The Making of a Disciple-Maker

February 2022 is the sport enthusiast's dream month. The Winter Olympics in Beijing, China, is our constant companion for 16 straight days. Everyone has his or her favorite sport. We position ourselves before the television set, learn the stories of the Olympians, sit on the edge of our seats, and cheer with all our energy. People from every country join the excitement as we cheer for our national heroes.

One of my favorite winter Olympic sports to watch is speed skating, specifically the short track relay. The rink is quite small, 60 meters (200 feet) long and 30 meters (98 feet) wide—the same size as an Olympic-sized figure skating rink. Four teams, two racers on each team, speed around the rink. Space is tight, especially around the curves, and anything can happen. Instead of passing a baton for the relay, the entering speed skater steps in front of his or her partner and is pushed into action. There is something about one speed skater pushing the other forward into the race that catches my attention.

When we talk discipleship in the church, we usually focus on the making of disciples. Somehow, we have assumed that when "our disciples" are attending church regularly, have cleaned up their language, speak about God more in conversations, and give their tithe, our job in disciple-making is complete. After all, the mission of the church is to make disciples, right? That is only partially correct. Let me explain.

The goal of the church is to make Christlike disciples. Jesus Christ is always making disciples of others; therefore, to be a "Christlike" disciple, the disciple must be making disciples of others. This is where we often have fallen short in the church. Believers must help the next generation of Christ-followers turn and make disciples of others.

My oldest daughter, Bekah, is now 17 years old and more than halfway through her junior year. Our home is abuzz with discussions of university choices, college entrance exams, and CLEP classes. About six months ago, I had a new thought I am convinced was from God. I was praising God for the way I saw Bekah living and loving Jesus. She has truly become a devoted follower of our Savior. She studies His Word, loves people, and has every evidence of the fruit of the Spirit. I must admit, I wondered if our job as parents was finished. Then, God spoke into my heart. "Your task is not complete. Bekah needs to be a disciple-maker."

I discussed this revelation with Bekah. I shared that we had two years left before she leaves for college. I wanted, if she so desired, to transition my spiritual influence with her from making a disciple of her to making a disciple-maker. A new journey in my life with my oldest daughter has begun. We meet somewhat formally each week when I am teaching her how to make disciples of others. We are praying for young people she knows who need Jesus. Soon, she will reach out to these friends to intentionally make disciples of others, first with me present to support her and later on her own.

Our plan is set. We are a team. She has entered the race and found her way in front of me. I am ready to push her forward with the mission of God. When she graduates from high school in May 2023, we will not celebrate and lose her to the next phase of her life. Instead, we will celebrate and send her into mission! If you happen to watch the short track relay in these winter Olympics, watch for the push of the speed skaters. Ask yourself whom you are pushing forward into the mission of God.

Scott Rainey, 
SDMI Global Director