It's a Big Deal

It’s a Big Deal (by Bishop Charles G. Scott)
It’s about the economy.
It’s about the war.
It’s about equal rights.
It’s about progress.
It’s about right to choose.
It’s about right to life. It’s about insurance.
It’s about borders.
It’s about whatever people would like to use to fill-in-the-blank.

WRONG . . . according to God’s Word, it’s about righteousness. Righteousness is a really big deal with God. The Bible says, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34, NKJV). The Bible says, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord” (Psalm 33:12). These other things have a place in the debate of leadership, but when it comes down to the final decision, there is one key question to answer: Who is the person who will lead our nation in righteousness? The Bible says, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33, NKJV).

On Tuesday, November 6, 2012 America will chose individuals to serve in federal offices. As Americans, we have the privilege of choice. We are blessed to live in a Republic with a form of government that is of the people, by the people, and for the people (Abraham Lincoln). We are blessed to live in a nation that recognizes the evident truth that all men are created equal and endowed with unalienable rights. We are blessed to choose our leaders who will govern based on the consent of the governed. These are the tenets of our American government (Declaration of Independence).

Our nation is founded upon the righteousness of God. The two huge oak doors that enter into the Supreme Court chambers have the Ten Commandments engraved upon them.

Every state of the United States of America acknowledges God and/or the Bible in its state constitution.

Each session of Congress starts with a prayer led by the Chaplain of Congress, a position that has been in existence since 1777 and paid for by the taxpayers of America.

According to the New York Times, 93 percent of Americans believe in God. (http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/11/opinion/sunday/americans-and-god.html)

According to David Barton, 58 million Christians will not vote. (http://www. wnd.com/2011/12/373673/)

The Bible says, “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:26).

The Word of God has established righteousness for each and every generation. America cannot build its future on political slogans that sound nice on t-shirts and bumper stickers. America needs a decision for righteousness.

Your role? It’s simple, but it is a big deal, a really big deal. Get involved and take a stand for righteousness.

America is a great country. Our founders made great sacrifices, and our forefathers continued their example to keep America great. Now, we are in a conflict for righteousness. In order to keep America great, we must stand for righteousness.

If you are silent on November 6, you have no right to be a critic on November 7.

General Omar Bradley wrote, “America today is running on the momentum of a godly ancestry. We have grasped the mystery of the atom and rejected the Sermon on the Mount. The world has achieved brilliance without conscience. Ours is a world of nuclear giants and ethical infants.”

It’s a big deal to take responsibility for our nation. It begins with a ballot. A ballot that has been prayed over. A ballot that is aligned with the Word of God. A ballot that stands for righteousness. That is a really big deal.

10 Creative Ways to Appreciate Your Pastor

#1 Pastor VS Food

Pastors love to eat.  Take one entire week and bless your Pastor and his family with dinner every night!

#2 Extreme Home Makeover
Some Pastors are skilled tradesman, others are not!  Plan to help your Pastor with that project he has been putting off, with that deck he has always dreamed of building, or that landscaping that has desperately been needed.

#3 Prosper My Ride

Everyone loves a clean, detailed vehicle!  Take Pastors ride to the next level and top off the gas tank while you're at it!

#4 Extreme OFFICE Makeover
Plan an extreme makeover of yours Pastors office! What is that new piece of furniture that your Pastor would absolutely love? How about some fresh paint? A new coffee maker?
 


#5 Get Out of Church Free
Give Pastor an extra weekend off!  Encourage him to go visit friends, family or just flat get out of town!

#6 Honey I Blessed the KIDS
Want a great way to make your Pastor feel incredible?  Bless his/her kids!  Go over the top to do something special for their children.  Take them out.  Purchase them a gift.  Slide them some extra cash, etc. etc.

#7 Mail Blitz

Absolutely FLOOD your Pastors mailbox with cards and letters of appreciation for a solid week! 

#8 Send Your Pastor PACKING
on VACATION of course!! What is that unique trip your Pastor would absolutely love? Is it a fishing trip? Golf excursion?  Quiet bed & breakfast?  Find out what it is and send them a packing!





