HeartCry Missionary Society
  • About
    • Who We Are
      • HeartCry at a Glance
      • History of HeartCry
      • Mission Statement
      • The HeartCry Missionary Society Statement of Faith
      • Core Convictions
      • Oversight and Accountability
      • Staff
    • What We Do
      • Indigenous Missions
        • Comparative Strategies
        • The Advantages
        • Governing Principles
        • Missionary Selection and Accountability
        • Our Ministry Focus
      • Equipping Missionaries
        • Bible Distribution
        • Literature Distribution
        • Theological Education
      • Mobilizing Missionaries
        • Missionary Support
        • Church Planting
        • Chapel Construction
        • Ministry Tools
      • FAQ
  • The Field
  • News
    • Mission Updates
    • HeartCry Magazines
    • Projects
  • Media
    • HeartCry Films
    • Doctrine in Life
    • Curriculum
    • Sermons
    • Books
    • Photo Gallery
    • Recursos en Español
Give
  • Give
    • Give Now
    • Ways to Give
    • Manage Giving
    • Giving History
HeartCry Missionary Society
  • About
    • Who We Are
      • HeartCry at a Glance
      • History of HeartCry
      • Mission Statement
      • The HeartCry Missionary Society Statement of Faith
      • Core Convictions
      • Oversight and Accountability
      • Staff
    • What We Do
      • Indigenous Missions
        • Comparative Strategies
        • The Advantages
        • Governing Principles
        • Missionary Selection and Accountability
        • Our Ministry Focus
      • Equipping Missionaries
        • Bible Distribution
        • Literature Distribution
        • Theological Education
      • Mobilizing Missionaries
        • Missionary Support
        • Church Planting
        • Chapel Construction
        • Ministry Tools
      • FAQ
  • The Field
    • All Regions
    • Africa
    • Asia
    • Eastern Europe
    • Eurasia
    • Latin America
    • Middle East
    • North America
    • Western Europe
  • News
    • Mission Updates
    • HeartCry Magazines
    • Projects
  • Media
    • HeartCry Films
    • Doctrine in Life
    • Curriculum
    • Sermons
    • Books
    • Photo Gallery
    • Recursos en Español
  • Support
    • Ways to Give
    • Give
    • Financial Principles
    • Sharing the Vision
    • Types of Support
    • Annual Financial Reports
    • Giving History
    • Manage Giving
  • More
    • HeartCry Prayer Guide
    • Staff Picks
    • Magazine Signup
    • Recommended Reading List
    • Church Finder
    • Contact Us
    • RSS Feeds
    • Copyrights and Permissions
“They who had no news of Him shall see, And they who have not heard shall understand.” - Rom. 15:21

Join Our Email or Text List

Prayer requests, mission updates, documentaries and more. Unsubscribe at any time. Subscribe to Updates

Subscribe to Updates

Connect with HeartCry

Give Give Now Ways to Give Manage Giving Giving History
Doctrine In Life Article

ARTICLE 8: The Great Commission & the Character of Discipleship

Aug 20, 2020 Topics Discipleship, Master, Missions, Nations, The Great Commission Series HeartCry Guide to Missions

HeartCry Guide to Missions

8/40
40
Hc Guide To Missions (3)

Article 40: Planting Biblical Churches

May 13, 2021 Missions + 2 More
Article 40: Planting Biblical Churches
39
Hc Guide To Missions (3)

ARTICLE 39: Characteristics of a Biblical Church

Apr 22, 2021 The Great Commission + 3 More
ARTICLE 39: Characteristics of a Biblical Church
38
Hc Guide To Missions (3)

ARTICLE 38: The Church —The Sender of Missionaries (continued)—

Apr 15, 2021 The Great Commission + 2 More
ARTICLE 38: The Church —The Sender of Missionaries (continued)—
37
Hc Guide To Missions (3)

Article 37: The Church —The Sender of Missionaries—

Apr 08, 2021
Article 37: The Church —The Sender of Missionaries—
36
Hc Guide To Missions (3)

Article 36: The Church —The Ordainer of Missions—

Apr 01, 2021
Article 36: The Church —The Ordainer of Missions—
35
Hc Guide To Missions (3)

ARTICLE 35: The Church — The Incubator and Training Ground of Missionaries

Mar 25, 2021
ARTICLE 35: The Church — The Incubator and Training Ground of Missionaries
34
Hc Guide To Missions (3)

ARTICLE 34: The Church and the Great Commission in the Book of Acts

Mar 18, 2021 Polity + 3 More
ARTICLE 34: The Church and the Great Commission in the Book of Acts
33
Hc Guide To Missions (3)

