The majority of us are familiar with the words of our Lord Jesus spoken before of His ascension, "Go therefore and make disciples of all the 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 NKV).

As the director of Foothills Hispanic Ministries in Pickens County, I am committed to the biblical mandate and the practical application of making disciples among Hispanics that come to know Jesus Christ.  Not only do we have a new believers biblical class with them, but we also systematically help them to be “faithful learners and followers of Jesus Christ” (that is a working definition of discipleship).

What is the process I use to make disciples? When the Gospel is shared with someone and they respond in repentance and faith, then I take them through an initially thirteen weeks of new believer’s class. After the fifth lesson - which talks about “The Church and its Ordinances” (baptism and the Lord’s Supper), this person is baptized. At this point they have come to biblically understand their security in Christ, Christ living in them, spiritual warfare, forgiveness and restoration, and the importance of personal Bible study and prayer. Then they are ready to enter the second stage of discipleship; that is, learning how to effectively share their testimony (with their life and with their lips), discovering their spiritual gift(s), biblical stewardship, and finally commitment to church membership.

Thirteen weeks has transpired, they are now ready for church membership. They receive an information packet. This includes a Membership Commitment Form (which states their biblical commitment to the local church and the local church’s biblical commitment to them as members), the church’s bylaws, and a copy of the Baptist Faith and Message. At this point the majority of believers are ready to commit to church membership, but others find it better to go elsewhere (out of their own will and choice). That brings to memory John 6:66 when many of Jesus’ disciples “went back and walked with Him no more.” But it also brings to mind those that make decisions versus those that want to be disciples. And we must remember, Jesus sent us to make disciples not decisions.

Apart from making biblical sound disciples, the other level of discipleship is to make disciples who will reproduce other disciples in evangelism. Now evangelism cannot be taught only, it must be caught. This means, I have had to take time out of the pastoral role and mentor them in evangelism. This is the next level of discipleship. I have seen people who were considerably shy become bold to witness for the Lord Jesus. This is the joy of every pastor; this is the joy of God our Father. That is, to see men and women on mission with Him bearing fruit – “Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples” – John 15:8.

Is this a long process, yes it is. But it is a necessary process, if we want to see the final product that will glorify God, faithful learners and followers of Jesus Christ – disciples.

Garry A. Morrison

Director of Foothills Hispanic Ministries

P.O. Box 1582

Easley, SC 29641-1582

(864) 380-5432

RevGarryMorrison@hotmail.com