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The Great Commission: Disciple-Making in Today’s World

  • Writer: Margaret
    Margaret
  • Sep 25
  • 5 min read

Media by Wix
Media by Wix

Making disciples is the heartbeat of the Great Commission and a core expression of purpose-driven ministry. It’s not merely about conversion; it’s about cultivating lives that follow Jesus deeply, consistently, and fruitfully. Discipleship involves a transformative process where individuals not only accept Christ as their Savior but also engage in a lifelong journey of spiritual growth and maturity. This journey includes learning to embody the teachings of Jesus, developing a personal relationship with Him, and actively participating in the mission of the Church. The call to make disciples for the Lord Jesus Christ of all nations remains an urgent assignment in today's world, resonating with deep significance and urgency.



What Does Making Disciples Look Like?


Intentional Relationships

Investing time in others through mentorship, prayer, and spiritual guidance is a commitment that can have lasting impacts on both the mentor and the mentee. When we engage in mentorship, we are not merely imparting knowledge or skills; we are encouraging deep, meaningful relationships that can transform lives. This process involves actively listening, sharing experiences, and providing encouragement, which creates a safe space for people to explore their faith and personal growth.


Teaching the Word

Helping others understand Scripture and apply it to their lives. This includes rightly dividing the Word, answering questions, and guiding others into truth. The importance of this task is underscored in the biblical verse 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV), which states, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” This verse highlights several key aspects of effectively sharing and applying Scripture.


Modeling Christlike Living

Making disciples begins with how we live. Our lives should be a visible testimony of obedience, love, humility, and holiness. Disciples don’t just learn from our words—they’re shaped by our example. When we walk in integrity, forgive freely, serve sacrificially, and pursue holiness, we reflect the character of Christ in a way that invites others to follow Him. 1 Corinthians 11:1 (KJV) — “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.” Paul understood that his life was a living sermon. He didn’t point people to himself—he pointed them to Jesus through his example.


Titus 2:7–8 (KJV) — “In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity…” This passage calls us to be a pattern—a consistent model of godly living.


Practical Ways to Model Christlike Living

  1. Live with integrity even when no one is watching.

  2. Respond to conflict with grace and truth, not gossip or retaliation.

  3. Serve others joyfully, especially when it’s inconvenient.

  4. Practice humility, giving God glory rather than seeking recognition.

  5. Pursue holiness, not perfection—being quick to repent and slow to compromise.


Encouraging Spiritual Growth

True discipleship involves more than instruction; it requires intentional cultivation. Encouraging spiritual growth means challenging others to deepen their walk with God in prayer, worship, service, and character. It’s about celebrating progress with joy, while also lovingly confronting areas of stagnation or compromise.


Hebrews 10:24 (KJV) — “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works.” This verse reminds us that spiritual encouragement includes provoking—stirring others toward godly action and maturity.


Multiplying Impact

True discipleship extends past personal growth, leading to spiritual reproduction. Jesus exemplified a kingdom strategy where disciples transform into disciple-makers, sparking a generational and cultural chain reaction of change. By empowering others to teach, lead, and serve, we broaden our impact beyond our immediate surroundings.


2 Timothy 2:2 (KJV) — “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.” Paul's guidance to Timothy demonstrates a four-generation model: Paul → Timothy → faithful men → others. This represents multiplication.


“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations…” Matthew 28:19–20 (KJV)

The Great Commission is not just about going — it’s about teaching, training, and sending.


Practical Ways to Make Disciples

  • Lead a small group or Bible study that fosters spiritual depth and accountability.

  • Mentor a younger believer or new convert, walking with them through Scripture and life.

  • Share devotionals, prayer points, and resources regularly to nourish others.

  • Walk with someone through trials, modeling faith, resilience, and Spirit-led decision-making.

  • Equip others with tools to study the Word, hear God’s voice, and discern truth from error.


Is Making Disciples Today Different from Decades or Centuries Ago?

Certainly, although the central mission remains the same. The essence of disciple-making continues to be grounded in Matthew 28:19–20: instructing others to follow all that Christ commanded. However, the methods, challenges, and opportunities have significantly transformed over generations.


How It Looks Different Today


1. Digital Discipleship

-Online Bible studies, podcasts, devotionals, and social media allow for global reach.

-Discipleship can happen across continents, but it requires intentionality to maintain depth.


2. Cultural Complexity

-Today’s world is more pluralistic, skeptical, and emotionally wounded.

-Disciple-makers must navigate identity confusion, trauma, and competing ideologies with grace and truth.


3. Faster Pace, Shallower Roots

-Many individuals desire immediate outcomes and emotional peaks. We observe this frequently with the younger generation.

-Discipleship now demands patience and depth—helping others slow down and grow roots in Christ.


4. Expanded Access

-Centuries ago, discipleship was often limited to clergy or scholars. Today, every believer has access to Scripture, training, and tools thereby making the call to disciple more inclusive and urgent.


5. Emotional and Mental Health Integration

Discipleship now often includes emotional healing, trauma-informed care, and spiritual coaching—areas some ministry leaders have successfully integrated into their ministries.


Same Spirit, New Strategies

The Holy Spirit remains unchanged, yet He equips us to disciple in ways that address contemporary needs. Whether you're guiding a friend through grief, mentoring a young woman in your community, leading a prayer call, or sharing Scripture over coffee, the call remains: "Follow me, as I follow Christ" (1 Corinthians 11:1).


Final Thoughts....

This divine mandate or assignment, known as the "Great Commission", is rooted in the words of Jesus Christ, who charged His followers in Matthew 28:19–20 and Mark 16:15 to go into all the world and proclaim the Gospel. But this call isn’t reserved for pastors or Bible teachers alone, it’s for every believer. Whether you’re standing behind a pulpit, sitting in a classroom, or walking down a hospital hallway, you are divinely positioned to teach, model, and multiply. The Great Commission is more than a command, it’s an invitation to partner with heaven in shaping eternal destinies, one disciple at a time.


Thanks for reading!


I remain yours in the Faith

Margaret (MKO)

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