• Lesson Seven in the Connect360 unit “DiscipleMaking: Patterns of Discipleship and Evangelism for the Contemporary Church” focuses on Colossians 1:9-11; 28b-29; 4:2-4; Ephesians 4:11-16; James 1:2-4

Preparation for spiritual growth is addressed specifically in Ephesians 4:11–13, which highlights the notation thatleaders with a variety of roles are gifts to the church.

And, they are “to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”

This Scripture underscores the importance of members of the church being equipped for service and understandingone’s place of significant service within the body of Christ.

“Every member a minister” is more than a motto, it is a truism.

The task of the leaders is to equip individual members of the body to know and assume their position of service in thechurch.

The unique callings to specific ministry areas can be discerned by discovering spiritual gifts, areas of concern,previous experiences or supernatural desires.

Leaders should seek out followers and guide them to explore and embrace their “works of service.”

Followers should submit themselves for training and placement. Preparation encompasses both formal teaching, such as biblical or doctrinal studies, and informal learning through life experiences and mentoring.

Notice three outcomes of effective preparation: unity in the faith, knowledge of the Son of God and maturity in Christ.

Believers are built up and the church is strengthened when all are contributing to the kingdom enterprise of disciple making.

Serving one another provides opportunities for believers to develop their gifts, demonstrate love and grow in humility. In serving others, believers are shaped more into the likeness of Christ, who came to serve and not to be served (Mark 10:45).

Ministry also fosters a sense of accountability within the church community, which is essential for spiritual maturity.

Spiritual growth is a dynamic and multifaceted process influenced by a variety of experiences and environments.

While the ultimate source of growth is the Holy Spirit, certain experiences such as prayer, the hearing of the word,participation in ministry, and enduring trials all contribute to a believer’s maturation.

Similarly, the church community and obedience to the leadership of the Holy Spirit provide environments in whichbelievers can grow in faith and continue to pursue maturity in our walk with him.

To learn more about GC2 Press and the Connect360 Bible study series, or to order materials, click here.

What Joy! How to Stay and Not Flee

By Veronica Stone (Woman’s Missionary Union)

What freezes someone with fear?  What causes that fear to take flight? A Chinese drug dog’s sniffs and a tiny room for questioning? Infertility followed by a problem pregnancy where there’s no advanced care? Financial betrayal by “trusted” church members/business partners? A spitting cobra in the living room?

How do missionaries weather not only the day-to-day challenges of language and culture, but also massive storms of medical emergencies, a global pandemic and spiritual warfare? Missionary Veronica Stone shares her story and those of her husband Ron and children Anna and Abe in What Joy! How to Stay and Not Flee.

The saga begins when Veronica discovers a one-year teaching job in Korea online when filling out applications and goes for it. The Christian school eventually hires Ron as well, and the newlyweds begin what would become their entrée into international missions.

Taking a detour on their return home, they arrange to spend 10 days “sharing the gospel alongside two missionaries who worked with unreached people.” They arrive in the United States with a new call, and after several years of seminary and preparation, they leave for international mission service in the marketplace.

Veronica’s experiences evoke laughter as she discusses packing for that first term, suffers a horrendous haircut because of language misunderstanding, and becomes a regular wedding crasher with her husband to get to know people and begin conversations. Other accounts bring tears, including saying good-bye to her beloved dog, enduring obtrusive personal questions, and almost dying from an allergic reaction after she receives medication at a local hospital.

Yet, God remains faithful as he times perfectly the births of Anna and Abe, provides a Christian “Auntie Cora” as mentor and friend, guides the family through “unexpected turbulence,” and provides a support system of family, friends and volunteers near and far.

Joy comes in service, in seeing God move in the hearts of the lost, in watching him speak to their children, and even sometimes in suffering but never suffering alone.

Not only does the missionary help readers step into her shoes, but she also offers subtle ideas of how to support missionaries—from adopting their dog when they leave for the field to sending snapshots from home to simply listening and encouraging—usually by email—without trying to offer advice or fix things.

At fewer than 120 pages, Veronica Stone’s What Joy! How to Stay and Not Flee is a quick, sometimes funny, and always inspiring read that provides lessons for anyone desiring to live on mission.

Kathy Robinson Hillman, former president

Texas WMU and Baptist General Convention of Texas

Waco

• Lesson Six in the Connect360 unit “DiscipleMaking: Patterns of Discipleship and Evangelism for the Contemporary Church” focuses on 2 Thessalonians 1:3; 1 Peter 2:2; 2 Peter 3:18.

