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Discipleship and Theology

It is vitally important to understand the entire process of the Great Commission. Christ gave the general outline before He ascended (Matthew 28:18-20), and the books of Acts is the Great Commission in living color.

Far too many people believe the Great Commission begins and ends with evangelism. But that is not the case. Evangelism is an integral part of the process, but so is instruction and obedience.

And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:18–20

“Teaching them to observe all that I commanded” requires substantial effort on the part of each Christian. We must learn the truths of Scripture so that we can pass them on. That is why there is such an emphasis in the Scriptures on our personal commitment to study God’s word.

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.
2 Timothy 2:15

All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16–17

Christians must continually study and apply God’s word to their own lives so they will be able to instruct others to do the same.

The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
Philippians 4:9

If you read the book of Acts, you will notice the value of both evangelism and instruction. Through the message of the gospel people can repent and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. As people come to know Christ, churches are started. As Christians are instructed in the word, Christians learn how to serve the Lord and leaders are developed. As the cycle continues, more churches are established and evangelism and instruction continue.

It is obviously very important for Christians to be able to share the gospel. It is equally important for them to be equipped to instruct new believers in all that God has commanded. Keep studying and learning theology so you can faithfully participate in fulfilling the Great Commission.

Rocky Wyatt

Rocky Wyatt came to know the Lord as a young teenager and began working in youth ministry when in college. After serving in churches in Utah, California and Colorado, Rocky moved to Texas to serve as Youth Pastor at Countryside Bible Church. He served there for 26 years where he eventually moved from youth ministry to serve as an Associate Pastor.

Over the course of his ministry, Rocky has always had a desire to train men for pastoral ministry in the context of the local church. In 1992 he started XL Ministries, an organization that is committed to helping churches establish intensive internships for pastoral training. In 2020 he left his position at Countryside Bible Church to become the Executive Director of XL Ministries and now works full time assisting churches in training men for ministry.

He is co-author of The Youth Ministry Training Manual, a textbook for training youth pastors, and has also written multiple other resources for use in various local church ministries. He is currently working on a book to encourage churches to take the primary responsibility to train pastors.

Rocky is married to Pamela, has two sons and daughters-in-law, and ten grandchildren. 

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.1 Corinthians 15:58