#9 Money Tree
Money doesn't grow on trees. BUT why not let that happen during the month of OCTOBER!  Bless your Pastor with a tree full of money!

#10 31 Days of Madness Gladness
A day in the life of a Pastor can be interesting to say the least. Make the entire month an unforgettable one for your Pastor by scheduling one thing a day to bless your Pastor!

Thousands Gather in Front of Independence Hall to Pray for National Healing at America for Jesus 2012 Solemn Assembly affirms new Delcaration of Dependence on God, Calling the nation back to Biblical values...

Philadelphia, Sept. 30, 2012 - Exactly 40 days before the national election, nearly 25,000 individuals gathered over two days on Independence Mall in Philadelphia, Sept. 28-29, for America for Jesus 2012 (AFJ). The purpose of this solemn assembly that gathered Christians representing all races, parties and denominations from across the United States, was to pray for the healing of our nation and call America back to God.

"Today we have come to a historic place to make spiritual history in America," said Rev. Billy Wilson, co-chair for America for Jesus 2012, acknowledging our nation's founding documents declaring we are 'one nation under God,' that were drafted and signed in nearby Independence Hall. "Today we have come back to this place because we believe America is in a spiritual drift that must be turned around."

"This is not a political rally; we have come today as the people of God," Wilson continued. "The destiny of our nation does not rest in Washington, D.C.; it does not rest in the White House, the congressional house or in the court house. We believe that the destiny of America rests in the church house and in your house and in my house."

State Senator Stewart Greenleaf noted that America was founded by God-inspired individuals like William Penn, telling the crowd, "Today has been designated by the Pennsylvania State Senate as William Penn Day, and we pray that our nation will continue to be a beacon to the world."

Deputy Philadelphia Mayor Richard Negrin brought greetings from City Hall saying, "You are standing on holy ground. In that building behind you, there are three words, 'We the people.' We have a right to worship...to exercise our religion, our free speech and all our rights in the Bill of Rights. Today you stand here with faith in your heart and a burning desire to worship just like William Penn did all those years ago."

The two-day event began with a youth rally on Friday evening. Bishop Anne Gimenez, pastor of The Rock Church International in Virginia Beach, Va., visionary and national chairman of America for Jesus 2012 told several thousand teens gathered, "America for Jesus will be a shout heard around the world. This is a beginning of a push for righteousness in America. We're here to declare the Word of the Lord!"

The program incorporated a diverse array of influential Christian leaders, including Bishop Harry Jackson, Vonette Bright, Rev. Jim Garlow, Rev. Cindy Jacobs and author Jonathan Cahn.

On Saturday, Dr. Tom Phillips, director of the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, read a letter of greeting and solidarity from the 93-year-old evangelist, whom he said was burdened for America and plans to preach one more time on his 95th birthday next year.

"Nothing could be more urgent than for God's people to come together and pray for our nation and our world," Mr. Graham wrote. "Our only hope is to turn to the Lord Jesus Christ in repentance and faith and to seek to obey Him in every area of our lives, as individuals and also as a nation...As you gather in this historic place, which gave birth to our nation's Declaration of Independence, may your presence give birth to a new declaration for our nation, a declaration of dependence upon almighty God."

According to Rev. Sammy Rodriguez, the next great movement in America will not be the Tea Party nor the Occupy Wall Street movement, but a Christ-centered, Bible-based righteousness and justice movement. "I am convinced that America is not done with God and God is not done with America," he said.

"We are not here for an event, but to seek the heart of God, as there is a battle for the soul of our nation," said Doug Stringer. "God's blessing on this nation can become a path for America to bless the world; but it depends on a posture of humility in the Church. While men reach for thrones to build their own Kingdoms, Jesus came with a towel to wash his disciples' feet."

