A Follower or Disciple?
- Sonya D. Ferreira
- Jun 24
- 3 min read
As we reflect on Father’s Day, I hope many fathers were honored not only for what they provide but for who they are. Their presence, leadership, and influence within our families and communities matter. Our culture desperately needs more authentic examples of godly men who understand the responsibility and privilege of leading others well.
This raises an important question:
Did you accept the Emissary Way 2026 Manhood Challenge? If not, there’s still time.
My encouragement is simple: “Start where you are, use what you have, and do what you can” to make a meaningful difference in a young man’s life today.
Emissary Way 2026 Manhood Challenge:
Find a younger brother to consistently disciple, mentor, and invest in
Establish or strengthen a relationship with another mature brother who can provide accountability, wisdom, and support for your journey
Why is this Manhood Challenge so Critical to Accept?
It reflects the model Jesus taught us. He did not merely gather followers; Jesus made disciples by investing in others’ lives. He walked alongside His disciples teaching, correcting, encouraging, and equipping them to lead.
Jesus’ ministry was built on relationship, intentional investment, and living in community. In His final decree on earth, He commissioned all of us to go make disciples, teach and mentor others in His way. When we do, we continue the work He started.
Men need each other now as much as they did in biblical times. Discipleship was always God’s plan. He never intended for people to live in isolation. Connection, engagement, and investment are essential for growing future generations of godly leaders.
One of the greatest questions facing our society today is: How do we train boys to become men who lead well?
The answer is not found in age alone.
Young men mature when they are taught, discipled, and mentored by other men (and women) of wisdom. When we see a shortage of engaged fathers, responsible husbands, or godly leaders we must examine whether enough mature men are stepping forward as teachers, mentors, and spiritual fathers. This responsibility belongs to all men.
So, what are you waiting for? Be a part of the change we need to see.
Why Should You Make the Investment?
The beauty of discipleship is it is inherently reciprocal. While the elder teaches the younger, the younger men often bring fresh perspectives, renewed passion, and lessons of their own. Both men grow. Both men benefit. Both are transformed.
This leads us to a more introspective question.
Are You a Follower or a Disciple?
Many people claim to be a Christian who follows Jesus. Fewer people commit to living as His disciples.
Jesus is not a distant leader. He is the Good Shepherd living among His sheep. He is the Teacher who modeled righteous living for His disciples.
A disciple does more than admire or be inspired by the teachings of Jesus. Disciples align their lives with Christ’s example and His mission to reach others.
In Scripture, many of Jesus’ followers walked away when His teachings challenged them. In contrast, His disciples remained faithful until death. They also endured hardship and sacrificed comfort, but they did not recant their testimony. They continued to share the Good News by teaching others and developing future leaders. Jesus’ disciples embraced their assignment.
The same call remains for us today!
Do not be content to observe from a distance. You were made to “get in the fight” and participate in raising the next generation of men.
Call to Action
Prayerfully consider who God has placed in your space of influence.
Ask: Who is the younger man I need to disciple or mentor? Who is the elder man I can ask for guidance? Who is the faithful brother I can walk beside in accountability and encouragement?
The next generation of men, fathers, husbands, and leaders are watching…and waiting. We have been called not only to follow Christ but help others follow Him too!
Jesus finished His assignment. The first-century disciples finished their assignment.
What will you do with the time that remains?
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Check out the 2025 Manhood Challenge testimonials: https://www.emissaryway.com/events
Following Christ was never meant to be a spectator activity.
Discipleship requires presence, investment, and the willingness to walk alongside others as they grow.
The leaders of tomorrow are shaped by the mentors, fathers, teachers, and disciples who choose to invest in them today.
Take a moment to reflect:
Who has God placed in your sphere of influence that needs your guidance, encouragement, or example? And who are you allowing to challenge, sharpen, and strengthen you?
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Identity first. Integrity always. Lead intentionally.
Excellent. Well written and the topic was outstanding. Men need to become aware that we do not become men (vs male) on our own. We need a man of God and wisdom to show us what it really takes be a man after God's own heart.