What does making disciples entail?

Definition of “Making Disciples”

Making disciples involves guiding individuals into a committed, growing relationship with Jesus, whereby they learn, practice, and share the teachings of Scripture. This process is grounded in intentional fellowship, instruction, and mentorship. Based on the directive often referred to as the Great Commission, the call to make disciples is more than a one-time event; rather, it integrates evangelism, ongoing teaching, and encouragement toward spiritual maturity and service.

Biblical Foundations of Disciple-Making

In Matthew 28:19–20, the commission is explicit:

“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, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

This passage presents the foundational elements of disciple-making:

1. Going out into the world (intentional outreach and evangelism).

2. Baptizing in the name of the triune God (a visible expression of commitment).

3. Ongoing teaching for obedience to the teachings of Christ.

In parallel, Mark 16:15 underscores the evangelistic aspect:

“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.”

The mandate is clear: discipleship is hinged upon proclaiming the good news, then helping recipients live out those truths with daily faithfulness.

Core Components of True Discipleship

1. Relationship with God

John 15:5 records, “I am the vine and you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing.” The disciple-maker’s role is to help others develop a sustaining connection with Christ as the source of spiritual life.

2. Ongoing Learning

In 2 Timothy 2:2, there is an emphasis on teaching and multiplication: “And the things you have heard me say among many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” A disciple constantly learns from Scripture and shares that knowledge with others.

3. Mentorship and Imitation

Paul demonstrated this in 1 Corinthians 11:1: “You are to imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.” Discipleship often involves a personal relationship in which a mature believer models faithful living to a younger believer.

4. Obedience to Christ’s Commandments

Jesus articulates in John 14:15, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” Obedience is crucial in making disciples, encouraging them to apply biblical truths in daily life.

Teaching and Equipping

Effective disciple-making integrates systematic instruction and personal application. Ephesians 4:11–13 speaks of how the Body of Christ is built up by leaders and teachers, “to equip the saints for works of ministry, to build up the body of Christ, until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God.” This equipping happens through:

• Scriptural Study: Regular engagement with the Bible fosters growth in understanding and character formation.

• Prayer and Dependence on God: Disciples learn to pray (Matthew 6:9–13) as Jesus taught, acknowledging dependence upon Him.

• Fellowship and Community: Acts 2:42 notes the early believers “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Living and learning in community fosters encouragement and accountability.

Baptism and Public Declaration

Baptism is more than a ritual. As cited in Romans 6:4, “We therefore were buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may walk in newness of life.” Baptism signifies identification with the death and resurrection of Jesus and a public commitment to follow Him as Lord. It is a foundational step in becoming a disciple.

Lifestyle of Discipling

1. Personal Example: Modeling godly character in everyday life is essential. Others observe and learn from consistent faith under pressure.

2. Daily Engagement with Scripture: Continuous immersion in biblical truth shapes worldview and conduct. Historical discoveries, such as the Dead Sea Scrolls, confirm the remarkable fidelity of biblical texts over many centuries. This substantiates confidence that what disciples learn and teach has been preserved faithfully.

3. Service and Good Works: The epistle of James emphasizes that faith without works is dead (James 2:17). Service flowing from genuine faith testifies to the transformative power of the gospel.

Evangelistic Outreach

Disciple-making extends beyond personal spiritual growth to include actively sharing the faith. Acts 1:8 states, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you will be My witnesses … to the ends of the earth.” Witnessing involves explaining the gospel message—centered on the death and resurrection of Christ—with clarity and compassion. Outreach can happen through one-on-one or group settings, mission work, or even informal discussions across cultural and geographical boundaries.

Encouragement and Correction

Disciple-making is not merely imparting information. It involves journeying alongside individuals, providing encouragement and occasional correction. Paul’s relationship with Timothy, for instance, reveals a mentor’s encouragement (1 Timothy 4:12) and corrective guidance (2 Timothy 1:6). The essence of this approach is loving support to keep disciples anchored in biblical truth.

Multiplication Mindset

The process of making disciples is meant to continue from generation to generation (2 Timothy 2:2). As believers mature, they themselves become disciple-makers who invest in others. This cyclical process points to the intentional multiplication that undergirds the expansion of the faith community.

Practical Methods and Considerations

1. Regular Gathering: Whether in church fellowship, small groups, or individual mentorship contexts, consistent times of study and application encourage growth.

2. Personal Accountability: Sharing struggles and victories in a trusted environment fosters real-life transformation.

3. Shared Service Projects: Doing ministry and outreach together teaches the practicalities of compassionate care for others.

4. Cross-Cultural Opportunities: International missions or local community programs often open doors to present the gospel and model discipleship, reflecting the universal application of “all nations” from Matthew 28:19.

Hope for Transformation and Eternity

Ultimately, making disciples aims at life transformation, aligning hearts and minds with God’s purposes. Scripture points to the eternal hope secured by Christ’s resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:20–22). Those who become disciples become participants in His redemptive mission, experiencing the renewing work of the Holy Spirit in preparation for eternity.

Conclusion

In short, making disciples entails evangelism, baptism, teaching obedience to Christ’s commands, cultivating deep relationships, and mentoring others toward maturity in faith. Disciple-making is not limited to an isolated class or meeting—it is a lifetime commitment to walking alongside others, encouraging them to know God, find hope in the resurrection of Jesus, and embody His teachings in every aspect of life. Through faithful adherence to the core directives found in Scripture, disciple-makers continue the legacy that began with the earliest followers of Jesus and has endured through every generation since.