There is something notable about the first and final words a person says. We love to hear the first words of a baby. What someone says on their deathbed also carries great significance.

The very first recorded words of Jesus’ public ministry define his teaching: “The time is fulfilled; the kingdom of God draws nigh; repent and believe the good news” (Mark 1:15, my own translation). Jesus began his public ministry with an evangelical call to receive the kingdom of God. It’s more than an invitation; it’s a charge. “Since the kingdom of God is right here, right now, turn from your own way and trust in the good news of the kingdom of God.” There is power in what Jesus says as he proclaims, and is, the kingdom of God come near. Jesus speaks with unique authority (Mark 1:22).

The very last words of Jesus also carry great significance: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:18-20). Jesus’ authority is explicit in his final words to his disciples, words given to us today also. Jesus roots his call for us to make disciples in the authority that has been given him by his Father. Jesus promises his power and presence with us as we represent Christ and his kingdom proclamation to those around us and to the nations.

So, what does “disciple making” look like? Well, we need look no further than Jesus’ own ministry. In Matthew chapter 16, Jesus engages one of his disciples, Peter, in two ways that define effective discipling. In verses 13-20, Christ generously affirms Peter’s confession of Jesus as the Messiah and divine Son of God. In the very next passage, Jesus harshly rebukes Peter for not holding to the concerns of God but rather to those of humans (16:21-23). Within this chapter, we find the two essential dynamics of effective disciple making: high support and high challenge. Peter must have felt at the top of his game after the first exchange, and after the second encounter, might have been questioning the integrity of his own faith. The key to Jesus’ effective discipling, however, was that he could offer such high challenge because of the already existing relationship of high support.

Is there someone in your life who could offer you meaningful praise yet also deliver to you difficult challenge? Are you in a relationship with someone who you could effectively disciple through high support, yet also high challenge?

Our churches typically thrive in one or the other of these dynamics. We are very affirming of one another, even welcoming to newcomers (well, we greet them at least on their first visit), yet we rarely challenge or are challenged by one another in our attitudes and actions. Or our churches (especially our ministries/programs) require great numbers of staff and time, but those who serve receive very little support once they’ve signed on to the ministry roster. Neither dynamic alone nurtures a discipling culture. But when together – high support and high challenge – there you will find a church environment ripe for making disciples. We all need support. We all need challenge. That kind of disciple making culture energizes spiritual living when experienced together.

I have been personally and professionally challenged with Christ’s call to make disciples. For too long I have reduced “disciple making” to being only about information and not about imitation and transformation. I’ve been through countless Bible studies on discipleship – filling in all the blanks, reading through all the printed Scripture, and thinking great thoughts about all the application points – only to put the book back in my bookshelf while I’m on to the “next thing.”

Have I made disciples? Only a handful. I’ve preached many more sermons, taught far more Bible studies, and led many more church meetings than I’ve made disciples. And I have invested (wasted?) so much more time on the former than on the latter – until lately. During these past three years, my ministry as a “pastor” has been redirected (I might say “reclaimed”) from solely leading the organized church toward that of making disciples. It’s not that the church doesn’t need structure or organization; it’s just that church structure or organization shouldn’t be that which receives the most attention, from me or from anyone else within the congregation.

We need to heed our savior’s call, and live and serve his first and final instruction to us to make disciples. And our world is ready for this. Have you noticed how many people do not like the organized Church? But I bet they’d be glad to know a friend who loves them and is actively investing in their own good.

And I’ll bet that you’re ready for this, too. Don’t you long for relationally-based Christian living? Investing in your friends, and being invested in by them, rather than scurrying from one church event to the next? Jesus didn’t give us a charge to make disciples that he didn’t intend for us to achieve. But I’m guessing there might be little room left in your crowded schedule or your circle of friends for you to make a serious effort toward disciple making.

Perhaps this little article is meant for only a few; for the few who are ready to walk in the pathway of Jesus. Might that be you? Hear this gracious invitation from your Lord Jesus: “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me – watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly” (Matthew 11:28-30, Message).

This is the life rhythm in which Jesus made disciples. He calls you to the same. And Jesus has promised his presence and authority in doing so. What’s holding you back?

Rev. Todd Mathison is lead pastor of Ebenezer Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, MN.