GO! | Pastor Nate Keeler
If you’ve ever wondered what your role is in God’s bigger plan, the answer might be simpler—and more challenging—than you think. The mission of the Church isn’t something we get to invent in a strategy meeting or define through branding. It was given to us directly by Jesus himself. And it centers around one phrase: making disciples.
Jesus’ Final Words Set Our Eternal Mission
In Matthew 28:18-20, just before His ascension, Jesus issued what’s known as the Great Commission. He didn’t say, “Figure it out as you go.” He said clearly:
“Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them… teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always…” (Matthew 28:19-20).
The main verb here in the original Greek is make disciples. Everything else—going, baptizing, teaching—hangs on this. Making disciples isn’t a ministry category. It’s the mission.
What It Actually Means to Be a Disciple
A disciple is not just a learner; they are a follower. In the Jewish tradition, disciples didn’t just absorb teaching—they followed their rabbi so closely that the dust from his feet would land on them. That closeness, that imitation, is the picture of biblical discipleship.
Following Jesus means more than knowing what He taught. It means shaping our entire lives around how He lived. That includes what He valued, how He treated people, how He faced adversity, and how He trusted the Father.
We’re Not Making Disciples of Ourselves
It’s tempting to elevate charismatic leaders or beloved teachers. But the mission isn’t to replicate personalities—it’s to reflect Jesus. The church isn’t called to make disciples of Nate, Tim, or your favorite podcaster. We’re called to make disciples of Jesus.
Why Jesus? Because, like Peter said, “Where else would we go? You have the words of life” (John 6:68). Only Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. He’s the only one worth following with that kind of abandon.
The Two Arms of Making Disciples: Evangelism and Training
In the Book of Acts, the phrase make disciples captures two vital practices:
- Evangelism – Helping people discover who Jesus is and what He’s done for them.
- Discipleship Training – Guiding them to grow more like Him, step by step.
These aren’t separate missions. They’re two sides of the same coin. Evangelism starts the process. Discipleship keeps it going.
In modern church culture, we often split the two. Some churches lean into outreach while others pride themselves on “going deep.” But Scripture never treats evangelism and discipleship as disconnected. The journey of faith includes both.
A Christian Who Doesn’t Make Disciples? That’s a Contradiction
There’s no version of Christianity where you get to skip this. To be a Christian is to be a disciple. And to be a disciple is to participate in making more disciples.
When Jesus called Peter and Andrew, He didn’t say, “Follow me and I’ll make you great at attending services.” He said, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” That was the plan from day one.
So, ask yourself: How am I participating in the mission of making disciples? Is it through mentoring, parenting, sharing your story, or supporting others in their walk? No act is too small when done in obedience to Jesus.
It’s Time to Reclaim Your Mission
The call to make disciples isn’t for the spiritually elite or those in full-time ministry. It’s for you. It’s for all of us. This mission fits into everyday life—your family, your workplace, your neighborhood. Every encounter can be a moment where discipleship begins or deepens. So as you go—wherever life takes you—make disciples.