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).

What's a Disciple?

“A disciple of Jesus never stops learning the gospel, relating the gospel, and communicating the gospel.” (Jonathan Dodson)

The term “discipleship” is often thrown around in churches as a way to communicate one of two things: internal growth and maturity (programs) or external proclamation (evangelism). And often, we have Christians who side with one of these two options and I think we miss it.

Often, we reduce the gospel to a training program for new Christians or a ticket to exchange upon our death and arrival in heaven. If we’re going to be honest, I think we simply don’t know what discipleship really is.

Dodson’s definition of discipleship helps to provide us with clarity in a number of ways.

WORSHIP

We learn that as a disciple of Jesus, we are to worship God by knowing who He is and what He’s done for us in Christ. The grace of God is the air we never stop breathing because our worship and devotion points us back to the Lord Jesus and He reveals Himself to us through His word.

Never stop learning.

TRANSFORMATION

The Bible teaches that we are not only reconciled to God through Christ, but to one another as a result of the transformation of our hearts and minds through the Holy Spirit. While being relational may be difficult for many, it doesn’t mean that we’re not relational at all. The context of the gospel for the disciple is in relationships!

MISSIONAL

The gospel not only matures disciples of Jesus, but makes disciples of Jesus. Discipleship isn’t only maturity and it isn’t only evangelism; they’re not at odds with one another. In fact, they walk alongside of one another.

“The gospel integrates, not dichotomizes, evangelism and discipleship by announcing a grace that saves and sanctifies people!” (Dodson)

At Storehouse, we share life with one another primarily through community groups which means that all of the aspects of healthy disciples are present in each one of our community groups (worship, transformation, and mission).

We’re certainly not against programs or assimilation processes, but that’s ultimately not what is going to make and mature disciples. It’s going to be disciples making and maturing disciple of Jesus with the gospel.

RECOMMENDED READING
• The Masterplan of Evangelism by Robert Coleman
• A Meal with Jesus by Tim Chester

3 Reminders About Counseling

I am often asked about counseling at our church. I think providing counsel and care is both a privilege and a burden for any ministry leader because as you aim to point people to the gospel, you carry their grief with you at the same time. I think counseling is an incredibly important ministry in the life of the church as it provides formal avenues to care for people in our churches. I would also add that simply because you provide biblical counsel, that doesn’t make you a counselor and I hope that’s some pressure off of your shoulders because it is for me.

Here are 3 things that I have learned (and have often failed at) about counseling:

1. PRAY

I feel like this sounds obvious, but I cannot stress it enough. During your day, be sure to schedule or block appointed times of prayer, especially before meeting with an individual or couple. This is vital because it'll do a few things.

First, prayer connects you with the God of the Bible and places you in a position of humility before God. Second, prayer helps to remind you that the same God you're asking people to fix their eyes upon is the same God you're turning to. And third, prayer reminds you and whoever you meet with that you're hope is not in yourself or them, but Christ. 

2. PREPARE

While part of your job is to be present, don't be afraid to have an agenda in order to stay on topic, but also to help you bring the conversation back to the gospel. I've walked into several counseling appointments without any sort of a plan and there have been some appointments that should have lasted an hour but went three hours. Or I've had appointments that should have lasted three hours, but I only spent an hour with members. 

An agenda helps you stay on track in the conversation and also reassures those you're meeting that you're looking to get to the heart of their disconnect with God and one another. Additionally, an agenda helps you stay organized should you recommend practical next steps; this helps those you're meeting with a direction.

3. FURTHER CARE

It is perfectly normal to refer people to professional and licensed counselors. You're not going to have all of the answers. Your job is to point them to Jesus AND some need further care that is outside of your wheel house. I think many leaders often place a great deal of pressure on themselves to be someone they’re not or feel pressured by others to be someone they’re not; just because you’ve hit a wall doesn’t mean you’ve failed.

Make sure to have a list of counselors in your area that you trust and potentially have partnered with.

The ministry of counseling is certainly one that needs to be handled with great care and sensitivity, but you should also be aware of your limitations and do not be afraid to ask for help. The goal is to walk others toward hope in Christ and it is also equally important to cast our burdens on God because He cares for us just as much as He care for those we’re caring for.

