LOCAL STARTING POINTS


​Local Starting Points explain disciple-making in the local context. The first nine points center on Matthew 28:16–20. The rest consists of important truths about the Great Commission in general.
The Great Commission 
Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw Him, they worshiped Him--but some of them doubted. Jesus came and told His disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Mathew 28:16–20

1. Making disciples is the task of every follower of Jesus Christ. 

Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. (Matthew 28:16)
​Since the Church's purpose is to glorify God by making disciples of all nations, every Christian's primary responsibility is to engage in disciple-making.
There are two turns in life. The first is from the world to Christ, the second is back into the world with Christ. — Dave Höng 
The qualifications for becoming a disciple-maker are simple: you must be a Christian, willing, and imperfect. Jesus didn't call for theological experts or those with extensive education; He called ordinary believers to learn as they went and impact the world through disciple-making.

Furthermore, every follower of Jesus is equipped for disciple-making by the Holy Spirit. The Spirit empowers believers by reminding them of the gospel's power, emboldening them to share it even in challenging circumstances, and reassuring them of their secure future and worthy mission. Romans 1:16, 15:20; Acts 21:13

The magnitude of our salvation compels us to share the gospel widely. As Jesus was sent by the Father, He sends us to make disciples. John 20:21 In the words of Dick Ellis, "Every heart without Christ is a mission field, and every heart with Christ is a missionary."

Just as animals reproduce after their kind, disciples of Jesus should naturally reproduce more disciples. It should just as natural for Christians to reproduce Christians as it is for giraffes to produce giraffes. 

​Therefore, every believer has the ability and responsibility to make disciples, driven by the Holy Spirit's empowerment and the greatness of our salvation.
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2. Making disciples is driven by worship. 

When they saw Him, they worshiped Him--but some of them doubted. (Matthew 28:17)
​The word for worship in verse 17 originates from the combination of two Greek words meaning to bow and to kiss, conveying the essence of reverent love. Disciple-making is fueled by a profound love and reverence for Jesus Christ. 
The Word of God ignites our worship of God, ​which fuels our witness for God.
The most potent tool for witnessing is personal worship of Jesus. Nothing ignites a passion for sharing the gospel more than contemplating the glory of Christ. Reflecting on His greatness and the magnitude of His creation motivates believers to proclaim His name.

David Platt encapsulates this truth by affirming that genuine worship inevitably leads to personal witness. Therefore, if there's a deficiency in our evangelism efforts, it signals a problem with our worship—our failure to grasp the greatness of God and the depth of His sacrifice for us.
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3. Making disciples is an issue of authority. 

Jesus came and told His disciples, “I have been given all authority in Heaven and on earth.”(Matthew 28:18)
​When it comes to disciple-making, disciples must confront a crucial decision: to whom will they yield their obedience? Will it be to the government, which may restrict gospel-sharing? The family, which might impose limitations? Religion, which could obstruct? Fear, which may deter? Or will it be to God, whose command overrides all others, compelling us to share the gospel regardless?

Disciple-making occurs when followers of Jesus prioritize obedience to God's authority above all else. This obedience is evident in their choice to share the gospel, as exemplified in Acts 4:13-20. As author Mike Shipman emphasizes, Jesus grants us authority to fulfill the Great Commission, empowering us to share the gospel with everyone, regardless of their status. We are authorized by the One whose authority surpasses all others.

4. Making disciples requires involvement in people's lives. 

Therefore, go... (Matthew 28:19)
​Disciple-making hinges on the act of going—it's a fundamental requirement. The term 'go' isn't just a command, but a participial phrase, implying action within our activities.

Going involves the redeemed actively engaging with the unredeemed, initiating conversations, sharing about the life Jesus offers, and inviting them to learn more.

​Whether spontaneous or planned, going is essential for disciple-making to take place consistently.
There is not one verse in the book of Acts where the gospel advances to the lost apart from a human agent. ​— David Platt
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5. Making disciples implies multiplication. 

