Motives for Making Disciples—from Command to Love

Why Become a Disciple Maker: Insights from Jim Putman, Dr. Coleman, and More

In this video, leaders in the disciple making movement participate in a forum to discuss the essential question: why become a disciple maker? Jim Putman opens with a deep dive into the motives behind disciple making and challenges the conventional view of tying disciple-making to church growth. Instead, he emphasizes the importance of a more profound, relational approach where the focus is on spiritual maturity and following Christ wholeheartedly, even when it might not lead to church growth. The discussion extends into practical insights on creating a culture of disciple-making, highlighting the significance of transparency and intentionality in relationships.

Prominent voices like Bill Hull, Dr. Robert Coleman, and Daniel Im contribute their perspectives. Bill Hull underscores the necessity of investing in the right people, while Dr. Coleman points out the simplicity of following Jesus' example. Ariana Rimsson shares her personal experiences and advice on how to take intentional steps to disciple others, even if one has never been discipled themselves. The forum also includes a celebration of disciple-making giants, with Bill Hull receiving the Robert Coleman Disciple Maker Award for his lifetime commitment to Jesus' methods.

Key themes covered include the importance of relational disciple-making, the challenges of being authentic and transparent, and the critical role of disciple-makers in a world increasingly obsessed with self. This video aims to inspire pastors and ministry leaders to embrace the call to make disciples deeply and authentically, replicating the life-on-life model exemplified by Jesus. 

Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/ 

Key Takeaways 
00:00 Introduction: The Importance of Disciple Making
07:40 The Great Commission and Making Disciples
09:45 Personal Stories and Testimonies
14:55 The Need for Relational Discipleship
21:44 Practical Takeaways and Reflections
36:43 The Heart of Jesus' Ministry
37:25 Motives in Discipleship
39:54 Creating a Culture of Disciple Making
43:52 Life-on-Life Discipleship
48:56 Honesty and Transparency in Discipleship
53:23 The Disciple Maker Assessment
01:11:07 Closing Remarks and Reflections

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Title: Why Become a Disciple Maker | Jim Putman

See below for a longer description:

In Jim Putman's enlightening speech, he delves deep into the essential question, "Why become a disciple maker?" He challenges the audience by reframing the question to "Why wouldn't you be a disciple maker?" Putman emphasizes that disciple making should not be viewed as merely a church growth strategy but as a profound spiritual calling rooted in the gospel of Jesus Christ. He addresses the popular misconception that disciple making guarantees church growth, clarifying that the true essence is spiritual maturity and obedience to Christ, which may not always align with numerical growth.

Putman underscores the reality that the gospel's message of self-denial and daily cross-bearing is often unpopular in American culture, leading to a potential decline in church attendance when it’s preached authentically. He cautions that many churchgoers might leave when confronted with the true demands of discipleship, particularly those who attend church for superficial reasons like seeking personal gain or social approval.

A significant portion of his talk focuses on the characteristics of a mature disciple. Putman describes a mature disciple as someone continually growing in obedience and being transformed to resemble Jesus Christ. This transformation involves loving God with all one’s heart, soul, mind, and strength, and loving one’s neighbor as oneself. He critiques the shallow understanding of discipleship that equates it to mere knowledge accumulation, explaining that true discipleship is relational and rooted in love.

Moreover, Putman discusses the importance of having a common language and definition within disciple making movements, referencing Jesus' invitation in Matthew 4:19 to "Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." He explains that disciple makers are those who follow Jesus, are changed by Jesus, and commit to Jesus' mission. This mission includes evangelizing, teaching, and nurturing new disciples to maturity so they, in turn, can make disciples.

Putman shares a personal anecdote about his son, illustrating the profound impact someone can make by reaching out to love and disciple others.

In conclusion, Putman appeals to the audience's sense of love and obedience to God as the primary motives for making disciples. He discards the notion of doing it for rewards or recognition, centering the practice in genuine care for others' spiritual well-being and growth in Christ.

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