D. GROWING COMPETENCE

“It will take seven years for you to become a solid disciple-maker,” clarified the disciple-maker to his young protégé. The young disciple wanted it to happen faster. Jesus, the model disciple maker, took three years to pour his life into his disciples. This resulted in these men becoming the foundation of the church. And even in that, some did not do well as disciple-makers. From Acts 6:7, we can see that the disciples multiplied. The question to ask is to see where one is as a maker of disciples, a laborer, and a shepherd of people in God’s family. How can one grow in this area? Let’s look at Jesus‘s last words to his disciples.

Matthew 28:18-20:

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. ¹⁹ Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

1. What are the key components of Jesus’ last words to his disciples?

2. What does it mean to have all authority?

3. How does that impact you?

4. What does it mean to make disciples of all the nations?

5. How do you see your part in this?

6. Where does baptizing and teaching fit into this imperative of making disciples?

7. How does Jesus’ continued presence make this imperative possible?

1. Of the key components, which one is strongest and in your thinking?

2. Which component is not deeply imbedded in your heart and action?

3. What would be one step we could take to focus on that?

4. When will you want to start working on that?

Tools to help this process can be found in the Navigators 2-7 series.

1. What is the most important part of this lesson to you? Explain.

2. How do you see applying aspects of this lesson to your life?

3. When do you feel would be the best time to make that application?

4. What do you hear the Lord speaking to you about this right now?