Disciples Who Make Disciples
The challenge isn’t merely in making disciples; it’s in making disciples who make disciples.
This insight emerged during a concluding conversation at a recent Plethos retreat with a group of pastors. Many of us understand how to make disciples. We spend time with people, do life with them, pray together, and discuss challenges while reflecting on God’s Word. However, the question we explored was, “Are we making disciples in a reproducible way? Will those we disciple be equipped to go and make disciples themselves?”
How often do we hear someone say, “I’ve been discipling someone for the past ten years”? That’s wonderful! But then we ask, “And who are they discipling?” The challenge is in making disciples who make disciples. We want to pass on our faith in a way that can be passed on to others.
Paul encouraged Timothy, “The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful people who will be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2, NASB). Make disciples who make disciples.
Ezra exemplifies this commitment: “For Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the Lord and to practice it, and to teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel” (Ezra 7:10, NASB). Ezra was devoted to: studying the Scripture, living Scripture out, and teaching Scripture to others. At Plethos, we refer to this as the Big 3: Learn It, Live It, Pass It On.
As Christians, we excel in learning and valuing education. We also aspire to live out our faith, though this is a challenging, lifelong journey. The concept of making disciples who make disciples is appealing, yet often not followed through. Many feel they don’t know how or lack the confidence or courage. However, the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) calls us all to make disciples.
How can we make disciples who make disciples?
Pray: Seek God’s guidance on whom to invite into a discipleship relationship.
Recognize Your Value: If we are students of God’s Word (Learn It) and seek to follow Him (Live It), then we have something to offer others (Pass It On).
Be Intentional: Establish a schedule and purpose for meeting with your disciple or small group.
Choose Biblical Content: Use materials centered on God’s Word. Plethos offers resources like The Big 3 or the Huddle Leader Handbook. The specific content matters less than having a plan centered around biblical content.
Seek Mentorship: Ask someone to disciple you as you seek to disciple others. Making disciples who make disciples is a wonderful yet challenging calling. Each of us has the opportunity to step into this calling.