Episode 6: Why Discipleship?

Episode 6: Why Discipleship?

Show Notes:

We have two significant focusses in our faith - The Great Commission and The Great Commandment.  One is to love people as we love The Lord and the other is to go into all of the world and make Disciples.

Called to Make Disciples NOT Converts

One of the most interesting things to notice in The Great Commission is that we are not called to make “converts”… we are called to make disciples.

Not all converts are disciples… but all disciples are converts. 

We have for a long time, and rightfully so, created spaces in our churches and ministries for people to respond the salvation message of Jesus.  We lead them to a moment, and then through a prayer, and celebrate the life changing decision they made to follow Jesus. All of this is appropriate! However, it is not the full story - it’s only the beginning! 

The real process of discipleship takes time, energy, and resources.  Discipleship isn’t clean - it’s messy.  It’s helping people wrestle with the Word of God as it applies to their life and the changes it brings.  It’s the accountability for growth as a person and in their walk with Jesus. 

Building Discipleship Back INTO The Church

Discipleship needs to be a systematic walkthrough of the Bible through bible plans and life applications.  We have a responsibility to tie the Word of God to our life and our actions.  Typically this is done in smaller groups with a plan to walk through the Word, talk about it’s application to our lives, commit to growing into what we are learning, and being accountable to each other during the growth process.  Discipleship is the pathway to becoming who Jesus desires us to be!

There are many different methods we can develop discipleship and bring it more in focus in our local churches and ministries. 

Here are some different methods :

• Small Groups (In service and out)
• Girls Ministries
• Royal Rangers
• Sunday School
• Community Groups

This is not an all inclusive list… but a great place to get started!  We want to help you find creative ways to implement it into your church or help you grow what you already have!

God Honors His Word

The Word of God tells us that He honors His Word as He honors His name. (Psalm 138:2). This is an incredible promise that we can hold on to!  It is vitally important that we show kids, students, and young adults, how to find the answers they need in the Bible and not hang on to our beautifully crafted alliteration. 

“Praise puts your problems into perspective.”  Is a great line that we can remember easy… but if we don’t help those listening understand where to find that in the Bible - Jesus doesn’t honor our cleverly crafted messages… He honors His word.  John 16:33 tells us that in Him we can have peace, because He has overcome the world! 

If we are able to tie that thought and anchor it into the scripture to where those listening can hide The Word in their heart, we are solidifying scripture in their heart and not something that just “sounds good”.

Final Thoughts

Discipleship is a process.  It’s a commitment of our time, relationship, resources, and a willingness to involved in all of life’s challenges.  It’s not easy.  It’s messy.  It is the most rewarding thing we can do as we fulfill the scripture of making disciples - not just “converts”.