...and make disciples... ​​(Matthew 28:19)
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The essence of "making disciples" is not merely adding followers of Jesus, but producing individuals who replicate this process. It entails creating disciple-makers who, in turn, cultivate others to become disciple-makers—a cycle of multiplication. This approach involves nurturing, guiding, and encouraging others through various stages of spiritual development, from birth to growth and reproduction.

Making disciples is profoundly relational and leads to exponential growth. It includes sharing the gospel, teaching Scripture, and equipping believers to do likewise. It entails identifying potential followers, nurturing their faith, and empowering them to do the same with others. It's about fostering a chain of disciple-making.

According to 2 Timothy 2:2, the ultimate aim of disciple-making is to reach a point where one becomes a spiritual grandparent, indicating that true discipleship involves disciples who, in turn, disciple others. In essence, disciple-making isn't complete until disciples become disciple-makers themselves.

6. Making disciples is both a local and global task. 

...of all nations... (Matthew 28:19)
Fulfilling the Great Commission encompasses both local and global disciple-making efforts. Locally, disciple-making involves reaching out to those we encounter daily, regardless of proximity or familiarity. It's about nurturing and guiding individuals in their faith journey within our immediate communities.

On the global scale, disciple-making extends to reaching those who are unreached by the gospel worldwide. These individuals live in regions where access to the gospel is limited or nonexistent, leading to a lack of awareness about Jesus Christ and His message. They reside in culturally isolated and often challenging environments.

The term "nations" in Matthew 28:19 refers to ethnos, meaning people groups rather than geopolitical entities. While there are nearly two hundred countries globally, there are over sixteen thousand distinct people groups. Sadly, forty percent of these groups remain unreached, representing over two billion individuals without access to the gospel.

Everyone can contribute to global disciple-making efforts through the principle of SOGY (Support Others or Go Yourself). This entails supporting and participating in initiatives aimed at reaching the unreached, whether through prayer, financial support, or direct involvement in mission work.

Ultimately, local disciple-making serves as a foundation for global disciple-making. It provides essential training and preparation for engaging with unreached people groups worldwide. As such, local disciple-making efforts are not isolated, but serve as a stepping stone towards broader global missions.
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​It's the job of the church to grow where it is...and to grow where it isn't. — Dr. Ralph Winter

7. Making disciples involves baptism. 

...baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 28:19)
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​Water baptism serves as a visible expression of one's faith in Jesus Christ and is undertaken after salvation. It represents obedience to Jesus' command and symbolizes the beginning of a new life characterized by spiritual cleansing and repentance from the old ways.

In many cultures, baptism is a celebratory event shared with loved ones and the wider faith community. However, in some contexts, especially those hostile to Christianity, baptism can carry significant risks, including rejection from family, loss of friendships, social isolation, persecution, and even martyrdom.

​Despite these challenges, believers demonstrate their commitment to Christ through the courageous act of baptism, affirming their allegiance to Him regardless of the consequences.

Resource: BAPTISM

8. Making disciples is about obedience, not just knowledge. 

Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. (Matthew 28:20)
​Disciple-making transcends mere acquisition of knowledge; its core objective is obedience. While knowledge is necessary for obedience, the two are not synonymous. The goal is not just understanding, but responding rightly to Jesus. Simply knowing about Jesus contrasts with living for Him. The measure of successful disciple-making lies in a life marked by increasing obedience. The most impactful way to teach obedience is through modeling, as observing someone embody the truth inspires personal application.

9. Making disciples is increasingly motivated by the presence of Jesus Christ. 

And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age. (Matthew 28:20)
Disciple-making begins under the guidance of another person. As disciples mature, they become less dependent upon the presence of others, and increasingly motivated by the presence of the Lord. A maturing disciple eventually internalizes the mission of making disciples of all nations. 

