The Ezra 7:10 model: 

     Discipleship begins with a commitment to learn, to attach oneself to a teacher, and to study under the guidance of the Master.  For us it means to be committed to study the Word.  We often argue in the church about the inspiration of scripture which leads to questions about the authority of scripture, which leads to ambivilance about the study of scripture.  However in the process of discipleship, I am more interested in the revelation of the reader.  When we study scripture it becomes the Word of God for the reader through the revelatory power of the Holy Spirit.  There is no substitute for the follower of Jesus being committed to sitting at the feet of the Master through the study of scripture.  This kind of study is not an historical-critical method.  It is not learning about all the geographical, historical, political, or cultural nuances.  This is approaching the study of scripture as prayerful listening for God to speak to my heart and give me wisdom for living.  Certainly we are careful about the context of scripture, both for the writer and today's reader, but this kind of study is to allow the word to be "living and active . . . able to discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12)  This is how we hear from God, but to hear we should be open to learn (which begins with humility and faith).  As the first disciples were immersed in life with Jesus, so the disciple today should be immersed in the word if we are to glean God's wisdom for living and teaching.  Discipleship begins with learning ("hearing and what is heard comes through the word of Christ" Rom. 10:17).