The last instruction given by Jesus before ascending to Heaven was for us to make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20). It’s a serious command because it necessitates putting others before ourselves. Jesus did not charge us with becoming successful, powerful, or living our best life now. He made it clear this life is not about us. It’s about furthering His mission. If we love Him, there is no choice but to obey Him (John 14:15).
And if we’re going to obey Him, we must be about the business of discipling others. But most of us don’t know how to make disciples. We all want to, but lack the knowledge of what we should do. Worse, many believe making disciples is for the super-Christian, those people who seem to possess a knowledge of God we can never hope to achieve. God’s Word is for everyone, no matter how much or how little you think of your abilities.
Making disciples boils down to three words, words we must execute in order. These words are study, practice, and teach. This should be the perpetual cycle of our lives. If we follow these three simple steps, we will fulfill the great commission of our Lord.
Study
The first step in learning how to make disciples is to become one yourself. You can’t instruct someone to do something you don’t understand. If you want to make disciples, you are going to have to spend a lot of time studying God’s Word. There is no shortcut to growing in Christ. You must read, study, absorb, and bleed the Bible (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The Word of God is all about the Almighty Creator and Savior. Why would we not want to be obsessed with every word of this book?
Practice
We all know people who possess a lot of head knowledge but are of no practical use. It’s the same with knowledge of God’s Word. It’s not enough to hear the Word of God, you’ve got to do it (James 1:22). Don’t settle for a general understanding of what God wants you to do. Get out there and live it. Put others first, stand firm on God’s principles, and be ready to give a defense of your faith at all times (1 Peter 3:14-15). Love as Jesus loves, and never let an opportunity to be kind and compassionate pass you by (Ephesians 4:31-32). Put everything you study into practice so people see Jesus when they look at you (Matthew 5:16).
Teach
This step is key if you want to know how to make disciples. After your faith has been through a refining period practicing what you learn through your study of the Word, it’s time to teach others what the Lord is teaching you. The Gospel is good news, and the Lord does not intend for you to keep it to yourself (Matthew 5:14-15). Tell everyone about Christ. Teach those who respond to the message what living for Jesus will look like in their life (Colossians 1:28). Help them pick up their cross until they can carry it without you (Galatians 6:2). You don’t need to be a pastor, scholar, or author to share the truths of God’s Word with those in your circle of influence.
How to make disciples
The steps to disciple making are simple and easy to remember: study, practice, teach. This should be a continual cycle that shapes your life. They are not individual disciplines you will do for a certain period, but a general rhythm for your life. Study God’s Word every day to learn more about Him. In every moment, show others how to live their convictions by the way you cling to yours (Titus 2:6-8). Take every opportunity that comes your way to teach others about the glorious hope you have in Christ (Titus 2:11-13). That is how you make disciples.