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

On Sunday morning, Patrina and I stopped in to attend Radiant Church in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Toward the end of the sermon, the pastor who spoke talked about the contrast between a disciple and a disciple-maker.

How would you define the difference between the two? He provided a brief summary based on the observation that a disciple is a person who follows Jesus, while a disciple-maker is following Christ and is helping bring others along in the faith as well.

In the local church the disciple might be a spectator while the disciple-maker is a contributor.The first is along for the ride and the second is pulling his/her weight. One is committed to following while the latter is leading.

I think, depending on the situation, many of us play both roles. As followers of Christ is certainly following Christ, but we are also called to make disciples aren’t we? In the Great Commission above, Jesus commands us to not only follow, but to make disciples of others around us. Making disciples is an intentional act, a commitment to helping others know and follow Christ in the faith.

So, how would you describe yourself today? Are you helping others in the faith while you grow or are you feeling more on the sidelines?