Spiritual growth is a natural and essential part of the Christian journey. From the moment a person is reborn in the Spirit, a supernatural process begins, leading the believer from spiritual infancy to full maturity in Christ.

This journey involves stages of growth—infancy, childhood and adulthood—shaped by the believer’s commitment to God, their surrounding environment, and their willingness to surrender to the process.

The consequences of stunted growth are significant, both for the individual and the body of Christ. Therefore,believers are called to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ, continually striving toward maturity in him.

By understanding the stages of spiritual growth, the influence of external factors, and the need for intentionalsurrender, believers can cultivate the spiritual growth necessary to fulfill their calling in Christ and contribute to the flourishing of the church.

The goal of Christian ministry is to present every believer mature and complete in Christ, a transformation that takes place through the work of the Holy Spirit and the believer’s cooperation.

Spiritual maturity involves becoming more like Christ, reflecting his character, adopting his mindset, and engaging in his work of reconciliation. The destiny of every believer is to be conformed to the image of Christ, and this process requires intentional growth, learning and service.

As the church continues to fulfill its calling, the goal remains clear: to help each believer grow into their God-given purpose, reflecting the fullness of Christ in their lives.

While spiritual growth is a supernatural process, it is not without external influences.

The environment in which a believer grows plays a significant role in either nurturing or hindering theirdevelopment. The church community, mentors, spiritual leaders and even cultural influences all impact spiritualgrowth.

In the initial stages of spiritual growth, believers need strong spiritual leadership and sound teaching to help them navigate the stages of faith.

As 2 Thessalonians 1:3 suggests, faith and love grew in the Thessalonian church and was cultivated through constant prayer, encouragement and mutual support.

Similarly, the presence of a supportive Christian community can accelerate a believer’s growth, providing a safespace for questioning, learning and practicing the faith.

To learn more about GC2 Press and the Connect360 Bible study series, or to order materials, click here.

The Body God Gives: A Biblical Response to Transgender Theory

By Robert S. Smith (Lexham Academic)

Gender identity is a hot and divisive topic at present—in politics, education and throughout society—frequently referenced by the word “transgender” or “trans.” Christian leaders and thinkers have been responding to this topic for many years, though their work has not always been widely known among Christians. Robert Smith is one such author.

Smith has published two previous books addressing gender identity at a more popular level. His third book on the topic, The Body God Gives, is a much more in-depth study aimed at a scholarly audience.

One clue is the publisher—Lexham Academic. Another is the word “theory” in the subtitle, which indicates Smith is not dealing with street-level gender identity discussions. Rather, he is evaluating the subterranean foundations of those discussions—and that’s the reason this book deserves attention. Every hot topic is built on a preceding foundation not always known or understood by the larger public.

Smith begins with an introduction to the current state of gender identity discussions, a survey of Christian authors who have addressed gender identity, an explanation of his own method, and a description of the history and philosophy of transgender theory, the latter not being for the casual reader.

He argues, in essence, transgender theory is predicated on the separation of biological sex from gender, that gender is not biologically but psychologically determined and thus fluid. Acknowledging there is a difference between sex and gender, “[Biological] sex … is the foundation; gender is the construction that rests on (and can only rest on) that foundation,” Smith contends (p. 167).

Smith’s approach in The Body God Gives is philosophical, theological, analytical and evangelical. He spends three chapters thoroughly analyzing the text of Genesis 1 and 2—with specific focus on biological sex, gender and marriage—and two further chapters examining the treatment of sex and gender identity through the rest of Scripture. As with his philosophical examination, his scriptural analysis is not for the casual reader, delving into the original Hebrew and Greek and more technical theological discussion.

Smith’s conclusions, already noted above, are as one would expect given his starting place. His conclusions do not, he admits, include pastoral counsel for those struggling with gender dysphoria or other gender identity questions. Those can be found in other books, some he includes in his survey of literature near the front of this book.

For those who want to dive as deep into biblical/theological/philosophical study of gender identity as perhaps they have with sexuality—whatever presuppositions the reader brings or conclusions the reader draws—The Body God Givesis up to the task.

Eric Black, executive director/publisher/editor
Baptist Standard

Kurt Kaiser: Icon and Conscience of Contemporary Christian Music

By Terry W. York (Big Bear Books)

Terry York, retired professor of Christian ministry and church music at Baylor University’s Truett Theological Seminary, hits all the right notes in his biography, Kurt Kaiser: Icon and Conscience of Contemporary Christian Music.

