The church is called to participate with Jesus in his ongoing work to “make disciples” (Matthew 28:18-20). It’s important to know that this work is a relational endeavor, not a mechanical process. This distinction is helpfully addressed by Jeff Hawkins in a Leadership Journal article posted at http://www.christianitytoday.com/le/2008/spring/12.88.html. Here is Jeff’s conclusion:
The church is many faces gathered around the table—the Lord’s table. Only when we understand who we are can we hope to accomplish the work we are called to do.
I liked this – it reminded me that discipleship is a life on life endeavor based on trusting our relational God for the outcome, not trying to force something to produce artificially.