Make Disciples or Mature Disciples?

There are several Christian organizations out there who build their entire ministry off of the great commission, to make disciples; conferences are held every year with thousands in attendance ready and willing to learn the next steps on discipleship; and churches host classes on the process of disciple-making to better equip their congregations. Each of these opportunities are wonderful because they serve the purpose of ultimately fulfilling the great commission. However, many fail short in accomplishing the mission of the church because they’re on two completely different pages when it comes to what discipleship is.

One one hand, many will teach that discipleship is missional. When Jesus said “go,” He meant to be out on mission (Matthew 28:18). Then, on the other hand, others will teach that discipleship is developmental. In other words, when Jesus said to baptize and teach (Matthew 28:19-20) disciples, he meant believers in the context of the church.

These two outlooks on discipleship are increasingly confusing Christians because both approaches are called “discipleship.” Yet, both approaches are on completely different pages. Let me submit to you that discipleship or disciple-making is not “or,” but “and.”

Discipleship is both making disciples (go) and maturing disciples (baptize and teach). If we separate the two, then we run the risk of confusing the gospel of Jesus Christ and confusing Christians that we’re trying to equip and send out on mission. So, how do we integrate the two? We begin with the gospel.

THE GOSPEL

The first thing we need to understand and embrace is the gospel of Jesus Christ, this is of first importance (1 Corinthians 15:3-5). In many Christian circles, when we begin to talk about discipleship, many think that the main thing is discipleship—the process of making disciples, but it’s not. The gospel is.

We’re not making disciples just to make disciples, we’re making disciples so that more people would not only come to hear the gospel of Jesus, but in hope that more would come to know Jesus as Lord and Savior. The gospel is the good news—heralded news—that God came into human history as the man Jesus Christ, lived the life that you and I cannot live, and died a death that you and I deserve to die, was raised on the third day showing that He conquered sin, Satan, hell, and the grave. As a result, God saves sinners not because of their merit, but because of the merit and righteousness of Jesus.

The gospel must be central to discipleship because if it is not, not only do we run the risk of confusing the gospel, we also run the risk of losing it.

People who do not know Jesus need the gospel so that through faith and repentance, they would come to know and worship Jesus AND people who do know Jesus, Christians, need the gospel so they’re reminded of the work God has done for them; that their works are first determined by their identity in Christ!

Everyone needs the gospel!

MAKING DISCIPLES

The call to make disciples is missional and if you’re a disciple of Jesus, then one way or another you have been sent to where ever it is that you’re at. Whether you’re a business owner, college student, teacher, or stay-at-home parent you have been sent. This is fundamental.

In the Great Commission, Jesus reveals His agenda to the disciples by telling them that they are going to be sent. They are sent to make more disciples under the authority of Jesus. The mission starts and ends with Jesus.

Think about it. Jesus’ method for discipleship and ultimately making Himself known was men. Robert Coleman says it this way:

“…He had to devote himself primarily to a few men, rather than the masses, so that the masses could at last be saved. This was the genius of his strategy.”

In other words, Jesus didn’t focus on mass special events to usher people into the Kingdom, though He was not against speaking and preaching repentance and the Kingdom of God to large crowds, His priority was to develop a few in order to reach the many. You have been commissioned by Jesus to go and make disciples; sharing the good news of the gospel in word and deed. If you are a disciple, then you are sent.

MATURING DISCIPLES

The Great Commission, however, isn’t only about making disciples but it also includes maturing disciples. When an individual becomes a Christian, it doesn’t mean they stop hearing and learning the gospel. I think one of the biggest failures of the church is that we often assume that once an individual becomes a Christian, it’s not that they don’t need the gospel, but more importantly they need bible studies, community groups, they need to serve, and do several other things. And yes, all of those things are necessary compliments to the Christian life—in community we confess our sin to one another (James 5), we love and serve one another to build one another up (Ephesians 4)—but the priority is still the gospel, not programs.

We learn the breadth and depth of the good news by continually situating ourselves in it, through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ as Lord. Jesus is the gospel of our teaching and observing…disciples are made, whether for the first time or the fiftieth time, through the gospel.” (Jonathan Dodson)

MAKING AND MATURING DISCIPLES

Evangelism and discipleship are not at odds with one another; they’re not in conflict, but the foundation upon which evangelism and discipleship stand upon is the gospel.

While I’m sure I could think of more, here is the biggest challenge that I have seen Christians have when it comes to discipleship:

1. Picking A Side
   Just because you may be more gifted in one area of discipleship doesn’t mean you’re excused from the whole process. If you read this and think, “I’m more about maturing disciples,” then you run the risk of teaching that the gospel is only informational and not missional. And if you read this and think, “I’m more about making disciples,” then you run the risk of teaching that the gospel is only missional and not relational.

“The gospel reminds us that Jesus is central, and as we believe its good news, we discover discipleship integrates and interweaves us deeply into his life. In his lordship we perceive that all things exist in, through, and for him (Col. 1:15-23), making all life a matter of devotion to him (Col. 3:23-24), not to pious or missional performance…

We learn the gospel, relate the gospel, and communicate the gospel in everyday life. It is central in everything, from the way we relate to god to the way we relate to others.Of course, just because the gospel integrates our lives in Christ and under his lordship does not mean we struggle. In fact, sin want sot disintegrate and unravel us from belief in the gospel, spinning us away from jesus in any other possible direction. This why why the Bible constantly calls disciples to fight for belief in the gospel. (Jonathan Dodson)

As disciples of Jesus, we must remember that we have been commissioned by Jesus and empowered by the Holy Spirit to herald the whole gospel. As we move forward, let us stand firmly upon the foundation of Christ as our cornerstone and not be ashamed to proclaim the excellencies of His gospel (1 Peter 2:4-6, 9-10).

