Why Church Matters: We Are Called to Make Disciples

Why Church Matters: We Are Called to Make Disciples

Over the past few weeks at Bethany Church, we’ve explored why the church matters—why gathering, worshipping, serving, and sharing the gospel are not just “good things to do,” but central to the mission Jesus gave His people. We’ve talked about the preaching of the Word, the call to share our faith, and the importance of serving others in love.
This week, we brought it all together by looking at the final piece of our mission statement:

Serve our community. Share the gospel. Make disciples.
Making disciples is not an optional add-on for especially gifted Christians—this is the calling Jesus gave to every follower of His.

The Great Commission: Our Clear Calling
After Jesus rose from the dead, He gathered His disciples and gave them His final earthly command:

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them… teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”
— Matthew 28:18–20

Jesus, who has all authority, calls us not merely to serve and not merely to evangelize—but to make disciples. Evangelism is the beginning of discipleship, but it’s not the whole thing. The Great Commission calls for an ongoing, relational, lifelong investment in helping people follow Jesus.

Equipped to Make Disciples
Ephesians 4 reminds us that God gives leaders—pastors, teachers, evangelists—not to do the ministry for the church, but to equip the church to do the ministry.

“…to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.”
— Ephesians 4:11–12

The church is not a building—it’s you. And scripture calls every believer to help others grow in their faith.

This is why our mission statement ends with “make disciples.” It is the natural result of serving and sharing the gospel. God calls His people into a lifestyle of walking with others, teaching the faith, and modeling the character of Jesus.

Formal Ways We Make Disciples
We see discipleship happen formally through:
1. Sunday Worship & Preaching
Our preaching ministry is not just about transferring information—it is about shaping hearts, grounding people in biblical truth, and calling all of us toward obedience and spiritual growth.

2. Discipleship Groups
Our small groups are one of the key ways we grow together. They help us learn scripture, build community, and practice living out the gospel. Though groups are wrapping up for the fall, we will relaunch them in February with new opportunities.

3. Special Seasons Like Advent
Beginning next week, we start our Advent series A Thrill of Hope: The Heart of the Carols.
Christmas carols are known and loved by nearly everyone—believers and unbelievers alike—which makes this a perfect time to invite someone to church. Invitation cards are available as you leave the service. Take a few and pray about who God might be nudging you to reach.

Informal Discipleship: Learning From Each Other
Formal programs are valuable—but discipleship is far bigger.
The Apostle Paul calls believers to imitate one another as they imitate Christ:

“Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God… be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.”
— 1 Corinthians 10:31–11:1

We grow because we watch others follow Jesus:

• Some of you show us what true, joyful service looks like.
• Some of you have deep biblical wisdom.
• Some show incredible hospitality.
• Some are bold and joyful in evangelism.
• Some radiate encouragement and positivity everywhere they go.

God designed the local church so we would learn from each other. This can only happen in real community.

Discipleship Is Exclusive: God Comes First
Jesus makes strong, even shocking statements about discipleship:

“If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother… he cannot be my disciple.”
— Luke 14:25–26

Jesus is not calling us to despise our families—He is saying that our allegiance to Him must be unrivaled. Discipleship means letting God into every room of our lives—even the rooms we’d rather keep shut.

Nothing comes before Him:
Not family.
Not work.
Not leisure.
Not comfort.
Not even our own desires.

Being a disciple of Jesus requires surrender—trusting Him with every part of our lives.
Discipleship Includes the Next Generation
Teaching our children and grandchildren the faith is one of the most foundational ways we obey the Great Commission. It begins in our homes:

“You shall teach them diligently to your children… when you sit, when you walk, when you lie down, when you rise.”
— Deuteronomy 6:4–9

Parents, grandparents, mentors, Kids Church volunteers—all play a role in raising the next generation to know and love God.
Men especially: we need you in Kids Ministry. Your presence, example, and leadership matter.

Family discipleship is not perfect or polished. It looks like:

• Talking about the sermon at lunch
• Reading a short devotion together
• Memorizing scripture
• Lighting Advent candles and talking about Jesus
• Creating rhythms that point your home toward God

Discipleship is not a once-a-week event. It is the lifestyle of a believer.
Discipleship Requires Modeling the Faith

We can’t make disciples simply by telling others what to believe—we must show them.
This is how Jesus discipled His followers. When He called Peter, Andrew, James, and John, He didn’t invite them to a class. He invited them to life with Him.

“Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
— Matthew 4:18–22

For three years they lived with Jesus:

• eating with Him
• watching Him teach
• learning how He prayed
• hearing how He responded to people
• seeing how He handled hard moments

This is discipleship: life-on-life, authentic, relational, intentional.
So… Who Are You Discipling?

For many, discipleship will begin in your home—with your kids or grandkids. But God has placed neighbors, coworkers, and friends around you who also need someone to walk with them.

We hope to begin a more intentional one-to-one discipleship ministry here, connecting mature believers with newer believers. If that interests you, please reach out.
Programs are helpful—but they are only part of the puzzle. God calls us to a lifestyle of radical commitment to Jesus, to helping others grow, and to investing our lives in the people God has placed near us.

Why Bethany Church Matters
Bethany Church matters because God’s people are actively making disciples in Mercer and beyond.
We serve our community.
We share the gospel.

And by God’s grace, we make disciples who love and follow Jesus with their whole lives.
Scriptures Referenced

• Matthew 28:18–20
• Ephesians 4:11–12
  
• 1 Corinthians 10:31–11:1
• Matthew 22:36–37
  
• Luke 14:25–26
• Deuteronomy 6:4–9
  
• Matthew 4:18–22