Terminology Problems

Here's a huge problem we are discovering. What means one thing to one person means another thing to someone else. So when we speak of a Disciple-making Movement (Reformation) most (maybe most) think "they -we" are already involved in it. Something that couldn't be further from the truth.

Some speak of disciple-making as something that is already happening because everything they do in our church-programming is making disciples. Others speak of disciple-making as incarnational believers engaging the world deliberately and totally Spirit led.

Some speak of disciple-making in terms of inviting people to church so the church can lead them to Jesus and disciple them. Others think in terms of being invited into someone's life through relationships and invited to lead them.

Some speak of disciple making in terms of "coming in" rather than "going out." Others think in terms of "going out" rather than "coming in".

Some speak of disciple making in terms of a planned 10 point program we must take new believers through after they accept Christ. Others speak of disciple-making with no planned curricula while allowing the Holy Spirit to speak through them relevant truth before and after they come to Christ.

Some think of disciple making as something you have to be trained to do by taking a 10 or 12 week class. Others think of disciple making as something new Christ followers also do as they are taught continually and released immediately.

Some think of disciple-making in terms of teaching five purposes or a list of things that define a disciple following a conversion experience. Others think of disciple making as something a new believer immediately does upon their conversion.

Some think of disciple making as something the pastor or trained people do. Others think of disciple making as something every believer must do.

Some think of disciple making as separate from evangelism. Others think of disciple making as inclusive of evangelism.

Some think of disciple making as one of several priorities all at the same level of importance. Others think of disciple making as only main thing with other important things that flow naturally out of that main thing.

When we speak of disciple making many believe we are all on the same page as we process the terms through our grids. But the truth is we are using the same terminology while engaging differing interpretations of the terms.

Do you see it? Do you see other comparisions in disciple-making terminolgy problem? What say you?