by: Russell McLaughlin

Making Disciples

In Jesus’ great commission in Matthew 28:18-20 we are charged to make disciples by baptizing them and teaching them to obey everything Jessus commanded. Discipling begins with sound teaching that produces faith and leads to obedience to the gospel (Romans 10:17; Acts 2:37–38). Before someone becomes a Christian, they must count the cost of following Christ (Luke 9:23; 14:25–33). The teaching process continues after baptism as God's Word trains believers toward spiritual growth, transformation, and maturity (2 Timothy 3:16–17, Titus 2:11-14). If we want people to grow, we must open the Scriptures with them and guide them to obey.

The second phase is demonstration. Many lessons are learned more effectively by example than by instruction alone. Mature Christians must model Christ-like living. Paul said, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). Words alone are not enough; discipleship requires visible faithfulness.

The final, often neglected phase is participation in another’s spiritual development. Like a parent training a child to ride a bicycle, we must walk beside new believers—encouraging, correcting, and strengthening them as they learn to follow Christ. Paul’s method was personal and relational: “We were gentle among you… we shared not only the gospel of God but our lives as well” (1 Thessalonians 2:7–8, 11).

Jesus gave three marks of true discipleship in John’s Gospel:

Abide in the Word – “If you hold to my teaching… you are really my disciples” (John 8:31–32).

Love one another – “By this everyone will know you are my disciples” (John 13:34–35).

Bear fruit – “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit” (John 15:8).

The first disciples obeyed this mission. After 3,000 were baptized in Acts 2, they spread the gospel everywhere (Acts 8:4). Today, we must do the same—teaching, modeling, and reproducing faithful followers of Christ who love His Word, His church, and His mission.