“The µαθητεύσατε of the Great Commission: Implications for Pastoral Ministry in the Transpacific Union”

Abstract

Μαθητεύσατε (disciple making) is the heart of the Great Commission. Disciple-Making is rooted and grounded in Scripture. The way Matthew records the commands of Jesus in Matthew 28:18-20 also portrays a model of biblical discipleship. From a grammatical and syntactical relationship and understanding of the primary imperative verb (µαϑητεύσατε) with its surrounding participles (πορευθέντες, βαπτίζοντες, διδάσκοντες), one can correctly articulate what and how discipleship is to be achieved. A proper exegetical understanding of the passage will help guide the church to practice a holistic discipleship approach that not only focusses on the initial phase andprocess of disciple making (evangelism) but considers the discipling of one through a well-intentional spiritual growth initiative that leads one to a life of transformation and eventual maturity. The principles derived from the pericope of the Matthean Great Commission hasgreat implications for pastoral ministry in the Transpacific Union of the South Pacific Division.