The Call To Disciple Making (Matthew 28:16 20; Acts 1:8)

A missions trip to Liberia resulted in a new edition of the Gospel of Mark in Galaro and plans to produce audio recordings so non-readers can hear Scripture. An experiential teaching tool—52 picture-and-verse cards from a student retreat—prompted reflection on knowing the order and shape of Jesus’ life. An in-church activity with volunteers dramatized the confusion that arises when people lack shared language and clear mission; the exercise highlighted the need for specific instruction, common terms, and active participation rather than passive observation. Scripture anchors the teaching: Matthew 28 issues the Great Commission—go, baptize, teach—under the authority of Jesus, while Acts 1:8 frames mission as empowered witness from local to global. The narrative of John 1 and Matthew 4 shows how Jesus called followers by invitation—come and see—then led them into deeper commitment by modeling life with them and naming a purpose: “fishers of men.” A short study of Jesus’ pattern shows progression from encounter to following, then to being formed and sent.

A practical tool called the Circle of Concern maps relational responsibility: lost, new believer, disciple, and disciple-maker. The plan asks believers to place names in those circles and practice three concrete rhythms—pray, care, share—toward moving people from lost to worker. The church’s stated mission, helping people know and follow Jesus for the glory of God, becomes the measuring lens for every activity. The closing emphasis calls for praying specific names, adopting simple practices to love neighbors, and stepping from spectator to worker in the harvest. Communion follows as a response to the call to live and labor for Christ.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Disciple-making follows a clear pattern Jesus moves people through stages: invitation, presence, formation, and commissioning. That sequence makes disciple-making teachable and reproducible; it requires time and visible example rather than one-off information. Intentional progression protects against shallow conversions and builds lasting habit and obedience. [23:11]
• 2. Invite people to "come and see" An open invitation to observe life with Jesus invites honest curiosity without coercion. That posture honors questions and allows belief to form from real encounter rather than slogans. Repeated invitations create relational space where identity and faith can surface. [29:39]
• 3. Move believers from spectator to worker Sustained exposure turns into responsibility when followers receive a clear role and purpose. The shift from watching to working depends on simple on-ramps: a task, a mentor, and a shared vocabulary. Churches that activate learners with small, concrete steps multiply laborers. [39:06]
• 4. Pray, care, share with names Spiritual labor organizes around people, not programs; naming individuals focuses attention and fuels persistence. Prayer shapes vulnerability, care demonstrates credibility, and sharing communicates hope with clarity. Repeating these three rhythms moves relationships across the Circle of Concern. [42:40]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:21] - Liberia trip and Mark translation
• [01:31] - Printing and audio plans
• [03:06] - Winter Blast cards activity
• [04:16] - Ordering Jesus' life
• [05:00] - Prayer and purpose for the morning
• [06:16] - Disciple-making trainings attended
• [07:02] - Mission and values exercise
• [09:39] - Building activity demonstration
• [19:14] - Lessons: common language and listening
• [23:11] - Matthew 28: The Great Commission
• [29:39] - John 1: Come and see
• [36:13] - Matthew 4: Called to follow
• [41:21] - Circle of Concern explained
• [45:20] - Prayer and communion

1. What specific actions does Jesus command his followers to do in these verses?
2. What two-word invitation did Jesus use to invite people to investigate who he was? [30:40]
3. What progression did Jesus model with his followers, moving them from being spectators to something else? [40:26]
4. What three simple rhythms can be used to move people in our relationships toward Christ? [43:33]

1. Why is having a "common language" so important when trying to accomplish a mission together, as illustrated by the building activity? [19:14]
2. What is the significance of Jesus spending significant time with his disciples as "spectators" before commissioning them as "workers"? [40:26]
3. How does the promise "I am with you always" provide the necessary foundation for the command to "go and make disciples"?
4. The "Circle of Concern" places names in categories from lost to disciple-maker. What does this tool reveal about the intentionality required in spiritual relationships? [41:21]

1. Who are one or two people in your life that you would place in the "lost" circle, meaning they do not yet know Jesus? What would it look like to specifically "pray, care, and share" for them this week? [43:47]
2. Jesus' initial invitation was often a simple "come and see." Who is one person you could extend a low-pressure, observational invitation to this week (e.g., invite them to church, a meal, or a conversation)? [30:40]
3. If you consider yourself a follower of Jesus, are you still primarily a "spectator" or have you moved into being a "worker"? What is one tangible, small step you could take to move from watching to participating in God's harvest? [39:06]
4. The Great Commission involves "teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you." Who is one person in your life that you could intentionally invest in to help them follow Jesus more closely? What would that investment look like?
5. The building activity showed the confusion that arises without a clear, shared mission. How does the mission of "helping people know and follow Jesus" provide a filter for the activities and commitments in your life? [21:33]
6. Reflecting on your own journey, can you identify a time when someone invited you to "come and see" Jesus? How did that experience impact you?