“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. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20 ESV). The Great Commission as laid out in Matthew 28 is at the very center of Christian teaching, encapsulating the work given to all believers. But what does it mean to make disciples of all nations?

Unpacking the Great Commission

At first glance, it may seem straightforward—a call to spread the gospel message far and wide. Many Christians interpret it to mean just that. We believe that our call is to share the gospel and “bring people to Christ” with a sinner’s prayer or an alter-call moment. Unfortunately, this interpretation does not answer the question: what does it mean to make disciples? 

Biblically, we never see salvation as a prayer moment where someone professes faith in Jesus. Instead, we see two simple words spoken to all who would eventually become disciples of Jesus: Follow Me. From there, we witness men and women who drop everything, clinging to Jesus and walking with Him wherever He may go.  Is it possible that as Christians we have been busy creating converts, and not making disciples?

Making converts vs making disciples

A convert is someone who has heard and now believes that Jesus is Lord. To use popular church language, a convert has “accepted the free gift of salvation” or “invited Jesus into their hearts.” While this is certainly an important first step in salvation, it is merely the starting point of discipleship, not the end goal. So what does it mean to make disciples vs converts?

What is a convert?

A convert may experience a profound spiritual awakening, yet without ongoing support and guidance, their faith may falter or remain stagnant. They may lack a deep understanding of Christian principles and struggle to integrate their newfound beliefs into their daily lives.

Scripturally, a convert is the soil Jesus talks about in Matthew 13, that may receive the word with joy, but because of a lack of root, it immediately falls away. A convert may be like the one who receives the word on rocky ground and soon abandons faith when the thorns of life rise up. A convert is a good description of the Christians Paul addresses in 1 Corinthians 3, who ought to be teachers and yet still need to be taught the elementary principles of faith: those who are still drinking only milk when they need solid food.

Unfortunately, a convert also describes where many of us end the process of discipleship for ourselves, and for anyone we may lead to Christ. It takes only a moment to make converts, but what does it mean to make disciples?

What does it mean to make disciples?

On the other hand, a disciple is a committed follower of Jesus Christ who actively seeks to emulate his teachings and example. Discipleship involves not only belief but also transformation—a journey of growth, learning, and obedience. Discipleship is relational, requiring mentorship, community, and accountability. 

A disciple has tended and prepared the soil of their heart, allowing the word to take root and bear fruit for a lifetime. A disciple is ready to eat the meat of the gospel and to teach others. A disciple replicates themselves, asking other disciples who are also growing, learning, and teaching. A disciple is a true Christian, as God meant it to be. It is the mark of a person who didn’t just believe that Jesus was Lord but metaphorically dropped their net to follow Him, wherever He may go. 

The call – What does it mean to make disciples

The essence of the Great Commission lies not just in making converts but in making disciples. It’s a call to invest in people, walking alongside them as they navigate the complexities of faith. Discipleship isn’t a one-time event but an ongoing journey—a lifelong pursuit of intimacy with God and alignment with his will.

In a culture that values immediate results, we must dig into the long-term call of discipleship. Jesus discipled twelve men for three years, and still, all turned away from Him when He needed them most, and one betrayed Him forever. Why do we expect a four-week discipleship course to be enough for a new believer to have a fruitful, lasting walk with Christ? We must not expect immediate results from those we walk with in discipleship. What does it mean to make disciples? It is to disciple with patience, long-suffering, and unwavering commitment, just as we are discipled by Christ- knowing that He who began a good work in each of us will see it through to completion.

Embracing the challenge

The Great Commission isn’t merely a directive; it’s an invitation to participate in God’s redemptive work in the world. It challenges us to move beyond the surface level of making converts to the profound depth of making disciples. Together, let us strive to fulfill the Great Commission, not merely with words but with lives transformed by the love of Christ.