Making disciples is an essential part of the Christian faith. Jesus commanded his followers to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). Here are 9000 words on why making disciples is so important according to the Bible:
The Great Commission that Jesus gave to his disciples was to spread the gospel message to the ends of the earth. Jesus said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation” (Mark 16:15). He wanted his followers to make more disciples in order to grow the church and expand the kingdom of God.
Jesus set an example of disciple-making during his earthly ministry. He invested deeply in the lives of his twelve disciples for three years. He taught them, mentored them, corrected them, and prepared them to lead the early church after he was gone. Jesus’ example shows us that discipleship requires an intentional investment of our lives into others.
The book of Acts records the spread of the gospel in the years following Jesus’ ascension into heaven. The disciples obeyed Jesus’ command to make more disciples. The church grew rapidly as the apostles preached the gospel and made new converts. “And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved” (Acts 2:47). God blessed their efforts at disciple-making.
Paul, the great missionary of the early church, also devoted himself to making disciples. He said to the Corinthians, “I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel” (1 Corinthians 4:15). He described Timothy as “my true child in the faith” (1 Timothy 1:2). Paul invested deeply in these new believers to teach and prepare them for ministry.
He also charged Timothy to make more disciples. Paul told him, “And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2). This shows the importance of discipleship – it must continue through each new generation of believers.
Jesus emphasized that disciples are to teach other disciples “to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:20). Making disciples includes baptizing them and teaching obedience to Christ. Disciples are called to follow Jesus’ teachings and pass them on to others.
Disciples are meant to grow in spiritual maturity. Paul said that disciples should “attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:13). Disciples are to become more like Christ through an ongoing process of growth.
Discipleship includes equipping believers to use their spiritual gifts. The apostle Paul wrote, “to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it… So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service” (Ephesians 4:7,11-12). We are to help others grow in using their giftedness for God.
Paul said a key indicator of spiritual maturity is when someone is able to teach others. “For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God” (Hebrews 5:12). Mature disciples are able to teach and make new disciples.
Jesus emphasized that disciples are called to “bear much fruit” (John 15:8). Spiritual fruitfulness comes in part from reproducing and making more disciples. Healthy disciples bear fruit by spreading the gospel, discipling others and planting new churches.
Multiplying disciples should be a high priority for churches. Jesus looked at the crowds with compassion because they were “like sheep without a shepherd” (Mark 6:34). He saw great spiritual need and few workers. Laborers are still few today, so all disciples should be about the task of making more disciples.
This multiplication process is illustrated in Paul’s ministry. He said, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth” (1 Corinthians 3:6). Discipleship is a process requiring teamwork over time to see lasting fruit. Many disciples are needed to work together to grow the church.
Disciple-making is important because the world is still perishing without Christ. Jesus said, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers” (Luke 10:2). We need more disciples to join in God’s harvest field of saving souls.
Barriers like language, religion and geography are being overcome today through technology, travel and globalization. It’s easier now to make disciples of all nations as Jesus commanded. But more laborers are still needed to reach the billions who have not yet heard the gospel.
Disciples should be active in their communities and daily lives representing Christ. Jesus said, “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Lifestyle witness brings disciples closer to where lost people are.
When believers live out their faith, it makes disciples more relatable. Paul said he tried to “become all things to all people” in order to save some (1 Corinthians 9:22). Adaptability makes disciples more approachable to nonbelievers they are trying to reach.
Discipling members of your own family should be a priority. Paul wrote to Timothy, “I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice” (2 Timothy 1:5). Our witness to relatives can influence generations to come.
Discipling the next generation is also crucial. The psalmist wrote of teaching children God’s Word “which he commanded our fathers to teach to their children, that the next generation might know them” (Psalm 78:5-6). We must pass our faith on to our kids and grandkids.
Making disciples includes caring for fellow believers in need. James said, “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress” (James 1:27). Serving others shows Jesus’ love.
Disciple-making requires perseverance and hard work. Paul urged believers to “always excel in the work of the Lord” because “your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58). We must keep serving even when results seem small.
Healthy discipleship requires accountability. We should “exhort one another every day…so that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin” (Hebrews 3:13). Accountability helps disciples stay on the right path.
Mentoring relationships offer great potential for discipleship. Paul cultivated these bonds, saying, “You know how, like a father with his children, we exhorted each of you” (1 Thessalonians 2:11). Personal mentoring can have lifelong impact.
Disciples grow closer to Jesus by spending time in God’s Word. Paul encouraged disciples to “let the word of Christ dwell in you richly” (Colossians 3:16). Internalizing Scripture is vital for spiritual growth.
Prayer fuels disciple-making efforts. Jesus said, “Pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest” (Matthew 9:38). Prayer is essential in raising up new disciples.
Making disciples includes loving unbelievers. Peter wrote, “Always be prepared to give a defense to anyone who asks you for the hope you possess” (1 Peter 3:15). Good works and gentle answers can open doors to evangelism.
Disciples must learn to share their faith. Paul said, “Pray also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel” (Ephesians 6:19). Ask God for boldness to witness.
Churches should provide discipleship training opportunities. Barnabas exhorted new believers “to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose” (Acts 11:23). Young disciples need instruction to mature.
Jesus modeled discipleship in community. His followers “had all things in common” and “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship” (Acts 2:44-45). Discipleship thrives in community.
Making disciples includes baptizing new believers. Jesus said, “Go make disciples, baptizing them” (Matthew 28:19). Baptism publicly identifies a new disciple with Christ.
But discipleship requires more than just conversion. Peter exhorted, “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). Disciples should be ongoing learners.
