Jesus gave the church the mandate to evangelize the world. The importance of Christ’s command to his followers to go into all the world to proclaim the gospel and make disciples is evidenced by the fact that this command occurs in all four Gospels (Matt. 28:16-29; Mark 16:15-18; Luke 24:45-49; John 17:18;20:21). Each version contributes a different emphasis on the nature of the command to proclaim the Gospel.[1] At the same time, each underscores the same objective of sending the church out into the world bearing the good news.[2]
In the Great Commission, Jesus declares the mission of the church: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and Holy Ghost, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always to the very end of the age.” In the Greek, the words “going,” “baptizing,” and “teaching” are all participles. The imperative found in this commission is matheteusate which is translated “make disciples.”[3] Matt. 28:18-20 establishes that the followers of Christ are to communicate the gospel of salvation and to walk alongside new believers in a journey that will lead them into a life-long commitment to discipleship.
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