for life. In Pakistan, a nation where Christians are a small and often persecuted minority, the process of making disciples is not only vital—it is revolutionary. Discipleship is the engine that fuels healthy churches and growing communities rooted in the gospel.

As the church planting movement expands across Pakistan in 2025 and beyond, the emphasis must remain not only on reaching the lost but also on training them to live as committed followers of Christ.

What Is Discipleship, and Why Is It Essential in Pakistan?

Jesus didn’t just call people to believe in Him—He called them to follow Him. In Matthew 28:19–20, He said:

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations… teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”

In Pakistan, where many believers are new to the faith and may be isolated from strong Christian communities, discipleship becomes the bridge between initial belief and lifelong transformation. It means:

•Teaching Scripture consistently

•Walking alongside new believers

•Helping them develop a personal relationship with Jesus

•Training them to share their faith with others

Without discipleship, many new converts are left without support, vulnerable to discouragement, persecution, or drifting back into old beliefs. Discipleship creates stability and maturity.

The Challenge of Discipleship in a Restricted Nation

Discipleship in Pakistan isn’t easy. Many believers don’t have access to Bibles, teaching resources, or spiritual mentors. Churches often face pressure from society or legal authorities. In rural areas, Christian gatherings must be discreet, and discipleship may happen in homes or small group settings.

Yet, despite these challenges, God is raising up bold leaders and teachers committed to discipling the next generation.

This is where Bible schools like Revelation Bible College play a powerful role, equipping local believers to become strong leaders and disciplers in their own communities.

The Role of the Local Church in Making Disciples

Healthy church plants in Pakistan are not just places of worship—they are training grounds for disciples. They provide spiritual guidance, biblical teaching, and pastoral care. They also foster relationships, mentorship, and accountability—key ingredients for lasting spiritual growth.

A church that invests in discipleship becomes a multiplying church. Disciples who are trained will go on to disciple others, and entire communities can be transformed through the influence of one faithful believer.

A Testimony of Transformation Through Discipleship

Consider the story of a young man in Lahore who received Christ during an evangelistic outreach. He came from a background of hopelessness, violence, and addiction. But through the discipleship program at his local church—meeting weekly with a mentor, studying the Bible, and learning how to pray—his life was radically changed.

Now, just three years later, he is leading a home fellowship and discipling others. This is the power of true discipleship: it multiplies.

Discipleship Materials and Resources in Urdu

A major obstacle to discipleship in Pakistan has been the lack of sound, biblical materials in the Urdu language. Good Samaritan Ministries has responded by distributing thousands of Urdu Bibles and discipleship booklets tailored for new believers. These simple but powerful tools are being used in homes, churches, and villages across the country.

As more resources become available, more lives can be discipled and strengthened.

Discipleship Leads to Church Growth

Discipleship is not just about personal growth—it directly fuels church planting. As new believers grow stronger in their faith, many are called to leadership. They begin new fellowships, lead Bible studies, and eventually start churches.

This organic, Spirit-led growth is how the gospel is spreading from house to house, city to city, and generation to generation.

How You Can Help Strengthen Discipleship in Pakistan

•Pray for spiritual maturity and hunger for God’s Word among new believers

•Provide Bibles and discipleship resources in Urdu and other local languages

•Support Bible colleges and training centers equipping leaders

•Sponsor church planters who are actively discipling their communities

Conclusion: Discipleship Is the Heartbeat of Church Planting

Church planting without discipleship is like planting seeds but never watering them. In Pakistan, where the soil is ready but the workers are few, we must focus on cultivating strong, rooted believers who can withstand persecution and live boldly for Jesus.

Through discipleship, we raise up leaders. Through those leaders, we plant churches. And through churches, we transform nations—one soul at a time.

_______________________________

Rev. De. Naeem Nasir

President | Good Samaritan Ministries

www.gsministries.org