Page 46 - Ecclesiology Textbook Masters

Study Section 6: Assignment Two: Discipleship New Believers

6.1 Connect.

In Africa, when a new believer experiences salvation, it will not be long before the Jehovah’s
Witnesses come to their village and begin to share with them their pernicious doctrines. It is
Satan seeking to take away the fruit of the Gospel and mislead the saints of Christ. It is
extremely important that the mature believers in the church immediately initiate the process
of discipleship with all new believers. Matthew 28 says we are to “teach them to observe all
that I have commanded you.” They need to know Jesus and grow in the faith in Him. They
need to get into God’s Word. They need guidance! That is why the emphasis of Matthew 28 is to “make
disciples.” It is assumed that they are brought to a saving knowledge of Christ, but of great importance
is that they receive guidance in their fellowship with Christ. The church should prioritize this aspect of
their ministry.

Today we are going to look at ways a church can initiate a discipleship program to help new believers
grow in Christ.

6.2 Objectives:

1. The student should be able clarify the first aspect of a discipleship ministry.

2. The student should be able discuss how Jesus discipled others as an example of how we
should disciple others.

3. The student should be able to explain the principles of discipleship that can be incorporated in the
local church.

4. The student should be able to discuss ways the church can disciple others.

6.3 Discipling Others

Shortly before Jesus departed from his disciples, he left one final and important message to
them. It is found in Matthew 28 and is entitled, the Great Commission.

18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth
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has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all
nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy
[b]
Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I
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am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Evangelism – the first aspect of a discipleship ministry.

This commission is a command to not only the disciples, but to every believer. It essentially outlines
what Jesus expected his followers to do in His absence. It is interesting that, in the original Greek, the
only direct command in Matthew 28:19–20 is “make disciples.” The Great Commission instructs us to

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