Make Disciples

Jesus used his precious last minutes on this Earth with his disciples to give final instructions: "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.  And behold, I am with you, always, to the end of the age." Mt 28:19-20
It's interesting that Jesus did not tell the disciples to go evangelize the nations, rather "make disciples of all nations."  He was not merely interested in people hearing the gospel; Jesus wanted disciples, not converts.  Disciples learn Jesus' commands; disciples are committed for the long haul; disciples do not fall away at the first sign of difficulty, which Jesus assured them would come.
The American church today seems more interested in growing churches with "converts" than with "disciples."  This may help to explain why people leave out the back door as quickly as they come in the front.
We may need to ask ourselves some hard questions.  Is there any substance to our teaching, or is it feel-goodism?  Do we present people with the truth as Jesus did in the case of the rich young ruler and others?  Do we believe that Jesus will be with us to the end of the age accomplishing his work?
This will cause some discomfort in our lives.  After all, we are sheep amongst wolves.  If they killed Jesus, why should we expect better treatment?
So Christian, Go...make disciples!