What exactly are we doing here?
From time to time, any organization, and especially every church, should examine this question. If we are going to make a maximum impact for Jesus in our generation and in the generations to come, we must be laser-focused on keeping the main thing, the main thing. Recently, our church summed it up this way: Champion Forest Advances the Kingdom by making disciples, loving our community, and strengthening the church.
Today, let’s delve deeper into the first aspect of this tri-fold mission, that of making disciples. Before we continue, allow me to share with you a significant part of my personal history.
Mamma Lula and Pappa Buford were my great grandparents. You know my poppa was a boss with a name like Buford. Poppa Buford and Mamma Lula loved Jesus and probably impacted my family more than anyone else. Pappa Buford was a contractor who built the church my dad’s family worshiped at growing up, and he even sang in a southern gospel quartet. Most importantly, he and Mamma Lula taught my dad, in word and deed, the importance of following Jesus. It’s safe to say that I would not have been raised in the church if it was not for this couple.
I could share an extensive list of other individuals who have had a top influence on my life as it relates to my passion for and commitment to Jesus. I am who I am because faithful people invested in me, shared with me, inspired me, challenged me, and taught me how to follow Jesus. I bet many of you could say the same.
Could someone say this of you?
Have you spurred others on to follow Jesus more closely? Have you challenged others to love Jesus more deeply? Have you taught others how to read and apply God’s Word to their lives?
The Great Commission
“And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matt. 28:18-20, ESV)
This text is known as “The Great Commission.” It is a command given to all people who have decided to follow Jesus. It is not a command given only to “professional clergy,” seminary students training for ministry, or some spiritually elite few. The Great Commission is given to everyone who has placed their faith in Christ, and following and fulfilling this command should be the priority of our lives. Everything else should be secondary.
The Great Commission is personal. Are you making disciples? It also has corporate elements. Is your church making disciples? In every ministry you engage in, every group that meets, and every program you initiate, you must ask: “Are we making disciples?
What is Discipleship?
Discipleship is a developmental process whereby believers intentionally pass on to others what they know, have experienced, and are learning about Jesus so that others become more like Jesus. You can see in this definition that the amount of time you have followed Jesus does not matter. Sometimes we make excuses like, “I don’t know enough,” “I’m not ready yet,” or “I wouldn’t know where to begin,” but these excuses don’t cut it when we look at what Scripture teaches about making disciples.
Discipleship doesn’t need to be complicated. When you disciple someone, you are simply passing on to them what you know, have experienced, or learned about Jesus. Even if you trusted Jesus last week, you know enough to share what you have learned and experienced about Jesus with someone else. You can share that you realized you were a sinner and that Jesus saved you when you placed your trust in him. You can share about the forgiveness and grace you found in him. If you are spending time alone with Jesus, pass on what you are studying and learning in the context of a relationship—this is discipleship! Discipleship is a marked decision; it is a volitional choice. Choose to share what you know, have experienced, and are learning about Jesus so that others will become more like him.
How to Begin
As you read this, you might be thinking, “I don’t know where to begin making disciples.” Well, let me tell you where to start.
Ensure that you are a disciple
You can’t make disciples until you are a disciple. You must turn from your sin and call on the name of the Lord—this is the gospel.
Pray for a disciple
This is what Jesus did. He prayed all night (Luke 6:12) before choosing his disciples. Who is it that God is laying on your heart that you could see yourself investing in? Start slow and ask God for one disciple.
Select Your Disciple
Jesus selected tax collectors and fishermen. Once you select that person, ask them, “Would you be willing to meet once a week or once every other week to read God’s Word together and talk about what we’re learning?
Instruct your disciple
This simply means you lead the way. If you ask them to read a chapter of Scripture, you better ensure you read it too. If you ask them to memorize a verse, you better memorize that verse too. And remember, this is not about a program, it’s about a relationship.
Discipleship is a decision—a choice to share your journey with Jesus and guide others along the path. Let us accept this challenge and live out the Great Commission, advancing the Kingdom one disciple at a time.