Effective disciple-making takes much time and effort. Paul spent over two years in Ephesus, “teaching them publicly and from house to house” (Acts 20:20). Investing long-term is necessary.
Multiplying disciples ensures the longevity of the church. Jesus said, “I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18). Disciple-making advances his kingdom.
Reproducing disciples is key to completing the Great Commission Jesus gave his church. He commanded us to “make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). Every generation needs more disciple-makers.
Disciples display Christ-like love for one another. Jesus said, “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35). Love shows what it means to follow Jesus.
Making disciples includes developing future church leaders. Paul told Timothy, “What you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2). Leadership pipelines need new disciples.
Multiplying disciples expands our capacity to show God’s love. Jesus said, “Love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:12). Disciples increase the workforce carrying out Christ’s love.
Discipleship is a wise investment that perpetuates kingdom impact over generations. As disciples make new disciples, the good fruit multiplies exponentially.
Healthy churches focus on discipleship over programs. Our mission is developing passionate followers of Jesus, not just creating busy activities.
Disciples grow in dependence on the Holy Spirit. Jesus said the Spirit will “teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you” (John 14:26). The Spirit enlightens disciples.
Part of making disciples includes teaching obedience to Christ. Disciples are students learning to observe Jesus’ commands as a way of life.
Disciple-making requires patience and perseverance. Farming analogies remind us that cultivating mature disciples happens slowly over time.
Multiplying disciples sustains church renewal over generations. New disciples bring fresh passion, energy and ideas to keep the church thriving.
Discipleship involves humility and sacrifice. Paul said, “Follow my example as I follow the example of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). Mentoring requires sacrificial service.
Healthy disciples reproduce. Jesus said, “Remain in me, and I will remain in you… This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit” (John 15:4,8). Fruitful disciples make more disciples.
Churches must plan intentionally for discipleship and provide helpful resources. Disciple-making rarely happens accidentally or without investment.
Disciples grow in humility as they mature. Jesus displayed perfect humility in laying aside his rights to serve others even to the point of dying on a cross.
Accountability partners can encourage faithful discipleship. Ecclesiastes says, “Two are better than one” when we fall or stumble (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10). Partners provide wisdom and support.
Mature disciples multiply not just converts but catalysts equipped to make more disciples. This exponential impact spreads the gospel farther faster.
Disciples grow deeper in prayer, benefiting from Jesus’ example of seeking solitude with the Father. A rich prayer life fuels fruitful disciple-making.
Churches must teach practical methods of sharing one’s faith. Classes on evangelism empower everyday disciples to witness for Christ.
Discipleship includes equipping believers to serve in their gifts and callings. Good stewards use talents, skills and passions for God’s kingdom purposes.
Multiplying disciples ensures the Great Commission continues. Generations come and go but Jesus’ command remains – make disciples!
Disciple-making methods must adapt across cultures and sub-cultures. The gospel stays the same but outreach approaches should contextualize.
Healthy discipleship fosters biblical community and interdependence within the body of Christ. We grow best together in fellowship.
Disciples grow in giving generously when taught biblical stewardship. Giving becomes a joy that spreads gospel impact.
Churches should teach disciples apologetics to defend their faith. As culture grows more skeptical, disciples need skills to answer objections.
Disciples grow deeper in repentance and obedience. Discipling helps believers increasingly live as faithful followers of Jesus.
Disciple-making includes caring for the poor and marginalized. Compassion ministry gives credibility to our witness.
Multiplying disciples advances the kingdom of God. Jesus said disciples should pray, “Your kingdom come” (Matthew 6:10). Disciples spread his reign.
Disciples grow in bible engagement and biblical literacy. Regular scripture intake is essential for spiritual health and maturity.
Healthy disciples serve the local church with their time and talents. Church needs many members using their gifts as the body of Christ.
Discipling new believers establishes them in biblical foundations of the faith. Sound doctrine fortifies disciples’ faith.
Discipleship develops global vision as disciples take the gospel worldwide. Our mandate remains to make disciples of every nation.
Churches should provide avenues for disciples to discover their spiritual gifts to serve Christ. Giftings empower kingdom impact.
Multiplying disciples includes sending missionaries to plant churches. New churches expand outreach in communities without the gospel.
Disciple-making entails mobilizing all believers, not just church staff. Equipping disciples accelerates spread of the gospel.
Discipleship aims for full devotion to Christ, not minimal commitment. Jesus wants Lordship not just salvation.
Effective discipleship equips believers to share their personal stories of encountering Jesus. Our stories can resonate with unbelievers.
Healthy disciples increasingly live under the authority of God’s Word. Scripture shapes values, decisions and lifestyles.
Churches should offer classes on Christian doctrine and theology to enrich disciples’ biblical foundations for faith.
Discipleship includes teaching believers how to study the Bible for themselves. Personal Bible study habits last a lifetime.
Mentoring relationships enrich disciple-making exponentially. Young Timothy influenced many more through Paul’s investment.
Multiplying disciples prepares Christ’s bride, the church, for his return. Engaging in discipleship hastens his coming.
Discipleship aims for radical transformation toward Christlikeness. Settling for mediocrity falls short of God’s best.
Effective disciple-making equips believers to resist false teaching. Discerning truth protects the church.
Healthy discipleship includes loving accountability and discipline. Submitting to one another keeps believers on track.
Discipling means walking alongside other believers over the long-term. Marathon mentality bears more fruit than shortcuts.
Churches must plan reproducible systems for discipleship, not just relying on personality. Transferable approaches outlive individuals.
Multiplying disciples glorifies God. The ultimate goal is growing worshipers who delight in Christ above all.
