Blog
Are We Called to Make Converts or Disciples?
While attending a training conference, a good friend of mine Mike Lehew was sharing and made a statement that stuck in my mind: “We are not called to make converts; we are called to make disciples.” That really struck a nerve with me. For the first 13 years of my ministry, I was a fearless evangelist for kids. I would share the Gospel on any and every occasion. I did everything I could to get them to the church and to reach them for the Lord. After they trusted Christ, many times, it ended there. I would thank the Lord that they accepted Him and move on to the next group of kids. In the midst of leading them to the Lord, I became burdened for their spiritual growth. One of my favorite seminary professors, Dr. Roy Fish, shared, “It is a terrible thing to lead someone to Christ and not disciple them in the faith.” The enemy will eat them alive. This might be true for the church today, with a record number of students walking away from the faith during their first year of college. Could this be the consequence of making converts versus making disciples who are fully devoted to Christ and His mission?
The Ezekiel Test: Where Do Kids Fit in Your Church?
I want to ask you a question: Where is your church today in the recognition of children and their spiritual gifts? I challenge you to take a moment to
honestly evaluate where you are and the importance of children using their gifts in the body of Christ today. I encourage you to take a test—the Ezekiel test. We use Ezekiel 47:1-5 as an illustration of five levels of spiritual growth, depth, and involvement.
- On the bank (v. 2b)—I do, You watch
- Ankle deep (v. 3b)—I do, You help
- Knee deep (v. 4a)—You do, I help
- Waist deep (v. 4b)—You do, I watch
- Swimming (v. 5)—You do
