Mobilize Disciples

In the grand tapestry of God's plan for humanity, the church stands as a vibrant thread, weaving together the divine commission and human obedience. At its core, the church is called to regular rhythms of gathering and going—a beautiful choreography designed by the Creator Himself.

This dance begins with a simple yet profound truth: Jesus Christ, having all authority in heaven and on earth, has commissioned His followers to "go and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19). This Great Commission isn't just a suggestion; it's a mandate from the King of kings. But what does this look like in practice?

The church's mission can be distilled into a powerful framework: making, maturing, and mobilizing to multiply disciples. It's a cycle of spiritual growth and outreach that reflects the very heart of God.

Making disciples is the foundation. It's about evangelizing—sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with those who haven't heard or accepted it. But it doesn't stop there. It's also about establishing new believers in the family of faith, helping them find their place in the body of Christ.

Maturing disciples is the next crucial step. This involves equipping believers with the necessary components of faith so they can act on it. It's about empowering, encouraging, and enabling them to grow in Christlikeness. As Paul writes in Ephesians 4:15, we are to "grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ."

Mobilizing is where the rubber meets the road. It's about sending out mature disciples to continue the cycle, to be the hands and feet of Jesus in a world desperately in need of His love and truth. This mobilization happens in two primary rhythms: gathering and going.

• The gathering of the church is not just a weekly ritual; it's a spiritual lifeline. When believers come together, they encourage one another, spur each other on toward love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24-25), and collectively worship the One who called them out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9). This gathering is both a reflection of God's universal gathering of His people and a practical expression of our unity in Christ.
• But the church that only gathers is like a stagnant pond. That's why the going is equally crucial. As believers scatter into their communities, workplaces, and the ends of the earth, they carry the light of Christ with them. This going isn't just about formal missionary work (though that's certainly part of it). It's about living out the gospel in everyday life, being ready to give an answer for the hope within us (1 Peter 3:15).

The beauty of this gathering and going rhythm is that it's not one-size-fits-all. For some, it might mean inviting a neighbor to a church event. For others, it could involve starting a Bible study at work or flying across the world to serve in a foreign mission field. The key is participation—finding our place in God's grand design and stepping into it with faith and obedience.

This participation isn't always easy. It often requires sacrifice, stepping out of our comfort zones, and pouring out our lives for others. As the Apostle Paul wrote, we become like Christ when we pour ourselves out as a drink offering (Philippians 2:17). It's in these moments of self-giving that we most closely resemble our Savior, who gave His life for us.

But here's the incredible promise: as we engage in this mission, Jesus Himself is with us. He assured His disciples, "And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:20). This promise sustains us in the face of challenges and reminds us that our labor in the Lord is never in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58).

As we consider our role in these divine rhythms of gathering and going, it's crucial to remember that we're all part of something bigger than ourselves. The moment God saves us, He saves us into a "we"—a community of believers united in Christ. Our growth, our service, our very lives are intricately connected to this community.

So, what does this mean for us practically? It means stepping in, getting involved, and participating in the life of the church. It means recognizing that real spiritual growth happens when we put our faith into practice, serving alongside our brothers and sisters in Christ. It means seeing every aspect of our lives—our work, our relationships, our leisure—as opportunities to live out the gospel and make disciples.

For some, this might mean volunteering in a church ministry, whether it's greeting newcomers, teaching children, or managing finances. For others, it could involve opening their homes for community groups or mentoring younger believers. The possibilities are as diverse as the body of Christ itself.

As we engage in this mission, we'll find that relationships naturally grow out of doing ministry together. We'll experience the Lord challenging, stretching, and growing us in ways we never imagined. And most importantly, we'll be participating in the very work that God is doing in the world—reconciling all things to Himself through Christ (Colossians 1:20).

Let's not forget that this mission isn't just about what we do; it's rooted in who God is and what He's done. It's because of the gospel—the good news of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection—that we live for His fame in our gathering and our going. We are His disciples, devoted to Him in our worship, our membership, our ministry, and our mission.

May we be a people who gather faithfully and go boldly, always remembering that the One who commissioned us is with us always, even to the end of the age.