Do We Really Know How to Make Disciples?

Many of us talk about making Disciples (Matthew 28.19-20) but do we really know how to do that?  How did Jesus do it?  I believe the first mistake we make is best picked up on in the language we use in the Church.  How often have we invited people to, "enroll in the next discipleship class"?  As Randy Millwood point out in his book To Love And To Cherish From This Day Forward, we really need to employ disciples rather than enroll disciples.

Millwood suggests that there were three primary reasons Jesus called His disciples.  Just three things He expected them to do.

1. First, they were called to be WITH Him.  The primary reason to be His disciple is to develop a relationship with Him.  But beyond that, as Millwood points out, Jesus knew that the important factors of discipleship are caught not taught.  In developing a relationship with His followers Jesus demonstrated faith and the life of being His follower in a day to day relationship.  The implication for us is that those we are trying to lead into discipleship through classes may get the head knowledge but it may not lead them to ever practice following Christ.
2. Second, Jesus SENT out His disciples.  Millwood writes, "To affect others as a servant also meant serving by appointment - as appointed.  That is what servants do . . . what they are told to do."  Disciples must recognize that God has a plan and our role in that plan is simply to serve.  We are on His Mission.   The implication for us is to teach by example the radical call to obedience.
3. Third, disciples serve at HIS PLEASURE.  The reality of Discipleship is that we are "appointed" to serve.  We represent Him.  Therefore we serve at His pleasure, with His boldness and the confidence of His authority.  It is truly all about Him.  The implication: we are not serving merely to move ahead and take on a "position" in the organization.  We serve where He has placed us.  We only move if He places us somewhere else.

Shatter the Snake!

 He broke into pieces the bronze snake that Moses made, for the Israelites burned incense to it up to that time.

 2 Kings 18:4 (HCSB) 

As a pastor or leader ask yourself this question.  Is there a snake that has slithered into my church?  I know a lot of jokes come to mind as you read that question.  Now don't jump to any quick conclusions about what it may be.

In 2 Kings we find an interesting scenario.  We could read right past it and not blink if we are not paying attention.  Hezekiah begins to make some serious spiritual reforms for Judah.  He gets rid of the idolatry.  He destroys the High place and the False religions that have crept in and set up shop with God's people.  But there is one interesting thing he destroyed.  The bronze snake built by Moses and used by God to bring healing to a bitten people. (Numbers 21.4-9)

The bronze snake began with a godly purpose.  Instituted by God and used by his leader Moses.  But after a while it's purpose was no longer needed and it took on a new purpose, an ungodly purpose.  It became an idol, a stumbling block to the spiritual life of God's people.  We have some snakes in the church today.  They are traditions and programs, that in its day were useful and led many to grow and thrive spiritually.  Now they have become an idol that is dragging us down.  Most Churches have one of these serpents, that we see no fruit from and merely distract us from other methods that could be useful in fulfilling our mission.  They are difficult to get rid of but it just might be necessary for you to be a Hezekiah and tear it down.