York’s book beautifully illuminates the musician’s contributions to the changing landscape of sacred music in the 20th century while balancing the nuances of his musical genius, spiritual grounding, and commitment to the church and authentic worship with the business of contemporary Christian music.

Well-researched and documented through personal and family archives, oral histories, interviews, recordings, and both published and unpublished sources, York paints a portrait of an extraordinarily gifted man God used to touch hearts and connect church worship and culture in fresh ways.

The story began Dec. 17, 1934, in Chicago with Kurt’s birth to Otto and Elisabeth Kaiser, the middle of their five children. Eight years earlier, Otto had immigrated from Germany with 32 members of his family, although he had lost an older brother in World War I. Elisabeth joined him after accepting his marriage proposal by letter.

God, music and family filled their home. They attended a Plymouth Brethren Church, read the Bible, prayed and sang hymns each evening.

Kurt, who lived with health issues throughout his life, picked out his first tune on the piano at age 4 or 5, demonstrating his perfect pitch. The children took lessons from Frau Liesch, who had studied with a student of Franz Liszt. When his high school orchestra needed a cellist, Kurt taught himself.

God never wasted a moment preparing the extraordinary musician for his call. At age 9 or 10, Kurt accompanied kids on a radio program and a couple of years later regularly improvised background story music for a cowboy radio serial.

From there, he played for Youth for Christ rallies and spent his junior year in Montana with Montana Gospel Crusades where he met missionary Jim Elliott, who deeply affected him, and Patricia Anderson whom he married in 1956. Countless encounters with individuals whose names read like a religious and musical “Who’s Who” impacted his future, as did two music degrees from Northwestern University.

York weaves in details of the talented musician’s move to Waco to work with Jarrell McCracken and Word Records, where he recruited, arranged, occasionally accompanied and produced albums for a host of artists. In a town with “a Baptist church on every corner,” the Kaisers put down roots at Seventh and James Baptist Church, where they raised their four children.

Kaiser graciously worked with the Baylor Religious Hour Choir that performed on NBC television his best-known composition, the musical Tell It Like It Is (1969) written with Ralph Carmichael.

His song “Pass It On” from the musical and his later “Oh, How He Loves You and Me” (1975) continue to appear in hymnals, be performed in worship and sung around campfires. With music and musicals, he sought to bring youth to Christ and church and keep them there.

York takes the reader through the sale of Word and the company’s move to Nashville, the parting of ways, the decision to remain in Waco, the formation of Kurt Kaiser Music and a myriad of awards, including Doves, honorary doctorates and induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.

Yet, “fame never came home to live,” because Kaiser saw his music as a prayer and lived with an attitude of “look what God can do.” A music minister at heart, he was generous, consistent, authentic, principled, gifted, discerning, inspiring, insightful, warm, humble and demanded high standards with grace.

Kurt Kaiser’s earthly life ended at age 83 on Nov. 12, 2018, but his music lives not only in the notes he wrote and the lyrics he penned, but also in the lives of those who heard God’s whisper through his music, responded and continue to “Pass It On.” Thank you, Terry York, for passing on Kurt Kaiser’s legacy in a biography that can teach us all.

Kathy Robinson Hillman, former president

Texas WMU and Baptist General Convention of Texas

Waco

• Lesson Five in the Connect360 unit “DiscipleMaking: Patterns of Discipleship and Evangelism for the Contemporary Church” focuses on Mark 1:4-5, 9-11; Acts 8:9-13; 34-39.

Baptism is an act of obedience central to the believer’s identity as a follower of Jesus Christ.

In Matthew 28:19–20, Jesus commissions his disciples to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them inthe name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

Baptism, then, becomes the first step in discipleship, a public declaration of one’s allegiance to Christ and a sign of submission to his authority.

This obedience to the command of baptism signifies the believer’s decision to live according to God’s will and purpose.

As Paul wrote in Romans 6:3–4: “Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptizedinto his death?

“We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”

Baptism is the believer’s declaration of having died to the old self and been raised to new life in Christ.

It is the first step in the journey of obedience to God, which includes living according to his word, bearing fruit of theSpirit, and engaging in ministry. Through baptism, believers publicly declare their allegiance to Jesus and their intention to follow him in all aspects of their lives.

