Dallas Willard's The Great Omission: A Journey into Discipleship and Kingdom Living
Introduction
This paper will offer a reflective discussion of effective discipleship and living the
kingdom life as portrayed by Dallas Willard in his book The Great Omission. Personally,
Willard’s work has compelled me once again to begin thinking differently about what it
means to be disciples of Jesus in the twenty-first century, as well as living the gospel out in
very practical ways on a day-to-day basis.
From the various teachings of Willard three ideas that are revolutionary in the
treatment our theology of gospel and philosophy of ministerial practice are established
below… We also challenge one significant concept based on which we present our
disagreement with the provided view, using theological and scriptural analyses.
While passing through Willard’s work, the reader comes across methods that may be
applied to ministry in some parts and personal improvement in the other. We are taught about
the virtues of humility, patience, and forgiveness to address cases of injustices for injustices
done in our society. We also discover the relevance of evaluative soteriology, missional
church, and cruciformity in defining discipleship and true life in the kingdom.
Lastly, our analysis of The Great Omission presses us into a commitment to the living
out of the cross, intimacy with Christ, and advancing the kingdom. It is in this context that the
authors of this book intend to present this study in the hope that many will follow in similar
footsteps and embrace their calling of being a disciple of Jesus Christ and living a kingdom
lifestyle.
Dallas Willard’s book, The Great Omission Successfully presents the readers with the
reality that the contemporary church has lost its way in understanding and embodying the
gospel message and applying it in the cultures of world today. Willard argues that the church
has largely overlooked or omitted a crucial aspect of Jesus' teachings: Discipleship: the call to
be a disciplined follower of Jesus. That is why he has proposed that due to this particular
omission the Christianity has come to be represented and portrayed in the watered-down and
a weak fashion, one that no longer possesses the capacity to actually change the world for the
better in the name of Christ.
As observed, one of the seven significant insights presented in The Great Omission is
the focus on discipleship. I will take heed of Willard’s reasoning about discipleship in which
he did not designate it as a belief in Jesus or subscription to a creed but rather as the process
of following Jesus’ example in all facets of life. He urges his followers to make effort to be
like the Lord Christ despite claiming to be a Christian. It entails an alteration of the internal
person, specifically in the views and feelings, in order to get a new kind of life that is full of
love, humility, and service.
Willard contends that the kingdom is not only a future promise; rather, it is an
immediate reality available to Christians in the present. This kingdom life is defined as
righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost and is attainable to all who practice it through
following the teachings of Jesus.
Another implication that Willard brings about in the life of a disciple is on formation
of spirituality. He maintains that spiritual formation is a work of sanctification through which
Christians are moulded into the likeness of Christ. This encompasses practices such as prayer,
meditation, studying and fellowship that enhances the development of Christ attributes within
believers.
The Great Omission is a fitting reminder that perhaps the Western Church has lost its
way in the approaches it takes to discipling the nations. Willard exhorts us to get past the
defendant spirituality and seek a life of Jesus-cantered submission. He just had to remind the
audience that the life of a disciple of Jesus is not a walk in the park, but the most joyous and
purposeful existence.
The Call to Discipleship
It is important to mention that Dallas Willard is very much bothered by the lack of
discipleship as one of the defining ideas of the Christian life, this is one of the main argument
presented in The Great Omission. Will emphasized that discipleship is not a spice which has
to be added to Christianity, but rather the idea that disciple-making is Christianity, which
implies that imitating Jesus means becoming his true follower.
Discipleship for Willard therefore is not a theory or a practice that is accepted in
secrecy but rather an onerous call to a conversion where believers are urged to move from
being spectators and become active participants in the Christian faith. This journey refers to a
manner of how persons change and are transformed as they practice Christian spirituality
through the importance of worship, prayer, Bible and spirituality. Willard also said and I
quote ‘and we surrender at graduation at the end of the program while discipleship is a
permanent condition’.
In fact, Willard has an abundance of information regarding the topic of a community
in the process of discipleship, and he is in agreement with it. He also props his emphasis at
the role of the Church in the process of raising and raising apostles as the believers undergo
the process provided by divinity. In light of this, Willard argues that the concept of
discipleship should not be conducted independently but in the presence of fellow Christians.
