What is the goal of the Great Commission? At the center of it all is to make disciples. If I have the Bible and a passionate heart for the world, should I head straight overseas? Maybe we need to also ask, "Have you made a disciple here?" What makes us think we can make a disciple in a foreign culture if we have not made one in our own culture?

Jesus made disciples, and we, as the church, are commanded to imitate this work! To make disciples, we first must be a disciple. We must follow the teachings and life of Christ and know him intimately. We should also try to find believers who are further along in their journey with Christ who have greater wisdom and seek to do as much life alongside them as we can. Discipleship is not a one hour per week meeting at a coffee shop. The discipleship that Jesus modeled for us is life on life: running errands, spending time with their family, and sitting around their table. Discipleship happens when you do life together. Then turn around and do the same for someone else. 

We are to reproduce our spiritual lives through discipleship. We want you to live out your identity in Christ. Learn how to share the gospel, learn the vision for discipleship, and find spheres of influence where you might be able to meet and befriend those who are lost. Look in your church for younger believers who are wanting to grow, and invite them into your life. Simply put: before you go, grow someone else!