Learning to Make Apprentices of Jesus from the Celtic Way – 4 Important Questions to Ask Yourself

Learning to Make Apprentices of Jesus from the Celtic Way – 4 Important Questions to Ask Yourself

Do you love to engage with people on their spiritual journey, watch others grow in their faith, develop leaders, and catalyze disciple-making movements?  Are you growing and learning how to improve as a leader?  Do you enjoy examining how different streams of the Christian faith have created disciple-making movements, developed leaders, and planted churches?

If your answer is “yes” to these questions, then you will enjoy studying the historical Celtic movement dating back to the 500s AD and the ministry of Columba.

Columba’s Early Beginnings

Columba was born in 522 AD to parents of royal lineage.  One of Columba’s teachers was Finnian of Clonard, best known for making the Bible the foundation for all education.  This had a profound effect on Columba, who, after a period, left Clonard to plant churches and set up mission stations wherever God led him.  Historians describe him as being incessantly active and perhaps this intensity of energy and a fervent zeal for the truth led him to plant over 300 churches and to found a great number of Bible training schools.  

Columba’s Mission Strategy

The Celtic Way was to establish a thriving, self-sustaining mission outpost to develop people of deep faith.  Part of the mission outpost was a Bible training school attached to a farm, a bakery, and large gardens. A church was birthed as part of the Iona community.  

Columba’s Holistic Approach

The Celtic Way blurred the lines between insiders and outsiders.  By virtue of living on the island of Iona, or being on pilgrimage visiting Iona, you became part of the community.  Last summer, I traveled to Iona and experienced the ongoing life of the Iona community; a trip that forged a lasting memory.  Watch this video if you would like to learn more about Columba and the Celtic Way.

Challenges from the Celtic Way to Modern Missiology:

  • Christian Community
  • Discipleship
  • Distinction between insiders and outsiders
  • Leadership Development 
  • Church Planting

Dissecting the Problem

Expectations for discipleship, leadership development, and church planting are unrealistically high in our current reality (in my humble opinion).  

  • Fast-pace of life so time is not permitted for the slow work of God.  
  • Visions are more aspirational than real.  
  • Results are more attractive than substantive.   
  • Measure the wrong things
  • Breadth over depth.  

This is one reason why it is helpful to look at historical movements like the Celtic Way.

4 Questions to consider in your methodology to make apprentices of Jesus:

  1. Is your vision too small?

The Celtic Way was focused on the whole of life and community transformation to bring the Kingdom of God – here and now.

  1. What is your starting point?

The Celtic Way began where people were at in their spiritual journeys rather than the approach many use today that invites people to the place the ministry needs them to be before you begin the discipleship process –  for example, “into the church”.

  1. What is your process?

The Celtic Way was clear, simple, and reproducible. Think of three concentric circles, mentioned earlier: the community, the church, and the monastery.  

  1. Do you have a complete picture of an apprentice of Jesus? 

The Celtic Way has a comprehensive view on spiritual formation – to read more about the 6 stages of spiritual formation, see Where Discipleship Intersects with Spiritual Formation

Much can be learned about the Celtic Way.  If you would like to participate in a conversation around these principles, I would invite you to consider participating in our Discipleship Collective.  During the FREE Discipleship Webinar, we will identify the principles that have been foundational to disciple-making movements for centuries.

Interested in learning more about the FREE Discipleship Webinar?

Curious about your unique strengths as an apprentice of Jesus? 

Take our FREE Disciple Coach Quiz today!

Become an InFocus Partner

Invest in leaders who are transforming lives and join the InFocus community. Together, let’s create a ripple effect of faith and love.

Click here to learn about joining the InFocus family to start your ripple effect!

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Where Discipleship Intersects with Spiritual Formation

Where Discipleship Intersects with Spiritual Formation

Healthy conversation is taking place in the church and discipleship circles today.  One of the questions that surfaces is how and when discipleship intersects with spiritual formation.  This is a really important issue when disciple-making movements are brought up. Behind the issue is the question: Is discipleship synonymous with spiritual formation?

In a sense, “yes,” they are one and the same thing; but in a pragmatic, functional sense – maybe not.

As an apprentice of Jesus you are learning to be like Jesus.  I like what John Mark Comer has written about in “Practicing the Way: Be with Jesus, Become like him, Do as he did”.  In his book, he highlights stages of “The Critical Journey” from Dr. Janet Hagberg and Robert Guelich.  

