Disciple-making versus a typical model of Discipleship

Disciple-making is spiritual pregnancy and trainer-hood.  "Making disciples" is not simply helping people with spiritual growth; it is teaching people to be Jesus-followers, that is, bringing them to vigorous, new spiritual life.  Making disciples is the intentional process of moving people more deeply into relationship with Jesus Christ through the gospel.  This will involve showing them (by teaching and example) where they are unlike Jesus and how to become like Him, both before and after they have repented and believed in Jesus.  Thus, we are constantly to call everyone around us to be devoted followers of Jesus regardless of their current posture toward the Gospel.

Look at Matthew 28:18-20 - "And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make [devoted followers] of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”"

Here we see that what Jesus gives as the central command, "making disciples of all nations" will involve going under His authority, baptizing those who become His followers, and teaching them to come into complete submission to all that Jesus commanded.  So, true disciple-making will extend from before salvation to the point of full obedience to Christ.

(These thoughts were spawned by our time at Soma School and honed during conversation with friends.