Television broadcaster Pat Robertson noted that in 1607, the first English settlers knelt in prayer around the cross, dedicating this new nation to the Lord. "I don't care what the ACLU says or any atheist says, this nation belongs to Jesus," he declared. "We will never change America through politics. We will only change America through a mighty outpouring of God's Holy Spirit."

Rev. Tony Perkins expressed gratitude to God that this nation was founded on righteousness and divine justice. "Our founders . . . did not build an altar to government; rather they launched a country that would honor you," he said. "Today we look for government to be all that we need. Government can never be all we need. We need you."

Throughout the day, other Christian leaders offered prayers for America and its people, including Bishop E.W. Jackson: "You are not only the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, You are the God of George Washington, the God of Thomas Jefferson, the God of Patrick Henry and you are our God, the God of the United States of America. We are here to worship and acknowledge You and give praise to Your holy and righteous name."

Pastor Phil Cappuccio reminded the audience that, 236 years ago, the sound of the Liberty Bell was heard throughout this square. "Today, we lift up our voices - not in protest, but in repentance - that God will heal our land. Let there be a new sound, a sound of awakening."

Dallas Pastor Robert Jeffress called upon God, "I pray that as your people we will get up off our blessed assurances on Nov. 6, that we would go out and not vote for a party or a candidate but that we would cast a vote for righteousness. Our mandate is not to save America, but to save Americans from your coming judgment."

Early in the nine-hour rally, Rev. Wilson called for a time of repentance for the seven deadly sins - pride, greed, lust, envy, gluttony, wrath and anger, and slothfulness - that are the root causes of the problems in our nation. Various Christian leaders led prayers for forgiveness for specific and related social issues, such poverty, unemployment, crime, sex trafficking and government stewardship.

"We have come to do surgery in the name of Jesus, going after the root to see our nation changed," Wilson said, before prayers were offered in each category during several hours of the program. "We believe God is going to heal the headwaters of America and see deliverance from these capital sins so that righteousness can again exalt our nation."

As a practical demonstration of Founding Father William Penn's sentiment, "Let us try what love will do," AFJ's Love Philadelphia reached out to the poor and needy of the City with a hand of compassion and a message of hope. On Sept. 15, more than 1500 volunteers gathered at eight care sites, serving 15,000 people with 150,000 pounds of groceries in the name of Jesus. Relief agencies such as Operation Compassion, Operation Blessing, Convoy of Hope, and A Can Can Make a Difference all donated trucks to the outreach.

America for Jesus 2012 was organized by One Nation Under God, a coalition of ministries that sponsored the watershed Washington for Jesus events in the 80s and 90s, which focused on prayer, repentance and revival, based on God's promises found in 2 Chronicles 7:14.

To-date, the five national and numerous regional rallies attended by several hundred thousand people have made significant impact affecting millions across the country and the national movement continues to call for a return to biblical values rather than endorsing any particular party or candidate.

"Forty days before the election, we will be bringing the salt of the nation to the headwaters of America to pray for an awakening and for the spiritual needs of the country," said Billy Wilson, co-chair for America for Jesus 2012 and Executive Director of the International Center for Spiritual Renewal.

Rev. Herb Lusk commended the inclusive nature of the day's events, saying he was impressed by the leaders' reaching out to the African-American community and keeping the event from becoming politicized. "The committee came to me early and asked me for advice, and I told them it needed to be clear that this was about America, that it wasn't political, or the African-American community would not be involved," he said. "They listened, and it worked. Not only is God going to bless white America, he's going to bless black America."

Program participants and organizers alike expressed hope and excitement about the outcome of the rally. "I'm so encouraged the Body of Christ has come together in Philadelphia," said Vonette Bright. "I believe this will be the beginning of renewal and a spiritual awakening that will bring us back to the principles on which this nation was founded."

AFJ 2012 National Coordinator John Blanchard echoed her sentiments: "This is the most powerful solemn assembly I've ever personally attended. I believe a window of grace is open for the nation to launch renewal for transformation in America."

For more information, please visit http://www.americaforjesus2012.org/.

