What if the Singular Act of Making Disciples Encompassed All of what Church is Supposed to Be?
As early as the 2nd century, Ignatius of Antioch and other groups with differing ecclesiastical distinctives have sought to lay out what the marks of the church are. These distinctives range in scope and number. But, what if the singular act of Making Disciples comprises all of what the church is to be? I don’t want to be reductionistic here, but think about it. Jesus told his disciples to “go,” “make disciples of all ethnic groups,” “teach them to obey all that he commanded,” and “baptize them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.” Within “all that He commanded” is everything the church is supposed to be. So, by making disciples, the church becomes all that God intended it to be. In other words,
“The church doesn’t make the mission, the mission makes the church. The Mission is Making Disciples”
What do you think?
Commentsanother two points to add. we must be careful about being ... by EliI agree the mission makes the church. The problem is that the ... by EliYou're completely right, with one caveat. In the text of ... by Stan MeadorI don't believe it is possible to love God and not love others. by Mark LoefflerMark…but do we not love Him BY loving others? Could be just ... by CarlosPlus 4 more...Related StoriesI Don’t Want To Be That Guy Who’s Pegged As Anti-Church, But…Whatever Happened To Catechism & Discipleship?Romans 8:28 Isn’t Just About Things Working Out For Good, It’s About Mission.
