Dr. Steve Hake on Discipleship, Outreach & the Great Commission
What does it look like to live a life completely sold out to Christ—and still experience joy, peace, and fulfillment? In this episode of The Great Commission Today, we sit down with Dr. Steve Hake, a man who has pursued that question for over fifty years as a missionary, professor, and church elder.
Dr. Hake’s journey began in the countercultural upheaval of the 1960s. As a self-described “wannabe hippie existentialist,” he entered college full of himself and spiritually lost. Then, in his words, “God smashed my life.” That divine disruption set him on a path that would include nearly twenty years as an OPC missionary in Taiwan, a decades-long career teaching literature at Patrick Henry College, and ongoing service as an elder at New Hope OPC in Frederick, Maryland.
The Church Is Sitting on a Gold Mine
One of Dr. Hake’s most striking observations concerns the gap between what the church possesses and the world’s desperate need. “We’re sitting on a gold mine,” he says. “We have the gospel. We have the grace of God in Christ. And I look at our 21st-century postmodern American culture and the tremendous lostness and need of people all around us.”
He describes this tension with a vivid metaphor: “What we have is like gunpowder and the need of the world is like a spark. I would just love to bring them together.” For Dr. Hake, the challenge facing churches today isn’t a lack of truth—it’s a lack of connection. He longs to see believers break out of their “bubble” and engage meaningfully with their communities.
Understanding the Great Commission
Dr. Hake offers a clear breakdown of Matthew 28:16-20. He notes that the Great Commission is bookended by two promises: the power of Christ (“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me”) and the presence of Christ (“I am with you always, to the end of the age”).
The commission itself, he explains, unfolds in three stages: make disciples, baptize, and teach. A disciple, Dr. Hake emphasizes, is someone who has made a total commitment to follow Christ—a learner whose will is aligned with God’s will. Baptism represents complete dependence on God, dying to self and living to Christ. And teaching means instructing believers to observe “all things whatsoever” Christ commanded—not just the ABCs, but the A to Zs of the Christian life.
“Knowing is not enough,” Dr. Hake insists. “We’ve got to be doers of the word.”
Face-to-Face Discipleship in an AI Age
Perhaps the most countercultural insight from our conversation concerns the irreplaceable nature of personal, face-to-face discipleship. In an era of AI companions and endless digital connections, Dr. Hake is unequivocal: “Discipleship has got to be, bottom line, face-to-face, life on life.”
He compares it to parenting: “You don’t parent by remote control. Parenting is a life on life, high-touch endeavor. It’s over time. It’s very personal. You don’t treat your kids like factory objects.” The same is true of making disciples—each person is unique and deserves unique attention.
This doesn’t mean books and media have no place. As a literature professor, Dr. Hake loves the great books. But he’s clear about their purpose: “Books matter because people matter. The purpose of life is not to read books. The purpose of life is to build and enjoy relationships, first of all with God and then with each other.”
Practical Outreach Strategies
Dr. Hake isn’t content with theory. He offers concrete, actionable ideas for believers who want to share their faith. One approach is to leverage hobbies and interests. At 73, Dr. Hake teaches windsurfing and sailing at a local lake—partly because he enjoys it, and partly because it connects him with unbelievers in his community.
He also emphasizes the power of a “most wanted list”—keeping a short list of people in your life who don’t know Christ and praying for them daily by name. “If you are in prayer,” he says, “God will give you opportunities.”
And there’s his simple habit of carrying gospel tracts wherever he goes. He puts a sticker on the back with his personal cell phone number and the words, “Questions? Want to talk? Call or text me.” At doctor’s offices, restaurants, and stores, he offers them with a simple invitation: “Here’s something to read in a quiet moment.” He’s given away hundreds—and never had anyone react negatively.
Key Insights for Pastors and Church Leaders
- The gospel is the answer the world needs. The challenge is connection, not content.
- Church leaders must model outreach, not just teach it.
- Face-to-face discipleship cannot be replaced by digital tools.
- Use hobbies and everyday encounters as natural bridges to gospel conversations.
- Prayer is the foundation—maintain a “most wanted list” of people to pray for daily.
- A life of outreach isn’t a burden; it’s life at its best.
About This Episode
Dr. Steve Hake brings half a century of experience to this conversation—from his dramatic conversion during the 1960s counterculture, to nearly 20 years as an OPC missionary in Taiwan, to his current roles as professor at Patrick Henry College and elder at New Hope OPC. Whether you’re a pastor wrestling with how to lead your church outward, or a believer looking for practical ways to share your faith, this episode offers both challenge and encouragement.
Organizations & Resources Mentioned in This Episode
- Patrick Henry College
- New Hope Orthodox Presbyterian Church (Frederick, MD)
- Grace OPC Westfield (NJ)
Next Steps
- Schedule a free 30-minute Outreach Discovery Call with Daniel Vos, co-founder and CEO of Five More Talents:
👉https://go.fivemoretalents.com/