As we ramp up for Disciple Makers University here in GTBN, I’m often asked why the words “disciple making” and not “discipleship”? After all, for years Southern Baptists have talked about discipleship training, to the point of developing national programs around it.
While it’s easy to dismiss the change as an exercise in semantics, the intentional reference to disciple making reinforces several important points.
First, it emphasizes intentionality. As Walter Henrichsen wrote, “Disciples are made, not born.” The life of a disciple does not “just happen.” Nor is it ideal for Christians to pursue discipleship individually. Biblical disciple making involves relationships, the intentional investment by at least one believer in the development of others.
Second, it supports the break away from the common misconceptions concerning discipleship. For example, most Christians define discipleship as “weaker Christians becoming stronger Christians.” But the Great Commission describes disciple making as a process beginning with conversion, some would argue even before.
There’s no set ending point to disciple making either. We often boil down discipleship to a single course or series of classes. These may be helpful, but disciple making is life-long and open ended.
By intentionally speaking of disciple making, the church takes the opportunity to break from these misconceptions and establish a new trajectory for developing believers in greater harmony with scripture.
Finally, the shift in language draws us back to the scriptural command. Jesus words in the Great Commission are clear, “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.” Why use a generality when the scripture provides clarity. The church is called to actively make disciples who are baptized and observant of the Lord’s word.
It’s time for the church to return with laser-like focus to the commission of Christ. That’s why how we say “disciple making” matters.
Join us for DMU, Feb. 25-26 at Beaumont’s First Baptist Church.
Blessings,
Bro. Jim