stephen R Harrison

Discipleship Must Matter to Elders

Discipleship matters. Jesus told us to make disciples. Matthew 28:19-20 says,

“Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.

Elders must share the Gospel message and be examples of living it. It’s simply not enough for elders to share the message of the Gospel. They must give testimony to the church body of their evangelistic efforts. The same goes for discipleship. Elders should consistently disciple other men in the faith and provide testimony of these efforts. When elders share their evangelism and discipleship efforts, it encourages the church body to share the Gospel and make disciples. Elders should ask those they lead about their evangelistic and discipleship efforts. They should ask, “With whom are you sharing Jesus?” and “Who are you consistently meeting with to grow in the faith?”

Matthew 28:19-20 provides us with some essential foundations for a gospel-centered, Spirit-led, healthy church. Jesus said, “Go make disciples”. This is a command to be obeyed, not a suggestion to be considered. This discipleship should include baptism following salvation and obedience to everything Jesus said in Scripture. When we do this, the presence of the Lord is with us and moving in the church. The KJV says, “And lo, I am with you always.” I like to say, “No go, no lo”. If we do not go, share the Gospel, and make disciples, the Spirit of God will not move in the church. Why would He? That’s what He has commissioned (mandated) the church to do! 

Discussion Questions:

1. How important is it for Elders to make disciples?
2. Who are you discipling right now? When do you meet? What is your discipleship method/plan?

Second Timothy 2:2 says, “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.” Paul received from the Lord and passed it on to others (1 Corinthians 11:23; 15:3). You cannot be a disciple unless you are making a disciple! A person who keeps what they gain from the Lord and does not pass it on is not a disciple! Paul was discipled. He, in turn, discipled others, and those disciples discipled others. That is the pattern for Christian discipleship. 

Discussion:

Read Acts 2:41-47 and discuss all the elements of Christian discipleship mentioned. 

Questions from Acts 2:41-47:

1. How are you devoted to and sharing the Word of God?
2. How are you devoted to sharing in fellowship with others in the church?
3. How are you devoted to breaking bread with others in the church?
4. How are you devoted to praying with and for others in the church?
5. Are you in awe of God and what He is doing in you and the church?
6. Are the wonders and signs of the Lord following your walk with the Lord?
7. How are you keeping the unity of the church?
8. How are you displaying generosity in the church?
9. How are you faithful in meeting with the church in large and small groups?
10. How are you displaying gladness and simplicity of heart among the church?
11. Is the Lord adding saved people to the church? If not, are you sharing the Gospel with anyone so that it can happen?