Living with Purpose
What does it really mean to live out the Great Commission? In this episode, I sit down with Hannah to unpack what it truly means to “make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19–20) and how this call goes beyond simply sharing the gospel. It’s about journeying with people in their walk with Christ.
What is discipleship?
1. More than just sharing the Gospel
Discipleship doesn’t end with telling someone about Jesus. It’s about walking with them in faith, checking in on their journey, and encouraging them to grow closer to God. It’s about sustaining faith, not just sparking it.
2. A lifelong journey
The Christian walk is not meant to be done alone. What kept us grounded in our marriage during the pandemic are the very people who shared the gospel and continued to walk with us through challenges. A reminder of our covenant with God when things got tough.
Why is the Great Commission a lifestyle?
Discipleship doesn’t always start with a sermon. Sometimes it’s as simple as working with excellence, showing joy in stressful situations, or treating everyday people like guards, cashiers, and strangers with intentional kindness. Our conduct often becomes the first testimony people notice.
“The Great Commission isn’t just about going on missions or doing ministry in church. It’s in the everyday— how you work, how you speak, how you show love. It becomes part of your lifestyle.”
Practical tools for evangelism
1. Equipping yourself
Programs like Evangelism Explosion give believers confidence and structure to share the Good News. One simple tool Hannah highlights is the Five Finger Method, where each finger represents a gospel truth: Grace, Man, God, Jesus, Faith. The more we know God’s Word, the more confident we become in sharing it. The Bible doesn’t just give us verses to quote, but it gives us wisdom, assurance, and stories of God’s faithfulness that we can pass on to others. You can’t give what you don’t have. When you’re rooted in Scripture, it becomes natural to share what you’ve learned and experienced with others.
2. Vulnerability as witness
Sharing your struggles can be powerful. Hannah recalls writing about grief and loss online, which opened doors for friends to be vulnerable too. By being honest about her pain and how God sustained her, she naturally created opportunities to point others to Christ.
The challenges of discipleship
1. Spiritual resistance
Sharing the Gospel is a spiritual battle. From distractions during conversations to self-doubt, obstacles will always come. Prayer and reliance on the Holy Spirit are key to pressing on.
2. The cost of obedience
The Gospel can be offensive, and discipleship requires courage. Yet, the joy of walking with someone as they grow in Christ far outweighs the fear.
Why it matters…
1. Obedience to Jesus’ command
Making disciples fulfills the very mission Christ gave His followers.
2. Strengthening faith and relationships
Discipleship builds a community of accountability and love that sustains us in trials and joys.
3. Reflecting Christ to the world
When we live out the Great Commission, we become vessels of God’s character pointing others to His grace.
A lot of us who walk with the Lord still struggle and face trials. But discipleship reminds us: even if we don’t know what tomorrow brings, we know the One who holds our tomorrow. And that truth gives us hope and courage to keep sharing the Gospel.
“The gospel can be offensive, but that’s why we need courage from the Spirit to keep sharing it.”