1. (Discussion Board Post) (400 words) (APA format) (Original Content Only)
Week 5: Assignment – Discussion Board 4
The Great Commission is a command (Matt. 28:1820). Jesus Christ, our Lord, King, and General of the heavenly armies (Jos. 5:14) gave the church marching orders. In His commission, he noted to make disciples of all ethn.
- What is meant by the word, ethn?
- If you were in the military and disobeyed a direct order, what would be the consequences? As redeemed soldiers of Christ (2 Tim. 2:1-4), how should Christs commission propel us to make disciple-makers that form churches?
- Initial Post (90 points): Create an Initial Post of at least 400 words based on the material covered in the module(s) that week. Here are some possible avenues that you can use:
- Summarize: Be sure to teach us what you have learned about the subject you have chosen to address from that weeks lecture, reading, or interaction. Spend time teaching through your answers in a concise and clear manner
- Opine: What do you agree with or disagree with in this weeks lecture or reading as it relates to your chosen topic? What can you add to what has been presented from your wealth of experience and knowledge on this topic? How would you approach the topic differently?
- Apply: Your studies are all about application of knowledge to real-world contexts to solve problems in the context of ministry. How does the topic you have chosen to relate to the real world? How does it relate to your life or ministry? How might it be applied to problems in your context of ministry?
- Innovate: What new ideas can you see that emerge from your consideration of the topic and the way it might be applied to you, your ministry, or other ministries?
2. (Discussion Board Reply) (300 words) (APA format) (Original Content Only)
Reply from Jesse Buchholz
In Matthew 28:1820, Jesus commissions His disciples to make disciples of all nations. The Greek word for nations used here is ethn, which is derived from the word ethnos. I do not believe this term refers to our modern political states, but rather overall to people groups, ethnicities, and distinct cultural communities. It encompasses all tribes, languages, and nations, highlighting the comprehensive and inclusive nature of Christs mandate to us. This understanding of ethn challenges the church to reach beyond geographical boundaries and into the diverse cultural landscapes of the world, making the gospel accessible to every unique people group.
Also, as I reflect on the analogy of being soldiers of Christ (2 Timothy 2:1-4), I instantly draw a parallel to someone who serves in the military where obedience to orders is not optional but mandatory. In a military context, disobeying a direct order can lead to severe consequences such as court-martial, demotion, or even imprisonment. The gravity of disobedience underscores the importance of compliance and unity in achieving a common mission. Similarly, as followers of Christ, disregarding the Great Commission is a failure to fulfill our calling. It signifies a lack of commitment to the very purpose of the church making disciples who make disciples.
Ashford, in Theology and Practice of Mission, reinforces this idea by discussing the theological and practical dimensions of mission. He notes that mission is integral to the identity of the church and not a peripheral activity (Ashford, 2021, 199). Ashford argues that every believer is called to participate in Gods redemptive mission. He also discusses the importance of contextualization or presenting the gospel in ways that resonate with different cultural contexts without compromising the message (Ashford, 2021, 191). This aligns with the call to reach all ethn by recognizing and respecting cultural distinctiveness while sharing the unchanging truth of the gospel.
In my context, applying the Great Commission involves recognizing the unique cultural and social dynamics of my community. For instance, in developing a ministry that nurtures a servant leadership culture, I must consider how to disciple leaders who not only understand their cultural context but also effectively engage with it to make disciple-makers. It means going beyond merely teaching biblical principles to modeling and equipping others to live them out in a way that transforms both individuals and communities.
Innovatively, this approach requires integrating a deep understanding of cultural dynamics with strategic disciple-making and church-planting efforts. For example, developing training modules that teach servant leadership principles within the context of local cultural narratives can help bridge the gap between the gospel and the lived experiences of people in various ethn. This holistic approach ensures that the church is not just expanding numerically but is rooted deeply in making disciples who transform their cultures from within.
The Great Commission calls us to a radical obedience that transcends cultural boundaries and embraces the complexity of making disciples among all ethn. As soldiers of Christ, we are compelled to take His command seriously, understanding that our mission is not complete until every people group has been reached with the gospel and disciple-making communities are established in every context.
3. (Discussion Board Reply) (300 words) (APA format) (Original Content Only)
Sep 18 12:44amLast reply Sep 23 12:31pm
Manage Discussion by Jeffrey Lynch
Reply from Jeffrey Lynch
The Great Commission is a crucial aspect of the Christian faith, as it serves as a call to action for all believers to spread the message of Jesus Christ to all corners of the world. In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus commands his disciples to “go and make disciples of all nations,” also translated as “all ethn.” This term, “ethn,” refers to all people groups, regardless of their ethnicity, culture, or background. Jesus specifically used this term to emphasize that his message was for everyone, not just a select few. This inclusivity is a fundamental aspect of the Christian faith, as it highlights the love and grace of God for all people, regardless of their differences. It also reflects the diversity that exists within the body of Christ, as believers from all nations come together as one to worship and serve God. As believers, we are called to follow the example of Christ and fulfill his command to make disciples of all nations. This involves actively sharing the gospel and making disciples who will in turn make more disciples. It is not a one-time task, but a continuous process that requires dedication, perseverance, and a heart for the lost.
In the military, disobeying a direct order can have serious consequences, as it goes against the chain of command and can jeopardize the success of the mission. Similarly, as soldiers of Christ, we are expected to follow the orders of our Lord and Savior. Disobeying the Great Commission not only goes against the will of God, but it also hinders the spread of the gospel and the growth of his kingdom. Therefore, it is crucial for us to understand the gravity of this command and the role we play in fulfilling it. As redeemed soldiers of Christ, we are called to be bold and courageous in sharing the good news, despite any challenges or obstacles we may face. We must also be intentional in making disciples who will continue the work of spreading the gospel and forming churches. Christ’s commission should propel us to be active and intentional in our efforts to fulfill it. We must be willing to step out of our comfort zones, cross cultural and linguistic barriers, and share the love and truth of Jesus Christ with all people. By doing so, we not only fulfill our duty as believers, but we also bring glory to God and fulfill his purpose for our lives. The Great Commission is not just a command, but a call to action for all believers. As we strive to obey this command, let us remember that we are part of a larger mission, one that involves reaching all people and making disciples who will continue the work of building God’s kingdom. Let us be faithful and obedient soldiers of Christ, fulfilling our duty to make disciples of all nations.
