Healthy disciples are always growing as worshipers, family members, servants, stewards, and witnesses. But how do we know what that looks like? A part of that is asking, “What’s my next step?”
But in order to answer the inward-focused question, we first have to look outward. Before we ask, “Am I?” we look to Jesus and say, “He is.” Only when we look to him do we see ourselves rightly, because our very life is “hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3). Before any of our discipleship identities, we are identified with Christ in his life, death, and resurrection. Even our personal reflection must always put the gospel above all.
This is exactly what Jesus commissioned us to do. After his resurrection and before he ascended into heaven, Jesus gave final instructions to his disciples (like, the 11—but also us) that involved a whole lot of acting and obeying.
We often call Matthew 28:18–20 the “Great Commission.” This is what it says:
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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.”
So where do we go? We go everywhere. Everywhere there are people, we go to be disciples who make disciples. Sometimes, we go across the street. Other times, we go around the world.
And what do we do? After we’ve responded to the gospel, believing in Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, we get baptized. Then, after we’re baptized, it’s pretty simple—we just do everything Jesus tells us to do and lead others to do the same. So simple … 🙂 It sure does sound simple, but it’s a whole lifetime of next steps to keep growing in obeying Jesus, being like him, and leading others to know, love, and obey him above all else.
Some practical next steps might be:
Worshiper—pray, read the Bible, engage in weekend worship services
Family member—join a small group
Servant—join a serving team
Steward—give the firstfruits of your finances
Witness—tell one person about Jesus
So what’s your next step to grow as a whole disciple?
We Make Disciples, Not Just Converts (J.D. Greear)
Join a Small Group at The Summit Church
Join a Serving Team at The Summit Church
Give the First-fruits of Your Finances at The Summit Church