Jesus gave his followers a mandate at the end of Matthew 28, known as the Great Commission; "as you are going, make disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all I have commanded you." The questions of what is a disciple, how are disciples made, and what is the purpose of being a disciple other than just obeying the Master's command are answered. Some patterns and processes for becoming a mature disciple are explored in detail. Being a disciple has its challenges in the form of external and internal opposition. Alertness and recognition of these challenges, and how to deal with them are also investigated. The same helper Jesus provided for his disciples after his ascension to heaven is also available for us in our struggle with these challenges. Several of Jesus' practices are discussed. Lastly, just as Jesus fulfilled his Father's will, we also as his disciples are to do as he did. This is stipulated in the mandate as well, by teaching and demonstrating all that he taught and did. Dr. Raymond F. Heiser holds a PhD in statistics from Oklahoma State University. He taught at two major universities and worked as a research statistician at the R&D center for ConocoPhillips, Bartlesville, OK. Ordained by Dr. Lester Sumrall, he and his wife Lanora, founded and pastored Vine Life Church in Bartlesville, in 1990, retiring in 2005. He taught discipleship groups for a number of years and has used those experiences in developing this book on discipleship. Dr. Raymond Heiser has been involved in church ministries most of his life, having been involved in two church plants and pastoring the latter for 15 years. Much of this time was spent in discipleship ministry. He was also involved with a mission ministry in Oaxaca, Mexico making numerous trips there to equip pastors. He has taught on the university level for ten years, and worked as a research statistician at the R&D center of a major petroleum company. He and his wife Lanora recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. They are the parents of two daughters and have five grandchildren.
