Last time, I implored you to look in the mirror to consider to what extent the false hope of consumerism is impacting you as a disciple of Christ. But one thing we haven’t been able to do yet, is to consider exactly how consumerism is impacting our disciple making efforts. Now that the stage has been fully set, here are four false beliefs that consumerism has taught disciple makers.

First, we believe we can disciple without incarnation. Since consumerism teaches us that knowing is more important than being, most churches engage a discipleship process that’s focused on information instead of incarnation. When relationships aren’t important then curriculum becomes king. Jesus’ very presence on earth and the subsequent witness of the apostles bears witness to the central nature of incarnational relationships. Discipling without incarnation gives the appearance of loving others without requiring relational risk or relational skills. The result is disciple makers who lack both the heart and skill to disciple others.

Second, we believe we can disciple people without intention. In some ways, this is the opposite of the first, which, considering the disciple making scale, shouldn’t be surprising. Since most have never been to seminary, they believe they don’t have what it takes to disciple others. The lack of expertise leads them to the belief that friendship is the only way they can help others. Discipling without intentionality gives people the belief that disciple making is simply friendship and accountability. Without this clear vision of disciple making, they make disciples who have neither a vision or a plan. The result is disciple makers who lack vision and skill.

Third, we believe we can disciple people without application. Since we’ve bought into the lie that satisfaction can be purchased, we are unfamiliar with choosing what’s difficult. Application is the essential step between information and transformation. Most discipling overlooks this step because information transfer has always been adequate to get us further in the systems we trust in for purchasing power and thus for our satisfaction. Yet, Jesus said to make disciples by teaching them to obey and that obeying His commands will lead us to truth that would set us free. Discipling in this way leads to disciples who look and act just like they did before being discipled.