I see a difference in scripture between Disciples and followers. Jesus had thousands of followers but only 12 disciples. I also see in the Old Testament (OT is a picture of what was to come) 12 tribes, only one of which was set apart for priesthood (the Levites). Are the Levites a picture of the Disciples of Jesus's time? I think so, and the New Testameant speaks about the priesthood of all believers. There is a difference, between disciples and followers. Disciples serve the church, they are the church's servants. Not a lower class, still equal with the follower, but they have been called by God to serve.
I am writing here about modern day disciples. Trying to identify what makes a disciple. My hope is this, that maybe you have been called to discipleship but until now have not recognised that calling. I also hope that maybe God will call you as you read this and gain understanding of what discipleship is. My third and final hope is that God will show followers what disciples are, and that disciples will then be more understood and not just considered a pain to be around.

Who are disciples then?
God is moving in His Church and has been for a number of years in power and love. People have been touched by the Holy Spirit and brought into new realms of freedom.
They have pressed on further realising that the release God brought was for some greater purpose, and are now seeking to know more of God and His purposes for them. But more than that, they have come to see a degree of hollowness within existing church structures.
They are rejecting all the presumptive and religious nonsense that so often characterises the church and are once more seeking God's pattern for church.
One important factor of this discipleship that God is calling people to is, that it is not a new denomination, nor is it a new grouping of people who have left existing churches to create a new one. These disciples are individuals, possibly many of them don't even know of one another, all within existing churches, which is where God is telling them to stay and serve and build His kingdom. There are probably only 1 or 2,
or 5 or 6 couples in each of the physical churches, but they will be the nucleus that God will use to touch His people.
They are not recognised by their popularity, and could even be noticed by their unpopularity, as they are frequently considered a bit OTT, only because they put God first. To distinguish them from the religious and over-zealous, in accordance with the character God is building into them, if challenged, they will not answer back as they recognise the futility of words and fruitless argument.
One has either been called, or one has not.
Disciples are men and women who can give no explanation for what they now are, how they got there, or where they are going (other than heavenwards), all they do know is that, God is.

to be continued......