Millennials Matter: Go And Make Discipling LeadersSample

Go and Make Discipling Leaders

Seemingly unrelated, disconnected events happen during our lives. Then one day you wake up and realize, All those events were leading up to now. It’s the moment where God merges your years of leadership talents, skills, experiences, and wisdom for a greater purpose. Your purpose.

At some point in their lives, most Christians ask, “What is my purpose?” In Matthew 28:19, Jesus answers that “what” question: “Go and make disciples of all nations . . .” (NIV). That is our purpose. Why? The apostle Paul answers the “why”: “God our Savior . . . wants all men to be saved” (1 Timothy 2:3-4 NIV). Our purpose is to make disciples who make disciples, so that all have the chance to believe in God and be saved.

I teach and equip business leaders and mentors based on Matthew 28:19: You are to make disciples as you are going. That means 24/7, even at work. After all, faith comes from hearing the good news of Jesus Christ (Romans 10:17) from someone who knows it and lives it. So, God is calling you to live out your faith every day, in every circumstance, with every person you meet, even in your work environment. He is inviting you to make disciples, especially of the emerging leaders in your sphere of influence, which may be at your work.

This faith/work integration is a challenge for all of us, especially for millennials. Many millennials haven’t had role models who truly know how to live out their faith at work. Far too often, they’ve seen leaders who keep Sunday apart from the rest of the week.

I’ve been inspired to understand “go and make disciples” as a 24/7 endeavor integrated with our vocation. God has called us to each of our professions. It’s a perfect location for mentoring others, particularly young leaders, in how to live their faith in everyday life. It’s workplace ministry. We are marketplace ministers.

How do we make, or mentor, discipling leaders who themselves will make discipling leaders? Over the next seven days, I’ll answer the “how?”. Here’s a hint: We make these disciples by inspiring them to build a strong faith-based character core, using the acronym DAKOTA. A ranch in frigid North Dakota is the place where, during my childhood of difficult weather and living conditions (including no running water), I discovered connection between character and faith. I pray this series fills you and stirs you through its insights.