I am fully persuaded that we Pastors have made a critical mistake - a mistake that has sabotaged the Body of Christ in our land and the Church’s ability to actually influence and transform our culture.
Dallas Willard called this mistake, “The Great Omission”. In Matthew 28, Jesus told the disciples, and us, to go into all the world, through His empowerment and authority, and make disciples of all nations. This is known as the Great Commission.
Our mistake?
We replaced the word “disciples” with “Christians”. We are following this command - “Go into all the world and make Christians.” Doesn’t sound so bad though, does it? I mean our goal is to populate Heaven and empty Hell, right? We want to help people to cross that line of faith, trust in Jesus, and believe in His grace to save them from their sins. Surely nothing is more important than this, right?
For weeks I have not been able to stop thinking about this slight but dramatic difference in emphasis in the church today and our consequent loss of spiritual power as a people. Consider this contrast to help understand the difference:
CHRISTIANS: DISCIPLES:
Believe Obey
Pray Intercede
Worship in song Worship with all of life
Receive from God Live for God
Seek Blessings Seek Fruitfulness
Are the mission of God Join the mission of God
Attend Church Are the Church
Hope Trust
See life as a playground See life as battleground
Follow their favorite ministers Are the ministers
Seek prosperity Seek stewardship
I’m sure you can add to this list. Now, imagine the cultural influence and impact of a church full of Christians vs the cultural influence and impact of a church full of Disciples.