What are some common mistakes in the process of making disciples in the Church?

Carlton McLeod highlights that discipleship within the church often begins with an emotionally-driven decision, followed by an expectation that one's life will automatically align with Christian principles. He notes that this is an erroneous assumption, as many find their lifestyle not reflecting the teachings of Christ following such experiences. Additionally, McLeod identifies the reduction of discipleship to a mere class or program as another common mistake. While such programs can be beneficial in teaching doctrine and fostering a community among believers, it is unwise to place all hope in these to produce a true disciple of Jesus.

McLeod cautions against relying solely on structured programs for discipleship, as they often overlook the holistic approach to life discipleship, as demonstrated by Jesus with His disciples. While programs can be helpful, if they are all we do, we risk missing the comprehensive discipleship that involves walking alongside disciples, ministering to them, and helping them grow in various situations. The fruit of this misguided approach is evident in many churches today.

John 15:16 (NKJV): 'You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.'

I think it starts with sometimes the easy believe-ism that we see in church when We just have an altar call and someone was moved emotionally by a message and they walk the aisle and poof, they're a Christian. I think that's a mistake because for many of us, our lives don't match after the, or the beginnings of our Christian life doesn't match after that experience. I think another mistake that we make is distilling discipleship down to a class. You know, if you just, if you go to this 12-week course, you'll be a disciple of Jesus. I think programs can be helpful, classes can be helpful, you know, Book studies can be helpful to learn doctrine, to be around other believers who are progressing in the way.

But I think if that's all we're doing, I think if we put our complete stock and confidence and hope in a program to produce a disciple, I think we leave the total life discipleship that we see Jesus as he walks along with the disciples, with the apostles, and ministers to them and put them in certain situations and gird them up and help them. So I think they can be helpful, but I think if that's all we do, I think we're in trouble. And I think, quite frankly, our churches show the fruit of that.