Disciple Making

Why Disciple?

Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore 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. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:18-20).

Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God (Titus 2:3-5).

But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them (2 Timothy 3:1-5).

Characteristics of a Disciple of Christ

Three characteristics of a disciple:

1. "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples" (John 8:31).

2. "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples" (John 13:34-35).

3. "This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples" (John 15:8).

Question: Are you a disciple of Christ ready to train another, or are you in need of discipleship?

The Purpose of Disciple Making

Paul's purpose of discipleship: "We proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works within me" (Colossians 1:28-29).

"I urge you to imitate me" (1 Corinthians 4:16). "You became imitators of us and of the Lord" (1 Thessalonians 1:6).

Paul's passion: "Brothers, when we were torn away from you for a short time, in person, not in thought, out of our intense longing we made every effort to see you. For we wanted to come to you, certainly I, Paul, did, again and again, but Satan stopped us. For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy" (1 Thessalonians 2:17-20).

Paul's instruction: "And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others" (2 Timothy 2:2).

Methods for Disciple Making

Formal disciple making: This type of discipleship can be one on one or a small group setting. A workbook is used and the length of time is set by the program described in the workbook. Often, the focus is first becoming a disciple of Jesus Christ and then making a disciple using the provided material.

Informal disciple making: This type of discipleship is often most effective one on one. It may be ongoing or set to be completed in a specific period of time. The focus is the gospel being embedded into the life of a new or young believer through vulnerable relationship, prayer, lifestyle mentoring around the Word of God and mutual accountability.

Whom Do I Disciple?

One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles (Luke 6:12-13).

Pray and ask God to make plain whom you are to disciple. Look around you. Who is in your sphere of influence? Are there those who are following you? Are there those who are looking to you for answers? In a formal disciple making program it is possible to be assigned disciples who have been recommended to you by other trusted people.