The Great Commission exhorts the Lord's apostles to make disciples of all nations, to teach them to keep the commandments of the Lord Jesus. Are we really doing this? Are we making disciples today, or have we created a religion and are making proselytes to our theology? There is a world of difference between the average member of the Christian religion and a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The disciple learns the teachings of Christ and His Apostles from his instructor in the Lord. As he does so he puts them into practice. One day he or she too will be able to disciple other new believers.

What does it mean to make a disciple?

A few years ago there was considerable emphasis on discipleship. The way it worked out in practice was as follows: a more experienced Christian took the responsibility for a newer believer and directed his or her behavior, right down to the point of what he should buy, where he should go, and the other details of life and behavior.

In our opinion this is not discipling, it is mentoring.

We need mentors today in the churches—experienced Christians who will take an interest in the younger and help them get established, although not to the point of directing their daily activities! I think such detailed supervision has proven counterproductive.

Mentors are very necessary, there is no question about this. Let us have more mentors so every new believer has someone who will pray and watch over him or her.

But making a disciple is another matter. Disciples are made by the Word of God as it is preached and taught.

Until fairly modern times there were no universities as we know them today. A teacher would come into a town or village. He would place himself in a prominent area and gather disciples around him. Then he would teach them. This is how the Lord Jesus did.

The disciples came to learn the wisdom and knowledge of the teacher, whether in medicine, philosophy, science, or some other discipline.

In the trades the student would pass from apprentice, to journeyman, to master worker as he gained information and skill.

To make a disciple is primarily to impart knowledge, although it may include on the job training.

The teacher of the Word of God is in the role of a master. He should be someone who has followed the Lord and kept His commandments for a number of years. He has learned the ways of Christ. Now he is to impart this information, as well as his example, to younger believers who thus will learn the ways of God.

This is what it means to preach Christ—to bring the Presence and knowledge of Christ to other people so they can learn to keep Christ's commandments.

The purpose of all the gifts and ministries given by the Holy Spirit is to bring us to maturity as a member of Christ's body, maturity being measured by the fullness of the stature of Christ. We are to be one in faith, one in knowledge with all other members of the Body.

To be continued.