Integrity Journal of Arts and Humanities

Christian discipleship is frequently understood as participation in church classes and programmes, yet the New Testament presents discipleship as a lifelong commitment to Jesus Christ expressed through the imitation of his character and conduct. The study examined the biblical meaning and cost of discipleship in Luke 14:25–33, assessed members’ understanding and practice of discipleship, identified factors affecting effective discipleship, and examined possible strategies for strengthening discipleship practice in FGC Ikorodu 1 District. The study employed biblical exegetical analysis of Luke 14:25–33 alongside a descriptive survey of members and leaders of FGC Ikorodu 1 District. A self-developed questionnaire was administered across the five zones of the district; 300 copies were distributed, and 283 valid responses were analysed using frequency counts and simple percentages. The study found that respondents possessed substantial conceptual knowledge of discipleship: 99.6% agreed that discipleship entails total commitment and adherence to Jesus Christ, while 100% agreed that discipleship should be expressed through practical lifestyles and conduct rather than church programmes alone. The findings also showed that 77.1% agreed that one-on-one discipleship is practised in their churches, whereas 70.4% agreed that some members participate in discipleship classes primarily for membership and leadership purposes rather than to embody Christlike conduct. Furthermore, 47% indicated concerns about the exemplary practice of discipleship by leaders and teachers, and 61.0% agreed that some members are promoted without sufficient evidence of godly lifestyles. The study argues that the principal challenge is therefore not lack of awareness but the translation of discipleship knowledge into observable Christian practice. It recommends a deliberate shift from programme-centred discipleship toward relational, practical, and accountable formation in which leaders model the character of Christ.