Make Disciples
Matthew 28:18–20 is called “The Great Commission,” and in these words we see Jesus send out his followers to make disciples, to baptize, and to teach people to obey all that Jesus taught them. He promises to be with them no matter what. Since this promise, for almost two thousand years, followers of Jesus have welcomed new disciples into Christian community and helped people come to know Christ and grow in faith.
In this unit, participants will learn that making disciples, at its simplest, is an invitation to others to live as followers of Christ. Although Christian beliefs and practices may vary within the same faith community, disciples of Jesus gather to worship and serve God together. Making disciples is not inviting others to have an identical faith to one’s own; it is an invitation to live into a faith that meets a person’s spiritual needs and contributes to the goodness of the community. The six dimensions of this practice that are discussed include: live like a disciple, go, be a witness, baptize, teach and learn about Jesus, and trust in Jesus’ presence always.
Congregational Guide
The Congregational Guide provides materials for the pastor, educator, and church leaders to connect the practice with congregational worship and life.
Included in this guide:
Foundational Essay—written by a biblical scholar, these essays explore what each practice means and where it is found in the Bible
Worship Helps—ways of incorporating this practice in worship through liturgy, song, and other suggestions
Café Discussion Guide—self-guided, brief study for each practice
Intergenerational Session—option for your church to have an event or explore the practice as a whole congregation together
Curriculum Connections—information about what each age level is doing weekly
Practicing the Practice at Home—a two-sided page for families about how to practice the practice at home
Children’s Worship Leaflets—weekly two-sided page with practice ideas, games, an adapted Bible story, and a coloring picture
Series Description
Follow Me: Biblical Practices for Faithful Living is a twenty-seven-unit curriculum based on practices Jesus did and taught us to do as faithful followers. Written for people of all ages who wish to live out their faith, this new curriculum examines where these practices are found in the Bible and how they have been used in Christian faith then and now.
