The church has a long history of tracking statistics. Those statistics have at times overshadowed
not only the mission and vision of the church, but also the Gospel. The temptation to confuse
discipleship with membership is a temptation for individuals, congregations, and the larger
church. While disciples can be members and vice versa, they are not interchangeable.
Both linguists and psychologists have argued that the terminology we use influences our
thought patterns. In light of this, do you think of yourself as a member or a disciple? How do
you mentally classify your life as a child of God?
When we think of ourselves as ‘members,’ we are more likely to treat the church as a club and
behave as consumers. In this model it is easy to compartmentalize our involvement to certain
places or times (like a local congregation on Sunday morning). Membership is often about
benefits and entitlement. Membership is usually defined by set parameters that serve as
minimum requirements for inclusion. For example, most congregations have written guidelines
regarding financial support and/or attendance. A membership mentality tends to focus on the
minimum expectations.
A disciple is a follower or one who learns. When we think of ourselves as ‘disciples’, it becomes
more difficult to compartmentalize involvement. Discipleship is nurtured by participation and
community. The local congregation is a place to gather with other believers as they too strive to
follow Christ. Discipleship sends us on a path that extends into infinity. There is no minimum or
maximum, but a journey through this pilgrimage on earth in relationship with God. That journey
of faith transforms our lives. Discipleship tends to focus on infinite hope given in Christ.
In Matthew 28:19, Jesus commissions the disciples to make disciples. He instructs them, “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, 20 and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you.
And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20). Nowhere in
the Bible does it reference getting members to be on a list governed by minimal requirements.
In Acts we hear how the early Christians sought to fulfillment Christ’s command to make
disciples. “So those who welcomed his message were baptized, and that day about three
thousand persons were added. 42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and
fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” (Acts 2:41-42) They practiced
discipleship. The message of Jesus Christ, crucified and risen, impacted their identities and lives.
Again in Acts, many were baptized, “and day by day the Lord added to their number those who
were being saved.” (Acts 2:47b). The numbers added were people given new life in Christ. The
numbers were men, women, and children whose lives were transformed and propelled onto a
new trajectory in faith. As the Apostle Paul would remind the believers in Corinth, “So if anyone
is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; look, new things have
come into being!” (2 Corinthians 5:17) Disciples came into being.
You are called to be disciples. You are called to make disciples. God sends the Holy Spirit to
gather you and all believers together to practice discipleship and live this pilgrimage on earth as
children of God. The grace and peace of God keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen.
pastorcarla 