ARTICLE 33: The Centrality of the Church in the Great Commission

Mar 11, 2021 The Great Commission + 3 More
ARTICLE 33: The Centrality of the Church in the Great Commission
32
Hc Guide To Missions (3)

ARTICLE 32: The Prominence of Preaching —Why the Silence—

Mar 04, 2021 Preaching + 2 More
ARTICLE 32: The Prominence of Preaching —Why the Silence—
31
Hc Guide To Missions (3)

ARTICLE 31: The Prominence of Preaching in the Epistles

Feb 26, 2021 The Great Commission + 4 More
ARTICLE 31: The Prominence of Preaching in the Epistles
30
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE 30: The Prominence of Preaching in the Book of Acts

Feb 18, 2021 The Great Commission + 5 More
ARTICLE 30: The Prominence of Preaching in the Book of Acts
29
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE 29: Pentecost and Us

Feb 11, 2021 Tongues + 7 More
ARTICLE 29: Pentecost and Us
28
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE 28: The Central Promise of Pentecost

Dec 17, 2020 The Trinity + 5 More
ARTICLE 28: The Central Promise of Pentecost
27
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE 27: The Necessity of the Spirit

Dec 03, 2020 The Great Commission + 2 More
ARTICLE 27: The Necessity of the Spirit
26
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE 26: The Power of Prayer

Nov 19, 2020 The Great Commission + 3 More
ARTICLE 26: The Power of Prayer
25
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE 25: Biblical Fidelity and Cultural Sensitivity

Oct 26, 2020 The Great Commission + 5 More
ARTICLE 25: Biblical Fidelity and Cultural Sensitivity
24
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE 24: Biblical Methodology — According to the Pattern

Oct 22, 2020 The Great Commission + 3 More
ARTICLE 24: Biblical Methodology — According to the Pattern
23
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE 23: Biblical Methodology—Rules of Conduct

Oct 19, 2020 The Great Commission + 2 More
ARTICLE 23: Biblical Methodology—Rules of Conduct
22
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE 22—Biblical Methodology: Doers of the Word

Oct 15, 2020 The Great Commission + 4 More
ARTICLE 22—Biblical Methodology: Doers of the Word
21
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE 21: Biblical Methodology — The Great Error

Oct 12, 2020 The Great Commission + 3 More
ARTICLE 21: Biblical Methodology — The Great Error
20
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE 20: The Tale of Two Cities

Oct 08, 2020 The Great Commission + 3 More
ARTICLE 20: The Tale of Two Cities
19
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE 19: Sola Scriptura

Oct 05, 2020 The Great Commission + 5 More
ARTICLE 19: Sola Scriptura
18
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE 18: The Sufficiency of the Scriptures

Oct 01, 2020 The Sufficiency of Scripture + 3 More
ARTICLE 18: The Sufficiency of the Scriptures
17
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE 17: The Primacy of Gospel

Sep 28, 2020 The Great Commission + 3 More
ARTICLE 17: The Primacy of Gospel
16
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE 16: A SUMMARY OF THE GREAT COMMISSION —RANGE OF ACTIVITIES—

Sep 21, 2020 Witnessing + 9 More
ARTICLE 16: A SUMMARY OF THE GREAT COMMISSION —RANGE OF ACTIVITIES—
15
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE 15: A Summary of the Great Commission —Message and Purpose—

Sep 18, 2020 The Great Commission + 3 More
ARTICLE 15: A Summary of the Great Commission —Message and Purpose—
14
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE 14: A Summary of the Great Commission —Authorization and Sphere of Ministry—

Sep 14, 2020 The Great Commission + 4 More
ARTICLE 14: A Summary of the Great Commission —Authorization and Sphere of Ministry—
13
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE 13: The Missionary-Teacher

Sep 10, 2020 The Great Commission + 4 More
ARTICLE 13: The Missionary-Teacher
12
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE 12: The Missionary-Theologian

Sep 03, 2020 Theology + 4 More
ARTICLE 12: The Missionary-Theologian
11
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE ELEVEN: Missions as a Theological Endeavor

Aug 31, 2020 Theology + 5 More
ARTICLE ELEVEN: Missions as a Theological Endeavor
10
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE TEN: The Means of the Great Commission —Going, Baptizing, Teaching—

Aug 27, 2020 William Carey + 5 More
ARTICLE TEN: The Means of the Great Commission —Going, Baptizing, Teaching—
9
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE 9: The Great Commission and the Extent of Discipleship

Aug 24, 2020 Nations + 3 More
ARTICLE 9: The Great Commission and the Extent of Discipleship
8
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE 8: The Great Commission & the Character of Discipleship

