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. (Matthew 28:19-20)
Jesus gave his disciples this final command before his ascension into heaven. By obeying this command, the church has grown to 2.4 billion adherents, representing nearly 30% of the world’s population. From the Roman Empire to the entire world; from the upper room to the ends of the earth. Christ’s mission transcended geographical, cultural, and linguistic barriers. But it begins with this command: make disciples, baptize them, and teach them.
The success of the Christian faith is not merely the result of eloquent preaching. It is due to the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the transformative power of the Gospel. Christ’s teaching of love, forgiveness, and salvation is the message for every city, every family, and every man.
Are You Heeding the Command to Disciple Others?
Times have changed over the centuries and around the globe. However, Jesus’ command remains unchanged: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” is as relevant now as it was then.
The need for the Gospel has never been greater than it is today.
We live in an era in which secularism and materialism overshadow spiritual values. The world often wants to drown out any serious search for God, and it is also increasingly hostile to the faith. Men in particular are feeling the effects of this loss of faith, and faithless men are missing in the workplace and in the home.
The need for dedicated Christian men to step forward and guide other men towards Christ is more pressing than ever. That need must be met by men willing to take up the mission Jesus gave us.
At Man In the Mirror, our initiative to recruit 10,000 Spiritual Fathers is our way of heeding Jesus’ call to evangelize. This program emphasizes the importance of mentorship and how to follow Christ, focusing specifically on how older men can be spiritual friends to younger men. By fostering personal relationships and providing spiritual guidance, today’s Spiritual Fathers can help cultivate a new generation of faithful Christians equipped to live out and spread the gospel in what they say and how they live — in their families, workplaces, and social circles. Christian men can effectively witness to others and, like the Apostle Paul, encourage, mentor, admonish, and instruct others in walking as faithful men.
Spreading the faith is not about imparting knowledge; it’s about transformation and mutual support.
When Christian men take up the mantle of mentoring, they become conduits of God’s grace and truth. They help others to understand the depth of Christ’s love, the significance of His sacrifice, and the hope of eternal life. In turn, they are given a friend with whom to explore their own faith and apply it to the challenges they confront. This transformative power can change lives, families, and communities, creating a ripple effect extending far beyond individual conversions, just as Christ Himself has changed the world through the power of The Word.
Do Not Turn Away from Jesus’s Call to Action
As followers of Christ, we are all called to make disciples. Whether through formal instruction, mentorship, or casual conversations, we have a responsibility to share the gospel. The command to make disciples is not limited to ordained ministers or theological scholars; it is a charge given to every believer.
By stepping into the role of a Spiritual Father, Christian men can fulfill this divine mandate and help spread God’s kingdom to all nations.
The words of Jesus, “Go therefore, and make disciples of all nations,” are not a request or suggestion – they are the exclusive mission of the church. Jesus modeled for us how to be a spiritual mentor, a friend that sticks closer than a brother. And he calls us to do the same.
And that simple command from Christ — disciple, baptize, and teach — is the framework of how he expects us to follow his example.
As Christian men, we have the opportunity and the obligation to carry this torch forward. By becoming Spiritual Fathers and teaching others, we honor Christ’s command and play a pivotal role in nurturing and expanding the faith and bringing the entire world into His Kingdom.
Let us rise to this challenge and commit ourselves to the mission of guiding other men to become disciples, one man at a time, knowing that through our efforts, we can bring the light of Christ to a world that desperately needs it. Discover how we can help you heed Jesus’ call by becoming a Spiritual Father today. Learn more at the Spiritual Fathers website.