A 73-year-old man recently was baptized. When asked about his decision to follow Christ and be baptized hereplied: “I was sprinkled as a child, received Jesus as my Savior at age 21, and been disobedient until now. I need to beobedient.”

Choosing to fully follow Christ in believer’s baptism was a significant moment in his life. What a day of celebrationit was for him and his family.

Just a word of caution on this point. An axiom of faith life is “disobedience leads to doubt.” When followers of Jesus fail to act obediently in the area of baptism, doubt in other areas can creep into their life.

Jesus’ emphasis on baptism as a marker of discipleship is not accidental, it is intentional. Guiding believers intobaptism contributes to greater confidence in their faith and followship.

Disciple makers should and must make baptism a priority.

To learn more about GC2 Press and the Connect360 Bible study series, or to order materials, click here.

Good News for the World: Baptist World Alliance Resolutions and Statements, 1905–2023

Edited by Lee Spitzer (Baylor University Press)

Good News for the World is a must-have for every student and scholar of Baptist history. This encyclopedic work was released ahead of Baptists from around the world gathering in Brisbane, Australia, for the 23rd Baptist World Alliance World Congress this July.

Lee Spitzer is historian for the Baptist World Alliance and retired general secretary of the American Baptist Churches USA. Good News for the World represents a years-long labor of his love for Baptists, compiling for the first time in one volume the 422 resolutions, official statements and messages adopted during BWA’s history from 1905 to 2023.

BWA has spoken to numerous issues throughout those many years. In response to many of the most-pressing issues facing Baptists and their communities at any given time, BWA passed resolutions and other statements addressing all manner of injustice, war, hunger, moral matters, religious liberty and other faith matters, gender equality, racism and much more.

One of their most important resolutions directly confronted Nazi Germany in 1934. A more recent resolution adopted in Birmingham, Ala., in 2022 condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine, called for just peace and pledged solidarity with Baptists in Ukraine.

Among the resources in this large reference work are a reader’s guide, a chronological listing of resolutions by BWA World Congresses, by General Councils and by Executive Committees, as well as BWA-affiliated declarations and statements; a thematic table of resolutions; and an extensive set of indices listing BWA officers and other individuals, countries and territories, and topics cited in resolutions; and a thorough source bibliography.

Just before the indices and bibliography, Spitzer includes a set of tables providing a numeric depiction of resolution types and years adopted. Altogether, this back matter accounts for more than 80 pages of this 793-page book—which accounts for the 74 pages of front matter.

The only reason Good News for the World is incomplete is it stops with 2023—by necessity; it had to be published sometime—and doesn’t include the resolutions adopted in Lagos, Nigeria, in 2024. But that’s what second volumes are for.

Eric Black, executive director/publisher/editor
Baptist Standard

• Lesson Four in the Connect360 unit “DiscipleMaking: Patterns of Discipleship and Evangelism for the Contemporary Church” focuses on John 3:1-9.

In verse 3, Jesus stated, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”

The Greek word for “born again” (γεννᾶσθαι ἄνωθεν, genēsthai anōthen) can be translated as “born from above” or “born anew.”

It indicates a radical, supernatural transformation that occurs when the Holy Spirit works in the heart or spirit of an individual. This birth is not of human origin but is a divine work initiated by God, making it distinct from physical birth.

The question “Have I been born again?” is one that many believers must ask themselves as they seek assurance of their faith.

The Bible provides ways to discern whether someone has experienced spiritual rebirth. Just as physical birth is evidenced by a living, breathing child, spiritual birth is evidenced by a transformed life.

Jesus implied the evidence of being born again is the ability to see and enter the kingdom of God (John 3:3, 5). But what does this look like in practical terms? How can one know whether they truly have been born again?

John offered great assurance and an explanation in his letter. First John 5:13 says, “I write these things to you whobelieve in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.”

Confidence in personally “knowing” our condition is critical for freedom to live in and for Jesus.

Historically, several Nigerian tribes would carve family insignias into their cheeks. The markings were distinct designs shaped by lacerating the face of young children.

The practice has multiple purposes. Some consider the markings a sign of position within the tribe or a form ofbeautification.

But most importantly, the markings identify the children as part of a particular family. The permanent markings connected the children to their tribe of origin.

What an interesting illustration or metaphor to explain the birthmarks of believers born into the family of God.

