We are concluding a sermon series titled, Fan? or Follower of Jesus?, which has brought us to the place of considering the difference between being a fan of Jesus or a follower of Jesus, an admirer of Jesus or a follower of Jesus? In other words, what is the difference between being a member of the church and being a disciple of Jesus Christ? Unfortunately, we find ourselves in a time and place where we have made being a disciple of Jesus an optional part of being a membef of the church when in truth, Scripture makes no such distinction.
Jesus never said a word about making “members.” Jesus was and is all about making disciples. He tells us to make disciples and he will build the church. As one disciple recently put it, if you build a church, you don’t automatically get disciples. But if you make disciples, you will get the church.
So, who are we? Fans of Jesus or Followers of Jesus? And does the world around us know which one we are?