Got Developing The Next Generation

Every day we are assaulted in our world by negative images and stories that demonstrate the devastating effects of sin. Often, we are left shaking our heads wondering just how much worse it can get. However, we must never forget this: the future can be different. Evil does not have to prevail. Families are not required to crumble. Churches need not remain dead. We have the opportunity to lay our hands on the next generation and shape them in such a way that they will produce something better tomorrow.

This conviction propels us forward at Messenger College (MC). We are committed to developing world-changing Pentecostal leaders for the 21st century. This is a task that requires Spirit-empowerment and daily intentional effort. Yet we are inspired because we know we have our hands on the future.

MC is not the only place where the future is shaped. Every local church has the opportunity to place their hands on the next generation. In order to shape the future by developing the next generation, we must intentionally focus on providing the development to the whole person. At MC we understand our work as taking place within what we call the Triangle of Formation: mind, heart, and ministry.

Head
“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge,” lamented the prophet (Hosea 4:6). The apostle Paul charged that renewing the mind was a key ingredient to demonstrating God’s will for human life (Romans 12:2). Jesus understood that shaping the mind was essential—the gospels are filled with His teaching regarding God, the world, salvation, relationships, holiness, and so much more. In fact, Jesus said that it would be knowing the truth that would bring freedom (John 8:32).

Shaping the Christian mind is a crucial component of the work of MC. The spirit of the age attempts to undermine ministry effectiveness by questioning the possibility of knowing truth. However, we intentionally form our curriculum to be a rigorous process that helps our students increase their knowledge about the world and God’s Word. We also work to help our students learn how to think through the issues and challenges of the day and to understand what God has to say regarding them.

The local church can also help to form godly minds in the next generation. Students are often much more knowledgeable about many issues than people might expect. Additionally, they can usually handle much more information than we give them. Do not “dumb down” teaching to the next generation. Provide plenty of opportunities in teaching sessions for them to ask questions. Address issues relevant to them. This will take time to find out what is going on in their world and develop a biblical response. Doing so will be worth it. You might also consider scheduling guest speakers to address various issues regarding faith, spirituality, and ethics. Whatever you do, recognize that the way the next generation thinks is being developed now. Engage their minds with the truth.

Heart
When Jesus delivered His Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7, it became very apparent that He was offering a way of living that went beyond knowing creeds and behavioral conformity. His statements regarding the various relationships of human life made it plain that he was interested in changing the hearts of His followers. Jesus understood that the heart of the person was the fount from which all behaviors spring. Change the heart and you have changed the whole person.

At MC we understand this to be an indispensable part of our Triangle of Formation. Our desire is to lead our students in cultivating holy souls that become the root of all their living. We accomplish this in a variety of ways including small group interactions, teaching our students how to engage individual spiritual disciplines, regular corporate times of worship, and an openness to and a hunger for dynamic encounters with the Holy Spirit. We use all of these tools to help our students grow in holiness.

It is not enough to only teach the next generation a list of doctrines and rules. Something more is needed. Take time to connect with students on an individual and group level. Lead them in their process of spiritual formation. Thankfully, there is an increasing amount of resources available for helping students develop spiritual maturity. Track them down and take advantage of them. If even a small group of next generation leaders embrace the transformative life of Christ, it can make a tremendous difference in your church and community.

Hands
Finally, we want people to be able to do what God has called them to do. Each Christian—even next generation ones—has been gifted and called for some kind of ministry. Jesus provides the best example of teaching ministry: He showed the disciples, sent the disciples, and reflected with the disciples on their experience (Luke 10:1-24).

This is the model we have adopted at MC. We offer opportunities to our students to observe and do ministry in the power of the Holy Spirit. Their classes and text materials are taught and written by experienced leaders. Additionally, each student is required to be engaged in a ministry practicum every semester. Finally, each student must complete an internship before he/she can graduate. Throughout this process, we also work with the student in interpreting and understanding his/her experiences.