10. Disciple making is transforming. 

The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. (Galatians 5:6b, NIV)  Your word is truth. (John 17:17b)
Disciple-making is profoundly impactful because it merges two fundamental aspects of transformative relationships: love and truth. These elements are crucial in fostering healthy disciple-making. The extent to which love is expressed and truth is communicated directly correlates with the depth of transformation experienced.

​In disciple-making, love serves as the bridge over which the message of truth is carried. Tim Keller aptly summarized this concept: “Love without truth is sentimentality; it comforts and encourages us but avoids confronting our flaws. Truth without love is abrasive; it imparts knowledge, but in a manner that prevents genuine reception.”
You can't train someone spiritually by simply holding a class where he/she takes a lot of notes and fills in a lot of blanks. — Bill Hull

11. Making disciples must be modeled. 

Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow Me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” (Matthew 4:19)
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Jesus didn't just instruct His disciples through words; He exemplified the disciple-making process. Demonstrating, rather than simply discussing, is paramount in effective disciple-making. The "aha" moment occurs when disciples witness it firsthand. Seeing in action surpasses reading or hearing about it. The adage "People can't be what they can't see" underscores the significance of modeling. A comprehensive grasp of disciple-making entails not only explaining but also showcasing. Modeling is the crucial component often lacking in many church-based disciple-making methods.
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12. Making disciples takes place anywhere, anytime with anyone. 

They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity. Acts 2:46)
Disciple-making operates in a decentralized manner, unfolding daily, around the clock, and in diverse settings. While training might happen in a centralized setting, the real-life application takes place in a distributed fashion. The church gathers for worship, but scatters for disciple-making endeavors.

13. Making disciples glorifies God. 

I brought glory to you here on earth by completing the work You gave Me to do. (John 17:4)
​Making disciples serves as a canvas to display the diverse attributes of God. Through disciple-making, His love is made manifest, His grace is extended, and His mercy is showcased. It serves as a reflection of His holiness, an illustration of His righteousness, and a revelation of His providence. Furthermore, disciple-making highlights His majesty, underscores His truth, and declares His power to the world, painting a vivid picture of who God is and what He stands for.

14. Making disciples is intentional and strategic. 

Jesus went up on a mountain and called out the ones He wanted to go with Him. And they came to Him. (Mark 3:13)
Jesus operated with a profound awareness of His mission and purpose. He lived each moment in alignment with God's plan, demonstrating confidence in the future through His actions in the present. According to Robert Coleman, Jesus's life was characterized by purpose and efficiency, devoid of wastefulness or idleness. His every word and action were intentional, driven by His commitment to fulfilling God's mission.

​Similarly, disciple-making is not a passive or random endeavor; it requires purpose, prioritization, and planning. It demands intentionality, deliberation, and a clear sense of mission.
Disciple making is intentionally building up the love of Christ in someone else. —Tone Benedict. 

15. Disciple making is the best method of spreading the gospel. 

The seed that fell on good soil represents those who truly hear and understand God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted! (Matthew 13:23)
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Making disciples is unparalleled in its capacity to expand the kingdom, propagate the gospel, and enhance the Church's influence. Its effectiveness lies in its principle of multiplication, leading to exponential growth. To illustrate, consider doubling one grain of rice sixty-four times, akin to the doubling effect in disciple-making. By the twentieth iteration, one million grains would accumulate, and by the fortieth, one billion. Remarkably, on the final square, there would be enough rice to cover India to a depth of fifty feet. This exponential growth phenomenon, termed by Einstein as the greatest force in the universe, underscores the transformative power of disciple-making.
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To belong to Jesus is to embrace the nations...your heart was made for this. ​— John Piper

16. Disciple making is incredibly fulfilling. 

I love you and long to see you, dear friends, for you are my joy. (Philippians 4:1)
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Guiding others in their spiritual growth journey is profoundly fulfilling. Witnessing individuals come to know Christ, and engage in disciple-making brings immense joy. There are few experiences in life that rival the satisfaction of hearing a disciple attribute their growth to your influence. It's a testament to the alignment between our deepest desires and God's commands. Contrary to obligation, the Great Commission is a source of delight. God doesn't coerce us into tasks we resent; instead, He invites us into activities that resonate with our hearts.
​Do you really want to experience God? Then go and make disciples.  ​​— Francis Chan

