Blog & Tips
- Stop Overcomplicating Discipleship: How to Reclaim the Simplicity of Jesus’ Model
by Dr. Adam Grill
If you’ve spent more than a week in a modern church, you’ve probably heard the word “discipleship” thrown around a hundred times.
We talk about it in sermons, we print it on our bulletins, and we launch “discipleship programs” every fall like clockwork. But if we’re being honest, many of us feel more like we’re managing a spiritual manufacturing plant than following the Master.We’ve turned the most personal, revolutionary process in human history: helping someone follow Jesus: into a series of six-week classes, fill-in-the-blank workbooks, and attendance trackers. We’ve traded “life-on-life” for “seat-in-a-row.”
At Disciple Maker, we believe it’s time to stop overcomplicating things. As Dr. Adam Grill often says, Jesus didn’t leave behind a manual for running a 501(c)(3) nonprofit; He left behind a model for transforming the world through a few deeply invested relationships.
If you’re feeling burned out by “programs” and want to get back to the way Jesus actually did it, this is for you.
Handcrafted vs. Mass-Produced: The Heart of the Matter
Think about the difference between a table you buy at a big-box furniture store and one handcrafted by a master carpenter. The mass-produced table is efficient, identical to ten thousand others, and functional. But the handcrafted table? It has character. It was made with specific wood, for a specific purpose, by someone who touched every square inch of it.
Modern church culture has a “mass-produced” problem. We try to disciple people in batches. We assume that if we get enough people into a room and give them the right information, they will automatically become like Jesus. But information doesn’t equal transformation.
Jesus’ model was fundamentally “handcrafted.” He didn’t just stand on a hill and shout instructions at the 5,000; He spent the vast majority of His three-year ministry with twelve specific men. He ate with them, traveled with them, and let them see His life up close.
This is the essence of Matthew 28:19-20: “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.”
Notice He didn’t say, “Enroll them in a course.” He said, “Teach them to obey.” Obedience isn’t learned in a classroom; it’s caught in the context of a relationship. It is “life-on-life.”
The Framework: Teach, Model, Coach, Commission
So, how do we practically reclaim this simplicity? We don’t need a 50-page strategy document. We just need to follow the natural rhythm Jesus used with His friends. We call this the TMCC Framework: Teach, Model, Coach, and Commission.
1. Teach
Everything starts with the Truth. Jesus taught the good news of the Kingdom and the commands of God. In our context, this means providing a clear biblical foundation. We aren’t just sharing our “opinions” on life; we are grounding people in the Word of God.
At Disciple Maker, we provide Bible-based courses that give you the “what” of discipleship. But remember, the teaching is just the starting line. It’s the roadmap for the journey, not the journey itself.
2. Model
This is where most modern programs fall short. In a class, you hear a teacher talk about prayer. In Jesus’ model, the disciples watched Him pray. They saw how He handled exhaustion, how He treated the marginalized, and how He responded to criticism.
If you are discipling someone, your life is the curriculum. You aren’t showing them how to be perfect; you’re showing them what it looks like to follow Jesus as a real human being. You are modeling “life-on-life.”
3. Coach
Once Jesus taught and modeled, He didn’t just leave them to it. He sent them out (think of the Seventy in Luke 10) and then: critically: He debriefed with them. He coached them through their failures and their pride.
Coaching is the art of asking good questions. “How did that conversation go?” “What was hard about sharing your faith this week?” “Where did you see God moving?” It’s providing a safe space for the disciple to practice what they’ve learned while you walk alongside them.
4. Commission
Finally, there is a release. Discipleship isn’t meant to be a permanent “mentee” status. The goal is multiplication. Jesus eventually told His disciples, “Now it’s your turn. Go and do for others what I have done for you.”
True discipleship always ends in the disciple becoming a disciple-maker. If your “program” doesn’t have a clear path to commissioning, it’s a cul-de-sac, not a highway.
Simplicity is the Ultimate Sophistication
You might be thinking, “This sounds great, but I’m busy. I have a job, a family, and a million responsibilities. How do I track all of this without it becoming another ‘job’?”
This is exactly why Dr. Adam Grill and our team built the Disciple Maker app. We didn’t want to create another “distraction” on your phone. We wanted to build a tool that gets out of the way and lets you focus on the person sitting across the table from you.
The app is designed to support the “handcrafted” model by:
- Providing Structured Lessons: You don’t have to be a seminary professor to lead a study. Our features include easy-to-use, Bible-based resources that you can share instantly.
- Progress Tracking: In a relational model, it’s easy to lose track of where someone is in their journey. The app allows you to see their progress, not to “grade” them, but to know how to better pray for and coach them.
- Offline Accessibility: Whether you’re in a high-rise in New York or a rural village in Africa, you can access the materials you need to invest in your people.
- Global Community: You aren’t doing this alone. You’re part of a global network of believers all working toward the same mission.
No Seminary Degree Required
The beauty of the Jesus model is that it belongs to the entire church, not just the “professionals.” You don’t need a title, a stage, or a PhD to make a disciple. You just need a willing heart, a few people to invest in, and a simple framework to follow.
We’ve made it too hard for too long. We’ve acted like discipleship is a product to be sold, rather than a life to be shared.
As you look at your own life and ministry, ask yourself: Am I building programs, or am I building people?
If you’re ready to start your own journey of “handcrafted” discipleship, we’d love to walk with you. You can download the app here and join a movement of people who are reclaiming the simplicity of Jesus’ model.
Let’s stop overcomplicating things. Let’s get back to the basics. One life at a time.
— Dr. Adam Grill
Want to support our mission to provide these tools to believers worldwide? Consider making a donation to help us transform communities through the power of discipleship.
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Let’s be honest: the “midweek slump” is real. We’ve all been there: you have a powerful Sunday service, everyone leaves feeling inspired, and then… Monday happens. By Tuesday night, the sermon notes are buried under a pile of mail, and the spiritual momentum has slowed down.
As we move through 2026, the way we bridge that gap is changing. We’re no longer just “going to a meeting” on Wednesday nights. We’re building a continuous, 24/7 discipleship rhythm.
Dr. Adam Grill, our lead expert here at Disciple Maker, often says that the goal of technology in the church shouldn’t be to replace human connection, but to facilitate it. The Jesus model of discipleship was never about a once-a-week lecture; it was about life-on-life investment.
If you’re a small group facilitator or a church leader, integrating the Disciple Maker app into your midweek study isn’t just a “tech upgrade”: it’s a strategy to make disciples who make disciples.
Here is the 2026 strategy for making it happen.
1. Move from “Homework” to “Interactive Preparation”
In the past, we gave out paper study guides and hoped people would look at them before the group met. In 2026, engagement is digital-first.
Instead of a static PDF, use the Interactive Courses within the app. You can assign a specific lesson for everyone to work through during the week. Because the app allows users to input their thoughts and answer questions directly on their phones, the “prep work” feels like a conversation rather than a chore.
When your group gathers on Wednesday, they aren’t starting from scratch. They’re coming in with pre-formed thoughts, ready for deep-dive discussions.
Pro-tip from Dr. Adam Grill: Don’t just use the app during the study. Use it to build the foundation before you meet. This allows your physical meeting time to be focused on prayer and application rather than just “getting through the material.”
2. Leverage the “4-Day Rule” for Transformation
Research shows that when believers engage with Scripture at least four days a week, the likelihood of them overcoming personal struggles and growing in their faith skyrockets.
A midweek meeting once a week isn’t enough to hit that threshold. By using the community features and reading plans in the Disciple Maker app, you can keep your group engaged on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday too.
You can learn more about why consistency is key in our post on how to start a Bible study group that actually lasts.
3. The Power of the Prayer Wall
One of the most underutilized tools in digital discipleship is the Prayer Wall.
During your midweek study, have everyone post their prayer requests directly into the app’s community wall. This does two things:
- It creates a digital record of what God is doing in your group.
- It allows members to “check-in” and pray for one another throughout the week, long after the meeting has ended.
When someone gets a notification that a group member is praying for them on a stressful Thursday afternoon, that is real discipleship in action.
4. Go Offline (Because Life Happens)
We know that ministry doesn’t always happen in a building with perfect Wi-Fi. Maybe your group meets in a park, a coffee shop with spotty internet, or even in a region where connectivity is a luxury.
The Disciple Maker app features Offline Accessibility. This means your members can download the week’s lessons and scripture passages beforehand.
“Discipleship shouldn’t stop because the Wi-Fi did,” says Dr. Adam Grill. Whether you’re in a living room or a remote village, the resources stay in your pocket.
5. Track Progress Without the Pressure
One of the key USPs of the Disciple Maker platform is Progress Tracking. As a facilitator, you can see how your group is moving through their courses.
