Would you rather be known for reaching the lost or discipling the saved? That was the question recently asked a group of local ministry interns. The response was overwhelmingly in favor of “discipling the saved.” In Matthew 28:19-20 (“The Great Commission”), Jesus says, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen.” So for us the answer should be to be known for both. Our commission is to preach the Gospel, bring those people into the unity of the Body of Christ (the church), and teach them the ways of Christ (discipleship).

So, how are we doing? The Barna Group shares that only 33% of U.S. adults classify themselves as born-again Christians. 55% of those born-again Christians claim they have shared their faith with a non-Christian during 2004 compared with 58% in 1999. On the discipleship side of things, it is surprising to see that only 16% of born-again Christians are involved in a discipleship process of regularly meeting with a group or individual for spiritual growth. What is really startling is to realize that there has been a 92% increase in the number of un-churched Americans in the last 13 years.

There are a many people to reach with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to disciple. It is too much for one person, church or denomination. It takes the “Body of Christ,” the Church. For over 20 years this has been the battle cry of First Priority. First Priority exists to “see the Hope of Christ in every student.” It will take all of us working together to reach this generation. We must encourage, empower and equip our Christian students to go and be disciples of their peers. As God transforms lives, we connect them to the church to disciple them in the ways God has commanded!

People today are desperately searching for answers to life. More than ever the world around us is significantly trying to trample and confuse the message of Jesus Christ. To go therefore is not often comfortable, convenient or easy. But we can’t wait! The time is now for all of us to step up and step out and be known for “reaching the lost” AND “discipling the saved!” Find out how you can be more involved. Contact the First Priority office at info@gofirstpriority.com or call 205-871-8886.

Matt Wilson

Executive Director

First Priority Greater Birmingham