As such, the focus that Willard gives to discipleship is relevant from the theological
standpoint because it lays the picture of salvation within relation. He then compares what he
named “the cult of discipleship” saying that it is not a method through which one can gain
righteousness through works, but rather a recognition of this kind of grace. This concept
corresponds to the essence of the evangelical faith in the possibility of saving one’s soul
through faith in Christ and the meaning that true faith is inseparable from good works.
As an application, the teachings of Willard on discipleship are immensely relevant to
the work of ministry as well as to the life of a believer. In ministry, discipleship becomes the
primary of focus with just Churches and leaders investing time and other forms of consensus
to ensure that believers can be transformed into effective disciples of Christ. This includes
education, guidance, and forging the avenues through which the soul can learn, be nurtured
and grow. Bible study enters into the lives of Christians as they live out their daily lives
concerning doing a particular job, living with people, and even making decisions by
practicing what Christ taught them.
Willard uses discipleship to urge Christians to go further than concepts of faith, and
instead progress in the process of transformation by the word of God. With his sermons, he
challenges the Christians to go deeper into discipleship, surrender to the Lord and walk as the
Christian in their respective places.
The Kingdom of God
The Kingdom of God explored by Dallas Willard in The Great Omission outlines
quite a shift in perspective regarding the concept of ‘kingdom,’ as well as portraying it as an
existential and practical realm here and now that one can experience and engage in. Willard
disputing the geographical location and period of the Kingdom as a physical dwelling place,
indicates that the Kingdom of God is a reality in anyone’s time and space where Gods wishes
are done on earth like it is done in heaven.
This is actually in accord with Willard’s view pointing to the kingdom of God as the
core of the teaching and ministry of Jesus. He argues that Jesus was not primarily concerned
with soteriology or eschatology as concepts of saving individuals from their sins and the
afterlife as we often understand them today but, rather, with the present reality of the
kingdom of God in the world, the gospel as the declaration to individuals that they are invited
to join this reality as it unfolds. This view provokes one to reflect on the Christian
soteriological understanding of the reality of salvation as occurring sometime, someday in the
future and accept the idea of the kingdom of God being in the present.
Perhaps the most crucial in the perspective of the ethical and social implications of
Willard’s teachings on the kingdom is the structural focus. He affirms that kingdom living
entails a lifestyle which incarnates righteousness, peace and joy in the holy spirit. This goes
beyond individual devotion to include an engagement in the course of advocating for justice
and seeking broader reconciliation and other people’s welfare. In essence, Willard’s teaching
aim at training Christians to live the kingdom life in every sphere of life.
From theological point of view, Willard’s doctrine regarding the kingdom requires
manipulation of the existing concepts of salvation and witnessing of the Church. He contends
that the aspect of salvation is not only forgiveness and life everlasting but rather, as fully
experiencing the kingship in life itself. The latter reflects also the reformation’s exiting
declaration that the kingdom of God is already present through Jesus, already but not yet
fully, complete at the second coming.
In practice, some of the most impacting lessons that Willard imparts about the
kingdom are the ones most pertinent to the actual living and ministry of Christians. They
invite believers to store up treasures in heaven by significantly focusing on the pursuit of the
kingdom and things that are in accordance with its values and agenda, and to engage in acts
of justice, advocating for peace, and promoting shalom in the world. Willard’s lessons
revolve on teachings that could encourage Christians to focus on truth and not only on telling
people the message of the gospel but also on demonstrating the actuality of the Kingdom
through examples and service.
Spiritual Formation
Willard’s view on shaping of Spirit and a people who are to represent the kingdom of
God in The Great Omission is grounded in his view on discipleship. He defines spiritual
formation as the transformation of the church by cultivating holiness that ushers in the
deliverance of the believers and the developing of Christian character and conduct. Willard
also explains that spiritual transformation should not be considered as a passive process but
as the work that requires active participation from the individual and the engagement of the
Holy Spirit.
