Scripture tells us that there are costs associated with being a disciple of Christ. We must place Christ ahead of all we cherish, including our family (Luke 14:26). Christ says we must set aside all we posses and place nothing in front of Him (Luke 14:33). There will be sacrifice, persecution and even threats of murder for disciples of Christ (Acts 9:1).

As Jesus proclaimed the Great Commission (Matthew 8:18-20) he provided four very simple yet significant instructions for all Christians. He closed out his earthly ministry with these instructions for taking his gospel to the world. The Great Commission is the charge that calls all believers to evangelism and missions. But, do we understand it? Do we follow our calling as we were instructed?

This article is Part 2 of a four part series (read part 1 here). In these four articles we will separately explore each of the four instructions in the Great Commission; “Go,” “Make Disciples,“ “Baptize Them” and “Teach Them.”

The primary focus of the Great Commission, “make disciples,” is a call for us to make followers and students for Jesus. This requires interaction with the unsaved and instruction on salvation. Making disciples can be done in many ways, but the end result is a new follower of Christ. Francis Chan said, “God Almighty, the Creator, said, ‘Go, make disciples.’ So I don’t want to sit and make excuses.”

What is a disciple?

A disciple is a person who follows another individual or an alternative way of life. He acquiesces to the teaching of the leader or belief system. A disciple can be thought of as an apprentice or someone that associates with a teacher for the purpose of learning from his instruction. Biblically, we find the word “disciple” almost exclusively in the Gospels and Acts, with other occurrences in Isaiah. Almost all references discuss disciples as followers of Jesus.

As we look through Scripture the definition of a disciple of Christ begins to clarify. Disciples of Christ were the first true adherents to Christianity (Acts 11:26). Jesus explains that, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples” (John 8:31). The act of following Christ’s teachings and his beliefs makes one a disciple. Disciples are easily identified as those who bear fruit (John 15:8) or who typify Christ-like changes in their lives. Disciples are filled with joy (Acts 11:52) through the knowledge they have of God’s grace and mercy. And, disciples have a passion for duplication and a longing to create more disciples (Acts 6:1).

The possessive phrase “his disciples” occurs 113 times in the ESV New Testament. This clearly tells us when we become a disciple we become God’s disciple. We belong to the Creator. You cannot become God’s disciple unless you are utterly committed to him. A disciple of Christ puts his Savior ahead of himself. Willing to make personal sacrifice is what being a disciple is about. God calls us to be willing to give all we have. David Platt tells us, “Submitting your life to the authority of Jesus is what it means to be a disciple of Christ.”

Scripture tells us that there are costs associated with being a disciple of Christ. We must place Christ ahead of all we cherish, including our family (Luke 14:26). Christ says we must set aside all we posses and place nothing in front of Him (Luke 14:33). There will be sacrifice, persecution and even threats of murder for disciples of Christ (Acts 9:1).

How to make disciples

There are countless ways to make a disciple, but it is imperative we understand what Christ intended of us. The authoritative “make disciples” is the central focus of the Great Commission. Making a disciple is a deliberate practice where individuals are evangelized and helped to grow in their Christian walk. Disciple making is intentional and must involve the salvation of the lost and equipping them to grow closer to the Father. The most favorable results come from face-to-face discipleship. Technology, music and books can all play a role, but quality teaching takes place in person, with conversations and dialogue. Discipling can include other components, but must be centered on instruction. Making disciples can happen outside of the local church, but it must always point back to the local church. It was always Jesus’ intent that disciplers would lead their disciples into biblical corporate worship.

Role of the Church

A primary purpose of the Christian church is to make disciples. This will be accomplished by proclaiming the gospel of Jesus, by gathering his disciples into corporate worship, and teaching them solid Bible-based truths. God desires his disciples to worship him and obey his commands now and forever to his glory. This will be accomplished as our hearts are radically changed and we are willing to sacrifice our comfort so the grace and mercy of Christ can be shared with new converts to Christ.

The lifeblood of the church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ and teach them how to make to make disciples themselves. The church is a place to educate, instruct, and prepare its members to impact the world and share God’s love, mercy, and message. Pastor and Professor Reddit Andrews said, “‘Go therefore and make disciples,’ that is the mission of the church, as straight forward as it could ever be stated.” Making a disciple who doesn’t yearn to share the gospel with others is like making a Ferrari that doesn’t ache for a clear stretch of freeway.

Our Call

Dietrich Bonhoeffer, World War II martyr for Christ, said, “Christianity without discipleship is always Christianity without Christ.” Our business as Christians is to make disciples of all nations. We can only do that by instructing them in the inerrant teachings of the Scriptures. It is our obligation to bring the lost into a saving relationship with the Lord and then grow them up in Christ.

Mike Pettengill is a full-time missionary serving in La Ceiba, Honduras, with Mission to the World. Mike is a team leader of a 12-person mission team. To learn more about the Pettengill’s work in Honduras visit Pettengill Missionaries.