The Great Commission is one of the most significant passages in the Bible. It is a personal instruction given by Jesus to His disciples. It is a special calling from Jesus Christ to all His followers to take specific action while on this earth.

And Jesus came 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 of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen. (Matthew 28:18-20)

As Greg likes to point out, it says first and formost "GO". But before we "GO" to the "all nations" part, we should probably practice and perfect our skills in the "Mantua Community". So, how does the UMC of M make disciples in our community? Yes, it starts on a personal level, but not eveyone is Billy Graham. So, how does the church, as a collective representation of the body of Christ, make disciples in Mantua?

Hi Fritz,

We just finished a Bible Syudy on The Commission. Actually it was more a study on discipleship. We studied THE MASTER PLAN OF EVANGELISM. This was the second time that I've been involved in this Study. Dr. Robert Coleman really changed my outlook on what evangelism really is.

For years I believed that evangelism was about stadium events and handing out tracts, but what Dr. Coleman clearly demonstrates (using a LOT of scripture) is that Jesus used certain strategies to reach, not the masses, but a few who would then take what they learned and disciple others. He used I D Os. Intentional Discipleship Opportunities. Demonstrating, teaching, delegating and following up.

Coleman began the book with The Great Commission, stressing that the word "Go" is literally translated; "As you go". In other words it means; as you live your life or as you go about your life. This opened many eyes in the study because like me, others had a previously set image of what evangelism is.

I highly recommend the book. It's not a large book nor is it heavy on doctrine, but I believe that it will open the eyes of some others who may have set ideas on what evangelism is. As a matter of fact I think that it's going to be the study that the new 9:30 Sunday School Class will start with come January.

Had an opportunity to walk around the community some today. The opportunities to be a source of light here are great as there are many needs. It never ceases to amaze me that a lot of people don't know how to respond to a cheerful hello or good morning. There's a lot of brokeness, sadness and heartache out there. The effects of sin are visible and heartbreaking.

For far too long we've been content with coming to church on Sunday mornings and giving money to help the needy, broken and sick, but that's really not what is needed. We, as Gods children have something that can transform lives and communities. It's the gospel folks and it's something that can be teached and preached many ways but the most effective way is to live it.

I plan on doing more walking in the community. There's an opportunity to be a blessing to those around us and I plan on siezing it.

Hey Brother Greg!
So pleased to know that you got out in the community. I hear what you are saying. We definately need to do more to reach out to our neighbors.

There's more to being needy than financial struggles or illness. Some people hide their brokeness oh so well. Thank God there are people who DO "live it" and whose lights shine outwardly! Being a beacon is just as important as venturing out to spread the word! We have plenty of talented people who can provide a safe harbor for the lost!!!!

I know the day is coming when we will touch the "spiritually sick" just as well as we help the financially poor and physically ill. I look forward to when we can all meet again to discuss the purpose and plans of the E-Team!

Peace LLL