Hebraic Musing – Should
we be making Converts? Or Disciples?
The word “Convert” only appears as a
noun (in the NIV) and references someone who has already accepted Christ. It’s interesting that there is no reference
to Jesus “converting” people. The only
time Jesus uses the word “convert” is during a chastisement of the Pharisees,
scolding them for producing knowledge-filled followers filled with pride and
void of love. “Woe to you, teachers of
the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to win a
single convert, and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a
son of hell as you are.” Matthew 23:15
Instead, Jesus discipled people. How? He
shared his life, teachings, and meals. Could this be the model Jesus
meant for His church to follow? If so,
what would discipleship look like?
This sharing of life, teachings and
meals reminds me of the good old days when I was conducting a series of
breakfast and dinner meetings that included meals and sharing of
testimonies. Each man’s testimony revealed
his life, the teachings he received and the change in life
resulting from the teachings while the Holy Spirit revealed the reality
of Jesus Christ. Thus many were
discipled into Salvation and attended future meetings where they enjoyed more life
stories, teachings and meals which continued to minister to
them. A lot of Discipleship took place!?!?
Frank Powell* said “For me, making disciples meant making
converts, leading non-Christians to Jesus. In fact, evangelism was so strongly
emphasized, the Great Commission became a rallying cry to baptize people,
rather than disciple them. Yes, that’s right. I was taught to focus on the word
‘baptizing’ rather than the first (and most important) phrase in the sentence,
‘Go into all the world and make disciples…’” So, according to Jesus,
being a disciple and making disciples is not optional.
Frank Powell went on to distinguish some differences
between Converts and Disciples:
- Converts follow doctrines and denominations. Disciples follow the life and teachings of Jesus and it is more than a program. Discipleship fails if one’s private life doesn’t match his/her public life.
- Converts attend church. Disciples are the church. The church Jesus modeled was organic, alive.
- Converts might not fully recognize Christianity comes with costs. Disciples believe their salvation costs everything. Discipleship is intentional; not hit-and-miss, inconsistent exposure. That’s why Discipleship dies in a busy culture.
·
Converts
are filled with knowledge and information. Disciples are filled with devotion
and love.
·
Converts
measure growth externally using tangible variables like church attendance and
good works. Disciples measure growth
internally based on intimacy with God and the fruit of the Spirit.
Discipleship
is about being, not focused on doing; and that is so well portrayed in the story of the difference between Mary
and Martha in Luke 10:38-42.
Points to ponder
So what is the best way to disciple
non-believers?
And if you do it right you will find yourself discipling a “convert”!
And if you do it right you will find yourself discipling a “convert”!
“Therefore go and make
disciples…”
Yosef a.k.a.
Joe Brusherd, April 12, 2016
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