Preaching has always held a central place in Christian worship. From the sermons of Jesus on hillsides to the letters of Paul read aloud in early house churches, proclaiming the Word has been a vital part of making Christ known. But when we consider the Great Commission—Jesus’ command to “go and make disciples of all nations”—we’re confronted with a deeper challenge. Can preaching alone accomplish the task of discipleship, or is more required?
In many churches today, preaching is the main event. Pastors spend hours preparing, studying, and crafting messages that are biblical, engaging, and relevant. And rightly so. Preaching is a God-ordained means of grace and a powerful tool for spiritual transformation. Yet if preaching is the only form of teaching and engagement a believer experiences, is it truly enough to make disciples?
Here’s why preaching is essential, but not sufficient, for disciple-making in the life of the church.
Preaching Plants Seeds; Discipleship Requires Cultivation
A good sermon can awaken the heart, challenge the mind, and inspire action. But just like planting a seed in a garden, the sermon is only the beginning of the growth process. Discipleship involves watering, tending, pruning, and nurturing over time. It requires follow-up, accountability, and relationship. A single 30-minute sermon each week cannot offer the personal investment needed to form Christlikeness in someone’s daily life.
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Jesus didn’t just preach to the crowds; He spent time with a small group of followers, modeling behavior, answering questions, and patiently correcting them when they misunderstood. He invited them to walk alongside Him—not just to listen to Him. That model shows us that teaching truth is only part of the disciple-making equation. Walking with others as they learn to live that truth is just as critical.
The Biblical Mandate to Make Disciples Is Relational
Jesus’ call to make disciples was not a command to produce sermon listeners. It was a command to raise up people who would obey everything He taught. That kind of obedience isn’t always taught well from a distance. It grows through life-on-life relationships, shared struggles, and real-world application. Paul’s letters often reflect this pattern. He didn’t just write instructions—he referenced time spent, tears shared, and lives intertwined.
