“'Come, follow me,' Jesus said, 'and I will send you out to fish for people.' At once they left their nets and followed him."
Matthew 4:19-20 (NIV)
- Who is a disciple?
A disciple is one who learns from a teacher, an apprentice. That teacher can be Jesus himself, or other people. God is actively working in our lives, but we also have some responsibility in how we allow God to work in our lives and the responsibility to submit to other godly people.
The fruit of being a disciple of Jesus is making other disciples of Jesus!
- Who is a disciple maker?
"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."
Matthew 28:19 (NIV)
Being a disciple maker means we are called to intentionally be involved and influence others to take their next step in following God. That means sharing our relationship with God, our personal experiences of God, revealing his nature and will, as well as our resources with others. A practical way to build relationships is in regularly sharing a meal together, perhaps after church at a café. Another way is in leading a connect group.
We have a personal responsibility to heed the command of God to partner with Him in making disciples. Often, as Christians, we can come up with excuses, such as feeling inadequate or being complacent. Even as new Christians, we can obey this command to make disciples. We are not alone, Jesus is building His church by using us, His disciples.
Being a disciple maker means we are called to intentionally be involved and influence others to take a next step in God.
- How do we make disciples?
Making disciples starts with building relationships and sharing your life with your apprentice. Let them follow your example as you follow Christ. Identify and help them with their personal strengths and weaknesses, get them to do the things you do in ministry for their own personal growth in godliness.
SOMETHING TO TALK ABOUT
- Who have you put yourself under? Who is discipling you? It is good to actively seek and heed their feedback.
- Who would you like to take under your wing as a spiritual apprentice?
- Who in your world can you help take a Next Step in becoming a disciple of Jesus?
- What are some practical Next Steps that you can take to help make disciples? – maybe it is praying together with someone regularly, bringing them to a Connect Group or raising them up to be a Connect Group Leader etc.
