Why Make Disciples?

This week, we’re beginning a new series on disciple-making, and you might be wondering, “Why focus on this topic?” It’s a good question. The answer is simple yet profound: the mission of the church is making disciples in increasing number.

This isn’t new information for many of us. We know Jesus commanded, “Go, therefore, and make disciples.” (Matthew 28:19). Yet, over time, churches of all sizes can lose sight of this mission. When we lose sight of disciple-making, our convictions weaken. We may believe the gospel has changed our lives, but we stop expecting it to transform others. We may know God invites people into a relationship with Him, but we no longer expect people to accept that invitation. If we haven’t witnessed someone coming to faith recently, we might assume conversions are rare anomalies.

This is why we’re running this series—not to induce guilt, but to resharpen our convictions. Disciple-making is not only our mission, but it is possible. To sharpen these convictions, we’ll explore five questions: Why make disciples? What is a disciple? How are disciples made? Who makes disciples? And where do we make disciples?

Today, we’re starting with the first question: Why make disciples? Unless we understand the “why,” it’s unlikely we’ll care about the “how” or the “who.” So let’s consider two biblical reasons for making disciples: the plan of God and the plight of man.

The Plan of God

The first reason to make disciples is that it aligns with God’s overarching plan for history. As Christians, we don’t need to speculate about the future. Scripture gives us a clear vision of where history is headed. Revelation 7:9–17 presents a beautiful scene: a great multitude from every tribe, tongue, and nation, gathered before Jesus in worship. Similarly, Hebrews 12:18–24 depicts a heavenly Jerusalem, a place of joy and celebration, with God and Jesus at its centre. These passages point to a future where a redeemed people from every nation are united around the risen Lord Jesus.

This is God’s ultimate plan—to gather a people from all nations to worship Him. Paul echoes this in Titus 2:11–14 and Colossians 1:13–20, emphasizing Jesus’ work of redemption and reconciliation.

For us as a church, this means God’s vision for the future must shape our vision. To see a redeemed people worshiping Jesus, people must hear and trust the good news: that Jesus paid the debt we owe to God, freeing us from sin and death and enabling us to love and worship Him. Every ministry, outreach, and event we run should aim to share this gospel, because God’s plan is worth our time, energy, and passion.

The Plight of Man

The second reason to make disciples is the spiritual condition of humanity. While God’s plan points to a future of reconciliation and unity, the present reality is marked by division and darkness. Genesis 11’s account of Babel reveals the origin of human disunity: sin. Humanity’s desire to exalt itself led to confusion and scattering. This sin still separates people from God and from one another.

Yet Revelation 7:9 shows a redeemed humanity united in worship. This is not merely a celebration of cultural diversity but of God’s power to overcome sin. All have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23), but Jesus’ death and resurrection make redemption possible for everyone.

John 12:46 reminds us why Jesus came: “I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness.” Without Jesus, humanity is trapped in spiritual darkness. And while many of us live comfortable lives, this comfort can dull our awareness of the plight of those still in darkness. We need to ask ourselves: Do I care about the lost? If not, let’s pray, “God, give me a heart for the lost. Help me bring the light of the gospel to those in darkness.”

Practical Steps

Making disciples doesn’t require us to be expert evangelists. Sam Chan’s approach—coffee, dinner, gospel—is a simple, relational way to begin. Start by having a casual coffee with a friend. Over time, invite them to dinner, where deeper conversations can naturally happen. Eventually, share the gospel as opportunities arise.

This week, pray for one friend you could invite for coffee. Ask God to open doors for gospel conversations.

Conclusion

Why make disciples? Because disciple-making fulfills God’s plan to gather a redeemed people from every nation and brings people out of darkness into His marvelous light. Knowing this should fill us with confidence. Disciple-making is the church’s mission, and it is possible because it is God’s plan. Let’s let this truth inspire and motivate us to the task of making disciples.

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Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.