MAKING DISCIPLES

The “Great Commission,” as it is often called (found in Matt 28:18–20), comprises the Lord’s personal instructions to His church, delivered just before His ascension. It is bracketed by a reminder of His sovereign power and a reassurance of His gracious presence; and it includes a pattern for the missionary activity of the church through all the centuries before His return.

The “Great Commission” is, therefore, nothing less than a statement of the church’s fundamental purpose and duty. Every member of every church needs to know and understand the “Great Commission,” for any church neglecting these precepts is guilty of disobedience to the Lord.

The centre of the “Great Commission” is the command to “teach all nations,” or, to “make disciples of all nations.” This implies a faithful declaration of the gospel, such that sinners are instructed as to the fundamental truths of man’s depravity, God’s mercy, Christ’s atonement. It implies also an earnest appeal, such that those same sinners are invited to repent and obey the gospel, in order to receive God’s gracious salvation through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

It is in this way — by an appeal to the whole man, mind and heart — that disciples may be won for the Lord and His kingdom. Sadly, however, there are those today whose focus has shifted from “making” to “counting.” The growth of the church has for them become purely a numerical (rather than primarily a spiritual) endeavour: its success measured by hands raised at an altar call, rather than hearts truly transformed for the glory of God. There is a need for us to return to the biblical teaching on this subject.

True Disciples, Not False

Anyone engaged in the mission to “make disciples,” would do well to pay heed to the following sober warning: “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity” (Matt 7:21–23).

We ought certainly to examine ourselves, upon hearing these words — will I be one of those “many,” whose false profession will be exposed on that day? But, in light of our present subject, there is another question that ought to be prompted by these same words: a question respecting not just our own claims to know the Lord, but also those souls we claim to have won for Him. How many of these “disciples” whom I have “made,” will be among the “many” here condemned by the Lord? This is a snare into which many have fallen, who suppose that the “hard truths” of the gospel should be “softened,” in order to make God’s offer more palatable to sinful men; in order to persuade more to “believe.”

But, dear brethren, let us recognise and acknowledge that when the Lord commands us to “make disciples,” He certainly intends for us to make true disciples, not false ones! It is precisely for this cause that gospel invitation must go hand-in-hand with gospel instruction. We need not fear that God’s elect will be turned away by the truth, for the Lord Himself has promised, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27).

Instruction before Invitation

Thus we find the Lord Himself far from quick to acknowledge those who appeared to “believe” in Him. Early in His ministry, we are told that “many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did” (John 2:23). Yet immediately the apostle adds, “But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men, and needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man” (John 2:24–25).

On another occasion, we read that “as he spake these words, many believed on him” (John 8:30). Yet here also, the Lord immediately warns them, “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31–32). He did not assume that their “belief” was true, but exhorted them to continue in obedience to His word. Then, and only then, would their faith be demonstrated; then, and only then, would they be His disciples “indeed.” (Despite their profession, by the end of the chapter we find these “believers” attempting to stone the Lord!)

This importance of instructing sinners in the truths of the gospel, before inviting them to believe, was recognised by the apostles from the beginning. As they themselves began to carry out the “Great Commission,” we find in their gospel preaching a wealth of biblical doctrine: a faithful declaration of the very truths that make “well-meaning” Christians today cringe.

When Peter stood up on the day of Pentecost, he began by declaring to the Jews that they had wickedly murdered Jesus, who is “both Lord and Christ.” He expounded the truth of the resurrection, and called on those assembled to “repent, and be baptised every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:22–38). Not only that, but “with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation” (Acts 2:40).

Hardly a message calculated to soothe the sinner’s ear! Here was no vain talk of God’s “broken heart,” nor empty promises of health and wealth. Here instead was a full-orbed pronouncement of man’s gross sinfulness and God’s gracious salvation. And, praise be to God, there were “three thousand souls” who “gladly received his word” and “were baptised”! Here were numbers that really counted: these showed the fruits of a genuine conversion, in that “they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42).

Conclusion

The Lord has commanded His church to teach sinners the truth — the whole truth — of the gospel, and this is what we must do. We must make true disciples: and true disciples are those who bow the knee in humble acknowledgement that it was all of grace, for they of themselves deserved nothing but condemnation.

OBSERVERS IN SESSION MEETINGS

At the Extraordinary Congregational Meeting (ECM) on 16 July 2023, a resolution was passed for observers at the Church Session meetings. In the Session meetings of August to November 2023, the following were discussed and finalised.

Guidelines

These are the guidelines for its implementation:

1. The aims in having observers in the Session meeting include but are not limited to allowing some to gain exposure in the conduct of Session meetings, allowing some to contribute ideas to the Session, and assisting the Session in the performing of duties in service to God and to the Church.
2. The number and selection of observers, and the duration of their appointment as observers lie solely with the Board of Elders (BOE). As a guide, the duration of such an appointment will be six months (the BOE reserves the right to shorten or lengthen the duration as and when necessary).
3. The passing of the ECM resolution does not mean that every meeting must have observers in attendance.
4. Observers do not count towards the quorum required for the meeting, but their presence will be recorded in the minutes of the meeting.
5. Observers will be given the agenda and minutes of Session meeting.
6. Special observers may also be invited by the Chairman to give specific advice e.g. Internal Auditor for financial advice. Their attendance will only be on an ad hoc basis.

Rules

Observers agree to be bound by the following:

1. The Session shall have the liberty to make changes to the guidelines.
2. The BOE shall have the right of interpretation if there is any dispute on the guidelines.
3. Observers must be willing to participate in the ministry of the Church wholeheartedly with the Session, and to devote time, talents, and resources in such ministry, including serving in various departments of the Church.
4. Observers are bound by the confidentiality of the minutes and proceedings of the meetings. There shall be no unauthorised recording, transcription or transmission in any form or media.
5. Observers may be requested to step out of the meeting for a period by the Chairman if the item to be discussed necessitates it.
6. Observers shall not have speaking or voting rights but may ask for permission from the Chairman to speak, if necessary.
7. It is the prerogative of the Chairman to grant the permission to speak, and to withdraw it, without giving any reason. He may also request any observer to leave if deemed necessary.

Qualifications

Having observers in the Session meetings allows for the BOE to assess the suitability of observers to be put up for nomination/election as Session members. It is hoped that more qualified members would be elected into the Session in due time.

In view of this, those who are invited as observers should meet the following qualifications required of nominees for election into the Session:

1. Candidates shall satisfy the requirements listed in 1 Timothy 3, Titus 1 and 1 Peter 5 as stated in the Church Constitution (Article 12.3).
2. Agree wholeheartedly with the doctrines and practices of the Church as stated in the Church Constitution (Articles 4, 6 & 7).
3. Demonstrate beyond reasonable doubt, and over a sufficient length of time, that they are faithful and mature members of the Body of Christ and faithfully devote themselves to personal prayer and study of the Word.
4. Attend public worship and prayer meetings of the Church regularly, unless prevented from doing so by valid reasons.
5. Be willing to participate wholeheartedly in the ministry of the Church with the Pastor, and to devote time, talents and resources in such ministry, including serving in various departments of the Church.