These have become very familiar.  Let me share these with you again.  

You can read more about the six stages in ARE YOU HITTING A SPIRITUAL WALL?

When you follow the narrative of the evangelical church in the West, most agree the church has done a good job on stages 1-3, not so well with stages 4-6.  Using the diagram as a backdrop, it appears that discipleship is a subset of spiritual formation.  

And, some might suggest the Catholic church does a better job in Stages 4-6 by emphasizing the ancient practices the Reformation deconstructed.  

Naturally, there is a ton of church history that one would need to research to argue the point.  My goal is not to argue; but instead, to synthesize the current reality and what I believe the popular line is on spiritual formation so together, we can fill in the gaps.

In summary, authors like Pete Scazzero (Emotionally Healthy Spirituality) and John Mark Comer (Practicing the Way) reinforce the six stages.  Both emphasize the need for a Rule of Life.  A Rule of Life is a wonderful tool to potentially advance your spiritual formation, assuming you implement and practice a Rule of Life that uniquely fits you.  

The bridge between let’s say, stages 3 and 4, is moving from information to application.  For instance, reading about the Rule of Life is important. The next step demands more – living into a Rule of Life.  Understanding and knowing are two different activities; one is information-based vs. the other, which is experiential.

So, this raises the question, “How?”  

Glad you asked.  

In a real sense, writing out a plan is half of the challenge, which is what Scazzero and Comer do so well.  In coaching leaders for the last 35+ years, part of the battle is won by having a written plan in place.  If you, an apprentice of Jesus, take this step, the authors have achieved part of their purpose behind writing a book about spiritual formation.  However, implementing the plan is up to the apprentice of Jesus, and requires a different orientation–a depth of understanding and motivation.  

This is where the hard work begins.  

Challenges apprentices of Jesus face moving from a plan to taking action:

  • Intrinsic Motivation – deeper levels of motivation have not been tapped 
  • Priorities – there are other “important” issues competing for attention 
  • Sustainability – the level of complexity may be too great
  • Accountability – finding a person or group that will provide a level of accountability 
  • Perfection over Progress – if perfection is the goal, you will fail; aim for progress

How to move from Stage 3 to Stage 4 in the Critical Journey

Following is a list of best practices I have discovered in moving from Stage 3 to Stage 4.  It is not exhaustive, nor is it always the case in every situation.  It should be considered as a list of suggestions that could help you sustain the shift from what evangelicals are generally strong in (Stages 1-3) and into the later stages (Stages 4-6), beginning with the shift from Stages 3-4.  What I am trying to say is that I am an apprentice, just like you, and here is one apprentice sharing with another apprentice some things I’ve learned along my journey.  See what resonates with you.

  1. Pray for a Spiritual Friendship

Preferably a person trained in spiritual direction who can be a discerning listener to hear you process your experience through the exercises

  1. Find a Road Map 

I found that I benefited tremendously from a directive and detailed tool that has passed the test of time.  The Ignatian Exercises (Journey With Jesus by Larry Warner) has been a helpful guide as I learned how to put my Rule of Life into practice.  

  1. Embrace the Long-Term

Don’t rush; just take the next step. The “intent to do” your exercises is as important as the actual exercises.

  1. Don’t beat yourself up

You will go through seasons when it is easy to do your exercises and other seasons when it is challenging.  Don’t beat yourself up if you miss a day, or have to cut it short; just pick up where you left off.

  1. Be patient

Growth doesn’t happen overnight – it takes time.  Set realistic expectations.  The beauty is that the journey we are on will take a lifetime.  Don’t be in a rush; enjoy the process

Curious about your unique strengths as an apprentice of Jesus? 

Take our FREE Disciple Coach Quiz today!

Interested in learning more about the FREE Discipleship Webinar?

Become an InFocus Partner

Invest in leaders who are transforming lives and join the InFocus community. Together, let’s create a ripple effect of faith and love.

Click here to learn about joining the InFocus family to start your ripple effect!

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5 Reasons to Rethink Your Disciple-Making Strategy (and How to Do It on a Napkin!)

5 Reasons to Rethink Your Disciple-Making Strategy (and How to Do It on a Napkin!)

Feeling stuck in auto-pilot ministry? You’re not alone. We’ve been diving deep into 5 key disciple-making habits, but what’s the real point? Here’s why it’s crucial to assess how you’re creating a ripple effect of disciples who make disciples.

STOP, REFLECT, and REIGNITE your disciple-making strategy:

1. Reignite Your Why:

Have you ever been on autopilot? Ministry can become routine. Summer’s a perfect time to rediscover your passion!

Reflection Question: What gets you FIRED UP about your ministry?

2. Evaluate Your Impact:

Is your ministry bearing fruit? Take a courageous look at the results. Are you excited, frustrated, or somewhere in between?

Reflection Questions:

  • What’s THRIVING?
  • What NEEDS WORK?
  • What NEEDS to CHANGE?

3. Make the Main Thing THE Main Thing:

Busyness can steal your focus on what truly matters: disciple-making disciples!

Reflection Question: What activities are DISTRACTING you from your core purpose?

4. Simplify Your Disciple-Making Cycle:

Busy schedules cloud the essentials. Refocus on the actions that truly transform lives.

Reflection Exercise: What are the FEW, CRUCIAL STEPS to cultivate apprentices of Jesus ?

5. Refine Your Invitation:

A clear, compelling invitation is key! Think about your own journey to faith. What drew you in?

Reflection Question: What are you inviting people to become, as followers of Jesus?

Ready to Refine Your Strategy? The Napkin Challenge Awaits!

In our Discipleship Collective, we challenge participants to describe their entire disciple-making cycle in a 3-minute video using just a napkin! 

Here’s how:

  1. Grab a napkin (or paper).
  2. In 3 minutes, sketch out your disciple-making cycle.
  3. Keep it SIMPLE, CLEAR, and COMPELLING.

The previous five blogs have been dedicated to unpacking 5 discipleship habits.  In case you missed them, here they are:

Curious about your unique strengths as an apprentice of Jesus? 

Take our FREE Disciple Coach Quiz today!

Interested in learning more about the FREE Discipleship Webinar?

Become an InFocus Partner

Invest in leaders who are transforming lives and join the InFocus community. Together, let’s create a ripple effect of faith and love.

Photo by Small Group Network on Unsplash

Habit #5: Strategic Partnerships: The Secret Weapon You Didn’t Know You Had

Habit #5: Strategic Partnerships: The Secret Weapon You Didn’t Know You Had

For over 30 years, I’ve witnessed countless approaches to discipleship. The beauty of that? It’s not a one-size-fits-all game; new methods are constantly emerging, fueled by imagination and the ever-changing world.

But what if you’re facing a unique challenge? What if the people you are coming alongside, or those you are leading, are not seeing the results they want to see?  Things are taking much longer than expected; they are experiencing setbacks.  Deep down, their commitment is wavering, and they are asking if it is time to quit!

The answer lies in a powerful secret weapon: Strategic Partnerships.

Think of it as a three-legged stool. Each leg represents an essential partnership:

  • Leg 1: Your unwavering connection with God. This is your source of strength, wisdom, and spiritual fortitude.
  • Leg 2: The bond with your disciples. You walk alongside them, a trusted companion on their path of self-discovery.
  • Leg 3: The guidance of experienced apprentices of Jesus. Their experiences keep you focused, and provide invaluable insights as you navigate challenges.

Each leg is crucial. Try becoming and making disciples with just one or two, and things get wobbly. But when you leverage all three? That’s where the magic happens.

Imagine a community of fellow apprentices of Jesus encouraging each other. They celebrate the victories, big or small – a first-time prayer, an act of service, a deepening faith. This supportive network becomes the wind beneath your wings, amplifying your impact.

You are not doing this alone!  It goes back to the principle of synergy: 1+1=3! You are part of a community that is pulling in the same direction.

But what about reaching those outside the faith, especially in a secular world? Creativity is key. I found the use of 3 Thirds Groups to be a helpful format to introduce newer disciples to, and a tool that allows everyone to engage regardless of where they are in their spiritual journey. 

A 3 Thirds Group is a group format that’s structured into three segments.

  • Looking Back: this first segment gives group members the opportunity to provide care and support for one another based on what’s happening in their individual lives. It also provides accountability for the goals each person sets for themselves.
  • Looking Up: this second segment directs the group to “look up” to the Holy Spirit for direction, guidance, and revelation for the group’s journey through a passage of Scripture. What is the Spirit saying? What can we learn from this about God? About ourselves?
  • Looking Forward: this last segment offers the opportunity to look ahead and explore how each person can apply what they have learned or discovered.

You can read more here. CLICK HERE.

Discipleship and disciple-making is a collaborative effort. By cultivating strategic partnerships with God, your newest disciples, and mentors, you unlock a community of support. It’s about walking hand-in-hand, celebrating victories, and weathering challenges together. Unleash the power of partnerships and watch your disciple-making journey take flight!

Curious about your unique strengths as an apprentice of Jesus? 

Take our FREE Disciple Coach Quiz today!

Interested in learning more about the FREE Discipleship Webinar?

Become an InFocus Partner

Photo by Cytonn Photography on Unsplash

HABIT #4: Unleash Your Disciple Making Cycle: Simple-Repeatable-Reproducible

HABIT #4: Unleash Your Disciple Making Cycle: Simple-Repeatable-Reproducible

Ignite Your Disciple-Making Engine: Start with the Big Why

Ever feel like you’re spinning your wheels when it comes to disciple-making? It’s easy to get lost in tactics without a clear vision. That’s why, before you build your strategy, you need to answer the fundamental question: What am I trying to achieve?

1. Mission Trumps Religion: When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Get Discipling

A shocking statistic: 1 in 3 churchgoers stopped attending church during the pandemic. This revealed a crucial truth: true faith goes beyond religious routine. Church leaders who were already making disciples saw this as an opportunity to double down on their mission. Others, forced to re-evaluate, discovered the power of a clear purpose.

2. The Gospel Thrives in Adversity: Crisis Breeds Innovation

“Thriving” might not be the first word you associate with a pandemic, but in this case, it describes the spirit of those who embraced the challenge. Some churches chose fear and isolation, while others chose to be open, curious, and explore new ways to connect. The results speak for themselves: churches with disciple-making communities or strong small groups thrived, while those without scrambled to catch up. 

3. Disciple-Making Needs a Playbook: Keep It Simple, Keep It Shareable

We challenged a group of leaders we were training in our Leadership Collective to a fun competition: explain your disciple-making process using only a napkin and a 3-minute video. This forced them to distill their approach into its core essence. The result? Reproducible systems. Leaders with clear, transferable processes invested their energy in multiplying disciples who could then multiply themselves. Others refined their existing methods, making them easier to share and implement.

Ready to ignite your own disciple-making engine? Start with the big “why.” What are you trying to accomplish? Once you have clarity, you can build a strategy that gets you there.  To help you understand your “why” – begin with the question: “What is the fruit of a disciple?”  The answer will propel you into your disciple-making cycle.  

“In order to develop a framework, it is necessary to be clear about what you are trying to accomplish; what are the identifiable traits of loving God, loving others and making disciples. You need to start with the big picture.”As You Go… Make Disciples by Colin Noyes

Here are a couple of coaching resources to help you assess, refine, or create your disciple-making cycle.

Resources to cultivate disciples that make disciples!

Make Obedient Disciples
(of already disciples)

Make Disciples
(of new-yet disciples)

Curious about your unique strengths as a disciple? Take our FREE Disciple Coach Quiz today!

Discipleship Quiz

Interested in learning more about the FREE Discipleship Webinar?

CLICK HERE

Become an InFocus Partner

Photo by Small Group Network on Unsplash

Habit #3 Relational Connections – The Journey of Faith Starts with Connection

Habit #3 Relational Connections – The Journey of Faith Starts with Connection

Why Connection Matters: We’re Wired for Belonging

Humans aren’t designed to be islands; we’re wired for connection. It’s in our DNA, dating back to our hunter-gatherer days when survival depended on strong social bonds. Science now backs this up, showing that isolation can be as detrimental to our health as smoking. Strong relationships boost our immune system, lower stress hormones, and even help us live longer.

Beyond Survival: The Power of Shared Experiences

Connection isn’t just about survival; it’s about the richness life offers. Sharing laughter with friends, offering a shoulder to cry on, celebrating victories together – these moments weave the tapestry of our lives. They bring joy, provide comfort, and give our experiences meaning.

