A common definition of a disciple is a follower or student of a teacher, leader, or philosopher. I once heard a disciple defined as ‘someone who walks in the footsteps of another.’ If we are going to continue to be more like Jesus, we need to be walking in his footsteps. Jesus spent his entire ministry making disciples. From one of the earliest accounts of Jesus’ ministry he told Peter to ‘Follow me’, Matthew 4:19. In one of his last conversations with Peter, he told him to ‘Follow me,’ John 21:22.

After Jesus’ resurrection, just before his ascension, He spoke what we refer to as the Great Commission; “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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 28:18-20 He spoke directly to the eleven, but his words carry forward to us today if we are to be his disciples.

We, as a church universal, are pretty good at going and baptizing. We preach, we teach, we even send missionaries, and we have some success at baptizing those who hear the gospel. But the Great Commission does not end there. We are to ‘teach them to observe all that I have commanded.’ Teaching is a never-ending process. None of us has, or ever will, master all that Jesus and the Holy Spirit have instructed. We must continue to learn and strive to improve.

When Jesus called his disciples, he said, “Follow me and I will make you fishers of men.” Luke 5:1-11 As disciples of Jesus, we must also be fishers of men. We must be sharing the gospel with others and encouraging them to follow Jesus.

The idea of making disciples is a continuous process. We know and we teach, so that they may know, and they may teach. We go, baptize, and teach, so that they will go, baptize, and teach. We must make disciples who make disciples. We must be training others to be fishers of men.

Evangelism is telling the story of death, burial, and resurrection to someone who does not know it and urging them to respond to that gospel message. Evangelism is not complete until there is a new birth. Then, disciple making begins.

The theme for Summit for 2024 is Making Disciples: Go, Baptize, Teach. Matthew 28:19-20.

Who do you know that is not a disciple of Jesus. I encourage you to pray for them regularly. Pray for an
opportunity to share the gospel with them. When you have an opportunity, take it. Share Jesus with them. Invite them to worship or a fellowship activity at Summit. Offer to study God’s word with them.

Let us all be disciples who are striving to make disciples.