When you read the words ‘disciple’ or ‘disciple-making,’ what do those words mean to you? Are you thinking more about evangelism or about spiritual growth? Is it simply a job for ‘the professionals?’ Chances are you and I probably won’t be working towards the same things or measuring success the same way if we’re not on the same page. Clarifying definitions is important. It’s good to remember that making disciples involves the totality of the Great Commission. Disciple-making covers both evangelism: pre-conversion activity focused on Christ and discipleship: post-conversion activity towards growth and Christlikeness. BIBLICAL DEFINITION OF DISCIPLESHIP: “… what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.” 2 Timothy 2:2 OUR DEFINITION OF A DISCIPLE: Becoming a Biblically literate, Gospel centered, Spirit led, culturally engaged follower of Jesus. OUR DEFINITION OF DISCIPLESHIP: We believe that making disciples involves three key aspects: intentionality, relationships, and reproducibility. With that in mind, we define disciple-making this way:
Disciple-making is the Christ-commanded, Spirit-empowered duty of every disciple of Jesus to intentionally connect with others through accountable relationships in order to make reproducible disciples of Christ.
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