14 Apr Biblical Foundations of Missional Disciples

Missional discipleship is a concept that combines the Great Commission’s call to make disciples (Mt 28:18-20) with the idea of living missionally, embodying the mission of God (missio Dei) in everyday life. It calls believers to not only grow in their faith but also to actively participate in God’s redemptive mission in the world. This article explores missional discipleship through a biblical lens, emphasizing its scriptural foundations, practical implications, and the call for every believer to engage in God’s mission.

Biblical Foundations of Missional Disciples

1. The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20):
Jesus’ final instructions to His disciples highlight the essence of missional discipleship. He commands them to “go and make disciples of all nations,” baptizing them and teaching them to obey everything He has commanded. This mandate underscores the imperative for discipleship to be outward-focused and inclusive of all nations.

2. The Great Commandment (Matthew 22:37-40):
Jesus’ call to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbors as ourselves, forms the ethical foundation of missional discipleship. True discipleship is marked by a deep love for God and a compassionate love for others, driving believers to engage in mission.

3. The Model of Jesus (John 20:21):
Jesus said, “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” Jesus’ incarnation and mission model the missional life. Just as He was sent to reveal God’s love and bring salvation, believers are sent into the world to continue His mission.

4. The Early Church (Acts 2:42-47; Acts 4:32-35):
The early church exemplifies missional discipleship through its communal life, devotion to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. Their lives were marked by radical generosity, unity, and a commitment to sharing the gospel.

Practical Implications of Missional Discipleship

1. Integration of Faith and Life:
Missional discipleship calls for the integration of faith into every aspect of life. Believers are to live out their faith in their families, workplaces, and communities, embodying the gospel through their actions and words.

2. Community and Accountability:
Discipleship is not a solitary journey but one that is lived out in community. Believers are to support, encourage, and hold one another accountable in their walk with Christ. Small groups, mentoring relationships, and church involvement are crucial for fostering missional discipleship.

3. Evangelism and Social Justice:
Missional discipleship encompasses both evangelism and social justice. Believers are to proclaim the gospel and also address the social, economic, and political issues that affect their communities. This holistic approach reflects God’s concern for both the spiritual and physical well-being of people.

4. Cultural Engagement:
Engaging with culture is a key aspect of missional discipleship. Believers are called to understand and respond to the cultural context in which they live, bringing the gospel to bear on contemporary issues and challenges.

The Call for Every Believer

1. Priesthood of All Believers
(1 Peter 2:9): Every believer is a part of the “royal priesthood” and is called to declare the praises of Him who called them out of darkness into His wonderful light. This priesthood entails a responsibility to mediate God’s presence and blessings to the world.

2. Gifts and Callings (1 Corinthians 12: 4-11; Ephesians 4:11-13):
Each believer is uniquely gifted by the Holy Spirit to contribute to the mission of the church. These gifts are to be used in service to others, building up the body of Christ and advancing God’s kingdom.

3. Faithful Presence (Jeremiah 29:7):
Believers are called to seek the welfare of the city where God has placed them, praying for it and working towards its prosperity. This involves being a faithful presence, embodying God’s love and truth in tangible ways.

Conclusion
Missional discipleship is a call to align one’s life with God’s mission, integrating faith and action in a way that transforms individuals and communities. Rooted in the Great Commission and the Great Commandment, it challenges believers to live out their faith authentically and missionally. As followers of Jesus, we are called to make disciples, love our neighbors, and engage with our culture, reflecting the heart of God to a world in need. Through the power of the Holy Spirit and the support of the Christian community, missional discipleship becomes a dynamic and transformative way of life, fulfilling God’s redemptive purposes in the world.

Suraj Massey has done M. Sc – Environmental science and Natural resources management. Presently, he is holding responsibility in regional committee as graduate member. He is from Dehradun, Uttarakhand. He can be reached at masseysuraj001@gmail.com