Reflecting on the True Meaning of “Go Make Disciples”
Many churches today put a lot of effort into getting people to say “yes” to Jesus, but sometimes stop there. We celebrate when someone becomes a Christian, but what happens after that moment? The truth is, simply making converts—people who say they believe—without walking alongside them and teaching them how to follow Jesus, doesn’t fulfill what Jesus actually commanded us to do.
The Real Command: Go Make Disciples
When Jesus said, “Go and make disciples,” He wasn’t just talking about getting people to agree with some facts or pray a prayer. A disciple is someone who learns from Jesus, follows His teaching, and grows to become more like Him. Making disciples means taking time to teach, encourage, and help others grow in their faith, not just leaving them to figure things out on their own.
What Happens When We Only Make Converts?
If we focus just on numbers—how many people raised their hands, got baptized, or joined a church—we miss the point. Converts who are not discipled can easily drift away, become confused about their faith, or blend in with the world. Their lives may not show the love, hope, and change that Jesus brings. Sadly, this can make the church look weak or even hypocritical, and the world doesn’t see the real difference Jesus makes.
The Impact on the Church
· Shallow Faith: Without guidance, new believers may not understand what it means to truly follow Jesus. Their faith may not last when life gets hard.
· Lack of Unity: Discipleship brings people together, helping them grow in love and service. Without it, the church can become divided or scattered.
· Missed Purpose: The church’s mission is to help people become like Jesus, not just to fill seats. When we skip discipleship, we miss our calling.
The Impact on the World
· Unchanged Lives: The world is watching to see if faith makes a difference. When believers aren’t discipled, their lives may not look any different from anyone else’s.
· Confusion About Christianity: People may get the wrong idea about what it means to follow Jesus, thinking it’s just about saying the right words instead of a changed life.
· Lost Opportunity: Real disciples show love, kindness, and hope—things the world desperately needs. Without discipleship, the world misses out on seeing these qualities in action.
Moving Forward
If we want to truly follow Jesus’ command, we need to do more than just make converts—we need to make disciples. That means building relationships, teaching, encouraging, and walking alongside others as they learn to live out their faith. It isn’t always fast or easy, but it’s how real change happens, both in the church and in the world.
Let’s not settle for quick results. Let’s commit to the long, faithful work of making disciples—just like Jesus asked us to do.
Minister A Francine Green
December 2025
afrancinegreen.com 