Many next generation leaders are sitting idle in pews while filled with a great deal of energy and creativity. Too often, the “now generation” is afraid of the next generation’s lack of experience and knowledge. Yet, we forget that everyone must start somewhere. Engage the next generation in ministry. Draw them close and let them see what you do. Give them opportunities to do it. Provide time afterwards to walk through what they experienced. Remember, this method worked for Jesus—surely it can work for us!

To change the future, we must begin today. It is not an easy task, but we are promised the power of the Holy Spirit in the process. Focused daily intentional effort on the mind, the soul, and the ministry of next generation leaders can develop an army that will create a great future.

written by Daniel Davis, President of Messenger College

for more information on Messenger College visit www.messengercollege.edu

Reaching The Next-Generation

1. As a Senior Pastor what are some practical ways your church reaches out to kids and teenagers?
Realizing we are building for the future and not just the present, we incorporate our youth into multiple areas that contribute to the overall ministry of the church. We have them serve as helpers in both junior and senior ministries, as well as soul winning through National, District and Local programs.

It is also very important that youth outreach isn’t built around personalities such as that of the youth leader. In reaching our youth, I am learning more and more that we must involve our youth with the church and not make them, or allow them to become, a separate entity.
2. What advice would you give other pastors/churches concerning ministry to the next generation?

Don’t treat youth ministry as if it is just something that needs to be done simply “because.” Understand that youth ministries breathe life into everything! We also need to allow this generation to express themselves in ways that relate to them; however, I’m not talking about compromising the Word of God. A passionate, vibrant youth group speaks of a continued congregational life. Pastors must be willing to look beyond themselves into other youth ministries for help.

The selection of youth pastors is also one of the most important things you will do. Just because someone wants to work with youth doesn’t mean they are qualified. Some are too immature to work with youth and it becomes more about them and what they want, rather than what is best for the church and the youth.

3. What are the most effective ways/programs that your church has used to reach young people?

First and foremost is the selection of effective teachers and leaders. Not only this, programs that require discipleship and faithfulness are a necessity. These programs also need to provide hands-on experience. Block parties, etc., offer such opportunities.

4. What are some of the challenges you face as you minister to the next generation?

Staying connected! I must not let my age and a mind-set from the past cloud what is happening in the present. Our kids and teens are so far ahead of me that I know I won’t catch up. (I’m talking about technology. WOW!) Their lines of communication have given them a different view of local, national, and world-wide knowledge than what I have had. When I was young, we had one phone fastened to the wall. Now everyone in a family has a cell phone and is communicating all over the world. A few voices gave me guidance and instruction when I was young. Now voices from all over the nation are speaking into our youth; pastors today are trying to give clarity to all of that.

5. What are some of the ways your church has invested financially in ministry to the next generation?

Our church has built a youth center that is used almost exclusively for our youth. It has become their main educational site, as well as an activity center. Our church also contributes heavily toward making it possible for our youth to attend youth camps. We also help greatly with camp expenses for all the youth regardless of where they come from.

We help them raise funds for Teen Talent Expos and mission trips, etc., in the area of investing. We also expect our youth to invest in themselves by raising funds through their own efforts.

6. What is your dream/vision for the kids and students that come from your church?

First and foremost, that they have a personal relationship with God that is based on Scripture. Secondly, that we are able to develop leadership qualities in them and that ministry is in their future, in whatever capacity that may be. Also, that they will walk and live in true Christian character; not given to gossip, backbiting, or untruthfulness; that they will be examples of godliness to their generations as to what is proper and what is not in the growing field of communication, such as e-mail, texting, Facebook, Twitter, etc.

It is my prayer that we are equipping and enabling our youth to be mighty vessels of honor in serving their Lord.

7. Please give us your favorite story in the Scriptures that inspires and compels you to minister to the next generation.

My favorite story in the Scriptures has to be the story written throughout the Word of God that speaks of His great love, mercy and grace that would receive a young man raised street smart and full of anger. A young man that lived in a world of fights, alcohol and dysfunction; that faced Federal charges at 15 years of age; that was raised in 26 different homes. A young man that everyone said would amount to nothing . . . but they never figured on Jesus Christ, who said, “If any man thirst . . . .”