Aug 20, 2020 The Great Commission + 4 More
ARTICLE 8: The Great Commission & the Character of Discipleship
7
Compass 2946959 1920

Article 7: THE GREAT COMMISSION AND THE GOAL OF DISCIPLESHIP

Aug 17, 2020 The Great Commission + 6 More
Article 7: THE GREAT COMMISSION AND THE GOAL OF DISCIPLESHIP
6
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE 6: Going Out Under Christ’s Authority

Aug 13, 2020 The Sufficiency of Scripture + 4 More
ARTICLE 6: Going Out Under Christ’s Authority
5
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE 5: Going Out In Christ’s Authority

Aug 10, 2020 The Great Commission + 4 More
ARTICLE 5: Going Out In Christ’s Authority
4
Compass 2946959 1920

Article Four: THE AUTHORITY BEHIND THE GREAT COMMISSION

Aug 06, 2020 The Great Commission + 3 More
Article Four: THE AUTHORITY BEHIND THE GREAT COMMISSION
3
Compass 2946959 1920

Article Three: THE GREAT COMMISSION AND THE GREATEST COMMAND

Aug 03, 2020 The Great Commission + 4 More
Article Three: THE GREAT COMMISSION AND THE GREATEST COMMAND
2
Compass 2946959 1920

Article Two: THE NEED & THE OPPORTUNITY

Jul 30, 2020
Article Two: THE NEED & THE OPPORTUNITY
1
Compass 2946959 1920

Article One: A WORD TO ASPIRING MISSIONARIES

Jul 27, 2020
Article One: A WORD TO ASPIRING MISSIONARIES
ARTICLE 8: The Great Commission & the Character of Discipleship

Paul David Washer

Paul David Washer

“Make disciples of all the nations.”

– Matthew 28:19

Christ’s command to “make disciples” means something significantly more than counting raised hands or decision cards at the end of an evangelistic campaign. A disciple of Christ is someone who has been soundly converted through the preaching of gospel and brings forth fruit corresponding to repentance and faith.1 He is a person who, having been justify by faith in his Master, continues to be transformed into the likeness of his Master.

Throughout the Gospels, various characteristics of true discipleship are given. Although it is beyond the scope of this book to address them all, there are three texts in the Gospel of John where Christ describes the essential characteristics of a disciple. These three texts act as something of a comprehensive summary of what it means to be and make disciples.

The first characteristic of a true disciple is found in John 8:31-32. The text reads: “So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, ‘If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.’” Here we learn that the genuine disciple of Christ continues in subjection to His word or teaching, and consequently experiences greater and greater freedom from the bondage of sin. In no way is Jesus teaching sinless perfection in the life of His disciples, but He is telling us that the true disciple will hold to His word and grow in grace as a result of it.

The second characteristic of a true disciple is found in John 13:35. The text reads: “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” Here we learn that the disciple of Christ will openly identify with other disciples and love them to such an extraordinary degree in practical works of service that even the unbelieving world will attest to their relationship with Christ. This love breaks down every barrier of ethnicity, social class, and economic stratum.2

Apart from the full-counsel of God recorded in the Bible, mature discipleship is an absolute impossibility, and any “discipleship-making” that is not built upon the inerrant word of God is an absurdity, a contradiction of the worst sort.

Paul Washer, HeartCry Guide to Missions

The third characteristic of a true disciple is found in John 15:8. The text reads: “My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples.” Here we learn that the disciple of Christ will bring forth fruit or works that prove or demonstrate the validity of his confession. This is one of Christ’s most fundamental teaching on the matter of genuine conversion and discipleship: “So then, you will know them by their fruits. Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter.”3

It is evident from the above texts that there is nothing trite or superficial about true discipleship. As we have already stated, a true disciple is someone who devotes his life to learn from and imitate his master. Yet how is this to be done in the context of the Christian faith? Two millenniums have passed since Christ walked upon this earth. How can we be confident that we are truly walking as He walked?4 The answer to this fundamental question is revealed in the Great Commission itself. The disciple learns to follow Christ through the commands that Christ has given.5 In other words, we cannot be Christ’s disciples apart from His teaching and commands that He has preserved for us in the Scriptures. Apart from the full-counsel of God recorded in the Bible, mature discipleship is an absolute impossibility, and any “discipleship-making” that is not built upon the inerrant word of God is an absurdity, a contradiction of the worst sort. For the harvest to be healthy, proper seed must be sown abundantly and without mixture of another grain. If this rule is not strictly followed, the result will be a mutated crop, a dangerous blend of all sorts of strands.

