Three Things Keeping Us From Making Disciples

The vast majority of Churches in America do not grow numerically by conversion growth. That is, a church growing numerically as a result of people coming to faith in Christ. No, in America churches grow numerically by transfer growth. That is, Christians choosing to go to different churches.  In his book Radically Unchurched, Alvin Read states that, “…of the 350,000 churches in the U.S… less than 1 percent is growing by conversion growth.” Church numerical growth in America happens solely from Christians hopping to different churches. I believe that there is a numerical growth that can reflect true growth, and there is a numerical growth that can reflect artificial growth.

Numerical growth is not the key for any church, but spiritual growth is the goal of every church. Within spiritual growth is the assumption that by the mercy of God there will be, to some extent, disciples grown and disciples made.

We know that we have no ability to change anyone, but within the gospel of Jesus Christ we deliver news to the world, news that IS itself the power of God. We can be certain that the power of God has the ability to change anyone. The power of God changed me, it changed you. Let us quickly bathe in the gracious good news we have received:

1 Timothy 1:15 – “The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.”

Romans 5:8 “God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

2 Corinthians 5:21 “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”

I am going to suggest something: We should be reaching out regularly to the people in our lives who do not know Jesus with attempts to engage them in relationship and to teach them gospel. While always remembering that is will be God’s power working through us, and not our own abilities. As Paul tells Timothy in 2 Timothy 1:7-9 “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life – not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace.” 

Christ calls us to teach the lost the good news. Look at these scriptures above and marvel at how God in his grace has saved you with this good news. Loving the lost world is a privilege. Sharing Jesus is a joy. Suffering for the gospel comes by the power of God. What is it that could make us think that winsomely sharing the gospel with those around us is not one of God’s primary purposes for our lives?

1. I am not really a Christian

I know that may sound completely offensive, but remember the words of Christ: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. On that day many will say, ‘Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in your name, drive out demons in your name, and do many miracles in your name?’ Then I will announce to them, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you lawbreakers!’” – Matthew 7:21-23

Matthew 7 informs us that not every religious, church-going person, will inherit the kingdom of heaven. If someone asked you why you’re a Christian, or more specifically, how you know you’re a Christian what would you say? The religious people of Christ time placed their hope in “didn’t we….”, but the Christ follower finds his hope in “didn’t He…” Churches filled with “cultural Christians” will not experience growth born out of discipleship and evangelism. I constantly need God to help me see the depths of my omitted sin of never telling his life-giving news to any of the dead people in my life; of becoming so busy I don’t have any time for those who do not know Jesus in my life; of living for myself. Christ death is really a big deal for me! I once read in a compelling note, “If I am not excited about the grace I have received from God in Christ, then I will not be excited to spread that grace.” Let us pray for God to reveal the depths of his grace, the depths of our sin, and to see that in grace our failures in following Jesus are actually opportunities to grow.

2. I am a Christian crippled by fear

What can a Christian possible be afraid of that keeps them from engaging the lost in relational evangelism? Well, if you are like me, it can be pretty much anything, but there are two fears that really stand out: 1st the Genetic Fallacy, the fear that I am only a Christian because my parents are Christians. 2nd the Really Smart Atheist, the fear that I will be humiliated in a discussion and reveal my ignorance. Am I a fraud? Am I smart enough? Etc.

In response to these fears, let me remind you of what we have received from God through our salvation, 2 Timothy 1:7-9 says, “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner.” Further, I am sure that my Christian heritage played a huge part in me following Jesus, but who cares. The question is not whether or not my parents believed the good news, but whether or not the good news is true. Apologetics is a great thing for the believer, and often times more important for church going people, because it helps us wrestle and work out our salvation. Also, we should not be afraid to listen to or read the leading Atheist’s claims. In fact, in studying their claims you will become more convinced of the truths of Scripture.

The reality is that fear can be a good thing. Do you think Paul was never afraid? It is scary to talk about Jesus to an individual, or a group of people, where you have no way of knowing how they will respond. We overcome our fears for things that we really believe are important and often times doing things that scare me is extremely adventurous and exciting. We end up experiencing things that we could never have planned for. This sounds like the disciples following Jesus.

3. I am a Christian trapped in the passions of my flesh

What are some of the main passions of our flesh? Materialism and sexual temptation are at least two primary passions of the flesh. If we do not flee these passions and pursue Christ we will never be a church that is growing, no matter how big or little our numerical growth is. Paul says to Timothy, “So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.” To flee we must be convinced that the world is empty. There is nothing in this world that will satisfy us, because it has nothing. Look at the dark side of the world: porn, sex trafficking, abuse, drug use, wealth & unhappiness, fame & depression. To flee we must repent of being led & trapped by our fleshly passions, and ask God to change us, fill us, and strengthen us with His strength.

To pursue is to center our passions on God. It is to repent of our earthly passions and to trust in God. We want to live for God, trust him, love others, and make peace. Accept the life God has given you, be thankful for it. From this vantage point we can pray like crazy for someone to come to faith in Christ through our small group or through our family, through our church or through us individually, and then we can begin taking steps of faith.

Paul said of Timothy in Philippians 2:22 “You know of his proven worth, that he served with me in the furtherance of the gospel like a child serving a father.”

May the same be said of all of us at PPC. That we served with each other in the furtherance of the gospel.

Persevere,
Joey Turner
Student Ministries Pastor

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