The grace and mercy of God reached into me and now, like Paul, I say, “I am debtor.” I must reach for and minister to the next generation. We must not fail to reach them with the same grace and mercy that reached into us.

Bishop Terry Rowland has 36 years of pastoral experience, is currently a member of the General Council, serves the Ohio District as District Bishop, and serves as Senior Pastor at Trinity Full Gosphel PCG in Zanesville, OH.

The Social Network

Are you on Facebook?

Do you “tweet”?

How many readers are checking your WordPress daily?

It seems that with the rise of social networking, we are seeing new social networking platforms pop up almost weekly. With newer companies like Instagram and Foursquare showing up on the scene, it is becoming increasingly difficult to manage the Facebook or Twitter accounts that your church might already have. Perhaps you haven’t bought into the social media parade, and you still manage your contacts face to face rather than face to book. Regardless, the world of social networking can be daunting for beginners and downright confusing for even average users. The web is exploding, apps are taking over, word-of-mouth marketing has switched gears, and one out of every seven people on the planet is plugged into a social network. It’s time we hop on the bandwagon!

As a pastor or a church leader, it is extremely important to take advantage of the social media platforms in today’s information-driven society. Accessibility is at an all-time high with the popularity of smart phones and tablets rising. Mobility is important to today’s users, and in turn, information that is mobile, is just as important. So in order to stay culturally relevant, we must adapt our form of communication. Logically, our goal is to reach as many people as possible with the gospel of Jesus Christ, so we must choose the most effective mouthpiece. Enter Social Media. Never before could you type 140 characters, press send, and have it show up on the phones and inboxes of literally millions of people.

Before we can start reaching the world with our tweets and Facebook status updates, we must first understand what it takes to effectivly communicate in the social networking arena and why it is even important to take advantage of social networking at all. Let’s start with “why.”

1. It humanizes your church’s brand.
Yes, your church has a brand whether you realize it or not. Your church’s brand can either reinforce the things you say about yourself or it can confuse people because of inconsistent messaging. When you use platforms like Facebook, Twitter, or even blogs to constantly interact with individuals in a way that reinforces what your church stands for, then you bring a new dimension to your church’s brand.

2. It is cheap.
In ministry stewardship is important. Email blasts, tweets, and event pages on Facebook can be just what you need to help pack the house for your monthly outreach events or specialty services. Facebook and Twitter offer an even greater opportunity for users to directly ask questions and gather details. All of this costs less than the price of one stamp you would use for a mail out. For departments working on a budget, this is truly an excellent option.

3. Your target audience is using it.
As a church your target audience is people and A LOT of people are using social media all day, every day. It isn’t just young or old; there are users across all age ranges, enabling churches to reach out on truly multi-generational levels.

4. Google uses it.
Google uses social networks as a part of its page rank algorithm. If you aren’t using social media to boost your website’s popularity, then your page may not show up at the top of Google’s search results when people are looking for your church.

It is also very important to gauge the amount of information we are sending out, as well as its importance. Informational integrity is key. If people feel like you are giving them information that they care about or that is important to them, then they follow you closely. If you send out tweets about how cute your puppy is, then most likely people will begin to ignore you unless they have an affinity for canines. Your social media goal as a church leader should be to unite people through information. For example, if you have a special event coming up, post it on Twitter and Facebook, then encourage others to share or Repeat Tweet will help boost your influence. You have a responsibility to your church people to give them information that is relevant to their lives. We get hit with ads, commercials, and marketing campaigns every day. We as people are professionals at ignoring information. Combat this by sending out information that people can’t live without! Why? Because if they feel like they can ignore you, they will.

Update often. Not too often, not too little. Usually once a day is enough to keep your message on people’s minds. If you do it more often than that, they may start to ignore you; less than that and they may forget you altogether. For Twitter users, using hashtags (#followedbywords) can make or break you. Hashtag only phrases that are easily recognizable or easily reused is the best policy. #Don’thashtagyourentiretweet #and #don’t #add #a #hashtag #for #every #word. Moderation is key. Think of hashtags as a keyword that people can find your post with.