When we are reborn the Spirit “carves” at least four marks into our life that make us visibly identifiable as his childand part of his family.

John, in his first letter, provides further clarity on the evidence of spiritual birth.

To learn more about GC2 Press and the Connect360 Bible study series, or to order materials, click here.

• Lesson 3 in the Connect360 unit “DiscipleMaking: Patterns of Discipleship and Evangelism for the Contemporary Church focuses on 1 Corinthians 16:15-18 and Acts 18:1-8; 11:22-26.

While all disciples are believers, not all believers fully mature into disciples. A disciple is someone who not only believes in Christ but also follows him in daily life, seeks to grow in spiritual maturity, and participates actively inChrist’s mission.

The Greek word for disciple, mathētēs, means “learner” or “student.” Discipleship is about learning to become more like Jesus in character and mission.

First Corinthians 16:15–18 gives us a glimpse of what discipleship looks like in action. Paul mentioned thehousehold of Stephanas, who were among the first converts in Achaia, and says, “They have devoted themselves to theservice of the Lord’s people” (1 Corinthians 16:15). Stephanas and his household had moved beyond conversion andwere actively serving others in the body of Christ.

This devotion is a hallmark of discipleship—putting one’s faith into practice through love, service, and mission. Theword Paul used to describe the household of Stephanas is significant: they “devoted” themselves to the service of thesaints. Discipleship is not passive; it requires intentionality, commitment and action. Disciples are those who devotethemselves to the teachings of Christ, to the well-being of the church, and to the spread of the gospel.

In Acts 11:26, we see that it was in Antioch where the disciples first were called “Christians.” This is significant,because it shows discipleship is not just about personal spiritual growth but about identifying with Christ in such a waythat others recognize it. Discipleship means our lives are so aligned with Christ that we bear his name—not just in title, but in character and purpose.

Discipleship involves a process of growth, transformation and multiplication. Jesus’ final command to his followers was to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). This command highlights the responsibility of disciplesnot only to grow in their own faith, but also to help others grow in their own faith. Discipleship is not complete until it has been passed to others, forming a cycle of spiritual multiplication that expands the kingdom of God.

To learn more about GC2 Press and the Connect360 Bible study series, or to order materials, click here. 

• Lesson Two in the Connect360 unit “DiscipleMaking: Patterns of Discipleship and Evangelism for the Contemporary Church” focuses on Luke 14:25-35.

A true disciple of Jesus Christ willingly denies self in pursuit of a deeper relationship with God. The call to deny self is presented in some of the most challenging words Jesus spoke, “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his fatherand mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple. Andwhoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:26-27).

The phrase “deny themselves” (Mark 8:34) requires putting aside one’s personal ambitions, desires and attachments, choosing instead a path of self-sacrifice. Denying self does not mean abandoning personal identity but rather placing Christ’s mission and values at the forefront of one’s life. Discipleship means rejecting the pursuit of self-centered goals and, instead, pursuing the purposes of God wholeheartedly. Our love and loyalty to Christ shouldsurpass all other relationships and commitments.

Radical self-denial requires an inner transformation and reorientation of priorities. Denying oneself is a countercultural act that requires daily effort. Jesus’ teaching on self-denial is closely tied to the notion of taking up one’s cross.

In the first century Roman context, the cross was a symbol of suffering, shame and death. To “take up their cross”is, therefore, to embrace a life that will include hardship, persecution and even the loss of worldly status or comfort forthe sake of the gospel.

Paul echoed this in Galatians 2:20 when he wrote: “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christlives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

Often, the cross is seen as a burden to bear or a person to endure. However, a better picture might be our crucifiedbody (self) nailed to a cross. We intentionally shoulder that cross with full understanding of our own death and Christalive in us!

In Luke 14:33, Jesus said, “those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples.” That highlights the necessity of total surrender, where material possessions, relationships and other self-interest are submitted to the will of God.

Paradoxically, while denying oneself appears to be restrictive, it actually leads to true freedom. Jesus teaches that “whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it” (Matthew 16:25). Thisparadox underscores selfish pursuits are unfulfilling but surrendering control to God brings purpose, peace and joy.

To learn more about GC2 Press and the Connect360 Bible study series, or to order materials, click here. 

