Becoming Disciples aim is to help others rediscover the Biblical mission of the Church and ignite a passion in every Christian to become a disciple-maker. As the Founder and Executive Editor, James Armstrong works with a team that is passionate about helping Christians grow and multiply!
Jesus first communicated the mandate, that would become what is called the “Great Commission”, for all disciples in Matthew 28.18-20:
“And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
The implications of this verse is that Christians should all “Go”, which literally means the church should be a ‘sending community’ where we are being equipped to “make Disciples of all nations”.
Making disciples includes sharing the gospel message, inviting others into a faith relationship with Jesus, baptizing them, and training these new believers to walk with the Lord. Then begins the lifelong journey of becoming like Jesus and obeying His teachings which is a process led by the Holy Spirit. It doesn’t stop there; our mission is to develop this new life in others as we fulfill God’s redemptive strategy for the world.
There are so many theological and practical elements to being a Christian. But the most important call in our life is Christlikeness. Luke 6:40 tells us “A pupil is not above his teacher; but everyone, after he has been fully trained, will be like his teacher.”
When we place our faith in Him we are gifted and empowered by the Holy Spirit to be reshaped in the image and likeness of Jesus. He is the goal. We are His disciples moving ever so closer to maturing and fulfilling His will and purpose in our life. But, we can’t stop at maturing. This calling reaches its potential when we are making more disciples—multiplying our community as we seek to advance the Kingdom.
For Discipleship is the mission of the Church and the ultimate aim of the Christian life is to submit to the Lordship of Jesus Christ and follow Him in obedience with the responsibility of being disciple-makers.
James completed his PhD coursework in Systematic Theology at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, holds a Doctor of Ministry from Portland Seminary, and his MDivBL is from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has served as a pastor, professor, and missionary. He currently lives in Florida with his wife and are proud parents to 3 young adults.