It is a particular kind of disciple that we are in need of in these days. Like the disciple who is sowing the seed in the parable of the Sower, we need disciples who are capable of producing disciples. The truth is, only disciples can make disciples. What are these disciples like?

1. Disciples are on the move. My friend The Right Reverend Dr. John Rodgers wisely pointed out to me in the spring of 2002 that “unless the church in America abandons its satisfaction with being a maintenance organization and resumes it’s historic role as a Missionary movement, there is little hope of our accomplishing the work that we have been given to do of preaching the Gospel to every nation.” I remember hearing the words of Keith Green years ago that “since the word of God so clearly commanded us to go, it takes a special dispensation from God to stay”. We are to go.

2. What are they doing as they are going? Disciples are making Disciples. In Matthew 28:16 we read that the disciples were gathered together and Jesus commands them to go and make more disciples. The fruit of the work of going is disciples. There is no other reason to go.

3. Disciples understand that they don’t belong here. Hebrews 11:13-16. The disciple is not gathering up treasure here because this is not their home. Their eyes are fixed on that “better, heavenly home”. The reward for their work of making disciples is in heaven. Because of that knowledge:
Disciples have no agenda of their own. Galatians 2:20 (It is no longer I who live) their desire is not for the riches of this world. The disciple desires the will of God above all things. It is a shame that any disciple should desire something other than the will of God.

4. Disciples are the Lovers of God. Mark 12:28. Disciples love with all of their heart, soul, mind and strength with nothing left over. Disciples are obedient. Jesus said, if you love me you will keep my commands. It is disciples who shall be wed to the groom. Is there any reason that Jesus might expect that the Bride which the Father has been preparing for Him should be anything other than head over heels in Love with Him?

5. Disciples understand their lives as living sacrifices. Romans 12:1 (living Sacrifices), Revelation 12:11 (They did not love their lives to the death). Disciples understand that they will not get out of this alive. Except that a grain of wheat falls to the earth and dies, it bears no fruit. John 12:24.

6. Disciples live in faith that God will provide for them. Disciples are fed by ravens. I Kings 17:1-7. the story of Elijah. The prayer of the disciple each day is for the abundant provision of all that is needed to do the will of God; no more and no less. When called by God, disciples don’t ask what it pays. The only appropriate response to our Lord when He calls us is Yes Lord. It is impossible to say No Lord. He is either Lord or He is not.

7. Disciples believe the Gospel. According to Barna, the typical churched believer will die without leading a single person into a relationship with Jesus Christ. Michael Greene, in his book “Evangelism in the early church” points out that the key factor in the explosive growth in the early church is that the early disciples believed the Gospel was true. It was the disciples that spread the good news of new life in Jesus. Many churched believers today do not apparently believe the Gospel.