Fearlessly Making DisciplesSample

Overcoming Delays in Sending

A few years ago, the Pew Research Center released worldwide religious demographic information showing that 31% of the planet’s population identified as Christian. 

Here’s a wild thought: a religious movement started by a handful of guys a couple of thousand years ago has grown to encompass nearly one-third of the world’s people. 

As disciples we all must be willing to bring Christ’s mission to fruition by winning, discipling, and sending. Even new, immature believers may become disciple-makers when trained properly. The woman Jesus met at the well immediately went to tell others about Jesus once she believed.  

Our goal for discipleship is multiplication. We must train others to share the gospel, creating a spiritual movement within their circle of influence. 

Maturity and growth become exponential when discipleship is done well. But sometimes we can experience delays if someone hasn't been discipled effectively. That’s why Paul tells the young pastor Timothy to entrust his teaching to reliable people who are qualified to teach others. 

Discipling others requires an ability to discern who is qualified to instruct others. While every believer is certainly capable of leading others to Jesus, the discipleship process should be intentional and focused so as to raise up all-new believers to become doctrinally sound.

For true spiritual multiplication to happen, choosing whom to disciple is greatly important. But don't let that scare you from sending out new believers. There’s no magic time period saying a new Christian is now ready to disciple others.    

While good discipleship is important in preparing new believers, you can fearlessly be part of that! God has already equipped you with His Holy Spirit so you have nothing to fear.

We can find great comfort knowing Christ ends the Great Commission by saying “I am with you always, to the very end of the age." 

Throughout the process of teaching others to walk in His ways, Jesus promises to guide, lead, and encourage us. 

He knows us intimately. He knows what scares us and causes us to feel inadequate. That’s why He reminds us He is near. His Holy Spirit in us will give the words and the wisdom to disciple others. 

Be confident, you are never alone.      

For reflection: Are you currently meeting consistently with a disciple? If so, pray for their journey and ask God to give you creative ways to encourage them. If not, who has God placed on your heart to start discipling? Invite them to meet with you.

This reading plan uses a variety of Jesus Film Project® movie clips. To view them in their entirety, or learn how to easily share the gospel using engaging, thought-provoking films, check out our blog post.