Myths of the Great Commission

My friend, Jay Lorenzen (who blogs at OnMovements.com), recently reviewed an article by Joey Shaw entitled, "5 Common Great Commission Myths." The five misconceptions behind the Great Commission that Shaw lists are:

1. The myth of accidental discipleship.

2. Crossing cultures is a step beyond the general mandate.

3. Jesus wants converts.

4. When I am ready and able, I will start making disciples.

5. Making disciples is great advice.

Shaw unpacks each of these statements further but here's a highlight from point three:

"The most interesting thing about the Great Commission is that it does not command us to make converts of Christianity. Instead, we are to make disciples of Jesus. The difference between convert making and disciple making is crucial. Converts change religions. Disciples change masters. Converts follow a system. Disciples follow a Person. Converts build Christendom. Disciples build the Kingdom of God. Converts embrace rituals. Disciples embrace a way of life. Converts love the command to “baptize them” in the Great Commission, but that is all. Disciples baptize others but only in context of “teaching them to observe all that I commanded you”. Converts love conversion. Disciples love transformation."

You can read the complete article here.