Make Disciples

When the Lord called me about 30 years ago, the scripture that spoke deeply to my heart was:
Mat 28:19-20
Go ye therefore, and teach (matheteuo: make disciples) all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Initially, in my walk with the Lord, I did not get the meaning of this powerful term, make disciples. Over time, however, and especially in the ministry, the need for and the depth of what Jesus commissioned us to do here, took on a much stronger and deeper meaning for me.

After pastoring for 15 years, and being in spiritual leadership as many years, I often wondered at the fact that even though we sat week after week listening to messages being preached, and teachings being taught, we did not seem to change. There was always a struggle to see people change their lifestyles. As a pastor I resorted to all sorts of programs to get people to witness, pray, live righteously, but that always seemed to need more 'marketing', more pushing, more convincing to get people to attend, but with only some results.

What I have seen done in the name of Jesus, as Christians, is scary. The insecurities that causes individuals to manipulate and control, the pride and arrogance that was allowed in ministry, the intimidations of spouses, the deceptions in christian business, the flaky expressions of so-called spirituality, and on and on we could go.

Now understand the Lord does not require perfection of us because that is impossible. Without the the Spirit of God empowering us we have no chance of living this life the way it is meant. However, there is certain lifestyle and behaviour that the Word of God expressly lays out for us to live. There are certain things we can excuse as much as we like, but nonetheless, reveal our carnality and lack of spirituality. The Bible would not tell us to live a certain way if were not possible.

I would, week after week, cry out to the Lord for the members of our congregation, asking for their deliverance. I would spend hours and hours in counselling to try and assist the marriage problems, relationship hassles, and lack of wisdom many christians displayed in their lives. Not all though, there were always some that seemed to excel and thrive and grow as believers even though things would be tough, I should add.

I began to question the Lord regarding all these things. His answer was, "Make disciples!"

When I studied the Greek term for disciple was I ever shocked as I read what it meant, really.

To instruct and teach, not just as a scholar but as a disciplined learner, who has, through a deep intimate fellowship, based on relationship with a mentor par excellence, had a new world view imparted to them. Not learning a vocation but experiencing a change so deep that their whole behaviour is changed.

What a challenge that was to me as a pastor. I realised that my programs were not cutting it. It was just not enough to put someone through a 10 week study program and now expect them to live like Jesus did.
Being a mentor meant that I would have to walk beside the person and carry them through the process of learning to be Christlike. It meant, I would have to instruct, correct and comfort.

How was I do this?
The answer: One at a time!
But how could I one person begin to change the world like this? I mean I had been taught, win the crowds, gather large crowds, preach powerful messages of the Word and all will turn out right. But that had not been my experience.

The postings over the next few weeks, hopefully, will address these questions as we seek out what Jesus did and what the Bible says about it.
So, stay with me for a journey.