Characteristics of a Disciple Maker

O.K. So we are supposed to become disciple makers...what does that really mean?

After years of wrestling with this question and committing myself to personal discipleship, I have discovered three characteristics that mark true disciple makers:

Connection: An abiding connection to Jesus Christ.
Relationship: a self-feeding relationship with Jesus Christ
Ministry: A multiplying ministry for Jesus Christ.

Connecting with Jesus Christ by inviting Him into our lives is a beginning point but a true disciple maker learns how to stay connected as a way of life. (Ephesians 5:18, I John 5:14,15) A true disciple maker does not rationalize, excuse, or explain away sin but rather confesses it moment by moment. (I John 1:9) The Christian life requires a connection to God's power. (2 Peter 1:3) Don't live beside Hoover Dam and light your house with a candle.

Pursuing an intimate relationship with Christ is characterized by the daily discipline of listening to God through reading, reviewing, focusing, meditating and memorizing His Word. Disciple makers hear from God daily. (Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1:1, 2) What possible reason could you give for not spending time every day allowing the God of the universe to speak truth into your life? If you are too busy for a devotional life, you are too busy.

A multiplying ministry for Christ involves becoming equipped to personally disciple a few key people He brings into your life. True disciple makers reproduce disciple makers to the fourth generation. (2 Timothy 2:2) Multiplication is to Christianity what compounding is to finances, the secret.

Ask yourself; am I consistently connected with Jesus each day or do I allow my fellowship with Him to be broken for long periods of time through disobedience? Is pursuing God the priority of my life or is it just one of many interests? Am I allowing Christ to reproduce His life through me as I disciple others?

Connection, relationship and ministry mark every true disciple maker. How are you doing?

In a few sentences I would be very interested in any challenges or successes you have experienced in becoming a disciple maker. Please comment below.

Personal Discipleship

Welcome to my blogspot.

My desire is to keep you up to date on what I am learning about personal discipleship (growing spiritually) and to learn from you.

Every Christ follower has the privilege of making an eternal impact in the lives of others through spiritual multiplication. Matthew 28:19, 20 is a clear mandate for every believer to help fullfill the Great Commission Jesus gave his first disciples. "Go make disciples...and teach them everything I have taught you." What did he teach them? To become disciples who make disciples.

There is no higher calling than to pursue God, the creator of heaven and earth, and encourage others to do the same.

The great challenge in this life is keeping the main thing the main thing. Whatever it takes to stay focused is worth the effort because there is power in focus.

So, I invite you to join me in the exciting journey of disciple making and maybe we can help each other stay in focus :).

In my next post I will be talking about three critical elements in becoming a disciple maker. You can check us out at www.powerpointministries.com. Be sure to watch the five minute video for an overview or our ministry. Welcome aboard!