19 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, 20 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 28:19-20)
This is the Great Commission, and it is the last thing that Jesus told his disciples. The disciples went from their daily occupation to catching fish to learning to be fishers of man. They tagged alongside Jesus in the three years of his ministry and watched him perform miracles and healings up until this point where it is now up to them to carry out the mission.
In the span of the three years, Jesus modeled what it looked like to be a servant-leader and taught his disciples everything commanded by God. Jesus' leadership prepared them to go out, proclaim the gospel, bring many to salvation, and set up disciples. From this point forward, the mission continued into generation after generation and the gospel is still making an impact on the lives of people today. This is the church that Jesus envisioned.
If churches and ministries are looking into how to keep the momentum going in discipleship, the best place to look is at the example set by Jesus. A discipleship-making culture is one where everyone in the church is making disciples just as Jesus wanted. While many churches have lost the value and importance of the commission, churches that are committed to carrying out the commission need to be more urgent in raising disciples. A discipleship-making church is one that can keep the momentum going by actively serving, uniting, and focusing on transforming hearts.
12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. (Ephesians 4:12-13)
Actively serving builds up the church and body of Christ. Every believer in the body of Christ has been gifted with special skills and talents that progresses the mission forward. As we continue to use our gifts and talents in furthering God's kingdom, we draw nearer to God and mature in faith and love. Those that are active and serving in areas of the ministry creates a discipleship culture. These people will grow to have the strongest and greatest faith which propels others to want to seek God.
When those that are actively serving come together in unity, it creates a stronger coalition. In the body of Christ, we are called to work with one another to accomplish goals and achieve milestones. If one person is idle, it slows down the momentum of the mission. With our gifts, we must encourage one another and remind each other of the vision, so that we are all on the same track to keep the ball rolling.
True disciples are ones that have experienced life-change at the immense love of Jesus Christ. Focusing on bringing transformation to the lives and hearts of their students creates a discipleship culture. Just like Paul, when we experience the deep love of Christ, we are compelled to want to serve and love others, thus creating more disciples.
Actively serving, uniting, and life transformation are the three elements that Jesus focused on in his ministry. These three elements continued onto the early church even in the physical absence of Jesus. As leaders we model the life of Christ, help people trust Jesus, and help them make more disciples. This is key if we want to experience the mission move forward and keep the momentum of discipleship-making culture.
As we push to reach the M40 countries by the end of June, may we all remain active in service, united in faith, and focused on transforming souls. This is truly the church that the spirit of God dwells and works powerfully in to reach every person and nation in the world.