We All Know Someone Who Needs Jesus

Over 30 years ago, my wife and I planted deep roots in Christ at a local church in Ethiopia. That church took the path of making disciples (win-build-send) seriously. No one joined without first going through solid discipleship. The focus was on shaping your character and growing in spiritual maturity.

For example, to receive a water baptism, one had to study Bible doctrines for about six months. They also had to pass an investigative interview by the elders. Anyone who wanted to join a ministry team had to go through training. Even a task like cleaning the church floor required 12 months of lessons about ministry, holiness, and humility.

What we experienced is different from the Samaritan woman and the blind man of John 9. They began an outreach ministry immediately after encountering Jesus. Yet the high level of commitment required by our church is deeply formative. It shows biblical Christianity in action. Looking back at our spiritual foundation, we are glad that we were a part of a demanding process.

But what about today? Over 2.7 billion people around the world call themselves Christians. Yet sometimes, our Christian faith seems to remain only in the realm of head knowledge.

Win—Build—Send requires obedience and action—not just Biblical information. Too often we teach, preach, and study, without asking for people to obey what they learn. But imagine the difference it could make in our lives, our relationships, and our work. Imagine the power and impact if we didn’t just hear God’s Word—but lived it out in obedience and action.

“Teach them to obey” is the key ingredient of practical Christianity and an essential accelerator of the Great Commission. Understanding God’s Word is a start—but following God's call to obedience is where faith takes root. Obedience isn't optional—it’s the pathway to following Christ and making disciples. Through active obedience, we fulfill His mission and help others do the same.

Application Questions:

• In your own walk with Christ, have you ever focused more on gaining biblical knowledge or on obeying and applying what you’ve learned? Why?
• What small act of obedience today could help accelerate God’s work in and through you?

Prayer:

"Lord Jesus, thank You for calling me not only to know Your Word but to live it out. Forgive me for the times I’ve been content with head knowledge without letting it transform my actions. Give me a heart that delights in obedience and will follow wherever You lead. Plant my roots deep in You, so that my faith grows strong and bears fruit in every season. Help me to teach others, not only by my words but by my example, so that together we may fulfill Your mission and bring glory to Your name. Amen."

Bekele Shanko
Orlando, USA
Global Vice President, Global Church Movements