VISION OF DISCIPLESHIP

As we look at the topic of "Discipling The Next Generation," we are asking this question: "What if every adult leader who served at Elevate was trained and equipped to minister to students, lead them to Jesus, and help them take next steps to grow in their relationship with God?"

Discipleship is a big word. Some people think of discipleship with confidence, others with insecurity. The truth is, that God has called every believer to make disciples. And the good news is, He can equip us to do it! At whatever level you feel like you are at, God can help you grow in being a disciple who disciples others.

At the end of Jesus' life on earth, after He was raised from the dead, He gave "The Great Commission" to his disciples. These are the marching orders, the last words, of Jesus to His disciples. It's actually found in all 4 Gospels. Let's look initially at what Jesus says in the book of Matthew.

Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV) 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

The reason you have to make disciples is because they don't make themselves. No one becomes a disciple by accident; it requires intentionality.

So what is discipleship? Let's define it. A disciple is someone who consistently takes steps in their relationship with God. Therefore, Discipleship is one Christ-follower helping another Christ-follower take their next step. It's that simple!

A disciple of Jesus has a desire to grow, and one of the best ways for you to grow as a disciple of Jesus is to help disciple someone else.

Through this devotional, we are going to grow together as leaders in disciplining the next generation.

QUESTION TO ASK YOURSELF: Do you currently feel equipped as a disciple to disciple others?