Ellen White gives this excellent definition of discipleship: "The object of the Christian life is fruit bearing--the reproduction of Christ's character in the believer, that it may be reproduced in others" (Christ Object Lessons, 67). Jesus clearly taught how this all-important fruit is to be produced: "I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing" (John 15:5).

Discipleship involves teaching people the five disciplines which will sustain the growth of mature fruit. These five disciplines are: 1) Daily Bible study; 2) Daily prayer; 3) Daily service 4) Weekly participation in a small group and 5) Weekly corporate worship. The five spiritual disciplines produce faith-a closer connection to the Vine--which in turn produces fruit. These fruits of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, etc.) are the means others are drawn to Christ: "If we would humble ourselves before God, and be kind and courteous and tenderhearted and pitiful, there would be one hundred conversions to the truth where now there is only one" (9T 189).

The goal of discipleship should focus on the development of both the fruits and gifts of the Spirit so that the mature disciple reproduces themselves in others. How can Seventh-day Adventist Churches better fulfill the Great Commission to "Go and make disciples?"

a). Begin by shifting the focus away from lifestyle issues (which are the fruit of discipleship) and start to emphasize the five spiritual disciplines which are the root of all true conversion and reformation.

b). Initiate a curriculum within your church which will emphasize the reproductive aspects of discipleship. These should include spiritual gift testing, every member having a ministry and small group support.

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At the time this article was written, Dr. Jim Park was teaching theology at Mountain View Adventist College in the Philippines.