Building Bridges, Not Walls: Connection and Growth

Think about a time you learned something new or grew as a person. Often, it wasn’t in a vacuum. Maybe a friend challenged your perspective, or a mentor offered guidance. Connection exposes us to different ideas and experiences, helping us grow and evolve. It also allows us to share our own gifts and make a positive impact on others.

The Ripple Effect: Connection Creates Community

The connections we build don’t exist in isolation. They form a web that strengthens our communities. When we connect with our neighbors, support local businesses, or volunteer our time, we create a ripple effect of positivity. This sense of belonging fosters a more vibrant and supportive environment for everyone.

Connection Fuels Disciple Making

In the context of faith, connection takes on an even deeper meaning. Jesus himself modeled the power of relationships. He wasn’t just preaching to crowds; he was building a community of disciples. It’s through genuine connection that we can share our faith authentically, answer questions, and walk alongside others on their spiritual journeys.

Curious about your unique strengths as a disciple? Take our FREE Disciple Coach Quiz today!

Discipleship Quiz

Interested in learning more about the FREE Discipleship Webinar?

CLICK HERE

Become an InFocus Partner

Photo by Austin Kehmeier on Unsplash

Habit #2 Active Prayer: Igniting the Flame of Christ Within

Habit #2 Active Prayer: Igniting the Flame of Christ Within

Have you ever felt like your prayers are getting lost in the heavenly hum? We all know prayer’s importance—it’s echoed in scripture and preached from pulpits. But sometimes, it becomes a rote recitation, a to-do list on the divine grocery run. But what if prayer felt like less of a duty and more like a direct line to the heart of Christ?

Imagine prayer as a hidden chamber within your soul, a chamber where the flame of Christ flickers, waiting to be fanned into a roaring fire. Within lies a direct line to the source of salvation, a force capable of shaping reality and igniting transformation through the power of His love. This isn’t about checking boxes; it’s about forging a heart connection with Jesus, a connection that ripples outward, reflecting His light in the world.

But how do we fan this flame into a beacon? How do we transform our prayer lives from a dusty attic to a vibrant, Jesus-centered dialogue? The key lies in active prayer. It’s about ditching the autopilot and stepping into a dynamic, intentional conversation with our Savior.

1. Rekindle the Flame of Jesus: Pray for Yourself. This isn’t about begging for earthly treasures. It’s about deep soul-searching. Ask Jesus to chisel away the layers of self-interest and reveal your authentic purpose in His grand plan. Pray for a heart overflowing with Jesus-like compassion, a heart that aches for those who haven’t yet experienced the transformative power of His love. Imagine yourself as an extension of Jesus’s ministry, channeling His love outward, drawing others towards His light.

2. Become a Bridge to Jesus. The people you encounter daily – the barista, the stranger on the bus – they’re not random bumps in your life’s journey. They’re divinely orchestrated opportunities to share the love of Jesus. Actively pray for them! Ask the Holy Spirit to open their hearts to Jesus’s voice, to make them receptive to the whispers of His grace within. Pray for the wisdom to speak words that resonate with Jesus’s teachings and the courage to act with His love, even when it feels awkward or uncomfortable.

3. See Jesus in All. Every face you see is a reflection of God’s creation, a soul for whom Jesus died. Start your day by actively praying for two random people. Ask for Jesus’ wisdom and understanding to flow through them. Pray for the opportunity to be a tangible expression of Jesus’ love, even in a small way. A simple smile, a listening ear, or a helping hand – these seemingly insignificant acts can be the spark that ignites a fire of faith within another soul.

Passive prayer keeps you on the sidelines, a silent observer in the grand drama of salvation. Active prayer throws you into the heart of the story, empowering you to be a co-laborer with Jesus, a difference-maker who reflects His light in the world. Don’t settle for the flickering ember of a rote prayer life. Step into the hidden chamber within, fan the flame of Jesus into a blazing fire, and watch as incredible possibilities unfold in His name!

Curious about your unique strengths as a disciple? Take our FREE Disciple Coach Quiz today!

Interested in learning more about the FREE Discipleship Webinar?

Become an InFocus Partner

Invest in leaders who are transforming lives and join the InFocus community. Together, let’s create a ripple effect of faith and love.

Photo by Ruben Hutabarat on Unsplash

Habit #1: Missional Values Guide Disciples into the 3rd & 4th Generation

Habit #1: Missional Values Guide Disciples into the 3rd & 4th Generation

I’ve been pondering this question for some time now: “What essential support, resources or training does a disciple need to make disciples that make disciples?”

