Don’t just study the Bible. Learn the process Jesus used to make disciples.
Our approach is relational, intentional, biblical, and reproductive.
Jesus Had a Deliberate Process for Developing Disciples
We believe the Gospels reveal more than the events and teachings of Jesus’ ministry. They reveal a deliberate process He used to develop people.
Jesus certainly ministered to crowds. He proclaimed the Kingdom, healed the sick, taught publicly, and welcomed everyone who came to Him.
But He also intentionally invested in a defined group of followers.
He called them to be with Him (Mark 3:13–15). He taught them privately, explained things they did not understand, demonstrated ministry, allowed them to participate, corrected their misunderstandings, and eventually sent them out to minister.
His process involved more than transferring information.
He was developing people who would understand His message, adopt His values, demonstrate His character, carry out His ministry, and reproduce His mission.
We believe there is an important distinction between teaching people in a crowd and intentionally developing people through relational investment.
Public teaching has an important place in the Church, but we cannot assume that disciples will emerge simply because people regularly attend gatherings or receive biblical information.
Jesus’ example challenges us to invest intentionally in people, allowing them to observe, participate, ask questions, make mistakes, receive correction, and grow over time.
The Process of Developing Reproducing Disciples
Our approach is relational, intentional, biblical, and reproductive.
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1
Begin With People Who Are Faithful, Available, and Teachable
We look for people who demonstrate three important qualities:
- Faithful: They demonstrate consistency, integrity, and a willingness to follow through.
- Available: They are willing to make time and invest themselves in the process.
- Teachable: They are receptive to biblical instruction, correction, and continued development.
These qualities help us discern where to invest intentional training. They are not requirements for receiving the love or invitation of Jesus.
We trust God to bring people into our lives rather than attempting to manufacture spiritual hunger or force relationships.
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2
Build Relationships Through Time Together
A typical starting point is a regular gathering over coffee or another setting where people can get to know one another and study Scripture.
As the relationship develops, we learn about the person’s understanding, experience, strengths, and areas that need development.
Discipleship is not simply delivering a prepared curriculum. It involves knowing the person and recognizing what they need to learn and practice.
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3
Use the Biblical Text as the Curriculum
Our primary responsibility is to introduce people to the truth of God’s Word.
We want people to learn to investigate Scripture, ask questions, understand context, recognize the connections throughout the biblical narrative, and reconsider assumptions that may have shaped their understanding.
We do not want people merely repeating what we believe. We want them to develop the ability to see, understand, communicate, and live out biblical truth for themselves.
We believe God’s Word is the instrument of transformation. Our teaching and experience are tools to help people encounter and understand that truth.
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4
Repeat, Practice, and Develop Understanding
Hearing information once does not necessarily mean someone understands it.
We often need to revisit the same truth repeatedly. A person may need to hear, explain, and teach something ten, twenty, or thirty times before they begin to understand it deeply.
Understanding becomes evident when a person’s perspective changes, their ability to communicate truth develops, their decisions begin to reflect what they have learned, and their character is increasingly shaped by it.
The goal is not simply information retention. It is transformation of the mind, will, and character.
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5
Learn Through Participation
We do not wait until someone is fully trained before allowing them to participate in ministry.
Jesus allowed His disciples to participate while they were still learning. He sent them out, gave them opportunities to minister, and continued developing them through experience.
We believe people learn by doing.They need opportunities to teach Scripture, pray for people, serve others, minister, and share what they are learning.
When someone lacks understanding or skill, they need more instruction, practice, and opportunity. When the problem involves sinful behavior, the heart and conduct must also be addressed.
Character development, ministry skill, and dependence on the Holy Spirit develop together.
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6
Reproduce From the Beginning
We introduce the responsibility of reproduction from the very beginning of a discipleship relationship.
The moment someone begins learning, they should understand that what they receive is intended to be passed on.
We encourage people to begin giving away what they are learning as quickly as possible.
This does not mean they must have mastered everything before they teach someone else. In fact, teaching others is part of the process through which their own understanding develops.
The principle of 2 Timothy 2:2 is foundational: what has been entrusted to one person is to be entrusted to faithful people who will be able to teach others also.
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7
Continue Until the Process Is Reproducing
We look for more than someone who can repeat a lesson.
A person is developing toward maturity when they can accurately teach God’s Word, communicate truth in their own understanding, live it out, minister to others, and intentionally develop another person who can do the same.
The goal is to transfer the understanding, practical skills, vision, and responsibility necessary for reproduction.
There is no artificial graduation date. The process continues throughout life. Even when someone is capable of reproducing the process, they remain a learner who continues growing in Christ.
And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.2 Timothy 2:2
Ready to begin?
You do not have to become someone else before you begin. You begin following Jesus, learn His ways, and start giving away what you are learning.