Mark Manzi, NIC Co-Lay Leader

The first question may be “What is a disciple?” The Rev. Junius Dotson, General Secretary of Discipleship Ministries for The United Methodist Church, says that a disciple is a person who Knows Christ, Grows in Christ, Serves Christ, and Shares Christ! Dotson says that we must be disciples to make disciples. Making disciples is the WHY of The United Methodist Church. He says we must move away from “fixing” churches toward making and growing disciples.

The first of the three Annual Conference Shepherding Team (ACST) goals approved at Annual Conference this year was “To Grow and Reach Disciples of Jesus Christ.” WHY is this goal so important?  

• Because the mission of The United Methodist Church is “To Make Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World.” 
• Because the three top priorities from the conference’s Landscape data were to equip leaders to help members grow as disciples, to equip leaders with strategies to reach new members and to equip churches to be more effective in community outreach. 
• Because we want to encourage individuals, then church members, then our neighbors to be in a lifelong practice of developing and strengthening a personal relationship with God.

Are you a disciple? A first step may be to think of yourself as a disciple. Take a look at yourself. Do you worship almost every Sunday, participate in a small group, live a welcoming and invitational lifestyle, and serve your neighbors? If so, you are a disciple! Of course, now comes the challenging part (or perhaps not so challenging). How will you live as a disciple? As we grow into the thought and practice of a disciple, we will be more prepared to help those in our churches become disciples. As we all become stronger disciples, we will be ready to “Go and Make Disciples for the Transformation of the World”! 

Consider registering for Discipleship Systems Training being held in September. Click here to learn more.