10 Habits of a Disciple

By: Andy Dejka – Coach & Training Specialist, Parish Support Team

When the Church makes disciples, she fulfills her deepest vocation, “to make men share in the communion between the Father and the Son in their Spirit of love (CCC 850). Before Jesus ascended to the Father, he gave the Church the most authoritative commission in all of history, saying: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, to the close of the age” (Mt. 28:19-20).

Thus, in making disciples, the Church is living out her fundamental mission. And when the Church becomes preoccupied with secondary concerns, she diminishes the harvest of souls whom God desires to draw into the life of the Spirit.

Therefore, every baptized person should ask: Am I living as a missionary disciple?

And every parish leader should ask: How is my parish responding to the commission to make disciples?

While there are many lenses for understanding what it means to live as a missionary disciple, one simple framework is called Ten Habits of a Disciple. This resource lists ten characteristics that every Christian can strive to embody. It makes a distinction between being a disciple and being a missionary disciple. Where a disciple desires to personally grow in each of the ten habits, a missionary disciple takes up the added responsibility of helping others to grow in those habits. Consider using this resource to help you identify your areas of growth as a missionary disciple. Take it with you for:

• Personal prayer and reflection, and/or
• Discussion with your ministry team, staff, or pastoral council

May each of us receive the commission to make disciples with great generosity and love!