Making Disciples

The gospel of Matthew ends with the Great Commission: “Go and make disciples of all nations…”  It is the mission and purpose of the church to make disciples and create a new community in the world.  We like to call this a “command with a promise”.  The command is to go and be faithful in making disciples.  The promise is: “surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”  We do not go alone.  Christ goes with us.

Where does God call us to go?  Perhaps next door to invite a neighbor to church.  Maybe God wants us to go across town to pick up a Trailseeker kid who needs a ride on Mondays.  Is God calling you to go on a mission trip?  We have connections in Guatemala, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Uganda, Kenya, Malawi, Indonesia, and many other parts of the world.  Or perhaps God wants you to make disciples within your own home… teaching your children or grandchildren the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

St. Francis of Assisi was attributed to say, “Preach the gospel at all times, if necessary use words.”  Our very lives should be an example and expression of making disciples.  How are we growing as disciples in our own minds and hearts?  Are we faithful in prayer?  Are we open to the nudge of the Holy Spirit?  Are we bold in proclaiming the Risen Christ in our lives, our words, our actions, our habits, even driving down the street?  May we remember that we are not alone.  Christ goes with us as we make disciples.

As the program year winds down, (we only have 4 more weeks of separate worship services), we want to thank you for making disciples here at Kennewick First Pres.  Our Sunday School teachers, Bible Study leaders, Trailseekers volunteers, youth ministry staff and volunteers, our prayer warriors and all those who teach, pray, give rides, make snacks, and show up… YOU are making disciples through your efforts!  THANK YOU!

PRAYER
Holy and Beloved God, you have blessed us with life itself – and yet, we choose to walk away from you again and again.
We get engrossed in the small details and the broad strokes, and lose track of you as the artist.
We say we want to be your disciple, but we chase after dreams that you tell us to ignore, and ignore your call to act in love in the world. Help us to turn our hearts back to you.
Help us give our whole attention and whole self to you, as Jesus told us to do.
Help us to choose life in you over all else. Hear the words of our hearts as we lift up silent prayers.
No matter how often we forget God’s presence, or choose to follow our own paths and dreams, God calls out to us to return to the path, that God has already forgiven us, and that Jesus is waiting for us with open arms.
May we love God and each other as much as God loves us! Amen.