DISCIPLESHIP

πορευθέντες οὖν μαθητεύσατε πάντα τὰ ἔθνη βαπτίζοντες αὐτοὺς εἰς τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ πατρὸς καὶ τοῦ υἱοῦ καὶ τοῦ ἁγίου πνεύματος

Matthew 28:19

This text is the Greek version of our English, “Go and make disciples…” What is lost in translation is the fact that the command is not to “GO!” but to “MAKE DISCIPLES!” And what is a disciple? Every Christian is a disciple, but not every Christian is being discipled – which means that we are failing to follow the command.

There are many ways in which discipleship occurs in the life of the believer.

1. The preaching of God’s Word in the Sunday Service
2. Inductive Bible Study
3. Counsel and admonition from the saints
4. Classes
5. Books and programs
6. Personal Discipleship

Each of these can play a significant role in the life of a believer. In fact, they are each necessary. You will not receive individual instruction in the Sunday service. You will not receive counsel from an inductive bible study. A book cannot address your personal strengths and weakness as you walk in Christ. And personal Discipleship can never replace the public proclamation of the Word.

At FBC Gresham we strive to make all of these forms of discipleship available to all believers so that we may present everyone mature in Christ.