5 Common Disciple Making Mistakes to Avoid

Are You Equipped?

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By definition, a disciple is a follower of Jesus who accepts and assists in spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ. Christian discipleship is the process by which disciples grow in Jesus, equipped by the Holy Spirit who lives in our hearts, which assists us in not only overcoming the pressures and trials of this life, but also helps us to be more Christlike. As Christians, we are called to discipleship. Jesus' final words to us were to "go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son of the Holy Spirit". His call was clear. If you are looking to actively disciple, there are certain things that you may do that will hinder your efforts at making disciples. Here are five common disciple-making mistakes to avoid.

Making Yourself the Focus

The sole focus of discipleship is Jesus, but it's surprisingly easy to start thinking the focus of discipleship is "me" instead of "Him". Your thoughts can seem innocent, initially. It could be as simple as having a conversation with someone and telling them how you disciple. "I disciple because...". Notice the "I"? Discipleship isn't about you. It's about what's on God's heart and sharing this with others. It may also be you telling someone the reasons why you disciple. Some say "I really enjoy discipleship" or "I love teaching people about Jesus". While these reasons are great, it's important that we remember that discipleship is about God's plan for reaching the world. It just requires us to step out on faith.

Watering Down the Gospel

Out of our desire to win disciples, we've often tried to make Jesus more convenient. Too often we water down the Gospel to reflect our culture. We may share the Gospel, but it isn't always the same version Jesus shared. What we sell may be softer and more comfortable. Because we don't want to be called radicals, we leave out the more intense parts that might scare people away. This is an easy trap to fall into. We reduce the Gospel and its expectations to a matter of simply believing, not involving much change. But carrying our cross is more than just believing. It's a radical relationship of self-sacrificing love. The Gospel should not be watered down or reduced.

Offering the Consumerism Gospel

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We live in a consumer-based culture, and we try to sell people on a Jesus that is easy to follow. When we sell the "Consumerism Gospel," can we really get frustrated when people bail out or drift off when things don't go so smoothly? It's easy for these same attitudes to carry over into church. We begin to think: It's my way, my desires and my preferences. If I don't get it my way, I'm done or I can go elsewhere. We put things above Jesus, whether it's wealth, comfort, causes, interests or dreams. Even when desiring to make disciples, we think that Jesus is a part of our life, when Jesus should be our life. He is life. Following Him requires our whole life.