I grew up in Minneapolis, a city known for its beautiful lakes. On sunny days, we’d rent kayaks and paddle across the water. One thing I quickly learned: if I didn’t keep my eyes fixed on the shore, I’d end up paddling around in circles without ever reaching my destination. Disciple-making movement (DMM) efforts can …
Urban slum communities are often ethnically and religiously diverse, united by poverty, but divided by deep cultural and social barriers. For those pursuing Disciple Making Movements (DMMs), this complexity presents both challenges and opportunities. DMMs grow through natural relationship networks—friends, family, and neighbors. We call these networks our oikos. These networks often follow ethnic or, …
Disciple Making Movements grow quickly—sometimes too quickly. While rapid multiplication is exciting and necessary because millions remain lost without Christ, this growth must be healthy, sustainable, and rooted in strong discipleship. Why Rapid Growth Matters Our world is hurting—both spiritually and physically. The faster we reach lost souls with the Gospel, the more we reflect …
You don’t need a seminary degree or a movement of 10,000 believers to train others. You just need to be one step ahead of those you train.
It’s easy to make assumptions about people’s spiritual openness—but what if those assumptions are wrong?
“I must be doing something wrong,” she thought. They had been working for almost ten years in a restricted access nation. They’d pressed through to learn the language, worked hard to build relationships and led a few people to the Lord. Talking with a key church planting movement mentor she asked, “What are we doing …
To see rapid, rabbit-style reproduction of disciple makers, one must depend heavily on the Holy Spirit. Many of us lean too much on our own skills and experience as we train disciples. The Holy Spirit lives within even the newest of believers.
Meeting in a house, coffee shop, or factory lunchroom naturally lends itself to a small size where everyone has a chance to participate. Each person is given time to answer discussion questions. When everyone participates, everyone is discipled and grows. Each person is accountable for obedience and putting what is studied into practice. Relationships go deeper. When you begin to meet in a church or building, this changes
Fear restricts, love releases. If you love those you lead and train, you will release them. You’ll take risks of faith, believing in the Spirit of God within trainees to make wise choices. Image credit: https://www.sawinery.net/
She finished serving tea to everyone, then settled herself comfortably on the floor. Opening her Bible, she read a line then began the story. It took about three minutes to tell. She then told it once again and set out to make sure every woman there could repeat it. Discussion followed.
It was incredibly simple. It had a great impact.