In late 2006, the Board of General Superintendents drafted a denomination-wide statement of mission “to make Christlike disciples in the nations.” This declaration positively set the parameters for global disciple-making and broadened the scope of the church’s mission and ministry. At first glance, this concise, seven-word phrase seems to resemble the Great Commission (i.e., the resurrected Jesus’ instructions to evangelize and baptize in all the nations of the world, the most notable example is located in Matthew 28:16-20)—but its scope is larger than this. By ascribing “Christlikeness” as the descriptor for discipleship—which is also a synonym for holiness—the Board emphasized the synthesis of the Great Commission with the Great Commandment (Jesus' admonition to love God and love neighbor; see Matthew 22:34-40; Mark 12:28-34; and Luke 10:25-28).
Early Nazarenes were similarly concerned with equally accentuating the Great Commission and the Great Commandment, but this dual commitment grew one-sided in the face of social gospel fears, particularly in the 1920s and 1930s. The 2006 statement reasserts both imperatives and corrects an unfortunate bifurcation we’ve long endured. As Nazarenes, we no longer need choose between evangelism (Great Commission) and social concern (Great Commandment). We can care about them both emphatically, because this is what it means to be a Christlike disciple. The statement of mission captures and expresses the essential spirit of the Church—past and present—and invites participation from all sectors into vital mission and ministry.
For the last five years, the Church of the Nazarene has undergone a series of reflections and conversations—both formally and informally—on our statement of mission and the priority that discipleship should have in our fellowship.
In 2007, the M7 conference on missions and evangelism asked important questions about the essence of “Christlikeness” and its implications for discipling “in the nations”—a phrase of inclusion that has global resonance. In 2010, nine regional PALCON events gave pastors and church leaders an extended opportunity to continue reflecting on the role and expression of discipleship in local congregations. At the TNU PALCON, plenary speaker D. Michael Henderson admonished Nazarenes to embrace their heritage as a denomination committed to the deeper life. In 2011, conversations on discipleship continued at the M11 conference in Louisville, Kentucky. The conference’s theme, “Igniting our passion for making Christlike disciples,” signaled a growing recognition of the priority of discipleship in a church committed to missional and holistic ministry. Without discipleship, neither missional nor holistic ministry is attainable.
Yet, despite this affi rmation, discipleship remains a ministry challenge. Unlike conversion growth, which is easy to measure, discipleship growth is difficult to facilitate and more difficult to assess. We sometimes assume if we provide the right programs, events, and biblical knowledge, spiritual maturity will result, but this thinking often falls short. Regardless of approach, discipling requires intention and time. Jesus invested almost three years in his disciples, and they understood that their job was to do the very same for others. Rather than a particular format or approach, Jesus’ disciples were nurtured in a kingdom ethos that emphasized love, grace, and community in oneness with God through Christ. This kingdom ethos was in opposition to the dominant culture and ethic imposed by the Roman world.
What is particularly hopeful in current discussions of discipleship are the many ways Nazarene congregations are forming Christians across the USA/Canada Region. We are coming to terms with what it means to disciple “in the nations” and have a deeper understanding of how culture and context affect Christian nurture. Sharing our various approaches, methods, and insights on forming God’s people for kingdom service will help us all be better disciplers. Some of these insights are shared as "keys to discipleship" in this issue of Grace and Peace Magazine.
Bryon K. McLaughlin
Executive Editor, Grace and Peace Magazine
