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21st Century Discipleship: A Kingdom Focused Model #

There is an old saying in the USA which makes a strong point about losing perspective:

“Don’t miss the forest for the trees…”

In other words, sometimes we get so distracted by details that we lose sight of the big picture.

Globally: #

• The earth currently has an approximate population of 7.5 billion people.

• Out of that number, Christianity is the world’s largest religion, accounting for 31% of the earth’s population.

• The Muslim faith comes in second place, accounting for 24% of the population.

In consideration of these numbers, it follows that Jesus Christ is both the most inspirational and influential leader in world history. Even though more than 2,000 years have passed since His crucifixion, today He is still noted for leading 1/3 of the world’s population.

I think the bigger question Jesus might ask the church today is this:

With 1/3 of the planet holding Christianity as their religion, how many of them are disciples?

The New Testament uses the word Christian on only 2 or 3 occasions. Yet the word disciple occurs approximately 274 times.

Before Jesus returned to Heaven, He commissioned the disciples with these words:

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19–20, ESV)

This must have been an amazing instruction to the Jewish disciples who viewed salvation primarily for the Jews (Romans 1:16), and who had a very limited concept of the world as a whole. Since these words were spoken, they continue as the priority of Christ’s disciples. Even unto this day, the church holds them as a mandate of God for the propagation and establishment of His Kingdom.

In the Great Commission the concept of discipleship is outlined, and the use of the word disciple is consistent with the general secular definition.

The MacMillan Dictionary of the Bible states:

“Discipleship involves committing one’s whole life to God. Jesus is the model for discipleship, with the cross as its symbol (Mark 8:34–35) and His servanthood its pattern (Mark 10:42–45)” (Discipleship, 2002).

How to Disciple Others Biblically #

In agreement with this biblically supported statement, there are several factors which define and direct Christian discipleship:

1. Jesus is the source of the teachings which pertain to the Great Commission: “teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:20, ESV)

2. His life serves as the model of leading disciples.

3. Discipleship is a purposeful act which involves “going.”

4. Jesus is present in the disciple-making process: “I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20, ESV)

Following this rationale, there are two important facets of Christ’s method of discipleship which seem to be overlooked by the institutionalization, and then segregation of the church into denominations:

1. Jesus modeled the behavior of “going” and finding people where they were – as opposed to expecting them to come to Him.

2. Discipleship occurred in the realm of everyday life (i.e., the marketplace, public water fountains, rivers, and the fields where people tilled the ground). In other words, discipleship did not take place inside the walls of church buildings.

Jesus made a regular appeal to people to “follow him” (Matthew 10:38, 16:24, 19:21; Mark 8:34, 10:21; Luke 9:23, 18:22; John 10:27, 12:26, 21:22).

• In every occasion, He called them from where they were, which is where He was!

Additionally, responding to His call did not result in the realization of a location. In fact, on one occasion a man replied that he would follow. Jesus said to him:

“Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” (Luke 9:58, ESV)

Ironically, those who answered His call found themselves being told to “go” as the path by which to follow (Matthew 5:24, 5:41, 8:4, 8:13, 9:6, 9:13, 10:5–7, 19:21, 28:19).

In view of the advancements in mobile technologies, communication with “all the world” is more possible than ever before. The church must consider these possibilities in order to fully enjoy the advantages afforded by them.

Growing Strong Disciples for God’s Kingdom #

Today we must invoke divine favor from God and remain consistent to Christ’s example. In the 21st century, ministers must:

1. Develop the ability to relate biblical teachings in a manner which speaks to the needs and individuality of people.

2. Learn to develop fresh and creative ways to motivate people by inspiring them toward deeper commitments to Christ.

3. Cultivate influence with people by highlighting the personalities of people from the Bible, and relating them into the lives of others.

4. Experientially learn to use intellectual stimulation to draw intrigue and inquiry to learning more about God.

Jesus:

• Consistently communicated hope

• Spoke in terms of people’s real needs

• Communicated in terms of people’s everyday lives

• Reconciled people with the Father

• Modeled the way to abundant living

Now that you have become disciples of Christ, and learned deeper things of His Word, I ask you today:

Where will you go?

What will you do?

Article By Michael Mooney, Exec. Elder for National Association of Christian Ministers