The current state, marked by inadequate Great Commission discipleship, can be transformed by emphasizing four key solutions.
By Aaron Summers
Digital connectivity may bridge oceans, but it often leaves hearts untouched. This disconnect is one reason the mission of the Great Commission remains critically under-recognized. Many people, even within our own communities, seem unaware of the Great Commission’s purpose and urgency despite its profound implications.
This challenge is further compounded by a startling statistic reported in the Lausanne Movement’s State of the Great Commission report. Over half of North Americans view evangelism as optional, sidelining the call to share their faith. It’s crucial we address these issues head-on to reignite the passion and commitment needed to fulfill Christ’s mandate.
The Great Commission, a cornerstone of the Christian faith, commands believers to go and “make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19a, CSB). Yet, this mission faces significant challenges in North America. Not only do less than half of North Americans believe evangelism is essential, but many are also unaware of what the Great Commission entails.
This mission drift reflects a deeper issue within the church: a lack of unity and commitment to the Great Commission. Furthermore, data reveals that North America is one of the least adequately discipled regions globally, with discipleship predominantly focused on attendance rather than spiritual development.
Great Commission Discipleship
The State of the Great Commission report underscores the depth of these challenges. Among global Christian leaders surveyed, 65-80% believe churches teach the Great Commission often or on a semi-regular basis.
However, regarding actual gospel proclamation, less than 15-20% of Christian leaders believe Christians in their context are very active. In North America, this number drops to less than 10%. This stark contrast between Great Commission teaching and practice raises critical questions about the effectiveness of current discipleship efforts.
Further examination of the data reveals biblical and theological understanding could be more robust, with only 19% of leaders saying new believers in Christ are adequately equipped in this area.
Meanwhile, statistics show 38% of new believers are adequately discipled in church participation, but 58% stay on the periphery, receiving limited discipleship in this area. A mere 18% are adequately discipled regarding cultural participation, highlighting a disconnect between faith and daily life. Additionally, only 8% of leaders think new believers are adequately discipled to integrate their faith into their work.
These figures suggest that discipleship in North America is falling short of its transformative potential. However, by shifting our focus from mere church attendance to active engagement in the Great Commission, we can contribute to a significant change.
“By shifting our focus from mere church attendance to active engagement in the Great Commission, we can contribute to a significant change.” — @aaronwsummers Share on XChurches may be teaching the principles of the Great Commission, but without a corresponding emphasis on practical application, the message is not translating into action. Leaders’ belief that most Christians cannot articulate the Great Commission further highlights the issue of mission drift.
When foundational teachings are not internalized, the church’s mission becomes diluted and its impact diminished. Addressing North America’s discipleship and evangelism challenges requires a strategic and multifaceted approach.
The current state, marked by inadequate Great Commission discipleship and minimal participation in gospel proclamation, can be transformed by emphasizing four key solutions.
1. Relationships
Building strong, authentic relationships within the church community is foundational to effective discipleship. Discipleship is not merely a program but a relational journey. Churches should prioritize creating environments where relationships can flourish.
Small groups, mentorship programs, and community events can foster these connections. Through these relationships, believers can support, challenge, and encourage one another in their faith journeys. When discipleship is rooted in genuine relationships, it becomes more impactful and sustainable, as individuals are more likely to be influenced by those they trust and respect.
2. Modeling
As church leaders, you have a unique opportunity to personally model the behaviors and values of the Great Commission. When you actively engage in evangelism, serve your communities, and integrate your faith into your daily lives, you set a powerful example for others.
Modeling also involves transparency and vulnerability as you share your struggles and victories in living out your faith. By seeing discipleship and evangelism lived out in practical, relatable ways, your congregants are more likely to be inspired and equipped to do the same.
“By seeing discipleship and evangelism lived out in practical, relatable ways, your congregants are more likely to be inspired and equipped to do the same.” — @aaronwsummers Share on X3. Focus
Churches must keep a clear and unwavering focus on the Great Commission. They must consistently communicate the importance of evangelism and discipleship and integrate these elements into all church life. When the pastor chooses one evangelism method for the church, focus occurs.
Churches should also regularly evaluate their activities and programs to ensure they are gospel-rich and contributing to life transformation. By keeping the Great Commission at the forefront, churches can avoid mission drift and ensure all efforts work toward equipping believers to share their faith effectively.
4. Preaching and teaching
Sound biblical teaching is crucial for equipping believers with the knowledge and confidence they need to share their faith. Preaching and teaching the Great Commission at least three to four times annually emphasizes its importance and offers practical guidance on how to live it out. Teaching includes evangelism’s theological foundations, the Holy Spirit’s role in witnessing, and practical evangelism strategies.
Preaching and teaching should also be relevant and relatable, addressing the real-life challenges believers face in sharing their faith. By grounding believers in solid biblical principles and practical application, churches can empower them to become effective witnesses in their communities.
The transformation of the current state of discipleship and evangelism in North America isn’t just a goal, but a necessity. It requires a strategic emphasis on relationships, modeling, focus, and preaching and teaching.
“The transformation of the current state of discipleship and evangelism in North America isn’t just a goal, but a necessity.” — @aaronwsummers Share on XBuilding strong, authentic relationships within the church community creates a supportive environment for discipleship. Leaders who model the behaviors they wish to see inspire and equip others to follow their example. Maintaining a clear focus on the Great Commission ensures all church activities align with this critical mission.
Finally, sound biblical teaching provides the knowledge and practical guidance for effective evangelism. By implementing these solutions, we can not only reignite our passion for the Great Commission but also fulfill our mandate to make disciples of all nations—a mission of utmost gravity and significance.
For permission to republish this article, contact Marissa Postell Sullivan.
Aaron Summers
Aaron serves as the pastor of First Baptist in Crowley, Texas, as a church consultant with Texas Baptists and owns RestoringSignificance.com, an organizational coaching company. He and his wife Dulcie have two kids in college and enjoy traveling in their RV.
