What does the Great Commission mean? Specifically, what do the words "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations" in Matthew 28:19 mean?

Do they mean that we are to take all the people that become Christians after we preach the gospel to them (Mark 16:15) and make them fully-devoted followers of Christ? That's basically what I've always been taught.

Or, does it mean this:

"He is simply commanding that we work to expand His kingly influence over the affairs of the world, and that means we must make disciples of the nations — leaving the question of their regeneracy and election to Him." (from chalcedon.edu)

In order to accept this alternative interpretation, one must have a specific understanding of the word "disciple" in this passage. I've always understood "disciple" to mean a follower of Christ who is already born-again. But the referenced article states that "although every born-again believer is a disciple, not every disciple is necessarily born-again." Is this true? Can one be a "disciple" without being regenerated?

The other very interesting point in this article which I've been considering is the idea that "discipling the nations" is more than discipling individual people...much more:

"[The] Great Commission seeks the comprehensive influence of Christ's sovereignty over every facet of a nation."

That's pretty deep.  Did Christ intend for his command to be understood in such a corporate way? It does say "disciple all nations" not "disciple all people." If this interpretation of the Great Commission is true, it changes a major part of the mission of Christians in my mind. More study of this topic is definitely a must...

TPaulShippy.com