Willard goes to great lengths explaining the importance of the spiritual exercises in
the process of transformation by pointing out that practices like prayer, fasting, meditation,
studying of the bible, solitude, and serving others are crucial in developing a strong bond
with God. These disciples assist individuals who are born anew assist in the development of
character or Christ like attributes which include love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,
goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance.
From an empirical standpoint, appropriate to the theme of spiritual formation, the
program spearheaded by Willard is rooted in the principles of spirituality as embraced by
orthodox Christianity, particularly the tenet that God wants to transform the spirit of
believers. Concerning the nature of this change, he argues that any radical and genuine
conversion is not skin deep, but rather it is a transformation of the person’s spiritual soul and
life. This is in consistent with the scripture where God’s purpose for his believers is, in
essence, to transform them into the image of Jesus Christ.
In a practical point of view, Willard’s discourses on spiritual formation offer rich
significant insights to believers and practitioners in the context or relationship with God and
in the ministry. They encourage beliefs to develop a relationship with God where personal
practices of prayer and study of the word triumph over mere religious formalities and
outward performances.
The book will be of benefit for it will continue to convict the contemporary church of
the failure to concentrate on the inward journey towards Christ as Willard’s teachings do. He
challenges the church to rethink its program and this aspect and to refocus on the practices
that biblical model has set out for believers.
These thoughts are connected most closely with the Willard’s views on spiritual
formation as the part of the general program of discipleship and the growth of the kingdom of
God. He believes that spiritual formation process ought to be viewed as a part of disciple
making process since the believers will want to conform unto the tutorial and moral image of
Christ. Similarly, spiritual formation is viewed as a significant part of becoming citizens of
the kingdom of the God in as believer bear the image of the kingdom.
Reflection on a Disagreed Idea
With all due respect, I strongly dissent with one of the main concepts of The Great
Omission; concerning the ushers of the kingdom of God as argued by Dallas Willard and
Renovare. According to Willard, the church is viewed as the primary channel through which
the kingdom of God is formed and expanded in the earth. I do agree with your idea that the
church has a very important tool in extending God’s kingdom but the kingdom of God is not
only confined in the church organizations but rather it includes all realms of creation where
God is having His ways done.
Willard here defines the church as the tangible representation of the kingdom of God
arguing that it is supposed to announce the kingdom and produce subjects. The importance of
the church in these perspectives are quite clear, I understand and appreciate, yet the campus
and the kingdom of God is not only contained in these areas but is widely in motion in the
realms of the family life, the workplace and in society as a whole. The kingdom here strikes
me as defining these spheres as crucial for the expansion of Christianity; where it’s believed
that people should lead salvation with sincerity and relevancy to the community. Thus, I do
not fully agree with Willard’s argument due to his different perspective on God’s attribute of
sovereignty and the scope of His saving work. I agree with the writers’ statement that God is
not limited to just church activities and operations; He is present in all they do and are
involved in. His kingdom is a movement in progress not only in official organizations of the
Christian Church but in every aspect of daily life of the Christian. It therefore reflects the
scriptural worldview in which the concept of kingdom of God is depicted as extending
throughout the whole of creation and ultimately being consummated at the final restoration of
all things.
In general, through the following points, my mode of operation in ministry as well as
mission differs from what Willard was advocating on: Rather than proceeding with much
attention to activities of the church I am trying to live in accordance to God’s kingdom
principles 24/7. Indeed, this worldview has made me to interact more positively with
different people in the society with the aim of eradicating injustices, war, and hatred. I view
all my work, interactions and relationships as activities that I am engaged in to advance
God’s kingdom into this world as I play the role of a redeemed individual in advancing God’s
work.
It seems to me that Willard tends to ironize the Church’s role in the Kingdom of God
too much, although I adhere to a more holistic vision of the Kingdom when it integrates the
whole life. This has prompted me towards a biblically informed paradigm of ministerial and
missional engagement, which entails the conscious effort to embody as many of God’s
kingdom values as possible across every sphere of life, as well as to stubbornly opt into the
ongoing narrative of redemption and restoration that he is authoring in the world.
