What Does It Actually Mean to "Make Disciples"?

What Does It Actually Mean to "Make Disciples"?

The term "discipleship" gets thrown around a lot in church circles, but if we are honest, many of us feel a bit intimidated by it. We think making disciples requires a seminary degree, a flawlessly memorized systematic theology book, or a naturally extroverted personality. Because it feels out of reach, we default to simply showing up on Sundays and leaving the "real work" to the pastors. However, in the Great Commission, Jesus commands all of us to make disciples. Thankfully, He doesn't leave us guessing in the dark about how to do it. The core imperative (the command)—"make disciples"—is actively carried out through three distinct parts that Jesus outlines in Matthew 28:19–20.

1. Go (The Context of the Mission): In the original language, this phrase functions like an ongoing reality: "As you are going." Jesus isn't necessarily commanding every single person at Grace Point to pack their bags and move across the globe. He is telling us that disciple-making should happen naturally as we move through our everyday lives. It happens while you are working at your desk, buying groceries, talking to your neighbors, or raising your kids. Your daily routine is your mission field.

2. Baptizing (Community & Identity): Disciple-making is never a lone-wolf endeavor. Baptism marks a believer’s public entry into the visible covenant community of the local church. When we help someone take ownership of their faith and get baptized, we are helping them anchor their identity in the Triune God alongside a local body of believers.

3. Teaching to Observe (Obedience & Transformation): Notice Jesus doesn’t say, "teach them to know everything I said." He says, "teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you." Discipleship isn't merely an informational head-knowledge download; it is life-on-life accountability aimed at glad, lifestyle obedience.

Making a disciple doesn’t require a formal classroom. It looks like inviting a newer believer to join your family for dinner to talk through Sunday's sermon. It looks like texting an accountability partner to check on their prayer life. It looks like grabbing coffee and reading through a book of the Bible together.

This Week’s Challenge: 
Don't let discipleship remain an abstract concept.
Look at the three parts of Jesus’ command.
How can you intentionally go, baptize, or teach someone in your immediate circle at Grace Point this week?