Not Mere Converts But True Disciples Series

The modern church often celebrates decisions for Christ—countless altar calls, baptism numbers, and professions of faith. But is this what Jesus ultimately asked for? Did He commission His followers to make converts or disciples? A closer look at Scripture reveals a profound distinction between the two—one that shapes not just individual faith but the entire mission of the Church.

The Great Commission: A Call to Discipleship, Not Just Conversion

Jesus’ final command to His followers was unmistakable:

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you." (Matthew 28:19-20, ESV)

Notice that Jesus did not say, "Go and make converts." He called for disciples—lifelong followers who would not just believe in Him but obey everything He taught. The Greek word for disciple (mathetes) means "learner" or "follower," implying continuous growth and submission to Christ’s lordship.

The Difference Between a Convert and a Disciple

1. A Convert Believes; A Disciple Obeys

- Jesus warned, "Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?" (Luke 6:46).

- A convert may intellectually assent to the gospel, but a disciple lives it out (James 2:17).

2. A Convert Seeks Blessings; A Disciple Bears a Cross

- Jesus said, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." (Luke 9:23).

- Many want salvation without surrender, but discipleship demands sacrifice (Matthew 16:24-26).

3. A Convert Attends Church; A Disciple Is the Church

- The early church wasn’t built on spectators but on devoted followers who "devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers." (Acts 2:42).

- Disciples don’t just consume ministry—they contribute to it (Ephesians 4:11-16).

4. A Convert Knows About Jesus; A Disciple Knows Jesus

- Jesus defined eternal life as "that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent." (John 17:3).

- Discipleship is relational, not just transactional (Philippians 3:8-10).

Why the Church Often Settles for Converts

Despite Jesus’ clear command, many churches focus on decisions rather than disciples. Several factors contribute to this:

- Easier to Measure – Counting baptisms and salvation prayers is simpler than tracking lifelong spiritual growth.

- Consumer Christianity – Some preach a gospel of convenience rather than commitment ("Come to Jesus and your life will improve!" vs. "Take up your cross and follow Me.").

- Lack of Discipleship Models – Many believers have never been personally mentored in faith (2 Timothy 2:2).

Jesus never promised an easy path. He said, "The gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few." (Matthew 7:14). Yet many modern evangelism strategies focus on widening the gate rather than calling people to the narrow way.

Biblical Examples of True Discipleship

1. The Twelve Apostles

- Jesus didn’t just preach to crowds; He invested deeply in twelve men (Mark 3:13-19).

- They weren’t just converts—they left everything to follow Him (Matthew 4:18-22).

2. Paul and Timothy

- Paul didn’t just lead Timothy to Christ; he discipled him as a spiritual son (1 Timothy 1:2).

- He later charged Timothy: "What you have heard from me… entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also." (2 Timothy 2:2).

3. The Early Church

- The Book of Acts shows a church deeply committed to discipleship—teaching, fellowship, and mission (Acts 2:42-47).

- Believers were so transformed that they turned the world upside down (Acts 17:6).

How Do We Move from Conversion to Discipleship?

1. Count the Cost (Luke 14:25-33)

- Jesus never hid the demands of discipleship. Following Him means putting Him above all else.

2. Abide in Christ (John 15:4-5)

- Discipleship isn’t self-improvement; it’s dependence on Jesus. "Apart from Me, you can do nothing."

3. Be Mentored and Mentor Others

- Just as Paul invested in Timothy, mature believers should disciple newer ones (Titus 2:1-8).

4. Live on Mission

- Disciples don’t just keep the faith; they spread it (Matthew 5:13-16).

Conclusion: The Call to Biblical Discipleship

Jesus didn’t die to make converts. He rose to make disciples—men and women who would follow Him wholeheartedly. The question isn’t just "Do you believe in Jesus?" but "Are you following Him?"

The world doesn’t need more nominal Christians. It needs disciples who live like Jesus, love like Jesus, and lead others to Him.

As Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote, "Cheap grace is grace without discipleship. Costly grace is the treasure hidden in the field; for the sake of it, a man will gladly go and sell all that he has."

Will we settle for mere converts, or will we answer Christ’s call to make disciples?