Scripture References: Matthew 28:19-20; John 1:14; Revelation 7:9
Intro: Welcome back to our series "Living in the Tensions." Christianity often involves holding seemingly opposing truths together. Last week, Grace & Truth. Today, we explore the tension between Going Wide (making more disciples) and Going Deep (making better disciples). Which is the church's primary goal?
Key Points:
- The Tension Defined: Churches often lean one way:
- Wide Focus: Emphasizing outreach, inclusivity, easy entry (sometimes risking becoming "seeker-sensitive," potentially shallow).
- Deep Focus: Emphasizing doctrine, maturity, community, holiness (sometimes risking becoming insular, exclusive, "Bible thumpers"). This tension exists within our church and leadership too.
- Jesus Modeled Both: Jesus didn't choose. He preached to thousands, offering a wide invitation ("Come to me..."). He also invested deeply and intentionally in His twelve disciples, and even more so in His inner circle of three. He perfectly embodied both wide reach and deep relationship.
- The Wrong Question (More vs. Better): Asking whether we should prioritize making more or better disciples might be the wrong question. Both are commanded in the Great Commission ("Go make disciples of all nations... teaching them to obey..." - Matt 28). Neither is the ultimate reason the church exists.
- The Right Answer: God's Glory: Our ultimate purpose isn't numerical growth or deep maturity in themselves. Our "Why" is God's glory. We exist to glorify Jesus. When His fame and honor are our central aim, it shapes the "how" and "what" of our ministry.
- Glory Reconciles the Tension: When we prioritize God's glory:
- We go wide because His glory deserves to be known by all nations (Rev 7:9).
- We go deep because mature disciples better reflect His glorious character to the world. We don't cater primarily to insiders or outsiders, but follow the Spirit's leading to glorify God through both outreach and maturation, embracing the messiness and trusting Him to orchestrate the balance.
Conclusion: The tension between going wide and going deep isn't resolved by choosing one over the other, but by elevating our ultimate aim: God's glory. When His fame is our focus, both making more disciples and making better disciples become essential means to that greater end, guided and empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Call to Action: Shift your focus from personal preference (wide or deep) to God's glory. Ask the Holy Spirit: "How can I partner with You this week to bring You glory through both reaching out (wide) and growing deeper (deep)?" If you lean deep, intentionally reach out to someone new. If you lean wide, intentionally seek deeper connection or discipleship. Let's pursue His glory together.
*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI.
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