disciples, not converts

In terms of global evangelism and missions (which is still relevant here in the USA), it's great to go and share the gospel, but I think Scripture even more specifically calls us to try and make disciples, not just mere "converts" to the faith.

Jesus says so himself: "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." (Matthew 28:19-20 NIV)

Go and make "disciples"...it doesn't say go and make "converts"...

Paul, a great missionary himself, also keys on the importance of "disciples" and not mere converts throughout the book of Acts. We see different instances (please see for yourself in Acts) where Paul is growing up "disciples" or strengthening the already existing "disciples."

"Paul entered the synagogue and spoke boldly there for three months, arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God. But some of them became obstinate; they refused to believe and publicly maligned the Way. So Paul left them. He took the disciples with him and had discussions daily in the lecture hall of Tyrannus. This went on for two years, so that all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord. God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them." (Acts 19:8-12 NIV)

I think this is important to recognize. It changes the focus and logistics of what missions may involve and the commitment to missions.

1) It will be a slower process. We are used to so many things fast, fast, fast in our modern day and age. We acquire material goods, even large things, like buying a house very quickly. In many countries of the world, it may take a family 15 years to build their homes. They buy a lot, and when they can afford some cinder blocks they start a foundation. Then 5 years later when they can afford cinder blocks for a wall, they buy those and now you have a foundation and a wall. The point is, we are used to acquiring or accomplishing things with rapidity.

I feel like genuine discipleship and missions that seek to bring honor and glory to God are distinctly different.

2) The "numbers" won't be as many. Also in our day and age, we have this mentality of "more is better." We certainly take this approach to our financial holdings. Our houses as well. Even our food. Supersize me please! More, more, more!

I don't think it's wrong to desire that everyone know and have a genuine relationship with Jesus. I wish everyone I knew would know the Truth and Joy that is found in Jesus and Him alone. This may be my pessimistic attitude, but I'm not sure of the reality of how those two things mesh together. If we are taking time in missions to go deeper into relationships and with a commitment to discipleship, I feel like there's not enough time to go around for having deep relationships with numerous individuals.

That's hard to reconcile. In thinking about missions, against our fast and high quantity mindsets that we have been a-cultured to, I think the Lord wants us to do less, but do less well.