17. Making disciples is not the same as discipleship. 

You cancel the word of God for the sake of your own tradition. (Matthew 15:6b)
​The distinction between discipleship and disciple-making has become more pronounced. While the term "discipleship" is not found in the original biblical texts and has come to encompass various church activities, "disciple-making" focuses on intentional relationship-building and life transformation.
Disciples are not made by attendance at Church meetings or great celebrations but by intercession and deliberate along-siding new believers so that Christ may be formed in them and their lives transformed. This process is not completed in weeks, but rather takes years of committed mentoring.  ​—Patrick Johnstone
Discipleship often revolves around programs and events within the church, while disciple-making prioritizes personal mentoring and disciples walking alongside new believers outside the church. Unlike discipleship, which can be classroom-oriented and lecture-based, disciple-making emphasizes real-world experiences, modeling, and coaching.

The goal of discipleship may be to impart knowledge, but disciple-making aims at fostering personal growth and multiplication. While discipleship may result in followers of Christ, disciple-making produces disciple-makers who can replicate the process.

In essence, discipleship produces disciples, whereas disciple-making produces disciple-makers. The latter involves a deeper commitment to investing time and building genuine relationships, guiding individuals through their spiritual journey from discovery to obedience to Christ. This approach contrasts with quick conversions and emphasizes long-term transformation through relational investment.

18. Making disciples requires a paradigm shift. 

When the queen of Sheba heard of Solomon’s fame, she came to Jerusalem... and when she saw the palace he had built, she was overwhelmed. She was also amazed at... the organization of his officials. (2 Chronicles 9:1–4)
Transitioning from the Old Testament come-and-see paradigm to the New Testament go-and-tell model is essential for effective disciple-making. This shift involves moving away from an attractional, event-focused approach to ministry and embracing a missional, relationship-driven strategy.
At the heart of multiplication is the shift from an addition culture of gathering and accumulating to a multiplication culture of releasing and sending. — Bill Easum
In disciple-making, the focus is on embodying Christ's presence (incarnational) rather than simply inviting others to church (invitational). The New Testament Church gathers for worship and scatters to witness, emphasizing the importance of equipping believers to make disciples in their everyday lives.

Multiplication in disciple-making requires a cultural shift from a mindset of gathering and accumulating to one of releasing and sending. This means prioritizing the training of individuals to become disciple-makers rather than merely adding to church attendance.

As J. D. Greear points out, in a post-Christian society, traditional approaches to church outreach may not effectively reach unbelievers. Instead, disciple-making requires reaching people where they are, apart from formal church meetings and events. This shift acknowledges the changing landscape and emphasizes the importance of relational engagement and intentional disciple making in reaching the lost.
The Church is not a cruise ship consigned to hug the coast. It’s an aircraft carrier commanded into harm’s way. Its job is not to entertain the guests, but to equip the crew in the battle for men’s souls.
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19. Making disciples fits anyone's schedule. 

Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. (Colossians 4:5, ESV)
Making disciples is not an overly demanding commitment; it can be accomplished within a manageable two-hour window each week. This consistent time investment is crucial for effectively guiding individuals through the various stages of multiplication.

The key is to use this dedicated weekly time to walk alongside the same group of people as they progress through the disciple-making process. By maintaining consistency and continuity, disciple-makers can facilitate meaningful growth and development in their disciples.

This approach ensures that disciple-making remains a focused and intentional endeavor, allowing for steady progress without overwhelming either the disciple-maker or the disciples themselves.

