Matthew 28:19
In the passage that outlines the Great Commission it is made pointedly clear to us that we cannot be people of apathy. We are indeed burdened with a ministry which must be passionately and consistently proclaimed, lest we die. It must be uttered lest this whole world die(Matthew 28:17-20). He entrusted us with this message of life, to rescue the perishing, and to release the oppressed and reform Adam’s fallen race. We will never forget that the church is to perform global evangelization as she functions locally winning the lost. The charge still stands “. . . make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19) This we must do by all means. It is irrevocably compulsory. It is a matter of life or death!
Disciples, normal healthy, functioning disciples are summarily commanded to make disciples, to reproduce other disciples, who in turn must be motivated to continue the reproduction/replication process. It cannot be overlooked or downplayed – the church is a disciple-making entity. We are not just interested in increasing our numbers or our membership. We remain committed to doing what Jesus says we should be doing, that is making disciples, especially during Covid-19. Please do not misunderstand or misconstrue what I am saying here. We are indeed grateful for the increased viewership we are now experiencing on Facebook and YouTube and other platforms but all that becomes almost inconsequential to the church and cause of Christ if those who view and follow online do not see the need to become real followers of the Christ and radical disciples of “The Way” as indicated in “The Book.”
May we always keep in mind that as our natural forebears, Adam and Eve, were commanded to go forth and multiply and replenish the earth physically, so the church of the Lord Jesus, is commissioned to do spiritually. We, too, remain sent by the “Sent One” to be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth and subdue it. In fact, so seriously did the Early Church take the Great Commission and its injunction that when they got to Thessalonica they were accused of “Turning the World upside down” (Acts 17:6). At another point they were accused of filling Jerusalem with their doctrine (Acts 5:28). We note they did so by seriously, intentionally making disciples wherever they went.
We earnestly pray that our twenty-first century church will become a disciple-making church again, avidly producing and reproducing other disciples after the image of our maker and sender. We hear Him saying to us again “Go” and we go intent on doing exactly as He said to us – “Make disciples” (Matthew 28:19). Burdened with ministry we seriously fear that if, we do not get committed and go, many would die. The Church of God is called and sent to be – a disciple making church!
Leroy V. Greenaway
Regional Bishop – Northeast Region
October 24, 2020
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PLEASE NOTE
In collaboration with our District Overseers, the Church of God of Prophecy submits to the wisdom of continuing to ‘Shelter in Place’ for the safety and protection of the flock. This is to be observed until further notice and the present virus is better contained. Should the need arise to meet, we are advised to meet in groups of no more than 10, while we strictly observe the protocols of social distancing, wearing of masks and aggressive sanitizing of our hands and surfaces frequently touched.
Please let us patiently observe these practices to keep each other safe and alive. We are reminded that we are indeed our brother’s keeper. Stay home! Stay Healthy! Stay Hopeful! We shall soon get through this! Premature re-openings of our churches seem not to be the wisest way to go at this point. Let us continue to pray, caring for each other and staying connected.
Leroy V. Greenaway
Regional Presiding Bishop — Northeast Region
