A Simple, Helpful Pattern For Disciple-Making
Did you know that Jesus invites you to become a disciple-maker? In Matthew 28, otherwise known as the Great Commission, “Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” But how do you make disciples of Jesus?
Discover. Do. Share
A Simple, Helpful Pattern For Disciple-Making
Discover. Do. Share. Being a disciple and a disciple-maker will never involve less than these three values. Let’s explore:
Discover: John 14:26 says, “But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.”
Rather than solely relying on another person’s interpretation, you’re encouraged to look directly at the Scriptures to hear from God alongside others. As you do, internalize the Bible to help make meaning from what you read. You can do this through rereading passages in other translations, retelling Bible stories, rewriting the words of Scripture, drawing pictures, etc.!
Powerful questions help unlock discovery. Discover Bible Study walks you and your people through a set of repeatable, yet powerful questions to help stir curiosity in Jesus’ direction! Some questions include, What does this passage say about God, Jesus, or his plan? What does this passage say about people in general? and What is the SPEC (Sin to confess, Promise to hold onto, Example to follow, Command to obey)?
Do: Matthew 7:24 says, “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock.” In other words, Jesus said that wise people put what they hear from him into practice. Followers of Jesus want to experience Jesus and live his way, not just know about him.
As you look at God’s Word with others, each person decides their level of commitment and challenge to obey what God is saying.“I will” statements are self-commitments with the support of others. Follow this simple pattern as you listen to God: “I will (your costly, tangible action) by (date/time).”
Remember, obedience is timely (set a timeframe), tangible (have clear expectations), costly (reach beyond what is comfortable to you), and communal (support one another through prayer, celebration, and check-in).
Share: Matthew 10:32 says, “Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven.” When you share about who Jesus is and what it means to live with him, it should be immediately relatable to the people in your life, making space for open, spiritual conversations with the possibility of further discovery together!
The Good News of Jesus moves through his people to others by asking, “Who is close to you, but far from God?” Explore who these people are by drawing your Relational Map!
Be ready; not to have all the answers, but to engage in honest conversations. Be prepared with helpful disciple-making tools like the 15 second transformation story and the 3 Circles Gospel! Remember DBS? Think back to the recent Bible story or Scripture that connects with the people around you, and share what you’re learning and who you’re becoming with Jesus! The more you discover, do, and share, the more you’ll have to share (learnings, tools, practices, etc.) with those around you!
The more you repeat this pattern of Discover, Do, and Share, the more you will come to know and live like Jesus, inviting everyone to know him! Like learning to walk, first steps can feel a little wobbly. With each step, however, you become more confident to walk. Soon, you’ll find your rhythm and balance, stepping into greater discovery of who Jesus is alongside others!