The Crisis
The church in the Western world faces a profound crisis: while millions profess faith in Jesus Christ, relatively few are experiencing genuine discipleship. Sunday attendance remains stable, but the transformation of lives—the actual marker of discipleship—lags significantly behind.
The Problem
- •Millions profess faith but few experience transformation
- •Believers remain perpetual spiritual infants
- •Great Commission remains largely unfulfilled
- •Church witness in community diminishes
The Solution
- Return to Jesus' model of making disciples
- Invest deeply in committed believers
- Equip them to multiply their influence
- Create a culture where discipleship is central
Jesus' Model
Selection with Purpose
Jesus intentionally selected twelve specific disciples. This reflected a strategic understanding that transformational change happens through intensive investment in committed individuals.
Principle: Depth over breadth, intensity over superficiality. Spend more time with a few committed disciples than trying to reach everyone at once.
Association & Presence
Mark 3:14 reveals: "He appointed twelve that they might be with him." His disciples lived in proximity to Jesus, observing His actions and gradually internalizing His perspective.
Principle: Effective discipleship is relational presence. Disciples need to observe how you handle life in ordinary circumstances.
Modeling + Teaching
Jesus balanced demonstration with declaration. He showed disciples how to pray, then taught them the Lord's Prayer. He modeled humility by washing their feet.
Principle: People change through repeated exposure to a better way and guided practice, not just information.
Commissioning & Multiplication
Jesus' ultimate purpose was to release disciples into ministry and multiplication. "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19).
Principle: The goal is not dependency but equipping people to become leaders who disciple others.
The Great Commission
"All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
— Matthew 28:18-20
The Authority
Jesus prefaces His commission with universal authority. The command rests not on our ability but on His authority and certain triumph.
The Command
The single imperative is "make disciples." Going, baptizing, and teaching all serve this central purpose of creating disciples.
The Promise
"I am with you always." The risen Christ works through His Spirit, enabling and empowering the work of discipleship.
Getting Started
1. Pray & Identify
Ask God to show you who He's calling you to disciple. Look for someone hungry for spiritual growth and willing to commit.
2. Set Regular Times
Establish a consistent meeting rhythm (weekly is ideal). Consistency creates the environment for transformation.
3. Use a Framework
Start with a proven curriculum or framework. This guide includes a complete 12-week discipleship plan.