Mostly What God Does Is Love You

By Savannah Guthrie; Illustrated by Morgan Huff (Zonderkidz)

As promised, in Mostly What God Does Is Love You, mom and NBC News Today co-anchor Savannah Guthrie creates a charming children’s sequel to her best-selling Mostly What God Does: Reflections on Seeking and Finding His Love Everywhere. Again based on Ephesians 5:1-2 in The Message version of the Bible, the Scripture appears prominently on the title page.

Outstanding picture book illustrators bring an author’s words to life in connected two-page spreads. Morgan Huff’s art and Savannah Guthrie’s copy perfectly complement each other. The delightful images of children and adults feature differing shapes, sizes, ages, colors and a few added glasses, broken bones or wheel chairs. And clearly, mostly what God does is love them.

The beautiful volume begins with the invitation to “Just look at what God does …” made more appealing by a purply-blue night sky teeming with shining stars, shadowy cumulus clouds and a bright crescent moon. The following pages explain: “He hangs the stars every evening, And every day, summons the dawn … But mostly what God does is love you.”

After sections on God’s creation filled with birds, bees, butterflies, animals, flowers, fruit and trees, the tone shifts: “He is big, And you are small … But never too small for him.” Words promise the child that God carries their hopes, dreams and fears since “mostly what God does is love you.”

Naturally, since God loves, his children begin to share that love, too. After all, “The world always needs more love and peace.” The girls and boys clearly receive the message as they play together, share art supplies and cookies, sing Christmas carols and visit the hospital. The title closes with the assurance that although they can’t see God with their eyes or touch him with their hands, they can feel him in their hearts and know him in their minds.

In the end, Savannah Guthrie’s Mostly What God Does is Love You is not only strong on biblical truth and encouraging children to feel God’s love every moment, but also is long on lessons of sharing love through goodness, kindness, forgiveness and faithfulness.

The uplifting book can be enjoyed in any setting, at bedtime or any time, by anyone of any age, and makes a perfect gift for any occasion: birthday, graduation, holiday or just because. Some books are “one and done.” This one is an investment.

Kathy Robinson Hillman, former president

Texas WMU and Baptist General Convention of Texas

Waco

• Lesson One in the Connect360 unit “DiscipleMaking: Patterns of Discipleship and Evangelism for the Contemporary Church focuses on Matthew 28:16-20.

Jesus intentionally revealed himself on many occasions after his memorable death. The post-resurrectionencounters resulted in several positive outcomes.

Jesus validated his victory over death and the grave, increased knowledge and understanding about himself, and presented a call to extend his ministry.

Multiple passages from the Gospels recount the dialogue between Jesus and his disciples, especially his directive for sharing his message of forgiveness and restoration, the “Great Commission.”

The Great Commission is a familiar term used frequently by churches to describe the call of Jesus to spread thegospel, evangelize the world, and disciple converts. The term is used as a purposeful mandate, a point of emphasis and motivation for all followers of Jesus.

Despite the prevalence of the use of the term, and the vast familiarity with the idea of a great commission, thecontemporary American Christian church reflects a lack of zeal or effectiveness in fulfilling the mission.

For the purpose of this and the following lessons in this study of discipleship and evangelism, the dual practices are fused and labeled as disciple making. Disciple making best describes the comprehensive process of introducing hearers to the gospel message of Christ and guiding them to follow Jesus and his teachings.

Even though the Great Commission is such an integral part of church life and ministry, it is more of an idea derived from synthesis of multiple biblical texts.

In this lesson, the primary passages from which the mission is derived will be explored, accompanied by a focuson the ensuing actions. Three pairs of action words found in the texts cited in this lesson form a simple but profoundprocess of disciple making.

The Great Commission begins with the authoritative declaration of Jesus, who states, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Matthew 28:18).

This declaration sets the stage for his command, emphasizing that his followers are not given a suggestion, but a mandate grounded in his sovereign power and position.

The instruction to “go” echoes throughout the Gospels, indicating the act of disciple making is active and involves intentional movement.

The reciprocal action to sending is going. With a full expectation of obedience, Jesus declared an unambiguous call tocontinue the ministry.

The disciples’ response was indeed to accept the call and go just as he commanded. The disciples exhibited uncertainty about the future and insecurity about their abilities to accomplish the task.

Both concerns would be nullified within days by an extraordinary and powerful demonstration of God’s movement among them on Pentecost.

The sending and going aspect of disciple making is not merely a physical act, but also a spiritual one, requiringreliance on the Holy Spirit to fulfill the commission.

To learn more about GC2 Press and the Connect360 Bible study series, or to order materials, click here.