Here are some values that I see fitting in the framework of thinking about discipleship:
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations,… teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”
Matthew 28:19-20
Discipleship that Is Reproducible
Inherent in Jesus’ command to make disciples is not just so that we would make disciples, but he is asking for a very specific type of disciple: A disciple-making disciple.
Too much of what I have experienced in discipleship is too short-sighted. It’s not to take away anything from what I’ve seen, but I believe that we need to keep this thought in mind as we take people under our wing: That what we teach and lead others to do, we should do it in a way that they are able to teach and lead others to do as well.
Discipleship needs to be reproducible. It cannot be a one-generation investment with a one-generation vision. It needs to be prolific and viral.
Good discipleship has three or four generations in mind. It has one believer discipling a believer to disciple another believer who will disciple another believer, etc.. This is the way that Jesus has determined that the kingdom of God should grow.
And so this is why discipleship needs to be reproducible.
