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Contents
Introduction ……………………………………………………………….…………………… 3
Passage ……………………………………………..…………………………………………… 3
Principles around the Scripture ……….....………….…………..…………………………… 4
Philosophy around Christ ....……..…………………………………………………………… 6
Conclusion ………..……………….…………………………………………………………… 7
Bibliography ……………………….…………………………………………………………... 9
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In Matthew 28:16-20 it is explained that the Great Commission was a directive given by
Jesus Christ to his Apostles to spread the word and make disciples. However, there was a belief
that the Commission ceased to be relevant after the Apostles passed away, with the
understanding that it was meant specifically for them and the general members of the churches.
In the late eighteenth century following the Reformation, the Protestant community started to
question the need for continued missionary work. Today, it is vital that we follow Matthew
28:16-20 as a Christian community. As a community, we must not fail to fulfill the
understanding in these verses because it would push us to disobey the Lord and his word. Pulling
from the Scripture, research from philosophers, and personal experience, this paper will propose
an effective approach to nurturing disciples for Christ. This approach will focus on three key
elements: passages, principles, and philosophy. The goal is to implement these key elements into
the current ministries and future endeavors.
Passages
For Christians to have a good strategy to disciple others and grow the kingdom of God,
we must first have a solid foundation for where we stand. When we are defining discipleship, we
see through many philosophers that there is a need to be biblical.1 As we see through the
scriptures and envision how discipleship was informed and lived out in the time of the authors
writing the scripture, we must remember that Jesus shows us that there are three times of which
discipleship was formed and that was from the Great Commandment with Moses in the Old
Testament, the Great Commission, and the New Testament. Jesus Christ motivates us to emulate
him and promises to transform us into individuals who attract others to his teachings2. Merely
1 Allister McGrath, Christianity’s Dangerous Idea: The Protestant Revolution: A History from the Sixteenth
Century to the Twenty-First (London: SPCK, 2007), 225.
2 Jim Putman, Bobby Harrington, and Robert Emerson Coleman, DiscipleShift Five Steps That Help Your
Church to Make Disciples Who Make Disciples (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2013).
4
professing our belief in Jesus Christ is insufficient; we must also actively engage in spreading his
message and nurturing new believers. By instructing others to become followers and
empowering them to teach their disciples, the cycle of discipleship can perpetuate and expand.
The act of making disciples may appear laborious, but it mirrors Jesus Christ's transformation of
fishermen into fishers of men.
Discipleship is centered on the scripture passage where Jesus Christ instructs his
followers to follow him and to carry their crosses (Matthew 10:37-39, Luke 9:23). These verses
underscore the significance that is placed on Jesus Christ when centered around our existence.
These verses prompt us to prioritize love and devotion towards others over our selfish desires,
including the pursuit of material possessions. To truly experience life, we must relinquish our old
habits and embrace a new life in Christ. This change, often described as "conversion," entails
dedicating our lives to Jesus and making profound adjustments to conform to his teachings. The
sinful ways of our past are discarded, and we are now equipped with a new heart that glorifies
God. This fresh start is not fleeting or limited to specific moments of repentance; it is a lifelong
commitment and a way of life.3
Principles around the Scripture
Beliefs are the foundation that guides decision-making, nurtures relationships, and
facilitates mediation. We are the masters of our destiny, while the church embodies the divine
will of God. Beliefs are distinct from personal traits. A profession must be built upon at least five
core values. Love, compassion, gratitude, support, and guidance are indispensable for church's
ministry. These principles underscore the centrality of God in the relationships that the church
ministry cherishes and upholds.
3 Ibid. 51.
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A cornerstone of the principles of devotion which is the cornerstone around believers'
lives. Jesus Christ taught the significance of love for one another and then the love for God.4 By
abiding by these three key examples of the Great Commandment, the New Commandment, and
the Great Commission, we demonstrate the righteousness of God by displaying compassion and
love to all, regardless of their imperfections. As sinners ourselves, we have encountered God's
unconditional love and compassion, which serves as a blueprint for how we should interact with
others. Rejecting the love of our peers is essentially rejecting God’s love. The essential principle
of God’s love is in the comprehension of God and fulfilling the purpose of His children.
Moreover, fostering a spirit of gratitude and positivity is vital in spreading joy and happiness in
God's name. In a world filled with negativity and dissatisfaction, it is crucial to remember that
true success stems from following God's will and embracing His love.
