25 Prayers for 25 Years | Day 23 | Called to Make Disciples

By: Marty Fanning
In today’s devotional, CCA Fort Lauderdale’s Middle School Director of Discipleship, Marty Fanning, continues our 25 Prayers for 25 Years series by reminding us of the Great Commission the Lord has called us to.

Scripture:

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” 

–Matthew 28:19-20
 

Reflection:

Jesus’ final words to His followers were clear and powerful: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations…” (Matthew 28:19). The Great Commission wasn’t just for the original apostles, but for all believers. 

No matter your age, role, or background, if you follow Christ, you are called to share the hope you’ve found in Him by making disciples. In these verses, we are reminded that Jesus is calling us to make disciples – or “students” – by immersing them in the full knowledge of God all day, every day, for all our days.

Disciples are made through teaching. Our resurrected King has called us to move forward, “teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” 

One word to point out here is “everything”. Jesus has commanded us to know and teach our students everything He has commanded us. This was the heart of Apostle Paul for the church in Ephesus: 

“For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God.” –Acts 20:27 

The content of our teaching here at CCA is an opportunity to proclaim “the whole will of God”; it is based on His council by the power of the Spirit. Family, we must be in the Word so that we can effectively teach the Word. 

Disciples are made through relationships. One of the all-time legends at CCA, retired band director Jim Mullin, would always say, “Discipleship is all about relationship.” Jim knew that Jesus didn’t just preach to the crowds; He walked with His disciples, taught them, challenged them, and loved them deeply. 

What I admired about Jim was that he was always available. Whether it was mentoring a student, encouraging a staff member, or simply being a godly example, he poured into others. 

Remember, the goal is not perfection, but a willingness to humble ourselves and meet needs to help others grow in their faith. 

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we praise You for Your faithfulness to this community for the past 25 years. We thank You for the countless lives that have been transformed by the power of Your Word. 

We praise You for what You have done over the past 25 years and pray for continued power to make authentic disciples in Jesus' Name. Lord, cause us to turn our “eyes away from worthless things” (Psalm 119:37) and embrace the divine invitation to “make disciples.”

 
 
Marty Fanning has been a part of CCA for 22 years and currently serves as the Middle School Director of Discipleship at the Fort Lauderdale campus. Marty and his wife, Christina, have been married for 9 years and have a son named Zion who is a Pre-K4 student at CCA. Marty’s favorite Bible verse is Psalm 37:4.
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