Matthew 28:19-20- Making Disciples

“Making disciples, not members,” was the title of a Christian Chronicle article by Calvin Cockrell, I recently read online.

In it Cockrell quotes Quincy Byrdsong a minister at the Simpson Street Church of Christ in Atlanta, who said, “We have to quit just baptizing and not making disciples.”

Speaking to a workshop group on “God’s Standard for Ministry” Byrdsong referenced what we call the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 where Jesus instructed his disciples, “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”

“Those are two discrete actions,” Byrdsong noted. “We’ve got to make learners and pupils. What good is it going to do me to get baptized and I’m not a learner and an imitator of Jesus Christ? Is the baptism the only thing that I need? … Baptism gets me into this life of discipleship.”

Byrdsong’s point is spot on. For too long too many churches, pastors, and preachers left the new convert on their own to grow in their discipleship. Oh, there were Bible classes, Sunday morning and evening worship, sermons, and Gospel Meetings, but often in years past they lacked intentionally of discipling people.

In a lesson on “The Neglect of discipleship,” minister Ellis Stanley Sr. called discipleship “the intentional process of following Jesus, becoming more like him and helping others to do the same.”

Author Bill Hull defined discipleship as “The intentional training of disciples, with accountability, on the basis of loving relationships.” In his book The Antioch Effect, Ken Hemphill observed that “Discipleship is an on going process, not a quick fix.” He further opined that discipleship is a process, not an event.

These quotes remind us that discipleship must be Jesus focused. Intentional. Ongoing. And relationship oriented.

In our post COVID culture, too many Christians have been content to sit on the comfort their couch and worship at home on line. This short-circuits an important ingredient in discipleship–fellowship. There must be joint participation. Sharing. One-another involvement.

Just a cursory pursual of the book of Acts shows the first century disciples were attached to the Body of Christ. Daily meetings and gathering in homes were the norm. They were intimately involved in each others lives. That’s a part of discipleship. (Acts. 2:42-47).

Thankfully, more churches are taking discipleship seriously. With special classes, online resources, mentorship, and Bible curriculums designed to meet the varying needs of Christians who are at different stages of growth, discipleship has become more intentional.

But what is a new Christian to do who’s part of a smaller church that either lacks resources or the will to intentionally disciple new converts?

#1 Take responsibility for your own spiritual growth.

This is true even when there are resources available, each disciple is individually accountable to God for his own development (Gal. 6:5).

#2 Regularly engage in Bible study.

Getting into the Word makes us stronger, builds our faith, and provides Divine guidance for daily living (2 Tim. 2:15; Ax. 17:11).

#3 Pray daily.

Set aside time throughout the day for conversation with God. Like Daniel of old, praying morning, noon, and night, is a good habit to develop. It will draw us closer to God.

#4 Go to worship service every Sunday.

Unless sick or legitimately hindered, make weekly worship with your brethren a set-aside special time for fellowship, praise, and personal connection.

#5 Seek Mentorship.

Is there a Christian in your congregation you can connect with? Someone to rely on, seek advice, and share concerns and who sets a Christ-like example you can emulate?

#6 Read Christian literature.

Theologically sound books, magazines, and e-magazines will offer perspectives and insights to challenge your thinking and help you grow. Be aware there’s a lot junk in some “Christian bookstores” and on Amazon. Seek the advice from preachers and/or pastors for reading suggestions.

#7 Devotional Blogs.

Of course, I recommend ThePreachersWord as a means to spend a few minutes each day reflecting on a spiritual idea. But there are others I suggest on my page helpful links.

#8 Online Resources from Churches.

Also on my helpful links page are links to a few churches that have excellent material which is free of charge. They will also introduce you to preachers whose lessons will challenge and encourage you.

#9 Make personal application.

Discipleship is not just about learning and gaining knowledge. It’s about doing. Being. And becoming conformed to the image of Jesus. In all of our learning, we should ask, “How does that apply to me?” “How can I use that information?” “In what areas do I need to improve?”

Jesus reminds us that discipleship is not always easy or convenient. There is a price to be paid in terms of total commitment, Divine consecration, faithful constancy, and character development (Lk. 14:25-33).

As C. S. Lewis expressed it in Mere Christianity, “Christ says, ‘Give me all. I don’t want so much of your time and so much of your money and so much of your work: I want You.’”

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman