Where does discipleship take place? Discover four practical ways to move disciple-making into everyday life, just like Jesus did. These steps can help you build relationships that lead to real spiritual growth.
When you think of Jesus’s ministry, do you picture a classroom?
His teachings often come to mind first. They confront our sin, call us to holiness and transform lives. Certainly, Jesus taught in synagogues — the classrooms of His day. But His ministry didn’t stop there. He taught in streets, fields, homes and around dinner tables. Wherever He went, He made disciples.
That’s the image I hold when I think of Jesus: not behind a lectern, but walking, eating, listening and sharing life.
Yet, when it comes to making disciples, I often default to the classroom. Don’t get me wrong: The classroom is an essential part of disciple-making. Jesus used it. But it wasn’t His only strategy, and it shouldn’t be ours.
What would it look like to move disciple-making from the classroom to the kitchen table? It might be simpler than you think. Try just one of these four ideas in the next six months.
Who is one person you could invite to dinner in your home?
One of my mentors used to say, “There is something holy about a home, a table and a meal.” Jesus knew this. He spent much of his time reclining at the table with His disciples.
We need the Word of God clearly taught and preached on Sundays as the body of Christ gathers. However, there are conversations that must happen at the kitchen table that can’t happen in a sanctuary or an auditorium.
At the kitchen table, we don’t have on our Sunday best. We can move past “How are you?” and into “How are you, really?” We don’t just hear the truth; we see it lived out in the context of everyday life.
Who is one person you could read the Bible with?
Grab breakfast or a cup of coffee with someone, open the Word, read a chapter together, then discuss it and life. You’d be surprised how much someone can grow through informal Bible study. When I share the gospel with someone, one of my favorite follow-ups is asking them to read the book of John with me so they can fully consider the claims of Jesus.
This time doesn’t have to be formal. Simply ask them four questions:
- What does this passage say?
- What does it say about God/Jesus?
- What does it say about man?
- What should you do now that you’ve read it?
This format is conversational and relational. You’re pointing someone toward God’s Word, showing them how to read it and helping them see how to obey the Word of God. You’re doing it all in the context of relationship.
Who are five people your group could pray for and invite to church together?
Do you ever wish your Sunday school class or small group shared the gospel more? Think about this: When was the last time you prayed as a group for someone to come to know Jesus?
If you want your group to be more evangelistic, more inviting and welcoming, start with prayer. Pray together, because what you pray for together shapes your group’s culture.
Try taking five minutes at the beginning of your meeting and ask, “Who are five people (first names) who you wish knew Jesus better?” Write those names on the board, then spend a few minutes praying for those people to come to Christ.
Who is one person in your group who could be ready to lead their own group?
Start with an invitation. “I think you could lead a group, and I’d like to help prepare you and entrust you with that leadership. Would you be willing to meet with me once a month over the next six months?”
Then, hand them a lesson and ask them to lead it. Help them learn the skills of leading without the pressure of also preparing a lesson. Don’t wait — giving them confidence early helps them see themselves as a leader and helps the group see it too. After that, walk them through the process of preparing their own lesson.
Then teach them the details that make your group special: fellowship times, community building, outreach, prayer, following up with guests, pastoral and shepherding needs.
Which of these four steps might God be calling you to try over the next six months? Relational discipleship often feels like farming. You plant the seeds and tend the soil, but you can’t always see what happens beneath the surface.
The Master disciple-maker led just such a disciple-making ministry, even as He discipled the crowds by teaching and preaching. I pray that you, too, will choose simple steps to follow Him.
If you’re ready for an in-depth, hands-on experience to strengthen your disciple-making, join us for a 2-day event in partnership with Replicate Ministries. The Multiplication Process Co-Lab will be Oct. 21-22 in Charlotte. Together we will clarify your disciple-making outcomes and reimagine the disciple-making process. Learn more or contact Drew Dabbs for more information.
By Drew Dabbs, Discipleship Ministry strategist
