How to be a disciple in the 21st century (part 1)
Much of SEND’s focus is on making
disciples as we plant churches around the world. In this post (the first of two by Lynn Karidis; read part two here) we consider being
a disciple in the 21st century. Lynn designed and facilitates “Soul Care in the 21st Century,” a spiritual formation retreat that helps believers rest, learn, and reconnect with Jesus.
In the pages of the New Testament, we see the disciples following Jesus from city to city, listening to his teaching, and learning to imitate him. How wonderful it must have been to see his face, hear his voice, and experience his ministry with the people. But what about us? We don’t live with Jesus in the flesh. How does a 21 st
Century person become a disciple? And what does being a disciple look like for us?
The answers are both simple and complex. While the basic structure of discipleship can be found in Jesus’ prayer in John 17 and in his commands in Matthew 28, one gleans how to be a disciple from the whole of Scripture.
The basic structure of discipleship
In John 17, we learn that Jesus revealed the Father to the disciples he called, he shared God’s word and plan of salvation with them, and the disciples believed and obeyed. Then Jesus sent the disciples out into the world to share the gospel with others. This pattern holds true for us. We learn about Jesus from others who know him. We hear the call and make a decision to repent and follow Jesus and, in this way, become disciples of Jesus.
In Matthew 28, we learn that discipleship with Jesus is different than with a typical rabbi and his followers. Instead of learning from Jesus in order to gather their own following, Jesus’ disciples are called to make more disciples of Jesus. And they do so by sharing the gospel, baptizing the believers, and teaching them to obey everything Jesus commanded. Simple, yet complex. We become disciples instantaneously at the moment of our salvation, but then spend a lifetime learning what Jesus taught and how to obey (a necessary prerequisite for teaching others).
Other thoughts from Jesus
Discipleship in the early church
Making it personal
Additional Posts

Choosing a Missions Organization: Why SEND International Stands Out “Why should I be a missionary through SEND International?” Jenna, a new missionary in Eastern Europe, shared with us what she appreciates about working with SEND. The highlights for her are: - Devotion to prayer - Diligence in communication - Commitment to development - Intentionality in accountability Prayer “Back in September of 2022, the Lord reconnected me with SEND after I had met them a year prior at the Moody Bible Institute. However, before he would sign me up for anything, my Missions Coach encouraged me to pray. He said something to the effect of, "I know that you've been praying on your own for a long time. But as the Church, we are not called to walk alone. So, you and I won't talk for about a month unless you have questions. I want you to go pray with 5 or 6 others from your church about where God is calling you." That October, more than 10 friends prayed with me and we saw God answer as He directed me to Romania. From February 2024 to November 2025, I had the pleasure of being a part of team meetings in Romania with my SEND colleagues. Our meetings were four hours long, two for prayer and two for business. This has been the minimum for our team. There are also prayer meetings with the local churches we partner with, among smaller groups within our team, of course prayer with many of you across the pond, including those at our US office. The organization was built, has been sustained, and continues to run on prayer. This is my favorite thing about SEND. Communication As I mentioned above, we have a two hour block for business / ministry details in each of our meetings. This provides consistency across our team which works alongside three different churches and in a variety of ministries. It also helps us to communicate about the need for change or growth, alongside what is working well. In addition, my team director also meets with each of us, allowing us to communicate needs, considerations, and prayer requests. I've also enjoyed getting to work with SEND workers outside of my immediate region . We receive emails with the minutes from the Europe leadership team, Friday communications from our international director, and information regarding projects that affect our work among the unreached. In December of 2024, our international director at the time wrote a note to my parents for the first Christmas that I was gone. If nothing else had convinced my mom yet, this did. He took the time to care for me, but also to care well for the parents that were sending me (What it meant to my dad and mom for him to do this well has been one of the greatest ways I've been supported.). I also have some pretty wonderful regional directors. These people have prayed alongside us (while also serving in their own countries of service), they have taken time to come visit and encourage our team, and they have also taken the time to encourage the people in our churches. Development SEND has provided much in the area of development and care (spiritually, physically, mentally, and emotionally). At our regional conference (every three years), there have been medical check ups available, counseling options, and time for connecting with others on the field with similar experience. At our conference last October, I connected with a missionary who served overseas for many years, and is now serving on the administrative side of SEND. She has met with me since then for mentorship and has also invested much of her time recently in preparing a retreat for the singles across Europe. Accountability Over the years I have read and heard amazing stories of how God has worked through missionaries. God has done great things and great things He is still doing! However, people who have committed their lives to the Lord in this way are not “super Christians”. We are still humans with the same struggle against flesh that others have . A major challenge is in being isolated -- living in areas with little to no presence of other believers to sharpen them can cause many difficulties. SEND has been a great resource in this area too. Through my team, I have an accountability partner that I meet with monthly. When my regional director came to visit, he and his wife spent a day with me and asked intentional questions about how I lead, handle conflict, and how I am growing in general as a Christian. In addition, my teammates share their wisdom with me on a regular basis. These things and more have assured me that SEND International is a highly valuable organization and I'm excited to partner with them in service to, for, and with our great God! Interested in being sent by SEND?



