Others have said: 

I encourage them. I notice what they are doing. I give them advice. I pray for them. I am a model for them. Sometimes I have gone through the same challenges they are facing and can empathize with them. 

A disciple is a learner. A disciple of Jesus is someone learning to follow Jesus. When Jesus lived on earth he had incredible influence for good. Many people followed his way. After he died and then came back to life, many more people became his disciples. This is still happening today. People hear and read about Jesus and they decide to follow him. What’s this all about?

Dive Deeper

Today, let's dive deep into two powerful ideas in God's plan for all nations: the Great Commission and the Great Commandment. These principles provide the foundation for making disciples in the world of sports and play.

1. Who is a Disciple?

Throughout the New Testament, we discover what it means to be a disciple of Christ. Here are three key characteristics:

• Righteous: We're brought into a right relationship with God through His grace alone (Romans 3:24; Ephesians 1:4-5).
• Follower: We walk in Jesus' footsteps, learning the truth and obeying the Bible (Ephesians 5:1, 1 Peter 2:21).
• Disciple Maker: We both live for Christ and actively create new disciples (1 Corinthians 11:1, Galatians 4:19). This journey is a two-way street. As you live like Jesus, you inspire others to follow, and as you make disciples, you deepen your own walk with Christ. (Matthew 28:18-20, 1 Corinthians 4:16-17, 2 Timothy 2:2).

2. Why Do We Make Disciples?

The Sports Movement is dedicated to "Making disciples in all nations for Christ in the world of sport." We focus on disciple-making because:

• Transformation: As Jesus' Spirit works in us, we're transformed to become more like Him (Romans 8:29). Disciple-making is part of that ongoing transformation.
• The Great Commandment: Disciples of Christ have a fundamental responsibility to love one another as He has loved us (Mark 12:30-31).
• The Great Commission: Fulfilling Jesus' command in Matthew 28:18-20 is our primary mission. Christ empowers us to accomplish this task through the Holy Spirit.

3. The Great Commission and Sports:

So how do these amazing concepts connect to sports? The Sports Movement uses sports as a bridge! Sports are a universal language that connects people from all backgrounds. Through shared experiences and passion, we can encourage others to live out the Great Commandment: to love God and love others.

4. Putting the Great Commission into Action:

Here's how we put the Great Commission into action:

• Living the Great Commandment: We actively encourage each other to show Christ-like love (Matthew 22:37-39, Mark 12:30-31).
• Obeying the Great Commission: We step outside our comfort zones, reaching out to people from all walks of life. Following Jesus' instruction in Matthew 28:18-20, we baptize new believers and teach them to follow His ways.
• Following Christ: We encourage others to imitate Christ in everything they do (1 John 2:6).

5. Unleash Your Potential: Make a Difference Through Sports!

No matter your skill level or experience, you can be part of the Sports Movement! Use your love for sports and your faith in Jesus to make a lasting impact.

Call to Action:

Visit our website or connect with someone already involved. Discover practical ways to live out the Great Commission and the Great Commandment through your love for sports.

Together, let's fulfill the Great Commission and make disciples in the world of sport!

Live it out application

1.     Memorize Matthew 28:18-20

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

2.     What are your main struggles as a disciple maker? Share those struggles with a mature believer.

3.     Pray for your disciples daily? Pray For opportunities to make disciples?

4.     Within your team discuss your weaknesses in disciple making as a team. Think about one thing you can do to help coach/support each other.