Disciple: Who I Am and What I Do

When someone asks me about our One Kingdom ministry, they usually want to know what we do. Our ministry is not only what we do, but who we are. We are disciples of Christ. Our identity in Christ determines our actions in ministry.

The word disciple refers to a learner, follower, or apprentice. Jesus said, “A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher.” –Luke 6:40. The whole idea of being a disciple of Christ is to follow him, continue his ministry, and keep becoming more like him throughout our entire life.

So what do we do at One Kingdom? As disciples of Christ, we empower and equip local leaders to spread the Gospel in every nation and every language. This is who we are. Our identity in Christ determines our actions in ministry. Here are two verses that drive us:

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. –Matthew 28:18-20

And the [instructions] which you have heard from me along with many witnesses, transmit and entrust [as a deposit] to reliable and faithful men who will be competent and qualified to teach others also. –2 Timothy 2:2

I have been blessed to be around great men in ministry such as Bill Smith, Carl Allison, Ray Melton, and others who trained me. But I am also blessed to teach and partner with great young men as well. One of those men I work with every day is Ryan Lee.

Ryan has now taken on the role as director of One Kingdom. He has been in my small group and Bible class, and he has traveled to many countries in our ministry with One Kingdom. I have a true partnership with Ryan that will continue to further the Gospel for many years to come. You see, discipleship works both ways. While I hopefully have taught some things to Ryan, I also continue to learn from him every day. In my role as an elder, it thrills my heart to see young men rise up and dream of ways to get the Gospel out to the whole world and train leaders in the process. This is discipleship in action.

Don’t be confused—I didn’t raise up anyone myself. It is God that raises up men and women, and I am just proud to be a small part of the divine process that Jesus gives us. 

Discipleship has always been the goal of the White’s Ferry Road Church in the different ministries that we do. Whether it is relief ministry, radio broadcasts, planting churches, training leaders around the world, or short-term mission trips, the goal is to make disciples who will make disciples, giving people hope through the message of Jesus.

If my identity is as a disciple of Christ, then my actions must be to make disciples that carry on His mission and His message. Therefore, a disciple is who I am and what I do.