This isn’t about being the “attendance police.” It’s about being a mentor. If you notice a group member hasn’t engaged with the lessons in two weeks, that’s your cue to reach out. It’s a tool for mentoring relationships that ensures no one falls through the cracks.
For more on why this data matters, check out Dr. Grill’s insights on why tracking discipleship progress is essential for growth.
The Biblical Foundation
At the end of the day, all our tech tools serve one purpose: fulfilling the Great Commission.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” : Matthew 28:19-20
Jesus told us to teach them to observe. This implies a process, not a one-time event. Integrating an app into your midweek study simply gives you a more effective “toolbox” to do the work of the Kingdom in a digital age.
As Paul wrote to the Colossians:
“Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.” : Colossians 1:28
Getting Started with the 2026 Strategy
Integrating technology shouldn’t be intimidating. Start small.
- Download the app (Available on Google Play and Apple Store).
- Select a course that fits your current study topic.
- Invite your group to join the community section.
By moving your midweek study into an integrated digital ecosystem, you aren’t just hosting a meeting: you’re building a lifestyle of discipleship.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your ministry, we’re here to help. At Disciple Maker, we are committed to providing the resources church leaders need to transform their communities.
Explore our resources and see how we can support your vision for 2026 and beyond.
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If you’ve spent more than five minutes around a group of thirteen-year-olds lately, you’ve probably felt it: that sudden, icy wave of “cringe.” You try to use their slang, or maybe you just try too hard to be “relevant,” and suddenly, you’re the human equivalent of a “How do you do, fellow kids?” meme.
But here’s the thing, beneath the Skibidi Toilets and the bewildering TikTok trends, Gen Alpha (those born between 2010 and 2025) is actually the most spiritually hungry generation we’ve seen in decades. They are looking for something real, something that lasts, and something that, quite literally, gives life some flavor.
That’s why everyone in the Disciple Maker community is talking about “Salty Discipleship.”
Our CEO, Dr. Adam Grill, has been championing this approach for years. He argues that the reason we struggle to reach the next generation isn’t a lack of flashy lights or better social media graphics. It’s a lack of “salt.”
As Adam often says, “Jesus didn’t call us to be the honey of the earth, sweet and sticky and cloying. He called us to be the salt. Salt preserves, it flavors, and most importantly, it makes people thirsty for the Living Water.”
In this post, we’re going to dive into what it means to live out Matthew 5:13 in 2026, and how you can use the Jesus model of discipleship to reach Gen Alpha without losing your dignity (or being called “mid”).
The Biblical Foundation: What Does it Mean to be “Salty”?
In Matthew 5:13, Jesus tells us:
“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.”
For a long time, we interpreted “saltiness” as being a moral compass. And while that’s part of it, Dr. Adam Grill points out three specific functions of salt that are crucial for reaching Gen Alpha today:
- Preservation: In the ancient world, salt was the only way to keep meat from rotting. In a culture that often feels like it’s decaying into isolation and anxiety, a “salty” disciple preserves hope and community.
- Flavor: Salt brings out the best in whatever it touches. Our faith shouldn’t make life dull; it should make it more vibrant, more purposeful, and more joyful.
- Thirst: Have you ever eaten a handful of pretzels and not wanted a glass of water? Salty disciples live in a way that makes the people around them thirsty for what they have, the peace of Christ.
Gen Alpha: The Most “Online” (And Lonely) Generation
By 2026, Gen Alpha has become the first generation to be entirely “iPad native.” They don’t remember a world without AI, and they’ve been marketed to since they were in diapers. Because of this, they have a world-class “BS detector.”
They can spot a “staged” church program from a mile away. They don’t want a polished performance; they want a person.
Research shows that nearly 40% of Gen Alpha explicitly says they want a mentor or an older guide to talk to. They aren’t looking for a “cool” youth pastor; they are looking for a genuine Christian mentor. They want someone who is “salty”, someone whose life is distinct, authentic, and rooted in something deeper than the latest viral trend.
How to Reach Them Without Being Cringe
So, how do we actually do this? How do we take the “Salty Discipleship” model and apply it to a twelve-year-old who spends six hours a day on Roblox?
1. Authenticity Over Production
Don’t try to use their slang. Seriously, don’t do it. Instead, focus on being what Dr. Adam Grill calls “aggressively authentic.” Admit when you don’t have all the answers. Share your own struggles. Gen Alpha values vulnerability far more than perfection. When you are real, you are “salty.” You stand out against the filtered, airbrushed world of social media.
