If you’ve ever sat in a church pew or a coffee shop and thought, “I want to help people follow Jesus, but I have no idea where to start,” you aren’t alone. For many of us, the phrase "how to make disciples" sounds like something reserved for people with "Reverend" in front of their names or a stack of theology degrees on their walls.
But here’s the secret: Jesus didn’t run a three-year seminary program. He didn't hand out 50-page manuals or require a GPA of 4.0. Instead, He invited a few ordinary people to walk through life with Him.
At Disciple Maker, we believe that disciple making is the most rewarding thing a Christian can do, and it doesn't have to be complicated. If we want to know how to disciple someone effectively, we just have to look at the "Jesus Model." He gave us a clear, five-step blueprint that works just as well in 2026 as it did in 30 AD.
Let’s break down these five steps, Selection, Association, Consecration, Impartation, and Demonstration, and see how you can start using them today.
Step 1: Selection (Choose the Few)
When Jesus started His ministry, He didn't start by trying to convert the entire Roman Empire at once. He started with a few.
In Luke 6:12-13, we see Jesus spend an entire night in prayer before choosing His twelve disciples. He was intentional. He wasn’t looking for the most "religious" people; He was looking for people who were willing to follow.
How to apply this today:
If you want to know how to disciple someone, stop looking for a crowd. Look for one or two people in your life who are "F.A.T.", Faithful, Available, and Teachable.
Maybe it’s a younger person in your church, a neighbor who’s asking questions about God, or a coworker who’s going through a tough time. Don’t wait for a formal church program to start. Pray, ask God for guidance, and then simply invite them to grab coffee.
Step 2: Association (The Power of "With-ness")
The biggest mistake we make in modern discipleship is thinking it’s a classroom activity. We think if we just finish a 6-week Bible study, we’ve "discipled" someone. But Jesus’ primary method was simple: Association.
He stayed with them. He walked with them. He ate with them. In Matthew 28:20, when He gives the Great Commission, He ends it by saying, "And surely I am with you always." The "with-ness" was the point.
How to apply this today:
Real disciple making happens in the margins of life. It’s about inviting that person into your world.
- Let them see how you handle a stressful day at work.
- Let them see how you pray when things go wrong.
- Invite them over for dinner while you’re wrangling the kids.
You don't need a lesson plan as much as you need an open door. When you spend time together, spiritual conversations happen naturally.
Step 3: Consecration (A Call to Obedience)
Jesus didn't just hang out with the disciples; He called them to a higher standard. He required Consecration, which is just a fancy word for being "set apart" for God’s purposes.
Jesus said in Matthew 16:24, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me." Following Jesus isn't just a hobby; it’s a lifestyle of obedience.
How to apply this today:
As a mentor or leader, your job isn't just to be a "buddy." It’s to encourage growth. This means helping the person you're discipling develop holy habits: like regular Bible reading, prayer, and serving others.
In our Disciple Maker app, we focus heavily on this because tracking progress helps create consistency. It’s not about legalism; it’s about helping someone stay committed to the path they’ve chosen. Don’t be afraid to ask the hard questions: "How is your prayer life this week?" or "What is God teaching you in His Word?"
Step 4: Impartation (Giving What You Have)
Jesus didn’t just give the disciples information; He gave them Himself. He gave them His Spirit. In John 20:22, He breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit."
Disciple making is a spiritual transfer. You aren't just teaching facts about the Bible; you are sharing the life of Christ that is within you. You are "imparting" the grace, wisdom, and peace that God has given you.
How to apply this today:
Be vulnerable. Share your own struggles and how God met you in them. You don't have to be perfect to disciple someone: you just have to be honest. If you’ve learned how to trust God during a financial crisis, impart that faith to the person you're mentoring. If you’ve learned how to forgive, share that process with them.
Remember, you can’t give away what you don’t have. Keep your own tank full by staying connected to the Vine yourself! (Check out our quick start guide for staying on track).
Step 5: Demonstration (Show, Then Send)
Jesus was the ultimate "On-the-Job" trainer. He didn't just tell them how to heal the sick or preach the Gospel; He demonstrated it while they watched. Then, He let them try it while He watched. Finally, He sent them out to do it on their own (Luke 9:1-2).
This is the goal of the Jesus Model: multiplication. A disciple isn't fully trained until they are making disciples themselves.
How to apply this today:
Use the "I do, We do, You do" method:
- I do, you watch: They see you lead a prayer, share your faith, or serve a neighbor.
- We do together: You both pray for someone, or you both lead a small group discussion.
- You do, I watch: They take the lead, and you give them encouraging feedback afterward.
- You do: They go and find someone else to disciple.
This is how a small group of twelve changed the entire world. It wasn't through a viral video or a massive marketing campaign; it was through one-to-one demonstration and multiplication.
Why the Jesus Model Still Matters in 2026
We live in a world that is more connected than ever, yet people are lonelier than ever. We have more access to Bible teaching via podcasts and YouTube than any generation in history, yet biblical literacy is at an all-time low.
Why? Because information alone doesn't change lives. Relationships do.
Whether you are a pastor looking to revamp your church’s strategy or a stay-at-home parent looking to mentor a friend, the Jesus Model is your roadmap. It takes the pressure off of being an "expert" and puts the focus on being a friend and a follower.
Ready to Start Making Disciples?
At Disciple Maker, we’ve built tools specifically designed to help you follow this 5-step model without getting overwhelmed. Whether you need help tracking your sessions, finding Bible study resources, or just staying organized, our app is here to support your journey.
Making disciples is the greatest adventure you'll ever go on. It’s messy, it’s time-consuming, and sometimes it’s frustrating: but it’s exactly what we were created for.
Take the next step:
- Download the Disciple Maker App to start tracking your progress and stay intentional.
- Check out our guide on how to start a Bible study group that actually lasts.
- Not sure what discipleship is yet? Read our deep dive: What is Discipleship? Everything You Need to Know.
You don't need to be a hero. You just need to follow the Shepherd and invite someone to walk along with you. Let’s get started!