One of the church’s chief duties is to make disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ. This is the immediate responsibility of the Great Commission: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19–20).
Making disciples involves: (a) preaching the gospel unto conversion, (b) baptizing those who trust in Christ for their redemption, and (c) teaching those who are professing faith in Christ to honor Him by obeying His every command. As Thomas Goodwin said, to make a disciple is to bring a man thoroughly to Christ. This includes them turning from all sin, trusting and obeying Christ, glorifying God, and delighting in Him. Discipleship is concerned with worship, not merely association or conduct.
Participation in the weekly gathering of the local church is designed to be a participation in discipleship. The pulpit is purposed to proclaim Christ, “warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ” (Colossians 1:28). Maturity in Christ is the design of discipleship.
In addition to the corporate gathering, discipleship should also include a more personal ministry. In the Jewish culture of the first century, personal discipleship was the principal means of educating and training. The more mature would “disciple” the less mature. God’s design for the church is the same. The older (in the faith) are responsible to train the younger (in the faith). This principle is seen clearly in (Titus 2:1-4). This is the responsibility of the church body, one to another. Leaders in the church are given to equip the members to do this very thing (Ephesians 4:11-12). The ministry of discipleship is part of the “building up” of the body of Christ into maturity (Ephesians 4:13-15) and is therefore an important means of the church building itself up in the faith (Jude 20-21). Discipleship aims at maturing a disciple’s understanding and application of biblical theology. It involves one Christian coming alongside another to help them grow in their love and devotion to Christ with increasing maturity, consistency, and joy.
To aid in the ministry of making disciples we use Partners, a one-on-one discipleship workbook. To learn more about the Partners program and workbook, click here.