Finally you don’t have to have EVERY social media platform. If you aren’t going to be able to update it daily and answer feedback from your friends or followers, don’t use it. If it’s taking everything you have just to manage your Facebook page, then perhaps it’s not time to hop on Twitter. One will do you no better than the other if you aren’t able to maintain them and keep them flowing with information. Social networking can give you the influential edge you need in your community or it can make people pass your church by altogether. #thepowerisyours.

Josh Rogers is a Graphic Designer for the PCG and a member of the editorial staff for the Pentecostal Messenger.

Absolute: Disciple

By Daniel Davis

“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 things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. (Matthew 28:19–20 NKJV)

This passage, commonly called the Great Commission, was issued by Jesus with the light of Easter still glowing in the background. Here stood the risen Lord with all power in His hands, giving His great task to His followers of making disciples. What is a “disciple?”

The term is not used in the Old Testament but shows up frequently in the Gospels and Acts. We are most familiar with the term in reference to the 12 closest followers of Jesus (Luke 6:13). However, others outside of the Twelve who followed Jesus were also called disciples (Luke 14:26–27). The term was not limited to Jesus’ followers, however. John the Baptist also had disciples (Matthew 11:2); and so did the Pharisees (Mark 2:18).

The word is not a special word used only in the Bible. It was a common and proper Greek term used throughout the ancient world. Essentially, the word refers to a pupil, a learner, a student, or an apprentice of a specific teacher or master. From that master, the disciple learns the worldview or theory of the master, as well as how to lead a good life or practice well a particular skill or trade. A carpenter could be a master teaching his disciple the nature and skill of carpentry. A rabbi could be a master teaching his disciple the nature of God and the skill of living in God’s law. A musician could be a master teaching his disciple the theory of music and the skills of composition and performance. And so on.

Thus, we see that those who were called disciples of Jesus in the Gospels were not merely a sect who thought Jesus had interesting ideas. Rather, they understood the brilliance and magnificence of Jesus’ teaching and way of life. Consequently, they chose to learn from him the Truth about God and life, as well as to adopt his way of living in that Truth.

The remarkable thing for us today is to see how the word is used in Acts. The term is expanded, not to refer only to the Twelve or the larger group who followed the earthly life of Jesus in ancient Israel. When we come to Acts, we see that those who were becoming what we now call Christians were called disciples (Acts 6:1, 7; 11:26; 13:52). This means that the original disciples of Jesus were following that Great Commission: they were making more disciples of Jesus. Indeed, this is even reflected in the original meaning of the term “Christian.” The word referred to those who believed in and followed the way of the Christ; hence, they were “Christ-ians.”

We can emphasize this point even more when we look at the context of the Great Commission. The text highlights the term disciple through repetition: “The eleven disciples went away into Galilee... make disciples of all the nations...” (Matthew 28:16,19 NKJV). The Eleven were to make more of what they had become—people who believed in Jesus and learned to live their lives from him.

We should note that in the New Testament, all Christians were called disciples. The term was not reserved for an especially committed group. To be a Christian was to be a disciple—a non-disciple Christian was nonsense. Of course, there could be poor and excellent apprentices to Jesus, but they were all apprentices nonetheless.

This same task given to the Eleven rests with the Church today. The American church in the 20th century has produced incredible results through evangelistic ventures. Untold numbers have been led to “walk the aisle” so their sins might be forgiven. Yet, it might be that we have missed the whole charge of Jesus. We are not merely called to lead people in a “sinner’s prayer;” we are called to recruit apprentices to Jesus. We are called to teach them everything we have learned about who God is and how they can live the God-life here on earth. Every convert is a recruited disciple in need of our teaching of the truth and skills for following Jesus. For this task we have been given the immeasurable power of the Holy Spirit—the resurrection power of God that raised Jesus from the dead!