The disciples were called by Christ to follow him, and Jesus invited them to embrace a
life centered on community5. In this context, there are two distinct types of communities to
consider. One type of this is the fellow believer's community within the church ministry, this
allows individuals to come together as equals. This community provides a sense of belonging
and familiarity, where like-minded individuals engage in discussions and study the Holy Bible
collectively. James 5:16 emphasizes the community importance within the ministry, highlighting
the confession of sins to each other within the community around our spiritual growth. Today,
many churches prioritize the concept of community, this is essential for the community to grow
and spread the word of Christ.
Another essential principle is leadership. You will observe that some leaders are naturally
gifted. However, individuals can also become leaders through determination and strong
4 Dave Earley and Rod Dempsey, Disciple Making Is .).). How to Live the Great Commission with Passion
and Confidence (B&H Publishing Group, 2014).
5 Ibid. 75.
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leadership skills. The development of leadership is important to the development of disciples
within the community. Matthew 20:25-28 helps us understand that within the church ministry,
the verses are to help empower leaders and to help raise leaders in the church, this allows Jesus
to instruct that leaders are not to lord over others. Instead, true greatness comes from serving
others; Leaders understand that serving is the key to leading with humility, devoid of pride and
arrogance.6 As we are trying to create leaders within our church there is a moment when we get
comfortable in our doings and ministry but to be able to fulfill the Great Commission, one must
not become complacent. These five principles should form the foundation of any thriving church.
The essential principle that closes out the passages is the Courage of the community.
Courage is acknowledged as the forefront of the church and the lives of faithful individuals. The
responsibility to directly confront animosity, fully cognizant of the pledge is given to us by God.
Even though the life of a Christian believer may not always be effortless, and there may be
moments when we feel hesitant, it is through the profound bravery instilled by God's pledge that
we confront obstacles directly, surpassing our previous boundaries.
Philosophy around Christ
We are all products of a mindful state of mind and intention, and to some extent, a
reflection of divine design. God created humanity with great passion. We have the freedom to
choose what is honorable or dishonorable. There are aspects of our nature that God instilled in us
to guide us on the right path in life. We strive to fulfill the vision God has for us and inspire
others to seek the purpose meant for their own lives. God uses the community to carry out the
divine plan that he has created.
6 Dave Earley and Rod Dempsey, Disciple Making Is .).). How to Live the Great Commission with Passion
and Confidence (B&H Publishing Group, 2014).
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The local church is the heart of the Christian community and its empowerment of leaders.
The core of the ministry is of utmost importance. A healthy soul leads to a healthy ministry. The
thirteen letters that are within the Pauline Epistles, serve as the foundational teachings of the
doctrine and beliefs.7 Paul establishes within the epistle how to operate the church ministry and
what Christ wants of us. Many of the epistles address issues within local churches. Paul reminds
us that we are all "one body in Christ Jesus and individually members of one another" (Romans
12:5).8
As the number of followers starts to grow and the church starts to overflow so does the
heart of Christ as he watches his kingdom grow. The community around the local churches can
engage with their communities in various ways to spread the Gospel of Jesus. Activities such as
hosting sports events, participating in parades, and engaging in charity work can help churches
connect with their communities. Our ministry includes initiatives such as back-to-school events,
Thanksgiving dinner handouts to the community, toy drives, and Easter services. These activities
also provide the congregation with opportunities to serve and impact the lives of others in the
community.
Conclusion
Through careful analysis of the Philosopher research, the scriptures, and the personal
experience gained by the events at my current church, we have come to comprehend the
significance of scripture, principles, and philosophy. I strive to implement a rational and
effective approach to nurturing followers of Christ, with a deep understanding of what it means
to show love, grace, and serve. As shown in Matthew 28:16-20, the ultimate priority within the
plan that God has for us is making disciples. It is a collective effort that empowers individuals to
7 Allister McGrath, Christianity’s Dangerous Idea: The Protestant Revolution: A History from the Sixteenth
Century to the Twenty-First (London: SPCK, 2007).
8 Unless otherwise noted scriptures are of English Standard Version
9
Discipleship, NavPress. Growing in discipleship. Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 1980.
Earley, Dave, and Rod Dempsey. Disciple-making is .).). how to live the great commission with
passion and confidence. B&H Publishing Group, 2014.
McGrath, Allister, Christianity’s Dangerous Idea: The Protestant Revolution: A History from the
Sixteenth Century to the Twenty-First (London: SPCK, 2007),
Putman, Jim, Bobby Harrington, and Robert Emerson Coleman. DiscipleShift five steps that help
your church to make disciples who make disciples. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2013.
Welch, Edward T. Side by side: Walking with others in wisdom and Love. Wheaton, IL:
Crossway, 2015.
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