Matthew 28:19-20
"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."

One answer to the question "Why Are We Here?" is given in these verses we call the Great Commission. The focus of this article is on that answer. Jesus makes clear in Matthew 28:19-20 that one of the reasons that we are here is to "make disciples."

But as soon as that statement is made, questions likely arise-such as what does it mean to "make disciples" and how do we do it? I understand making disciples to have two primary aspects that are "fleshed out" by the rest of verses 19-20. The first step of making a disciple is for a person to put their faith in Christ, to initially become a believer in Jesus. This initial step is indicated by the word "baptizing" in verse 19. Secondly there is a continuing element of growth and maturing in faith indicated by the word "teaching" in verse 20. So my understanding is that the Great Commission has this two-fold emphasis on both "reaching" and "teaching."

Unfortunately, it's easy to lose this focus in the day-in and day-out activity of our churches. The focus can easily become a bottom line of "paying the pastor's salary and keeping the lights on." Of course these are important things for every church to do, but when they become our focus and purpose, we've shifted away from one of the primary purposes of our church. Our church buildings are important tools of ministry, and it's important to maintain them well, but when they shift to the center of our focus, we've lost sight of the focus of the Great Commission - to make disciples. And as important as our pastor is to the ministry of our church, when the focus shifts to having enough money to pay his salary, we've also lost the focus of the Great Commission.

But the question of how to make disciples still remains. Ultimately, it is the Lord alone who makes disciples, but he uses people to accomplish this task. So we have both the awesome privilege and the tremendous responsibility of allowing God to use us as he reaches people with the gospel. So, the question becomes what is the most effective way for God to use us as He reaches people? The answer to this question is very complex, but in general, God is able to use us most effectively as we communicate the gospel in ways that are easiest for not-yet Christians to hear and understand. In our culture, that often is in the context of personal relationships and friendships. As people have an opportunity to see what it means to be a believer in Jesus being lived out in front of them, they are more likely to understand the spoken message of the Gospel, and Christ's teachings often come alive in that context.

Why are we here? One clear and primary reason is to make disciples. As the Scripture says in Galatians 6:9 "And let us not grow weary of doing good..." (ESV)

Stan Olsen is Director for Clergy & Congregation Relations for the Church of the Lutheran Brethren