Synthesis and Integration
When combining discipleship, the kingdom of God, and the process of spiritual
formation while establishing what is at the core of the Great Omission book, one cannot help
but observe that the three ideas are interdependent and complementary. Discipleship is
therefore the key platform that provides an entry way to the kingdom of God that is
manifested in the world. Consequently, spiritual formation is the ongoing process through
which Christians change progressively into the image of Christ and to enable them live out
the values of the kingdom as described in the Bible.
Discipleship, as defined and described by Willard, is not merely an invitation to
follow Jesus, but to follow him as a model in all facets of our existence. This discipleship
process marks the initiation process that enables one to be in the Kingdom of God, which is
translated into human life through the acceptance of the principles of the reign of God.
Discipleship therefore entails disciples teaching other believers on the importance of drawing
closer to God, praying and meditating on the word, as well as the need to practice on things
that are pleasing to the Lord with an aim of attaining spiritual growth and development.
This is because discipleship is enacted within the framework of the kingdom of God. This is
not a far-removed eschaton or spiritualized futurism but an immediate and proximate domain
where the saints can engage in the divine polis. Grow traces the implications of the kingdom
as not only another age but also the reality now, reframing the mission of the church and the
task of believers to seek first the kingdom of God and his justice with every sphere of life.
Spiritual formation is the process that builds the character of Christian to Christ like,
and equips the individual with the abilities to demonstrate the principles of the kingdom in
his daily life. This requires the believers to practice several forms of spiritual activities that
foster the time and power of the Holy Spirit into their lives. This is because spiritual
formation prepares the believers in imitating the Christian virtues – love, joy, peace, patience,
kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and temperance when interfacing with other
people or even engaging with the world.
All these notions create a systematic, theological vision of the person’s and minister’s
formation. These they want people to have anew look at the values they hold precious, the
goals they want to achieve, and have these reflect the goals the kingdom of God has. This
framework challenges believers and the church to live a life worthy of the call by preaching
the gospel and being Christ’s ambassadors of love, humility, and service. It underscores the
conception of life as citizens of the Kingdom of God, fulfilling responsibilities as the subjects
of the divine redemption, as well as living out the Kingdom values in the world.
Personal Application
When speaking about the core understandings beneath the teachings of The Great
Omission it is possible to admit that these have produced substantial influences on my
personal theology and on the philosophy of my ministry, since they have enabled pertinent
reflections on my own beliefs concerning discipleship, the kingdom and formation. These
notions have pushed me to live in ways that are more in sync with the words and acts of Jesus
Christ, changing my manner of relating to God, ministry work, and the rest of humanity.
According to Willard, one of my holistic goals is the conscious ongoing process of
striving in my faith journey with God. This inculcates the practices of prayer, reading of
scriptures, and other Hebraics that foster fellowship with the Lord. I have been called to step
up my animated faith and do more than just pay lip service to my Lord to the glory of my
faith.
Another consequence of The Great Omission from my life journey is the difficulty of
seeing my work as well as the people around me as the venues for evangelism and service. I
have come to view every area of my life as ministry and mission field to reach out and spread
the kingdom of God, touching as many as I can and as often as possible as much as I can in
every way I can.
The things that Willard has taught me include Willard’s teachings have also
challenged me to try to do the following to extend God’s kingdom into every sphere of life.
This means being a steward of the reign of God, actively embodying and promoting the kind
of values that God propagated in the Old and New Testaments in my dealings with people
and organization. Being a middle-aged woman, I am empowered to be a force of change in
places and environments that I frequent.
The message behind The Great Omission has helped me the most in offering step by
step guidelines on how create spiritual depth in my life, as well as how to see my workplace
and relationships a spiritual calling, and thus share the gospel in the world. These
perspectives have reformatted my perspective on ministry and the word of God encouraging
me to become an effective believer in lives.
Conclusion
Conclusively, I can hold that readable The Great Omission by Dallas Willard has been
inspiring and thought-provoking. It has geared me towards a fresh reflection of discipleship,
the kingdom of God and formation, and space me to walk closely with Jesus.
As I reflect on the teachings of The Great Omission, I am reminded of the words of
Jesus in Matthew 6:33 “And, behold, all things whatsoever ye shall say to them, do in that
manner, and all these things shall be added to you.” May this be my life theme that informs
my conduct as a Godly woman in all that I do.
