The mission of the church is nothing more and nothing less than a mission of discipleship. Almost everything we could talk about passionately in regards to the church could be covered under the heading "discipleship." When we talk about discipleship, we are not talking about some sub-set of ministries in the church; we are not talking about an office in the Wesleyan headquarters building. No, instead, we are talking about everything we do in an intentional way to become more like Christ, and everything we do in obedience to Matthew 28:18-20: ". . . go and make disciples of all nations." I want to invite you, as you read these pages in Wesleyan Life, to join the movement of disciple-making.
This is why we make a big deal about celebrating every time a disciple makes a disciple and a church multiplies itself. As former North Carolina East District Superintendent Dan Leroy has said, “You’re either a missionary or you need one.” We engage in this work of multiplying disciples until The Wesleyan Church has a transforming presence in every zip code or town around you.
The making of disciples is not superficial or consumeristic. Rather, it taps into the deep love of Jesus (Eph. 3:18) and we reproduce followers of Christ without forcing it; his love is naturally contagious. Those who disciple others are not “holier than thou.” We are the broken ones who are coming to know wholeness in Jesus (Ps. 51:17, 147:3; 2 Cor. 4:7).
To make another disciple is the most real and obvious obedience in the Christian life.
It’s about another person’s personal walk with God, hearing his voice through the Word and in the heart.
- Discipleship is that most radical hospitality that doesn’t just tolerate people, but invites them into fellowship.
- Discipleship is the most radical reconciliation, for the Spirit makes a way for diverse people to reach a unity that is unattainable by other means.
- Discipleship is the most radical worship, one that sings from the soul.
Through the joyful obedience of discipling others, the Spirit will be at work and he will truly transform lives, churches, and communities with the hope and holiness of Jesus Christ.
Discipleship is Christianity. All of it.