Back in the fall of 2020 I began a conversation with one of my friends who was asking the same question. Glenn worked in an industry his entire career and has a pretty good pulse on how to make disciples in places the local church is having little success. In fact, one of the catalysts for Glenn has been his frustration with participating in local churches but seeing little impact made beyond the walls of the church building. Simultaneously, I’ve informally asked people what they really need. I’ve blogged about some of those ideas. Glenn and I are working at refining the list.

In my last blog I presented the habit: Active Prayer. We identified two areas of focus that a disciple could benefit from in his/her prayer life.

  • Prayer for self 
  • Prayer for people God has placed in their life to coach on their spiritual journey

Now I want to circle back around to the second habit on the list: Missional Values. What do I mean by missional values?  Let’s start by defining both “missional” and “values”.

  • Missional = disciples making disciples into the 3rd & 4th generation
  • Values = principles that drive missional behaviors

Simply put, Missional Values guide people who are making disciples into the 3rd & 4th generation.

In our conversations with people, the three missional values we see in Scripture and are verified in ministry with other leaders include:

  • Loving God
  • Loving your neighbor
  • Making disciples

It is like a three-legged stool.

One leg without the other two is worthless. Two without the one is broken. All three legs must be solid.

This is the reason this habit made its way into the list.  Without missional values the motivation will always be lacking. A person may make disciples for other reason like:

  • obligation
  • guilt
  • legalistic teaching

When a person embraces these it is hard to NOT make disciples: Loving God, loving your neighbor and making disciples.

How important are these three values to you?


Ready to take action?

  • Find your starting point: Take the FREE Discipleship Quiz and discover your strengths and weaknesses as a disciplemaker.

Become an InFocus Partner

Invest in leaders who are transforming lives and join the InFocus community. Together, let’s create a ripple effect of faith and love.

Click here to learn about joining the InFocus family to start your ripple effect!

Photo by Tobias Mrzyk on Unsplash

7 Nuances to Transform Your Discipleship Culture

7 Nuances to Transform Your Discipleship Culture

Discipleship: Beyond Assimilation, Beyond Boring

Want vibrant faith journeys, not just pew-fillers? Ditch the “join the club” mentality. Begin with the end: are you raising disciples, or filling seats? Distinguish: assimilation welcomes, discipleship equips. Monitor progress – are hearts growing, lives changing? Spice it up! Make it fun, adventurous, messy. Keep it simple, focused, real. Less is more, quality over quantity. And finally, make it reproducible: empower others to disciple, creating a chain reaction of faith. Remember, it’s not about numbers, it’s about igniting souls!

7 Nuances to Transform Your Discipleship Culture: From Assimilation to Thriving Growth

Discipleship. It’s a word that gets thrown around a lot, but how often do we truly understand its depth and power? Building a thriving culture of discipleship isn’t about simply checking boxes or churning out cookie-cutter followers. It’s about cultivating a space where individuals grow into their full potential, empowered by faith and equipped to make a difference in the world.

Here are 7 nuances to guide you in transforming your discipleship culture from assimilation to a dynamic, life-changing journey:

1. Begin with the End in Mind:

Before building, you need blueprints. Define what a “disciple” looks like. Are they individuals who embody specific values? Do they actively engage in their communities? Having a clear vision of your destination helps you navigate the path and tailor your approach.

Key Question: How do you measure the fruitfulness of a disciple of Jesus? 

2. Distinguish Between Assimilation & Discipleship:

Assimilation is about making people fit into a mold, while discipleship is about helping them discover and develop their unique gifts and calling. Don’t focus on conformity; nurture authenticity and encourage personal growth within the context of shared values.

Key Question: Are your people simply being assimilated into the congregation or are they growing closer to Jesus, cultivating their character and reproducing other disciples?

3. Monitor Progress:

Growth doesn’t happen by accident. Implement systems to track progress and provide personalized feedback. This could involve goal setting, mentorship, or even simple check-ins to see how individuals are applying their learnings. Coaching keeps motivation high and identifies areas where support is needed.

Key Question: How does your ministry monitor progress in the disciples you are making?