For this reason, if the missionary is going to be a disciple maker, he must be a disciple himself. He must be devoted to the teachings of His Master that are found in the Scriptures. He must dedicate His entire life to obeying, teaching, and exemplifying Christ’s commands to others. This is a great truth that we will continue to set forth throughout this book. Its importance cannot be exaggerated!

  1. Matthew 3:8; Luke 3:8
  2. Colossians 3:11 – “A renewal in which there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and freeman, but Christ is all, and in all.”
  3. Matthew 7:20-21
  4. I John 2:6
  5. Matthew 20:19 – “…teaching them to observe all that I commanded you.”

Author

More By Paul David Washer

Paul David Washer

Paul is the founder of HeartCry Missionary Society and currently serves as its missions director. He also ministered as a missionary in Peru for ten years. He has preached hundreds of sermons and has authored a dozen published works. Paul lives in Radford, Virginia, with his wife Charo and their four children: Ian, Evan, Rowan, and Bronwyn.

More By Paul David Washer

HeartCry Guide to Missions

8/40
40
Hc Guide To Missions (3)

Article 40: Planting Biblical Churches

May 13, 2021 Missions + 2 More
Article 40: Planting Biblical Churches
39
Hc Guide To Missions (3)

ARTICLE 39: Characteristics of a Biblical Church

Apr 22, 2021 The Great Commission + 3 More
ARTICLE 39: Characteristics of a Biblical Church
38
Hc Guide To Missions (3)

ARTICLE 38: The Church —The Sender of Missionaries (continued)—

Apr 15, 2021 The Great Commission + 2 More
ARTICLE 38: The Church —The Sender of Missionaries (continued)—
37
Hc Guide To Missions (3)

Article 37: The Church —The Sender of Missionaries—

Apr 08, 2021
Article 37: The Church —The Sender of Missionaries—
36
Hc Guide To Missions (3)

Article 36: The Church —The Ordainer of Missions—

Apr 01, 2021
Article 36: The Church —The Ordainer of Missions—
35
Hc Guide To Missions (3)

ARTICLE 35: The Church — The Incubator and Training Ground of Missionaries

Mar 25, 2021
ARTICLE 35: The Church — The Incubator and Training Ground of Missionaries
34
Hc Guide To Missions (3)

ARTICLE 34: The Church and the Great Commission in the Book of Acts

Mar 18, 2021 Polity + 3 More
ARTICLE 34: The Church and the Great Commission in the Book of Acts
33
Hc Guide To Missions (3)

ARTICLE 33: The Centrality of the Church in the Great Commission

Mar 11, 2021 The Great Commission + 3 More
ARTICLE 33: The Centrality of the Church in the Great Commission
32
Hc Guide To Missions (3)

ARTICLE 32: The Prominence of Preaching —Why the Silence—

Mar 04, 2021 Preaching + 2 More
ARTICLE 32: The Prominence of Preaching —Why the Silence—
31
Hc Guide To Missions (3)

ARTICLE 31: The Prominence of Preaching in the Epistles

Feb 26, 2021 The Great Commission + 4 More
ARTICLE 31: The Prominence of Preaching in the Epistles
30
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE 30: The Prominence of Preaching in the Book of Acts

Feb 18, 2021 The Great Commission + 5 More
ARTICLE 30: The Prominence of Preaching in the Book of Acts
29
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE 29: Pentecost and Us

Feb 11, 2021 Tongues + 7 More
ARTICLE 29: Pentecost and Us
28
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE 28: The Central Promise of Pentecost

Dec 17, 2020 The Trinity + 5 More
ARTICLE 28: The Central Promise of Pentecost
27
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE 27: The Necessity of the Spirit

Dec 03, 2020 The Great Commission + 2 More
ARTICLE 27: The Necessity of the Spirit
26
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE 26: The Power of Prayer

Nov 19, 2020 The Great Commission + 3 More
ARTICLE 26: The Power of Prayer
25
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE 25: Biblical Fidelity and Cultural Sensitivity

Oct 26, 2020 The Great Commission + 5 More
ARTICLE 25: Biblical Fidelity and Cultural Sensitivity
24
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE 24: Biblical Methodology — According to the Pattern

Oct 22, 2020 The Great Commission + 3 More
ARTICLE 24: Biblical Methodology — According to the Pattern
23
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE 23: Biblical Methodology—Rules of Conduct

Oct 19, 2020 The Great Commission + 2 More
ARTICLE 23: Biblical Methodology—Rules of Conduct
22
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE 22—Biblical Methodology: Doers of the Word

Oct 15, 2020 The Great Commission + 4 More
ARTICLE 22—Biblical Methodology: Doers of the Word
21
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE 21: Biblical Methodology — The Great Error

