If you’ve spent any time in church circles, you’ve probably heard the word "discipleship" thrown around a lot. It’s one of those "churchy" words that sounds important but often feels a bit vague: or worse, like something reserved only for the spiritual elite.
For many of us, the idea of disciple making can feel intimidating. We think we need a seminary degree, a library full of leather-bound commentaries, and a perfect life before we can even think about leading someone else. We look at the Great Commission and think, "That sounds great for a pastor, but I’m just a college student/stay-at-home parent/accountant."
Dr. Adam Grill, the lead expert behind the Disciple Maker platform, wants to challenge that narrative. In his transformative book series, "The Real Jesus," Adam breaks down the walls of religious complexity to reveal a model that is as simple as it is powerful.
The truth is, discipleship isn't about how much you know; it’s about Who you know. And when you encounter "The Real Jesus," everything changes.
What is Discipleship, Really? Moving Beyond the Classroom
Before we dive into the "how-to," we have to ask: what is discipleship?
In many modern settings, we’ve accidentally turned discipleship into a classroom exercise. We sign up for a 12-week course, sit in a row of chairs, take notes on a PowerPoint, and then graduate. But is that what Jesus did?
When Jesus called His first followers, He didn’t hand them a syllabus. He gave them an invitation: "Follow me."
Discipleship is the process of learning to live the way Jesus lived, love the way He loved, and lead the way He led. It’s not just about information transfer; it’s about life transformation. It’s moving from being a consumer of religious content to being a contributor to the Kingdom.
Matthew 28:19-20 gives us the clear mandate:
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
Notice that Jesus doesn't say "make converts." He says "make disciples." A disciple is a learner, an apprentice, and an imitator. This is the heartbeat of Dr. Adam Grill’s "The Real Jesus" series. It’s about getting back to the basics of following the actual Person of Jesus, rather than just the traditions built around Him.
The "Real Jesus" Approach: From Information to Imitation
Dr. Adam Grill’s three-book series, "The Real Jesus," is designed to strip away the "religion" and help you build a direct, reproducible relationship with Christ. Each book in the series serves as a pillar for a healthy disciple-making journey.
- Book 1: Discovering His Identity. Before you can follow someone, you have to know who they are. This book walks you through the life and character of Jesus, clearing away the cultural clutter to see Him as He truly is.
- Book 2: Developing the Relationship. Once you know Him, how do you walk with Him? This stage focuses on the daily rhythms of grace: prayer, scripture, and community.
- Book 3: Deploying the Mission. Discipleship that stays with you isn't discipleship; it’s a hobby. This book empowers you to take what you've learned and share it with others.
This framework is built on the belief that anyone can do this. You don't need to be a theological heavyweight to share your life with someone else. You just need to be a couple of steps ahead on the journey.
How to Make Disciples: A Simple, Reproducible Model
If you’ve ever wondered how to make disciples, you’re not alone. Most people want to help others grow but don’t know where to start. Dr. Adam Grill often says that the Jesus model is "high relationship, low program."
Here are three simple shifts that "The Real Jesus" encourages:
1. Shift from Teaching to Training
In a classroom, you teach for the sake of knowledge. In a disciple-making relationship, you train for the sake of obedience. Don't just talk about prayer: pray together. Don't just talk about the Bible: read it and ask, "What is God telling me to do today?"
2. Focus on One-to-One (or Small Groups)
Massive church gatherings are great for inspiration, but real growth happens in the small spaces. 2 Timothy 2:2 provides the ultimate multiplication strategy:
"And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others."
This is the "4-generation model." Paul to Timothy, Timothy to reliable people, and those people to others. If you can help one person follow Jesus more closely, you’ve started a chain reaction that could span generations.
3. Use Practical Tools
This is where many people get stuck. They have the heart, but they don't have the "curriculum." That’s exactly why the Disciple Maker app was created. It provides the structure you need so you can focus on the relationship.
Disciple-Making in the Digital Age: The Disciple Maker App
We live in a world where we are more connected than ever, yet often more isolated spiritually. Dr. Adam Grill and the team at Disciple Maker recognized that we need tools that meet us where we are: on our phones.
The Disciple Maker app isn't just another Bible app; it’s a dedicated platform for disciple making. It takes the principles from "The Real Jesus" and makes them accessible to anyone, anywhere.
- Bible-Based Courses: Work through structured lessons that mirror the "Real Jesus" series.
- Progress Tracking: See how you and those you are mentoring are growing. This isn't about "grades": it's about staying aligned and encouraging each other.
- Global Community: You aren't doing this alone. Connect with a worldwide network of believers who are all committed to the same mission.
- Offline Accessibility: Whether you’re in a coffee shop in New York or a village in Africa, you can access your resources without needing a constant signal.
By using the app, you take the guesswork out of the process. You don't have to wonder what to study next; it’s all right there, designed by experts to lead you through the Jesus model of growth.
No Seminary Degree Required
The most important takeaway from "The Real Jesus" is this: You are qualified because Jesus called you.
You don't need a PhD to tell someone how Jesus changed your life. You don't need to know every Greek root word to help a friend navigate a difficult season using the Word of God. The "Real Jesus" model is about ordinary people doing extraordinary things through the power of the Holy Spirit.
At Disciple Maker, we are committed to empowering you to fulfill the call on your life. Whether you are a church leader looking to align your teaching or an individual who wants to see their friends come to know Christ, our resources are built for you.
Join the Movement Today
The world doesn't need more religious programs; it needs more disciples. It needs people who are so captured by the "Real Jesus" that they can't help but invite others into the journey.
Are you ready to change the way you understand discipleship? Are you ready to start making an impact that lasts for eternity?
Here’s how you can get started right now:
- Explore the Resources: Visit our website at disciple-maker.net to learn more about our mission and the "Real Jesus" series.
- Download the App: Take your disciple-making journey mobile.
- Download on the App Store
- Get it on Google Play
- Support the Mission: If you’re passionate about seeing communities transformed, consider making a contribution to help us expand our reach.
Discipleship isn't a destination; it's a way of life. Let’s start walking it together.
