Great Commission

This infographic illustrates what I call the cyclic effect of the Great Commission. It highlights four key actions—Go, Baptize, Teach, and Observe—which create a continuous cycle of disciple-making. Let’s break this down.

As followers of Christ, we are all called to disciple one another. This calling is known as the Great Commission, which we see in Matthew 28:19-20:

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.

Breaking Down the Cyclic Effect

1. Go: Jesus begins by commanding us to go. This action step is proactively engaging others with the truth of the gospel. Christians should always be thinking about how to go—how to pour Christ into others, how to initiate gospel conversations, and how to live missionally in everyday life. Part of this is evangelistic. Some people do not know Christ, and we are called to take the message to them. We do not wait for them to come to us; we go to them. This opportunity can happen in any context—at home, work, school, or through intentional outreach.
2. Baptize: Jesus instructs us to baptize those who believe. Baptism is a public declaration of one’s faith in Christ. However, this verse does not teach baptismal regeneration—that is, baptism does not save a person. It is the Spirit of God who brings a person from death to life (Ephesians 2:5). Baptism follows salvation as an act of obedience. It signifies identification with Christ, demonstrating to others that the individual has been born again and is now part of God’s family.
3. Teach: After being born again and baptized, people must be taught. Discipleship is not just about making converts but helping believers grow in their faith. It involves studying Scripture, learning sound doctrine, and applying biblical truth to life. Teaching includes formal instruction (sermons, Bible studies) and informal discipleship (one-on-one mentoring, parenting, friendships). Every Christian is a teacher in some capacity. Parents disciple their children. Friends encourage one another in the faith. Church leaders equip their congregations. Every Christian does life over coffee.
4. Observe: Jesus tells us to teach new disciples to observe everything He has commanded. Observing means applying truth—it is the practical outworking of transformation. The goal of discipleship is Christlikeness (Romans 8:29). As believers grow, they develop a deep desire to go—to take what they have learned and share it with others. And so the cycle continues: those who observe and obey Christ’s commands will be compelled to go, making more disciples, baptizing, teaching, and helping others observe Christ’s commands.

Using This Graphic as a Diagnostic Tool

This cycle also serves as a diagnostic tool to evaluate where we may be neglecting our role in the Great Commission. Are we engaged in evangelism? Are we teaching others? Are we observing Christ’s commands? If there is a breakdown in this cycle, it reveals a problem:

1. Are we going? If not, we may be self-focused or hesitant to share the gospel.
2. Are we baptizing? If not, are we neglecting the importance of public commitment to Christ?
3. Are we teaching? If not, are we avoiding discipleship responsibilities?
4. Are we observing? If not, is there an obedience issue in our own walk with Christ?

Every Christian has a role in this cycle. Whether as a parent, friend, mentor, or leader, we are called to disciple others. This commission is not just for pastors—it is the responsibility of every believer.

Case Study: Biff and the Great Commission

Biff is a longtime church attendee, but he is stuck in a stagnant faith. He listens to sermons, participates in small groups, and attends Bible studies, yet he does not engage in discipling others. Over time, his walk with Christ has become routine—attend church, take notes, repeat. He feels spiritually dry but does not understand why. One day, his pastor preaches on the Great Commission, emphasizing the cyclic effect of discipleship. Biff realizes he has been receiving biblical knowledge but has not been going, teaching, or discipling. He sees that he has decoupled from the disciple-making cycle.

Applying the Great Commission to Biff’s Life

1. Go: Biff decides to be intentional about sharing his faith. He starts by engaging in gospel conversations with his coworkers and neighbors.
2. Baptize: Biff recognizes that some of the people he speaks with may respond to the gospel. He begins to encourage new believers in their walk, helping them understand the significance of baptism.
3. Teach: Instead of just being a consumer of biblical teaching, Biff starts discipling younger men in the church. He meets with them regularly, studying Scripture together and discussing how to apply it in daily life.
4. Observe: As Biff grows in obedience, he sees his life transformed. He develops a greater love for Christ and a deeper burden for the lost. He experiences the joy of seeing others grow in faith, and his faith is strengthened.

Now, Biff is not just receiving teaching—he is actively participating in the disciple-making process. The cyclic effect is restored in his life.

Conclusion: The Call to Disciple

At Life Over Coffee, we emphasize conversations for transformation. The Great Commission is not a one-time event—it is an ongoing cycle. When we engage in evangelism, baptism, teaching, and obedience, we are participating in Christ’s command to make disciples of all nations. Where do you see yourself in this cycle? Are you actively making disciples? If not, what steps can you take to enter into this biblical rhythm of going, baptizing, teaching, and observing?

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Peace,
Rick