20. Making disciples works best in newly formed teams. 

No one puts new wine into old wineskins. For the old skins would burst from the pressure, spilling the wine and ruining the skins. New wine is stored in new wineskins so that both are preserved. (Matthew 9:17)
True disciple-making diverges significantly from the typical focus of many small-group ministries, which often center around fostering fellowship among believers. While fellowship is undoubtedly important, the primary aim of disciple-making is to equip believers to engage with unbelievers and fulfill the Great Commission.

In essence, until believers are actively discipling unbelievers, the Great Commission remains unfulfilled. Therefore, the primary objective of small groups should be to train and mentor participants in the art of making disciples among those outside the group. It's during this process of reaching out and engaging with others that genuine spiritual growth occurs.

Attempting to introduce a new disciple-making strategy into an existing program that doesn't prioritize disciple-making will yield unsatisfactory results. 

21. Making disciples begins with the end in mind. 

“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people." Mark 1:17 NIV
​Jesus exemplified intentionality in producing disciple-makers, envisioning the outcome from the beginning. His approach extended beyond merely forming a small group and studying the Bible; it was strategic in nature. Jesus embedded the goal of disciple-making within his invitation, clearly articulating the ultimate purpose and setting the trajectory from the outset. The multiplication of disciples occurred because Jesus initiated with that specific result in mind.

22. Making disciples is the purpose of the church. 

 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 28:19)
​The purpose of the church isn't something to be discovered, but something to be fulfilled. It's succinctly captured in the mandate to glorify God by making disciples of all nations. This comprehensive purpose statement encompasses the church's vision (glorify God), mission (make disciples), and objective (of all nations).
When the transaction of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit takes place, we have a new responsibility to go. — Doug Robitaille
The church's primary task isn't merely to develop Christians, but to create Great Commission Christians—individuals committed to fulfilling the mandate of making disciples. Every resource and ministry within the church should align with this overarching purpose. Ministries should consistently assess their effectiveness by asking: Does this contribute to making disciples of all nations?

The vitality of the church is gauged by how effectively it fulfills its purpose of making disciples. To gauge the church's health, one need only ask: Are we nurturing disciple-makers—individuals who engage in disciple-making both locally among the unchurched and globally among the unreached? It's worth asking, "Are we a warehouse or a factory; do we store Christians or equip them?" 

23. Making disciples among unreached people should be the burning passion of every Christian, and the urgent mission of every church.

My ambition has always been to preach the Good News where the name of Christ has never been heard. (Romans 15:20)
​With over two billion people who haven't been exposed to the message of Christ, representing 40 percent of the global population, the urgency of spreading the gospel becomes strikingly apparent. Shockingly, more than 80 percent of Muslims, Hindus, and Buddhists have never encountered a single Christian, rendering them unreached by the good news.

These unreached individuals lack access to the life-transforming message of Jesus throughout their entire lives. The church, therefore, has a vital role as an exporter of the gospel—the sole product capable of bringing life to those in spiritual darkness. Given the urgency and significance of this task, it's imperative to expedite the dissemination of this unique and life-giving product to those most in need.
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It is our honor and mission to bring the gospel to the gospel-less and the Bible to the Bible- less, and to establish the Church where there is no Church. ​— Matt Dodd

24. Making disciples is empowered by prayer.

This is no afternoon athletic contest that we’ll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels. (Ephesians 6:12 The Message)
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​John Piper aptly captures the essence of prayer as a vital weapon in the ongoing spiritual warfare. He describes life as a constant battle, with prayer serving as our communication tool in the midst of this conflict. In his analogy, prayer functions as a "wartime walkie-talkie," allowing us to reach out to headquarters—God Himself—for all our needs as we advance the Kingdom of Christ against the forces of darkness. This perspective emphasizes the crucial role of prayer in the ongoing mission of the church and underscores the necessity of maintaining a vibrant prayer life in the face of spiritual opposition.
Resources: 
  1. Mike Shipman, Any 3: Anyone, Anywhere, Anytime (Monument, CO: WIGTake, 2013), Chapter 12, Kindle. 

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