Discipleship Doesn’t Matter…

Discipleship doesn’t matter…or does it?  Some of the last words that Jesus left with His disciples were words of instructions:  “Go and make disciples.”  So here is the question, “What is more important?  Evangelism or discipleship?”  As long as people come to know Christ, does it really matter whether they are taught the teachings from His Word?  Can you separate the mission given in Matthew 28:19, 20?

• “Go and make disciples”
• “Teach these new disciples”

In a recent article Suggestions for Today’s “Relevant” Church, Craig Groeschel writes a challenge to the relevant and growing churches of today: 

 “While the intentions of most relevant pastors (including my own) are generally to reach those who don’t know Christ, we have to ask ourselves, “How effective are our ministries really?” Just because we are “growing” numerically doesn’t mean the people coming are growing spiritually.”

So, what do you think?  How effective are we at reaching people for Christ?  How effective are we at teaching the new disciples?  Does the relevant and growing church of today need to make some corrections about discipleship?  Love to know your thoughts!