2019 Approaches

2019 is literally just around the corner and with as much hype as we place on the new year celebration I , too, look forward to it because the new year, in a way, brings a new set of changes, challenges, and simply a desire for some things to be different. For many, this is “the year” that things happen—whether good, bad, or uncertain. But as I think about it, I think that at times we plan for hope in the new year more than we desire for the hope that we have in the gospel; that the new year is going to bring an opportunity that God may not be able to deliver.

I’m not saying that you shouldn’t make goals or turn it up to 11 in 2019. I am, however, saying that our desire for these things should be first rooted in what God is doing in you, for your good, and His glory. There is something amazingly comforting about the holiness of God; that His actions are free from corruption, impurity, and failure which means that we can totally, utterly, and freely trust Him, worship Him, and rest in Him.

As 2019 arrives, I hope that you write your goals down. I hope that you think deeply about some of the changes you’re looking to make and that they turn out well for you in the coming year, but more importantly I hope that this new year will be a year for you that is rooted in what matters most: that God is and will always be constant and faithful.

You Need A Morning Routine

I love my morning routine. I’m telling you, I need it. I’ve been on vacation where I’m supposed to relax and get away from the hustle of life and have felt slightly miserable because my morning routine was thrown off. Realistically, I know that’s not how everyone is wired, but this is something I try my hardest to stick to.

For me, clarity is crucial. If everything is simply thrown together at random times, then I can’t function properly. And I’m also aware that my days, particularly my mornings, aren’t always going to look as clean or as tight as I’d like them to be. So, to give you a quick glimpse, here’s what my mornings look like 95% of the time:

6:30 A.M.

I want to be up early enough to where I can take my time getting up and thinking through some of the things I may have on my docket.

7:30 A.M.

At this time, I’ve hung out with Chango, my son, for awhile. He has his own morning routine too and once he’s good to go, it’s off to take him to school.

8:00 A.M.

This time is my jam. I’ll get home after taking Chango to school and I’ll start my brewing some coffee. A friend once came over and saw me make coffee and was annoyed at how long it took me. I’ll spend about 5-10 minutes preparing, grinding, and pouring coffee. This helps me keep the morning quiet and slow. I have no deadlines so I’m taking my time and enjoying the process.

Coffee - 9:00 A.M.

I’m sipping on my coffee and reading my Bible and/or writing until 9. I may put some music on, but still haven’t logged on to my email account or looked at my calendar. I have zero deadlines during this time, but shortly after 9 I begin working on something. Depending on the day, I may have meetings already scheduled or I’m working on developing content or my sermon.

I like my mornings to start off slow and quiet because I know I may not necessarily get that kind of an environment the rest of the day so I take advantage as much as I can. And again, these aren’t all of my mornings so there’s plenty of tweaking throughout the week. As you think through whether or not you should have a morning routine, here are 3 reasons why you should:

1.) Motivation

One of the hardest things for people is waking up and looking forward to something. For me, I genuinely look forward to the coffee making process. For others, it may be working out and getting it all out of the way before the day even begins. Everyone is different, but once you find that one thing you actually look forward to in the morning, waking up becomes easier and less of a pain.

2.) Completion

Mentally, by creating a morning routine you are now able to build a daily habit of starting and accomplishing tasks. Often, we can get swamped in our days where we feel like we’ve done a lot and have finished nothing. A morning routine helps you with a sense of accomplishment.

3.) Quiet Time

Many of the people I talk to with they could have some quiet time whether that would be for 20 minutes or an hour. A morning routine helps you with that. Depending on how you plan it, a morning routine will help you create an environment of silence and solitude.

THINGS TO THINK OF

1.) Prepare

You need to think about what is realistic for you and what your week looks like. For me, my morning routine happens 3 days out of the week (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday). Generally, on Tuesday’s, my first appointment is at 7:30 a.m. and then at 6:00 a.m. on Thursday’s. I try to make changes ahead of time so that I don’t feel thrown off.

2.) Time

Not everyone can have a long morning routine and that’s okay. Think through what it is your time will realistically look like in the morning.

3.) Adjust

Like many things, you’ll need to make adjustments as you move forward and that’s part of the morning routine. Adjustments are okay, but once you’ve found your sweet spot, enjoy!

The morning routine is all about catching momentum for the rest of your day. And often, we’re constantly on the go and looking for convenience and speed. In the mornings, however, it’s all about you. Give it a try. I’d love to hear about what you’re doing doing or trying in the comments!