At the very end of the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus is about to leave His disciples to ascend into heaven. He has directed them to go to Galilee. to the top of a mountain. As they gather, He speaks to them for the last time. Matthew records His words: "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." (Matthew 28: 18-20)
The command of Jesus is referred to as the "Great Commission." This command is at the core of all our efforts to make disciples at COTHA. It is easy to lose our focus and do a whole lot of other things other than this. But to lose focus is to ignore what Jesus commanded us to do. Of course you can't give to anyone that which you yourself don't have. As part of COTHA, are you building a life of discipleship? Are you practicing the daily habits of a disciple? In other words, are you doing what Jesus did? Do you set aside time to read God's Word? Is prayer an integral part of your life? Are you a giver (in both time and money)? Do you spend time with other believers outside of Sunday morning? Is worship at the center of your life?
I urge you to not neglect your own discipleship. As you grow in spiritual maturity, God will call you to share with others. It starts with you, then it moves you into the lives of others. This is the Great Commission and this is who we are at COTHA.