I like to say;

“The greatest danger in aiming at anything less is that you might actually hit it.”

As obvious as it may seem to us as disciple-makers we need to constantly point to Jesus. I repeatedly struggle with pointing to lesser authorities (me being one of them). I find that I have to consciously recalibrate and aim the disciples at Jesus. 

This may seem like a “Captain Obvious” concept, but let’s listen carefully to ourselves. How often does the name of Jesus cross our lips? When someone presents a question or challenge, is it Jesus’ words or example  that comes to mind first? Or is it someone else in the Bible? Don’t get me wrong. It’s not a bad thing to use other Biblical characters or references. But is Jesus preeminent in our teaching? Strangely, more often than not, I hear what is known as “conventional wisdom.” People sharing their own personal suggestions or experience or that of another. Again, this can be very appropriate but it doesn’t hold a candle to what Jesus can give us.

We are pretty good at pointing to Jesus for salvation, but what about marriage, ministry, challenges, money, work, conflict, etc…

I believe pointing to Jesus first is as much a spiritual discipline as reading your Bible daily. It takes knowledge of the Scriptures, training, intentionality, and constantly reminding myself to stay on the bullseye. Jesus Himself made it clear that we should make Him the supreme example;

• Jesus said I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14.6)

• He bids men and women to “come unto ME” (Matthew 11:28-29)

• He is the One who is raised up (John 3:14)

• He is the Good Shepherd (John 10:11-15)

• He is the Light (John 8:12)

• He is the Bread of Life (John 6:35)

And I could go on and on. As leaders, we must point people to Jesus for everything. They are His disciples.

The Apostles got this! They are constantly pointing the disciples to the Greatest Disciple-Maker.

• Paul said, “For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.” (1 Corinthians 2:2)

• He also elevates Jesus as supreme in all his epistles. But I love Colossians 1 where he refers to Jesus over 30 times in under four minutes if you read it aloud. 

• Both Peter and John draw from their time with Jesus as a point of worship. (2 Peter 1:16-21, 1 John 1:1-5)

• The writer of Hebrews also reminds his audience that it’s not angels or Moses we worship, it’s Jesus. (Hebrews 1-3)

Just the other day I exhorted a friend to stop calling the people he was discipling “My Disciples.” This is a subtle thing with huge implications. When Jesus commanded us to make disciples in His Great Commission, He wasn’t talking about “our disciples.” He was commanding us to make disciples of Him.

Not having a good definition of discipleship is a big part of the problem. Jesus defines a disciple as one becoming like his teacher, like his master. (Matthew 10:24-25, Luke 6:40). Our goal in discipleship is not to help people become like us. It's to help them become more like Jesus.

Let the words of Jesus bring our responsibility as disciple makers into focus;

But do not be called Rabbi; for One is your Teacher, and you are all brothers. Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. Do not be called leaders; for One is your Leader, that is, Christ. But the greatest among you shall be your servant. (Matthew 23:8-11)

• Make no mistake about it. You will teach. Jesus commanded us to teach. In His Great Commission He commands; “Teaching them to obey all I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:18-20). But we are not the primary Teacher. 

• You will parent just like the Apostle Paul did (1 Thessalonians 2:7-11).  But Jesus makes it clear, you only have one Father, the Father in heaven. 

• You will lead, as the writer of Hebrews writes (Hebrews 13:7,17). But again, Jesus states He alone is their Ultimate Leader.

So save the term “disciple” for Jesus. It’s a term of endearment that belongs to Him and Him alone.

Make disciples of Jesus. Point the people you serve to HIM.

• Introduction

• Point them to Jesus

• Is the Great Commission for every believer?

• Delegation, the secret to multiplication

• Facilitation - the 20/80 rule

• Who can baptize and serve the Lord's supper?

• A meeting format that transforms

• Head, Heart, and Hands

• How to cast vision

• The Priesthood of the Believer and why it's important

• Why we practice

• Challenges in disciple-making and church

• Mentoring

• Keeping things simple

• Repetition, key to learning

• Freedom, Courage, and Responsibility

• Dealing with messiness

• Obedience Based Discipleship