2. Radical Relational Presence
Discipleship isn’t a 45-minute lecture in a windowless classroom. It’s life-on-life. If you want to reach Gen Alpha, you have to be willing to “mix in,” just like salt mixes into dough. This means showing up at their games, sitting with them at lunch, or even, yes, learning a little bit about their favorite digital worlds.
The Disciple Maker app was designed specifically for this. It’s not just a library of content; it’s a tool for connection. You can share a lesson with a student, and they can work through it on their own time (even offline!), and then you meet up to talk about it. It bridges the gap between their digital world and your physical mentorship.
3. Give Them a Seat at the Table
Gen Alpha doesn’t want to be “the church of tomorrow.” They want to be the church of now. “Salty” discipleship involves empowering them to lead. Don’t just teach them the Bible; show them how to teach others.
In our beginner’s guide to one-to-one discipleship, we emphasize that the goal is always multiplication. When you disciple a member of Gen Alpha, you aren’t just helping them grow; you are training a future disciple-maker.
Why Tracking Matters (Wait, Isn’t That Corporate?)
One of the most common questions Adam gets is: “Does tracking spiritual progress take the ‘soul’ out of it?”
His answer is always a resounding “No.”
Tracking isn’t about checking boxes; it’s about stewardship. If you were coaching a basketball team, you’d keep track of who is improving and who needs extra help. Why should discipleship be any different?
For Gen Alpha, who are used to seeing their progress in games and apps, seeing their spiritual growth “mapped out” can actually be incredibly encouraging. The Disciple Maker app allows you to track discipleship progress so that no one falls through the cracks. It ensures that the “salt” is actually being applied where it’s needed most.
The Jesus Model: Simple, Not Easy
At Disciple Maker, we believe in the “No Seminary Degree Required” model. Jesus didn’t pick the most educated religious elites of his day. He picked fishermen and tax collectors. He took them on the road, ate meals with them, and showed them how to live.
That is “Salty Discipleship.” It’s simple. It’s relational. And it’s exactly what Gen Alpha is looking for.
If you want to start making an impact, you don’t need a massive budget or a TikTok-famous youth brand. You just need a Bible, a willing heart, and perhaps a few tools to help you stay organized.
As you walk with the next generation, remember the words of Dr. Adam Grill: “The world is already plenty dark. You don’t need to be more light until you first learn how to be salt. Be distinctive. Be flavorful. Be real.”
Ready to Start?
Whether you’re a parent, a youth leader, or just someone who cares about the next generation, you have a role to play. Don’t let the fear of being “cringe” stop you from being “salty.”
- Download the Disciple Maker App: Available on Google Play and the Apple Store, it’s built to help you lead Bible studies and track progress with ease.
- Join the Community: We are a global family of believers committed to the Great Commission.
- Support the Mission: We rely on donations to keep our resources accessible to leaders in every corner of the globe.
Let’s stop worrying about being “cool” and start focusing on being “salty.” Gen Alpha is waiting.
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- The Ultimate Guide to Multiplying Disciples: Everything You Need to Succeed in Making Disciple-Makers
For many Christians, the term “discipleship” feels like a heavyweight task reserved for the clergy or those with a wall full of seminary degrees. We often think of it as a one-way street where an “expert” pours knowledge into a “student.” But if we look at the life of Jesus, we see a completely different rhythm. Jesus didn’t just make followers; He made disciple-makers. He didn’t just add people to His circle; He multiplied His impact through them.
If you’ve ever felt burnt out trying to lead a church discipleship program or wondered why your efforts aren’t resulting in a growing movement, the secret isn’t working harder: it’s changing your math.
In this guide, we’re going to break down the move from spiritual addition to spiritual multiplication, using the biblical blueprint that Dr. Adam Grill has championed through the Disciple Maker platform.
Addition vs. Multiplication: Which Model Are You Following?
Most well-meaning Christians and church leaders operate on a model of addition.
In the addition model, you: the leader or mentor: personally lead people to Christ and help them grow. You might have three, five, or even ten people you are discipling. While this is beautiful and biblical, it has a “ceiling.” Your impact is limited by your personal time, energy, and capacity. If you stop, the process stops.
Multiplication, however, is the “Jesus model.” It’s about making disciples who then have the tools, confidence, and heart to make other disciples.
