The Importance of Discipleship, or It Doesn’t Have to Be Big to Matter Big

“You don’t have to start a new organization, or write a book, or start a new blog. Just make disciples.” ~David Platt

We see so many “big” efforts for Christ, especially on sites like Facebook and Twitter. Fundraisers for charity organizations. Viral blog posts encouraging others. Campaigns to end human trafficking. Crusades bringing the lost to Jesus. And sometimes we allow them to create in us an overwhelming sense of smallness. Intimidated, we ask, “What difference can I possibly make?”

In reality, every Christian can make a difference. We sometimes think discipling has to be such a big production, but the gospel has primarily been spread across nations and centuries without a single “like” or catchy advertisement campaign. Instead, Christians have made disciples one person at a time.

Philip, an early apostle of Christ, was in the middle of accomplishing big and exciting things for the sake of the gospel. A gospel-preaching superstar, one day he even facilitated the conversion of a famous magician in the streets of Samaria.* But then an angel of the Lord called him out of the crowd to the chariot of a traveling eunuch, and Philip went from preaching the gospel in the streets to one-on-one discipleship. What a change that must have been for him!

When I imagine myself in Philip’s position, I’m certain I would struggle to obey the call to small. It would be hard to walk away from such an influential platform to teach a single eunuch what it means to follow Jesus. I can hear myself arguing with the angel of the Lord, promising great results with a bigger audience. But Philip didn’t do any of that. The angel said, “Rise and go,” and Philip did (Acts 8:26). He knew what I struggle to accept: it is just as important to use your influence to disciple one as it is to reach many. The work of teaching the Ethiopian eunuch was as significant as preaching in the streets of Samaria.

Likewise, making disciples in your community is as essential to the gospel as preaching from a great stage. Yes, big platforms reach large numbers of people, but relationship is inherent in discipleship. Discipleship is walking together in the shadow of Jesus Christ. To disciple a new believer is to encourage a deep, abiding, long-lasting relationship with Christ.

When you feel too small to make a difference, be assured that one-on-one discipleship has great value in the kingdom of God. Discipling doesn’t have to be big to matter big.

Jesus, thank you for including us in your plan to share your love with the world. It is both humbling and overwhelming. Equip us to make disciples. Open our eyes and hearts to those who need to learn what it means to follow you. Bless these growing relationships in your name and for your glory. Amen.

Scripture for Reflection

“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” (Matt. 28:19–20 ESV).

Reach for More

The Great Commission is an imperative straight from the heart of Jesus. Is making disciples a priority in your life? Prayerfully ask the Holy Spirit to lead you to one or two new believers in need of a friend. Discipleship doesn’t need to be formal. Share lessons learned from your own experience. Offer encouragement using God’s Word. Faithfully pray for those you disciple.

We can do this, friend. We can walk alongside our fellow believers and encourage deeper intimacy with Christ. This is discipleship. This is the great work of the gospel.

Please, come back and leave a comment telling us how God spoke to you this week, or share your progress on social media using the hashtag #tgtreachformore. We would love to hear from you.

*For the full story, read Acts 8.

Kelly Smith is a small town girl who married a small town man 17 years ago. She has three energetic blessings, ages 1 to 11. Her favorite indulgences are coffee, reading, writing, and running. Kelly believes we are created for community and loves to find ways to connect with other women who are walking in the shadow of the cross. She blogs at mrsdisciple.com.