MAKE! becoming more and more like Jesus

As we have gone forward in our process of visioning together, we have covered the basic and fundamental aspects of the Great Commission: to GO! and MAKE! disciples of all nations. In many ways GO! and MAKE! happen at the same time. It is possible and productive to plant seeds of faith in others while growing personally as a disciple. In fact, there must be an overlap for if we waited until we were fully "made" into disciples before we ever "went" to others we would never GO! To MAKE! is a life-long process of growing closer and closer to Jesus. It is a process of becoming and life of faith we must actively practice.

Ephesians 4:13 “You are living a brand new kind of life that is continually learning more and more of what is right, and trying constantly to be more and more like Christ.”

This passage from Ephesians really captures the essence of MAKE! and the journey of faith. We first accept the grace, love, and mercy of Christ, then we enter into a process of becoming a disciple. To MAKE! means that we are called to follow the example of Jesus in our everyday life, we are called to exhibit more and more of the qualities that Jesus exhibited in his life and ministry. To be a disciple is to become like the teacher.

For a congregation the process of MAKE! first starts with acknowledging that we all have room to grow. We are all "unfinished" and we each need to give intentional effort to our faith. The discipleship process is not a belief or an idea it is a discipline and a practice. The Marks of Discipleship are 6 spiritual practices which enable us individually and as a group to grow our faith and become better disciples.

The Marks of Discipleship

1. Daily Prayer
2. Weekly Worship
3. Regular bible reading and study
4. Generous financial giving; tithing 10%
5. Serving the needs of others both inisde and outside the church
6. Forming Spiritual Friendships and encouraging others in their faith journey

By practicing the marks of discipleship we will grow our faith and become closer to the person God created us to be.

Which of these marks are the easiest for you? which are most difficult?

What would change in your life if you were able to more fully live out the marks of discipleship?