Go Make of All Disciples Meaning, History, and Theology
"Go, make of all disciples"
- Written
- 1959
- Category
- Hymn
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Story
Go Make of All Disciples is a mission hymn written by Methodist minister Leon Monroe Adkins and commonly sung to the tune Lancashire by Henry Thomas Smart. Inspired by the Great Commission in Matthew 28, the hymn calls the church to share the gospel and nurture disciples. Its message emphasizes evangelism, teaching, and the global mission of the Christian community.
Overview
Go, Make of All Disciples is a twentieth century hymn that expresses the church's responsibility to carry out Christ's Great Commission. Written by Methodist minister Leon Monroe Adkins, the hymn calls believers to participate actively in the work of evangelism, discipleship, and spiritual formation.
The text emphasizes that Christian mission is not limited to clergy or missionaries but belongs to the entire church. Every believer is invited to participate in sharing the gospel and nurturing faith within the community of believers.
Often sung during services focused on mission or baptism, the hymn reminds congregations that discipleship involves both proclamation and teaching. It encourages the church to remain faithful to Christ's command to make disciples of all nations.
Historical Background
Leon Monroe Adkins wrote Go, Make of All Disciples in the mid twentieth century during a period when many Protestant churches were renewing their emphasis on evangelism and Christian education. As a leader in Methodist music education, Adkins was deeply involved in promoting congregational participation in worship and mission.
Adkins served as director of the Methodist Music Workshop, which helped train church musicians and leaders in the use of music for ministry. His hymn reflects the Methodist commitment to both evangelistic outreach and the nurturing of Christian discipleship.
The hymn was later paired with the tune Lancashire by Henry Thomas Smart, a nineteenth century Anglican composer. This pairing provided a strong musical foundation that supported congregational singing and helped the hymn gain widespread use.
Biblical Foundations
The hymn is rooted in the Great Commission given by Jesus to his disciples at the conclusion of the Gospel of Matthew. This commission defines the church's mission as making disciples, baptizing believers, and teaching them to follow Christ's commands.
The New Testament presents the early church as a community committed to spreading the gospel and nurturing new believers in faith. Apostolic teaching and communal worship played a central role in forming disciples.
By emphasizing both evangelism and teaching, the hymn reflects the full biblical vision of discipleship. The mission of the church involves not only proclaiming the gospel but also helping believers grow in faith and obedience.
Verse Explanation
The opening stanza echoes the words of the Great Commission, calling the church to go into the world and make disciples. This establishes the central theme of mission.
The following stanza emphasizes the role of the church in nurturing believers through teaching and spiritual guidance. Discipleship is portrayed as a process of growth in faith.
Later stanzas highlight the importance of community and faithful witness. The church becomes a place where believers support one another in their spiritual journey.
The concluding stanza encourages continued dedication to Christ's mission, reminding the church that the work of discipleship continues through every generation.
Theological Reflection
A central theological theme of the hymn is the missionary nature of the church. The church exists not only to gather believers but also to reach the world with the message of Christ.
The hymn also highlights the importance of discipleship. Becoming a Christian involves ongoing formation in faith, learning to live according to the teachings of Jesus.
Another key theme is the communal responsibility of the church. The work of mission and teaching belongs to the entire body of Christ, demonstrating that discipleship is a shared calling among believers.
Church Impact
Go, Make of All Disciples has become a valued hymn in many Protestant traditions, particularly within Methodist and ecumenical hymnals. It is frequently used during services emphasizing evangelism, mission, or Christian education.
The hymn reflects the twentieth century emphasis on renewing the church's commitment to the Great Commission. Its message continues to challenge congregations to take seriously the call to discipleship.
By combining biblical teaching with accessible music, the hymn remains a practical tool for encouraging believers to participate in the ongoing mission of the church.
Musical Notes
The hymn is commonly sung to the tune Lancashire by Henry Thomas Smart. The melody features balanced phrasing and a strong harmonic structure that supports congregational singing.
The tune's dignified character complements the hymn's message of mission and responsibility. Its steady rhythm reinforces the sense of purposeful movement implied in the text.
Because the melody was already familiar in many hymnals, the pairing with Adkins's text helped the hymn gain acceptance and widespread use.
Application
- Recognize that every believer participates in the mission of the church.
- Support the work of evangelism and Christian education in local communities.
- Encourage spiritual growth through teaching and mentorship.
- Share the message of Christ through both words and actions.
- Commit to lifelong learning and discipleship in the Christian faith.
Discussion Questions
- What does the Great Commission teach about the mission of the church?
- How does the hymn connect evangelism with discipleship?
- What responsibilities do individual believers have in making disciples?
- How can congregations support the spiritual growth of new believers?
- In what ways does the hymn challenge the church today?
Teaching Tips
- Use the hymn when teaching about the Great Commission in the Gospel of Matthew.
- Discuss the difference between evangelism and discipleship and how both are important.
- Encourage reflection on how believers can mentor and support new Christians.
- Explore the role of music in expressing the mission of the church.
- Sing the hymn during services focused on mission or baptism.
Sources
-
The Canterbury Dictionary of Hymnology
-
Hymnary.org
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The Oxford Handbook of Hymnology
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Methodist Hymnal Historical Studies
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Church Music and Mission in the Twentieth Century
Lyrics
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Sheet Music
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