want to dive deeper into
sunday sermons
When you hear a sermon on Sunday morning or see it online later, do you want to dive deeper into the sermon topic?
From time to time on this page, we'll provide some discussion guides and devotions to help you gain more insight from the sermons.
These tools are aimed to equip you with more fuel for your faith journey.
THE GREAT COMMISSION
HOW DO WE "MAKE DISCIPLES?"
Summary
Our mission, as the church, is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. This mission is based on the Great Commission from Matthew 28:18-20. In recent sermons, we emphasized the importance of keeping this primary mission in focus rather than getting distracted by smaller 'whys,' like membership numbers or worship attendance. Through this discussion we look at how Jesus' method of discipleship involved mentoring smaller groups who then multiplied exponentially.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, as we gather to discuss your Word and your mission for the church, we ask that you open our hearts and minds to what you want to teach us today. Help us to understand our role as disciples who make disciples. Guide our conversation and fellowship, that we might grow closer to you and to each other. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Ice Breaker
What was something you were really curious about as a child and constantly asked 'why' about?
Key Verses
Questions
Life Application
Identify one person in your life whom you could intentionally mentor or walk alongside in their faith journey. Make a specific plan to reach out to them and begin building that discipleship relationship.
Key Takeaways
Ending Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank you for calling us to be your disciples and for entrusting us with the mission of making more disciples. Give us courage to step out in faith, wisdom to mentor others, and love to share your gospel. Help us to keep our focus on this primary purpose and to be effective witnesses for you. In your name we pray, Amen.
Previous discussion guides
Jesus' Final Words
Understanding Jesus as Fully Human & Fully Divine
The Nicene Creed &
The Christian Church
Purpose and mission
5-day devotional
Day 1: Our Core Purpose
Devotional
Sometimes we can get so caught up in the daily activities of church life that we lose sight of our fundamental purpose. Jesus gave us a clear mission before ascending to heaven - to make disciples of all nations. This wasn't a suggestion or an optional activity for super-spiritual Christians. It was and remains our core purpose as followers of Christ. Just like a compass always points north, our lives should always point toward this mission of making disciples. When we align ourselves with this purpose, everything else falls into place. We don't need to be perfect to start - we just need to be willing to share our journey with others.
Bible Verse
Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.' - Matthew 28:18-20
Reflection Question
What is one step you could take this week to begin fulfilling your role in making disciples?
Quote
The mission of the church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
Prayer
Lord, help me remember my core purpose as Your follower. Give me courage to step out in faith and share my journey with others, even when I feel inadequate. Amen.
Day 2: Starting Small
Devotional
In our world of big numbers and viral sensations, it's easy to feel that our small efforts don't matter much. But Jesus showed us a different way. He didn't try to reach the whole world at once. Instead, He invested deeply in a small group of disciples, walking with them, teaching them, and showing them how to live. This small beginning grew into a worldwide movement that continues today. Your influence might seem small - perhaps just one person or a small group - but don't underestimate the power of faithful discipleship. Every great movement started with someone taking that first small step.
Bible Verse
Jesus said to her, 'Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.' - John 4:13-14
Reflection Question
Who are the few people God has placed in your life that you could intentionally invest in and disciple?
Quote
Jesus started with a gathering that was smaller than this one. And those people were able to multiply and to create an exponentially larger movement.
Prayer
Father, help me see the value in small beginnings. Give me wisdom to know who to invest in and how to share Your love effectively. Amen.
Day 3: Beyond Perfect
Devotional
Many of us hesitate to disciple others because we feel unqualified. We think we need to have all the answers, perfect theology, or a spotless life. But if we wait until we're 'perfect' to make disciples, we'll never start. Jesus didn't call perfect people - He called willing people. Think about Peter, who denied Jesus three times, yet became a pillar of the early church. Our role isn't to be perfect, but to be authentic in our journey with Christ and willing to share that journey with others. Your struggles and growth can actually make you more relatable and effective in discipling others.
Bible Verse
Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.' - Matthew 28:18-20
Reflection Question
How might your personal struggles and growth experiences actually help you connect with and disciple others?
Quote
Most of us probably, if we were asked how qualified we feel to make a disciple of someone else, would shrink under that weight. We would probably say, I don't have my act together yet.
Prayer
Dear God, help me move past my feelings of inadequacy and trust that You can use me just as I am to make disciples. Amen.
Day 4: Walking Together
Devotional
Discipleship isn't meant to be a solo journey. The early Methodist movement understood this well - they gathered in small groups to support each other, learn together, and grow in their faith. This pattern of walking together, sharing life's ups and downs, and encouraging one another in faith creates a powerful environment for spiritual growth. When we join with others in intentional fellowship and discipleship, we create spaces where authentic transformation can happen. It's in these relationships that we learn to apply God's truth to our daily lives and help others do the same.
Bible Verse
Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.' - Matthew 28:18-20
Reflection Question
How could you create or join a small group focused on growing together in faith and making disciples?
Quote
The magic of the Methodist movement was that people gathered together and walked in the footsteps of Jesus Christ with each other, always mentoring, always with apprentices, always trying to share what we have learned so that others are able to follow Jesus Christ as we follow.
Prayer
Lord, guide me to find or create meaningful connections with others who want to grow in faith. Help us encourage and challenge each other as we follow You. Amen.
Day 5: Love in Action
Devotional
In a world often marked by division and harsh words, our approach to making disciples should stand out. The way we share our faith matters as much as what we share. When we speak and act with love, grace, and reconciliation, we demonstrate the transformative power of the gospel. This isn't just about being nice - it's about reflecting the character of Christ in how we interact with others. As we make disciples, let's remember that our words and actions should always be seasoned with love, even when addressing difficult topics or challenging situations.
Bible Verse
Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.' - Matthew 28:18-20
Reflection Question
How can you demonstrate Christ's love in your discipleship relationships this week?
Quote
In an era in which so many words spoken in the public arena and in the marketplace and in the city square are filled with condescension and insult and opposition, the world needs the example of the Church of Jesus Christ speaking words of love and grace and reconciliation.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to speak and act with Your love and grace as I seek to make disciples. Let my life be a testimony to Your transforming power. Amen.
PREVIOUS 5-DAY
DEVOTIONALS
Peace Be With You
The Living Christ
Beyond the Church
