7 reasons why you Don’t make Disciples Jesus tells His disciples to make disciples. That’s our mission. But apparently, only 1 in 20 Christians has even shared the Gospel. Less than that will ever lead someone to Christ. Less than that will ever invest time in leading that new disciple toward Christlikeness. What are we to make of so few disciples actually making disciples? If you’ve never made a disciple (or haven’t in a long time), there are at least 7 factors that might be contributing to yourdisciple-makin g slump. You aren’t obeyingGo, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and ofthe Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19 -20) What you can do: Confess your disobedience and ask God to equip you to become a disciple- making disciple. Remember, it’s in the context of the Great Commission that Jesus says, “I am with you always…” You aren’t prayingDevote yourselves to prayer; stay alert in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us that God may open a door to us for the message, to speak the mystery of the Messiah, forwhich I am in prison, so that I may reveal it as I am required to speak. Act wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time.” (Colossians 4:2 -5) What you can do: Stop right now and pray for the first person that comes to your mind when you answer the question, “Who am I close to who is far from God?” Begin praying consistently forthat person. You aren’t preparingbut honor the Messiah as Lord in your hearts. Always be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you. However, do this with gentleness and respect, keeping your conscience clear, so that when you are accused, those who denounce yourChristian life will be put to shame.” (1 Peter 3:15 -16) What you can do: Answer the question, “What is the reason for the hope that is in you?” Be ready to share the answer but also be ready to explain why your experience of faith makes sense. You aren’t preachingBut how can they call on Him they have not believed in? And how can they believe without hearing about Him? And how can they hear without a preacher?” (Romans 10:14) What you can do: If you’ve never talked about Jesus, your friend will never know about Jesus. It’s simple; the Gospel is a message. Messages need to be communicated. Let stories about Jesus permeate your conversations every day (but don’t force it)!
