This might offend – so be it.

We often live as though there are three levels of Christianity:

1. Christians
2. Disciples
3. Apostles

Most people are content to self-identify as Christians. They assume discipleship is for those with extra time and reserve the term “apostle” for the “weird” or “fanatical” Christians.

But Scripture shows us something different: there is no tiered system of Christianity. You cannot truly be a Christian without also being both a disciple and an apostle. It’s all or nothing.

In fact, the term Christian wasn’t even one the early believers used for themselves—it was likely a derogatory term first used in Antioch (Acts 11:26). Instead, they called each other brothers and sisters, disciples, or apostles.

Unfortunately, in our Southern culture, it’s easy to settle for just “checking the box” as a Christian. We attend public worship when convenient, give money occasionally, and consider that enough. But Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:21-23 should make us pause:

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’”

Not all who sing worship songs, say “Lord, Lord,” or boast seemingly impressive spiritual resumes are truly known by Jesus.

So, what does it mean to live as both a disciple and an apostle?

What is a Disciple?

A disciple is a follower of Jesus. Disciples accept the Great Invitation to Come & See. They spend intentional time with the Lord. They read Scripture, confess sins, pray regularly, and worship in private. They abide in God’s presence and marvel at His goodness, grace, and mercy in their lives.

What is an Apostle?

An apostle is literally a sent one. You might be more familiar with the Latin term missionary. Apostles are sent with a message. Having experienced the Great Invitation, they take the Great Commission seriously: Go & Be.

Apostles are transformed by time spent with Jesus. They are reoriented, recalibrated, and redeployed for His purposes. They invest in the hurting and lonely, seek the lost, and guide the confused. They love their neighbors, give sacrificially (not just strategically), and worship publicly so others can see God glorified.

The Call of Christ

The call of Christ is not to settle for being “just a Christian.” We are called to live dual lives as both disciples and apostles. To claim to be a Christian without spending time with Jesus (discipleship) or serving others in His name (apostleship) is like standing in a garage, going “vroom, vroom” and claiming to be a car.

As Jesus said in John 13:35:

“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

So, let us embrace the fullness of our calling—not as mere Christians, but as disciples and apostles. Let’s Come and See in order to Go and Be.

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Check out a more in depth study of this in The Disciple-Making Manual.