Paul & Onesimus

The video presents an interesting perspective of how we disciple today. Several years ago, the “formula” for discipling and growth was shown in the video for many locations.

But as time goes by and as people change, I wonder if the methods we have been using are still effective?

In a survey taken a few years ago among over 15,000 religious congregations agreed that the number one reason given for their decline in attendance is that the church is in turned inward instead of outward.

Evangelism is little or no priority.

An interesting statement was made by Penn Jillette, of the famed Penn and Teller magic/comedy duo, once said in a vlog:

“I [am] an atheist.... I don’t respect people who don’t proselytize.... If you believe that there’s a heaven and hell and that people could be going to hell… How much do you have to hate somebody to not proselytize?”

Ouch!

Naturally, other factors play into the decline of the numbers in churches, but even those factors link to the fact that we don’t place a high value on the mission we have been given… the great commission.

Mt 28:18–20 And Jesus came to them and spoke to them, saying, All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit: teaching them to observe all the things they have been commanded.

The Great Commission is accomplished through witnessing (Acts 1:8), preaching (Mark 16:15), baptizing, and teaching (Matt. 28:20). Jesus’ disciples are to replicate themselves in the lives of those who respond to the Good News.

The Holy Spirit is the empowering agent for those who witness (Acts 1:8), as well as the one who convicts sinners of their need for Jesus (John 16:8–11). The disciples will have success because Jesus, the Lord of heaven and earth, will be with them.

What is it to disciple?

The word Disciple is very close to the word discipline,

Discipline means learning how to improve your self-control, set and achieve your goals, and correct your behavior. You can improve your discipline by knowing your “why”, clarifying your goals, finding accountability, removing distractions, and reviewing and expanding your goals. You can also learn about discipline which teaches accountability through natural and logical consequences.

The greek term “mathétés” (mah-thay-tes) primarily refers to a disciple or follower, someone who learns from a teacher. In the New Testament, it is most commonly used to describe the followers of Jesus Christ, and the word implies a relationship of learning and adherence to the teachings of a master.

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we could be more free to experience his love, love him, love others, liberate, lead, launch

what if we made more disciples