Converts versus Disciples

I am reading Bob Robert's book The Multiplying Church and wrestling with his helpful distinction between converts and disciples.

Robert's notes that the church is called to make disciples- not just converts. While persons coming to faith, praying the sinners prayer, coming to the altar or checking a box are important, the ultimate mission of the church is not only to join in God's converting work but to join in God's work of then growing that person so they can join the greater mission of the church to transform the world.

This resonates with me as I see folks note how many "decisions were made for Christ" the past Sunday- how many people raised their hand, checked a box or came forward. All that is great and so important. But I wonder if we could share the less glamorous number of people who served in a soup kitchen the past week, had a conversation with some who was pre-Christian, brought a meal to a grieving family, sacrificed a "want" to help someone else with a "need", or were involved in daily prayer.

Conversion and discipleship are not either or. They are not antithetical to each other. In the best of Wesleyan theology they are part of the whole of the way of salvation.