Make Disciples

In a world marred by tragedy and violence, where school shootings, brutal murders, and acts of terrorism dominate our news cycles, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and hopeless. But amidst this darkness, there is a light that has the power to transform lives and reshape societies – the message of the gospel.

The call to follow Jesus is not an end in itself, but the beginning of a journey that leads to a greater purpose: making disciples. This mission, given by Christ Himself, is not just a suggestion but a commission that every believer is called to fulfill.

"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." These words, known as the Great Commission, outline our purpose as followers of Christ. But what does it mean to make disciples, and how do we live out this calling in our daily lives?

Making disciples is about more than just converting people to a set of beliefs. It's about helping others become worshippers of Jesus who lead others to know and worship Him. It's about welcoming them into the family of God, teaching them to serve selflessly, and equipping them to share the gospel with others. In essence, it's about multiplication – disciples making disciples who make more disciples.

This process of disciple-making is not meant to be a spectator sport. Too often in our churches, we've enabled Christians to come and consume without giving or going. We attend Bible studies and church events, but struggle to engage with our neighbors or coworkers about what we're learning. We've become gluttons on Christian commodities instead of participating in the Christian mission with Christian power.

But discipleship was never meant to be passive. It's a pathway through which people progress, always growing to act and speak more like Jesus, while becoming more dependent on His Spirit for the power to live as He did. This journey involves four key aspects:

1. Worship: Recognizing God's worthiness and leading others to do the same.
2. Membership: Becoming part of Jesus' family, united by faith in His death and life.
3. Ministry: Serving selflessly in love of Jesus and others.
4. Mission: Proclaiming the gospel to multiply Jesus' disciples.

Living out this calling requires both proclamation and practice. We must share the gospel message clearly and compellingly, but we must also embody it in our lives. As the historian Tom Holland noted in his book "Dominion," it was Christians who first campaigned against slavery and recognized the equal dignity of all human beings. This radical belief, rooted in the gospel, has the power to transform societies.

So how do we participate in this disciple-making mission? It starts with our own growth and commitment to following Christ. We can't lead others where we haven't gone ourselves. But it also involves active participation in the life and ministries of the church.

As we engage in this disciple-making mission, we must remember that it's not about our own abilities or strengths. Jesus promised, "And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." We don't embark on this journey alone. The same power that raised Christ from the dead is at work in us, enabling us to fulfill our calling.

In a world crying out for hope and meaning, we have the incredible privilege and responsibility of sharing the life-changing message of the gospel. By making disciples, we're not just adding numbers to our churches; we're participating in God's plan to redeem and restore all of creation.

The world may seem dark, but the light of Christ shines brighter. Through faithful disciple-making, we can be part of spreading that light, one life at a time. Will you answer the call?