Oct 12, 2020 The Great Commission + 3 More
ARTICLE 21: Biblical Methodology — The Great Error
20
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE 20: The Tale of Two Cities

Oct 08, 2020 The Great Commission + 3 More
ARTICLE 20: The Tale of Two Cities
19
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE 19: Sola Scriptura

Oct 05, 2020 The Great Commission + 5 More
ARTICLE 19: Sola Scriptura
18
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE 18: The Sufficiency of the Scriptures

Oct 01, 2020 The Sufficiency of Scripture + 3 More
ARTICLE 18: The Sufficiency of the Scriptures
17
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE 17: The Primacy of Gospel

Sep 28, 2020 The Great Commission + 3 More
ARTICLE 17: The Primacy of Gospel
16
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE 16: A SUMMARY OF THE GREAT COMMISSION —RANGE OF ACTIVITIES—

Sep 21, 2020 Witnessing + 9 More
ARTICLE 16: A SUMMARY OF THE GREAT COMMISSION —RANGE OF ACTIVITIES—
15
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE 15: A Summary of the Great Commission —Message and Purpose—

Sep 18, 2020 The Great Commission + 3 More
ARTICLE 15: A Summary of the Great Commission —Message and Purpose—
14
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE 14: A Summary of the Great Commission —Authorization and Sphere of Ministry—

Sep 14, 2020 The Great Commission + 4 More
ARTICLE 14: A Summary of the Great Commission —Authorization and Sphere of Ministry—
13
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE 13: The Missionary-Teacher

Sep 10, 2020 The Great Commission + 4 More
ARTICLE 13: The Missionary-Teacher
12
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE 12: The Missionary-Theologian

Sep 03, 2020 Theology + 4 More
ARTICLE 12: The Missionary-Theologian
11
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE ELEVEN: Missions as a Theological Endeavor

Aug 31, 2020 Theology + 5 More
ARTICLE ELEVEN: Missions as a Theological Endeavor
10
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE TEN: The Means of the Great Commission —Going, Baptizing, Teaching—

Aug 27, 2020 William Carey + 5 More
ARTICLE TEN: The Means of the Great Commission —Going, Baptizing, Teaching—
9
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE 9: The Great Commission and the Extent of Discipleship

Aug 24, 2020 Nations + 3 More
ARTICLE 9: The Great Commission and the Extent of Discipleship
8
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE 8: The Great Commission & the Character of Discipleship

Aug 20, 2020 The Great Commission + 4 More
ARTICLE 8: The Great Commission & the Character of Discipleship
7
Compass 2946959 1920

Article 7: THE GREAT COMMISSION AND THE GOAL OF DISCIPLESHIP

Aug 17, 2020 The Great Commission + 6 More
Article 7: THE GREAT COMMISSION AND THE GOAL OF DISCIPLESHIP
6
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE 6: Going Out Under Christ’s Authority

Aug 13, 2020 The Sufficiency of Scripture + 4 More
ARTICLE 6: Going Out Under Christ’s Authority
5
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE 5: Going Out In Christ’s Authority

Aug 10, 2020 The Great Commission + 4 More
ARTICLE 5: Going Out In Christ’s Authority
4
Compass 2946959 1920

Article Four: THE AUTHORITY BEHIND THE GREAT COMMISSION

Aug 06, 2020 The Great Commission + 3 More
Article Four: THE AUTHORITY BEHIND THE GREAT COMMISSION
3
Compass 2946959 1920

Article Three: THE GREAT COMMISSION AND THE GREATEST COMMAND

Aug 03, 2020 The Great Commission + 4 More
Article Three: THE GREAT COMMISSION AND THE GREATEST COMMAND
2
Compass 2946959 1920

Article Two: THE NEED & THE OPPORTUNITY

Jul 30, 2020
Article Two: THE NEED & THE OPPORTUNITY
1
Compass 2946959 1920

Article One: A WORD TO ASPIRING MISSIONARIES

Jul 27, 2020
Article One: A WORD TO ASPIRING MISSIONARIES

Connect with HeartCry

Home Who We Are What We Do The Field News Media Give
HeartCry Missionary Society

For from the rising of the sun even to its setting, My name will be great among the nations. -Mal. 1:11

Mailing Address:
P.O. BOX 7372
ROANOKE, VA 24019

Join Our Email or Text List

Prayer requests, mission updates, documentaries and more. Unsubscribe at any time. Subscribe to Updates

Subscribe to Updates

¿HABLAS ESPAÑOL?

Recursos Cristianos Para la Iglesia de Habla Hispana.

Recursos en Español Logo
© 2023 HeartCry Missionary Society All Rights Reserved | Powered by