The purpose of the church is clear
The church, as Jesus envisions it, exists to make disciples. That’s its purpose, which is clearly stated in the Great Commission (Matthew 28.18-20 ESV). However, the Great Commission also spells out the process by which Jesus intends the church to make disciples. In that short statement, Jesus lays out four clear steps to follow:
1. Engage spiritual explorers with the gospel.
The first step in the disciple-making process is evangelism, and the most effective evangelism begins with relationships. Jesus’ statement to “go and make disciples” could also be translated, “as you are going, make disciples.” This alternate translation emphasizes the idea that Jesus intends for us to share the gospel message with other people we encounter in our normal lives and typical routines. It’s no wonder, then, that the early church grew so rapidly. As people believed in Jesus, they went back to the people they already knew and told them about Him (Mark 5.19 ESV).
2. Connect new believers with a biblical community.
New believers should be baptized “in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Baptism is a vital part of the process because it identifies the person as a follower of Jesus. Because the new believer trusts Jesus, he or she submits to baptism as a step of obedience to His command. Additionally, baptism gives the church an opportunity to celebrate and welcome new believers into the family of faith.
3. Grow disciples by training them to walk with God.
Jesus didn’t want us to make converts to Christianity, He wanted us to make disciples who progressively embody His own character and competencies in their lives. No one accidentally becomes like Christ. Discipleship requires training and discipline.
The process of growth includes learning to read God’s Word on your own and cultivating your relationship with Jesus through prayer. It involves learning to share your faith and reflect God’s love to the people around you. The Apostle Paul said, “All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize” 1 Corinthians 9.25 NLT.
4. Multiply disciples by sending them to make disciples
Jesus’ statement to obey everything He commanded includes the command to make disciples. It’s clear that Jesus intended for His disciples to make more disciples. After they’re trained, disciples are sent out to invest their lives in the lives of others. A mature plant bears fruit. A mature animal produces offspring. A mature follower of Jesus makes disciples.
The promise of Jesus’ presence and power
In the Great Commission, Jesus gave us a clear product and process. Then He promised to be with us every step of the way. When you’re committed to making disciples according to Jesus’ model, you’ll never be without His presence or power.
This blog features an excerpt from one of our Student Series books, Invest In A Few.
