STEWARDS AS DISCIPLE MAKERS Erika F Puni, PhD Stewardship Ministries Director General Conference
SDA MISSION STATEMENT “The mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church is to make disciples of all people, communicating the everlasting gospel in the context of the three angels’ messages of Revelation 14:6-12, leading them to accept Jesus as personal Savior and unite with His remnant church, discipling them to serve Him as Lord, and preparing them for His soon return.” GC Policy Book 2009/10:29
THE GOSPEL COMMISSION “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 28:19,20 (NIV)
The Biblical Context Jesus Christ is risen (V 6) Jesus appeared to the 11 (V 17) Some disciples doubted Him (V 17) Jesus stated his authority (V 18) The Gospel Commission (V 19-20)
The Basis of Mission The good news of the resurrected Christ (V 6) resurrected Christ (V 6) The authority of the all powerful God (V 17) powerful God (V 17) The presence of the Holy Spirit (V 20) Spirit (V 20)
The Scope of Mission Ü All geographical regions of the world including un-entered the world including un-entered areas areas Ü All kinds of people (social, cultural, professional, and cultural, professional, and generational) including the un- generational) including the un- reached groups of society reached groups of society
The Disciple’s Experience The disciples WORSHIPPED Jesus (V 17) Jesus (V 17) Ü The disciples mandated to WITNESS for Jesus (V 19) WITNESS for Jesus (V 19)
The Call To Make Disciples Therefore (v 19) Go (V 19) Make disciples (V 19) Baptizing them (V 19) Teaching them (V 20) I am with you always (V 20)
Exposition of the Text There is only one imperative (commanding verb) - “make disciples” (matheeteusate) of all peoples There are three participles (supporting verbs) - “go” (poreuthentes) - “baptizing” (baptizontes) - “teaching” (didaskontes)
Application of the Text The GOAL of mission (evangelism and personal witness) is to make disciples! The MEANS of mission: 1) Jesus’ disciples will go out and recruit new disciples 2) Includes baptism into Jesus 3) Involves post-baptism teaching
Make Disciples Go Baptize Teach Discipleship as a Process
Disciple Making Formula + + = GBTMD
Baptism and Discipleship ÜThe commencement of the disciple’s new life with Jesus ÜThe initiation of the disciple into the fellowship and life of the church ÜThe commissioning of the disciple to Christian ministry
The Five “All” of Mt 28 All authority - heaven & earth (V 18) All nations - people groups (V 19) All of God - Father, Son, H/S (V 19) All things - full obedience (V 20) All the time - endless presence (V 20)
The Promise “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:20 (NIV)