The Call to Disciple Others

By Norma Jackson Goldman

The imperatives of the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 are marching orders for followers of Christ, but there is often a tendency to focus more on bringing people to saving faith in Christ than on making disciples of those already saved. The result is evangelical churches of all denominations filled with immature believers (think unripe fruit). Following baptism, Scripture declares, we are to “teach them to observe everything I (Jesus) have commanded you.” Christ gave this command, of course, under the full authority given Him by God the Father.

But many (who might characterize themselves as unripe fruit) long to be discipled. They yearn for a deeper experience with God—a richer, more intimate relationship with Him. So, how does this process we call “discipleship” come about?

Jesus: The Essential Model

Jesus modeled the things He commanded personally, as the New Testament records in great detail. First and foremost, He told us to tell the truth about what God says. The culture, then and now, does not believe “unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” Christ-followers must proclaim that message and engage others with the intention of bringing them to faith, and discipling them to become more like Christ over time.

An abundance of plans, programs and methods are available to share one’s faith, but the clearest, simplest, and most winsome testimonies are found in the Gospels. “Come and see what Jesus has done for me.” “Once I was blind (physically and spiritually), but now I can see.” “Come see the Man who has….” The intention in each case was healing, not only for the moment, but new life in Christ, a total departure from their former way of living.

He demonstrated compassion for the downtrodden, the sick, the stranger, the outcast, the orphan, and the widow. He fed the hungry, restored a widow’s only son to life, rescued one about to be stoned, and challenged those who abused their positions of leadership and power.

His lifestyle reflected the habits of prayer, intercession, and meditation. He showed patience with those blinded by pride, prejudice, and ignorance. He brought health and healing to those entirely without hope. He confronted sin, while showing grace and mercy to the sinner.
Though He was the Messiah, the Righteous King, He modeled servant leadership—a way of life that people of every generation have struggled to comprehend.

Proven Method

After carefully teaching His followers, He sent them out to practice what they had learned from His teachings and from observing Him in daily interaction. Then, He coached them further, encouraging prayer, fasting, and personal sacrifice for the sake of the Kingdom.

Ongoing discipleship may be one of the greatest failings in the Church today. Many do not follow this model of teaching, coaching, and sending believers so they can practice and mature as disciples and disciplers. We focus, unintentionally perhaps, on delivering content—the what of the Gospel rather than the how.

A Relevant Mentor

Could it be that we have failed to develop coaches, exemplary leaders who model the Gospel, so they may in turn, produce other disciples? A growing movement among churches seeks to discover and train Christ-followers willing to come alongside another believer and do just what we have described. And the good news is that a great many Christians welcome the idea of being mentored!

Many retirees are the perfect answer to this need. Mature in faith, they have the time, experience, and ability to invest in the life of another—to answer the call to be a discipler of men, women, and young people. Will you join them?

About the Writer: Former magazine editor Norma J. Goldman enjoys a successful writing career in her retirement from her home near Houston, Texas.