Making Disciples, Not Mere Converts

Deep Dive into Biblical Missions: Principles, Priorities, and Practices by Mark Tatlock and Christ Burnett - Make Disciples: What the Great Commission Means and What We Must DoThe mission of the church is defined by the Great Commission, a mandate grounded in the absolute authority Jesus received as the Son of Man. While many translations emphasize the word "go," the central imperative of the text is to "make disciples". However, "going" remains a necessary prerequisite, functioning grammatically as an action that must occur for the main task to take place. Therefore, the church must physically go to all peoples, as digital presence cannot substitute for the in-person demands of ministry.Jesus delineates two specific means for making disciples: baptizing and teaching. Biblical baptism is defined strictly as the immersion of a believer in the name of the Triune God, marking the beginning of their walk with Christ. This practice must not be altered for pragmatic reasons or cultural convenience. Following baptism, missionaries must teach disciples to obey all of Jesus’ commands, a lifelong process that relies on the authority of the entire Bible.Responsibility for this mission rests primarily upon the local church rather than parachurch organizations or isolated individuals. Local churches should identify, send, and support missionaries who will establish new churches that eventually become sending bodies themselves.Complementing this theological foundation, Phillip F. Foley outlines practical essentials for discipleship strategies, noting that the ultimate aim is for the disciple to become like the teacher. Effective strategies must foster biblical convictions, Christlike character, ministry competence, and care for others. While specific methods may vary by culture—such as utilizing informal instruction in oral societies—the goal is always reproduction, where mature believers equip a new generation of disciple-makers.Reformed Theologian GPT: https://chat.openai.com/g/g-XXwzX1gnv-reformed-theologianYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReformedExplainerSpotify Music: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1t5dz4vEgvHqUknYQfwpRI?si=e-tDRFR2Qf6By1sAcMdkdwhttps://buymeacoffee.com/edi2730