What does It Mean to ‘Make Disciples’?

In my most recent post I observed that many congregations and followers of Jesus are failing to pursue Jesus’ Great Commission, to “go and make disciples…teaching them to observe all that I have commanded them” (Matthew 28:19-20). Some may wonder, “What’s disciple-making, and is it the same as discipleship?”

 

There’s a very significant difference between the two, in my view. Discipleship focuses on the everyday, unending process of becoming more and more like Jesus Christ in thought and deed. Campus ministry Cru defines discipleship as “a journey of intentional decisions leading to maturity in one’s relationship with Jesus so that you become more like Him in your attitudes, focus, and ultimately, behavior.”

 

This could – and should – include such things as consistent time reading and studying the Scriptures; praying; joining other believers for worship and fellowship; sharing one’s faith with others; and striving to live out biblical principles on a daily basis.

 

Disciple-making includes this but adds the dimension of leading, teaching and helping others to grow in their own faith, then to pass on what they have learned so others may become mature Christ followers.

 

My own experience with both discipleship and disciple-making started years ago in a small group Bible study that used materials developed by The Navigators. Founded by Dawson Trotman, the “Navs” joined evangelism – seeking to introduce people to Christ – with a discipling dimension that many other ministries lacked. This dual focus remains their mission today.

 

Jesus’ command to “make disciples” was not simply to make converts – people who once were heading one way spiritually and had turned toward Him. It also meant to invest in people “life on life,” developing disciples by helping them understand and apply truths of the Bible in relevant, practical ways.

 

We have the Lord’s own example. During the three years of His formal earthly ministry many people followed Him, but Jesus focused His attention of 12 individuals. He even had an inner circle of three men He spent more time with – Peter, James and John – discipling them through example and purposeful instruction. That was why, moments before His ascension to heaven, Jesus confidently instructed them, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations….”

 

My understanding of disciple-making expanded when I joined the staff of CBMC (Christian Business Men’s Connection) in 1981. Influenced by The Navigators, CBMC had developed its own discipling resources called “Operation Timothy,” named after the apostle Paul's admonition to his protégé, Timothy: “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).

 

This passage offers a word picture of multi-generational discipling. Paul had invested many hours in teaching Timothy (2^nd generation). He was telling him to entrust what he had learned to “reliable men” (3^rd generation) who then would teach others (4^th generation). This underscored the reality that discipleship and spiritual growth aren’t automatic – they require intentionality and support.

 

Perhaps the best biblical metaphor for disciple-making is parenting. Spiritual ‘converts’ essentially are spiritual infants, unable to do much on their own. Human babies spend much of their waking hours eating, crying and making messes. Often, a new believer isn’t much different. He or she needs to be ‘parented,’ having someone to care for and comfort them, serve as a confidant, offer counsel, and help to clean up messes they’ve made in living contrary to Christ’s teachings.

 

In 1 Thessalonians 2:7-8 the apostle Paul recognized this, writing, “but we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children. We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.” Just a few verses later he added, “For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into His kingdom and glory” (1 Thessalonians 2:11-12).

 

How often have you heard about becoming personally involved in making disciples? For most of us, not much if at all. We hear about talking with non-believers about Jesus, but rarely receive exhortation to come alongside others and assist them in their spiritual journey.

 

We might feel unqualified, like we need to grow ourselves before we can help others. Making disciples also takes time, energy, and even personal resources. As Paul wrote, sharing “not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.” This is a considerable personal investment but the dividends are wonderful – and eternal. And it’s the Lord’s desire for us.

 

Nearly 40 years ago I attended a conference where the speaker talked about making disciples. Inspired, I earnestly prayed for God to guide me to one man I could meet with on a regular basis to help with his spiritual growth. Within two months, the Lord had brought TWO men into my life. I had the privilege and blessing of meeting with each man almost weekly over many months, and I maintain a close relationship with one of them to this day. Since then I’ve had the privilege of meeting with a number of other men.

One day, pointing to a vineyard as an object lesson, Jesus told His disciples, “If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). Then He declared, “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit – fruit that will last” (John 15:16). If we’re willing to obey Him in making disciples, Jesus will enable us to bear more fruit than we could imagine.