4. Make Discipleship Fun and Adventurous:

Let’s face it, traditional Bible study can feel stale at times. Inject a sense of excitement into your discipleship journey. Organize mission trips, retreats, or even service projects that allow people to put their faith into action in engaging ways. Remember, learning is best when it’s also fun!

Key Question: How dynamic is your discipleship pathway?

5. Keep it Simple:

Don’t overwhelm people with complex theological jargon or a never-ending list of requirements. Break down complex concepts into digestible chunks and focus on the core principles of your faith. Remember, less is often more when it comes to laying a strong foundation.

Key Question: Can you draw your discipleship process on a napkin and explain to a brand new disciple in 3-5 minutes?

6. Less is More:

Quality trumps quantity. Is it better to have a small group of deeply committed disciples than a large group of passive participants? Foster meaningful relationships within your group, providing opportunities for genuine connection and support.

Key Question: What are the essential components to foster a culture of discipleship in your congregations, gatherings, and groups?

7. Make it Reproducible:

A strong discipleship culture isn’t sustainable if it relies solely on charismatic leaders or specific programs. Design systems and frameworks that anyone can pick up and run with. Train and empower individuals to become mentors and guides themselves, ensuring your culture thrives even beyond the initial spark.

Key Question: If you step out of the discipleship “system” will it continue on it’s own?

Remember, building a thriving discipleship culture is a journey, not a destination. By incorporating these nuances, you can create an environment where individuals are challenged, inspired, and empowered to grow into their full potential as Jesus followers. So, let’s ditch the assimilation assembly line and embark on a journey of genuine transformation, together.

Resources to cultivate disciples, that make disciples:

Make Obedient Disciples
(of already disciples)

Make Disciples
(of new-yet disciples)


Ready to take action?

  • Find your starting point: Take the FREE Discipleship Quiz and discover your strengths and weaknesses as a disciplemaker.

Become an InFocus Partner

Invest in leaders who are transforming lives and join the InFocus community. Together, let’s create a ripple effect of faith and love.

Click here to learn about joining the InFocus family to start your ripple effect!

Photo by Christina @ wocintechchat.com on Unsplash

Connecting with Not-Yet Followers of Jesus

Connecting with Not-Yet Followers of Jesus

Imagine you are preparing to go fishing. What are the things you need in order to be prepared?

  • Gear
  • Tackle
  • Bait

Now consider you are fishing for not-yet followers of Jesus. What do you need to be aware of (think attitudes to adopt and contextual factors to consider)?

  • Spiritual readiness
  • Posture of curiosity
  • Mindfulness
  • Authenticity
  • Compassion

As I’ve shared in the past, Gina and I are serving and participating in a new church plant (The Refinery Church) that has a vision to reproduce churches so that people far from God can discover Jesus in non-judgemental, safe environments. Here is a quick guide for preparing and being ready to connect with not-yet followers of Jesus. 

Spiritual readiness

Let the Holy Spirit guide you: Ultimately, it’s not your job to convert people. Pray for the Holy Spirit to work in their hearts and open them up to the message of Jesus.

Posture of curiosity

Respect their beliefs (or lack thereof): People have a wide range of beliefs, and some may not be interested in religion at all. Approach conversations with an open mind and a willingness to listen to their perspective.

Mindfulness

Focus on common ground: Look for areas of shared values, like compassion, kindness, or a desire for a better world. This can build a foundation for further conversation.

Avoid being pushy: People are more likely to be turned off if they feel pressured to accept your beliefs. Focus on sharing your faith in a loving and respectful way.

Authenticity

Live your faith: Your actions and the way you treat others are often the most powerful testimony of your faith. People are more likely to be receptive to your message if they see the positive impact your faith has on your life.

Be articulate but avoid jargon: Explain your faith in a way that is easy to understand, avoiding complex theological terms or church slang.

Answer questions honestly: Be prepared to answer questions about your faith in a clear and truthful way. If you don’t know the answer, it’s okay to say so.

Compassion

Empathy vs. being right: I was reminded of this recently when I was discussing faith issues with a person from another belief system. It was difficult, but I tried my best to practice empathy when discussing her beliefs rather than argue my theology. I have a long way to go, but I am continuing to learn to put myself in the other person’s shoes when viewing issues of faith.

Who do you know that you could invite into a conversation about faith? Or, who do you know that is connecting with not-yet believers of Jesus?

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Photo by Andreea Avramescu on Unsplash