From Membership to Discipleship: The Path to Spiritual Formation and a World-Impacting Life

Has the church worldwide lost sight of its main business—
to make disciples? Have we forgotten our only commission from Christ?

Jesus gave His followers only one assignment: “Go and make disciples of all the nations.” Generally speaking, the church across the world gives lip service to that great commission, but our major investments of time, talent, and treasure are in the maintenance of membership, not in disciple making. As a result, our spiritual formation and fervor suffer.

Authentic discipleship leads to spiritual formation, which is more than increased Bible knowledge. It is a divine work of grace involving the Word of God, the Spirit of Christ, and the community of faith that transforms and empowers people to live fruit-bearing lives as followers of Jesus.

In From Membership to Discipleship author Thomson Mathew, a pastor, chaplain, and theological educator, provides a deep understanding of discipleship, faith development, and spiritual formation. He presents a clear path from membership to discipleship and an adaptable ministry paradigm to multiply disciples.

The church can do so much more than be a social club, offer worship services, and spoon feed basic Bible knowledge in Sunday school. The church can truly help believers grow in grace and the knowledge of Jesus Christ—to be true disciples of Jesus and carry out His great commission.

Thomson K. Mathew. A graduate of four universities, including Yale and Oral Roberts University (ORU), Thomson Mathew, DMin, EdD, is professor emeritus and former dean of the College of Theology and Ministry at ORU. He is an ordained minister, board certified chaplain, member of the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE) and the Association for Doctor of Ministry Education (ADME). Mathew and his wife, Molly, are parents of two daughters and grandparents of two boys.