Disciple-Making
Jesus is our teacher. He modeled discipleship by taking some followers with him on a journey. This group did life together. The disciples observed the teacher (Jesus) in everyday situations; they listened to him teach; they were challenged in their beliefs; and they were given the opportunity to practice what they had been taught.
Despite all of the training and practical experience, the disciples needed one more element before they were qualified and prepared to do what Jesus did. Jesus took care of this by sending the Holy Spirit to them. Once filled with the Holy Spirit, they had boldness, power, and a passion to invite other people to become disciples of Jesus as well. They were so successful that in Acts 17:6 it records that they were accused of “turning the world upside down”.
It is clear from Matthew 28:18-20 that Jesus intends for all of his disciples to be engaged in recruiting new disciples (evangelism) and then teaching these new disciples to be fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ (discipleship).
At Foundations 4 Living, we describe how we fulfill the mandate from Jesus to make disciples this way: “Helping people find their place in God’s great story by making disciples who make disciples across the street and around the world.”
If you would like to join us as a disciple-maker, we have resources to help you get started. We can also arrange training for you, a small group, or your local church on how to disciple others who will also disciple others.