As Dr. Adam Grill often points out in his “Multiplying Disciples” series, the goal isn’t just to reach a person; it’s to reach a person with the intent that they will reach someone else.
Feature Addition Model Multiplication Model Focus How many people can I reach? Who can I train to reach others? Growth Linear (1, 2, 3, 4…) Exponential (2, 4, 8, 16…) Sustainability Depends on the leader Depends on the Holy Spirit and the process End Result A large group of followers A movement of disciple-makers 
The Biblical Blueprint: 2 Timothy 2:2
The most famous “multiplication” verse in the New Testament is 2 Timothy 2:2. Paul is writing to his younger protégé, Timothy, and he gives him a clear, four-generation strategy:
“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)
If you look closely at that verse, you see four distinct generations:
- Paul (The mentor)
- Timothy (The disciple/leader)
- Faithful People (The third generation)
- Others Also (The fourth generation)
Paul’s success wasn’t measured by how many people attended his sermons in Ephesus; it was measured by whether Timothy’s disciples were successfully training a fourth generation. When you focus on disciple making with the fourth generation in mind, you stop being a “bottleneck” and start being a “catalyst.”
Why Your Discipleship Curriculum Matters
One of the biggest hurdles in how to make disciples is the “what” and the “how.” Many people want to disciple others but feel they don’t have the right materials or don’t know where to start.
This is where a structured, Bible-based discipleship curriculum is essential. Dr. Adam Grill and the team at Disciple Maker have developed resources like “The Real Jesus” to take the guesswork out of the process.
A good curriculum shouldn’t just provide information; it should facilitate transformation and reproduction. It needs to be:
- Simple: If a new believer can’t understand it, they certainly can’t teach it to someone else.
- Practical: It must move beyond head knowledge to life application.
- Accessible: Whether you are in a high-rise in New York or a village in Kenya, the Word of God should be reachable.
Systematizing the Movement with the Disciple Maker App
In our modern age, technology can either be a distraction or a powerful tool for the Great Commission. The Disciple Maker app was built specifically to help believers move from theory to action in their disciple making journey.
1. The Disciple Tree
One of the most unique features of the app is the Disciple Tree. It allows you to visually track the “generations” of disciples you are impacting. When you lead someone through a course and they, in turn, start a group with someone else, you can see that branch grow. It’s not about ego; it’s about stewardship and seeing the movement unfold.
2. Offline Accessibility
We believe discipleship shouldn’t depend on a stable Wi-Fi connection. The app’s features include full offline functionality, allowing users to download courses and Bibles. This is crucial for global multiplication, ensuring that the gospel isn’t hindered by geography or infrastructure.
3. Church and Small Group Tools
For leaders managing a church discipleship program, the app offers tools to keep everyone aligned. You can see progress, share prayer requests on the community Prayer Wall, and stay connected with a global family of believers.
How to Start Multiplying Today: 3 Practical Steps
If you’re ready to step into the Jesus model of multiplication, here is how you can start this week:
Step 1: Identify Your “Timothy”
Look around your life. Who is someone that is “faithful, available, and teachable” (FAT)? You don’t need a crowd; you just need one or two people who are hungry to grow. Ask them: “I’m going to be working through a study on the life of Jesus. Would you want to do it with me and then help someone else do the same?”
Step 2: Use a Tool, Don’t Be the Tool
Don’t try to be the source of all wisdom. Use the Disciple Maker courses as your guide. When you use a tool that your disciple can also use, you are proving to them that they can do what you are doing. This is the key to reproduction.
Step 3: Focus on the “Send”
From day one, talk about who your disciple will lead next. If you wait until the end of a six-month study to mention multiplication, it feels like an “add-on.” If you mention it in week one, it becomes the culture.
Conclusion: No Seminary Degree Required
The beauty of the Great Commission is that Jesus didn’t give it to the “elites.” He gave it to ordinary people: fishermen, tax collectors, and everyday believers like you and me.
As Dr. Adam Grill reminds us, multiplication happens when we stop trying to be impressive and start being intentional. You don’t need to have all the answers; you just need to be willing to walk with someone else as you both follow “The Real Jesus.”
Are you ready to see your impact grow beyond yourself? The world doesn’t just need more church attendees; it needs more disciple-makers.
Ready to start your movement? Download the Disciple Maker App today and join a global community of believers dedicated to the multiplication of the Gospel.
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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.
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