New Series and Missions

Yesterday, we began a new sermon series titled "Kingdom Come." It'll be a series that carries us through the beginning of September; pretty trippy to think that September is only a matter of days away. In any case, this series is meant to prepare our hearts for our final transition as a church: moving locations to central McAllen. 

Over the past several months, Storehouse Community has been in a season of transition and growth. It's been incredibly encouraging to see our people commit their lives to one another for the purpose of furthering the kingdom; no local church is perfect, but we serve a perfect Jesus.

My prayer during this series is that we would grow in our understanding of what it means to be kingdom minded as we move forward. Central McAllen is rich in culture and tradition; right at the heart of the city and the center of the arts district, historic district, and entertainment district. Our desire is to be a church that is in the city and for the city, meaning that we look to meet the needs of our city--physically, culturally, and spiritually. 

We opened our time yesterday with God's vision for the kingdom and over the course of the next several weeks we'll begin to narrow down this vision to what it looks like for God's kingdom to come in the everyday of our lives and finally into the life of our city. 

Check out the sermon if you missed yesterday: Kingdom Come | God's Kingdom Vision

SENDING OUT? 

In addition to our time, we prayed over Nathanael and Nicole Sommers; two missionaries from Indiana that came to McAllen two years ago through an organization called World Gospel Mission (WGM). Over the past year, Nathanael (who we call "Nano") became our director of missions and mobilization and has done a tremendous work building this ministry; first by educating and casting vision for local and international missions at Storehouse Community and then by leading the start of several local outreach opportunities. 

Nathanael and his wife Nicole serve two-year terms with WGM before having to return to Indiana for a debriefing over their time on the border--discussing how things went and what could be improved--and to begin raising financial support for their next 4 years in the Valley. Nano has been one of my closest friends, especially during this season of transition, and has helped shepherd my heart in the midst of difficulty. He and his wife have been an instrumental part of our ministry and I believe this is only the beginning for them. 

Nano and Nicole's goal is to raise funds (both for their salary and ministry at WGM) by December of 2017. I wanted to take this opportunity to covet your prayers as they travel throughout the midwest and for favor as they raise financial support. Additionally, I'd like to provide a few links so that if you are led by the Holy Spirit to financially support them (reguluarly or one-time), you can (below). I'd love for them to be back in December in the place they now feel like is their home--McAllen. 

Support Nathanael and Nicole

Speaking Requests or more information, contact nate@storehousemcallen.com

The Cigar Shop

Over the last several months, I have been asked about my cigar smoking and why I enjoy it. It's been everything from special hashtags on social media to practical joking in conversation. I thought I'd write something short and concise to share my thoughts about cigars. And for the record, I know it may not be for everyone, but it's definitely one of my favorite hobbies.

Also, I wish to share that I don't smoke as often as many think I do. Many of the pictures I've posted have been cigars that I just received in the mail for review or that I've bought- in essence, smokes that I'll eventually get to. Nonetheless, I have been smoking for several years now and I have a passion for cigars. They're my jam. I don't like cigarettes, weed was never an interest, and I don't believe vaping is authentic (another conversation for another time). 

The Experience

Cigar smoking brings several elements. We'll start with the overall experience. It's an art because each cigar has been constructed, rolled, and checked by hand which means they're made with intention. When you decide to toast (light) a cigar it's because you have time. It's not a quick smoke, it shouldn't be. 

When you smoke a cigar you're forced to slow down and take hold of what's been going on. This is the part where you simply reflect on the day or week, enjoy a good read or engage in work while in a great atmosphere, or engage in fruitful conversation with friends. The bottom line is that you have time; something people are quick to forget about and are constantly searching for. 

For a moment, the fast paced culture we're accustomed to doesn't exist.

The great philosopher, Ferris Bueller said it best in Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986):

"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in awhile, you could miss it."

Is it Missional? 

Remember, in part, this is about preference so if cigar smoking isn't your things I completely respect that. Where I want to encourage and exhort you is in asking what are you doing to engage your culture? Your city? 

Cigar smoking is incredibly missional because, as mentioned before, time slows down for a moment and people who enjoy cigar smoking at a B&M ("Brick and Mortar" or lounge) appreciate conversation. The cigars are what brings them together and serves as neutral ground so it's one of the best places I have found to talk about Jesus and to share His gospel with those who don't know Him. In my experience, when sharing the gospel at our local cigar lounge, tolerance is replaced with sincere respect and handshakes. 

I am well known at the cigar lounge that's in town and love talking with several of the men who visit frequently. The culture of cigar smoking is unique and not as popular as many think, but it is alive and well. It's authentic. 

So, the next time you find yourself (if you ever do) with an hour or two to spare and the smell of rich tobacco is one that you enjoy, then I encourage you to stay in at your local shop and spend your time wisely, incline your ear, and turn the cell phone off.