When Jesus gave the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20, His instruction was clear: “Go and make disciples of all nations.” This call wasn’t about filling church buildings with attendees; it was a command to train and equip people to live as disciples of Christ. Yet, in many modern churches, this mission has shifted. Instead of fostering transformation, churches often focus on programs, routines, and attendance metrics. The question we must ask is: Are we making disciples, or are we merely creating church members?
What Is True Discipleship?
Jesus envisioned His church as a place where people are equipped to follow Him fully, to live out His teachings, and to transform the world. He said, “Come, follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19). The early church modeled this mission, gathering to learn, pray, and spread the Gospel with boldness and love.
Today, however, many churches prioritize maintenance over mission. They have become places where people hear sermons, join projects, and attend events—but leave unchanged. The biblical purpose of the church is to make disciples who live out their faith daily, not to create a routine of passive attendance.
From Programs to Purpose: Living Stones, Not Dead Stones
The Bible calls believers living stones, being built into a spiritual house (1 Peter 2:5). But in many cases, the church’s programs and projects weigh members down, turning them into something closer to dead stones—participants without purpose. While activities like meetings and events have their place, they should never overshadow the true mission: equipping believers to follow Jesus and make disciples.
Jesus reminds us:
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” (Matthew 7:24)
Hearing sermons alone is not enough. True transformation happens when believers actively practice God’s Word. Many people sit in church services year after year without experiencing growth because they are listeners, not doers. This stagnation misses the heart of discipleship.
The Church: A Training Ground, Not a Social Club
The church is meant to be:
- A place of transformation: Where lives are changed by the Gospel.
- A training ground: Where believers are equipped to live out Jesus’ teachings.
- A launching pad: Sending disciples into the world to share the Good News and make more disciples.
Unfortunately, many churches have become more like social clubs. People attend to shake hands, drink tea, and socialize, but leave unchanged. While fellowship is important, the church’s central mission is to make disciples who follow Jesus—not programs or traditions. Jesus didn’t say, “Follow the pastor” or “Follow the church service”; He said, “Follow Me.”
Returning to the Great Commission
Jesus’ call to make disciples is as urgent today as it was 2,000 years ago. The church is not meant to be a routine or a social club but a place where lives are changed, faith is strengthened, and disciples are equipped to transform the world.
Let us rise to this challenge. Let us move beyond passive attendance and instead become disciples who actively follow Jesus and equip others to do the same. In doing so, we fulfill His command and bring glory to God.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)
