Disciple Making Movements (DMM) centers around seven elements, often likened to sails. Just as a sailing vessel requires two actions for movement—raising the sails (man's responsibility) and the wind filling the sails (God's sovereign choice)—DMM acknowledges both human initiative and divine guidance. The seven DMM sails are listed below.
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THE SHIP
Before we learn about the sails, let’s learn about the ship. In this case, the ship is the Church—not a building or a weekly event, but a spiritual family on mission. It’s a people learning to love God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love their neighbor as themselves—the Great Commandment—while moving out together to fulfill the Great Commission, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Community Time
Take a few minutes to share about being discipled by someone or discipling someone else. Or, what drew you to be part of this gathering today?
Bible Time
Let’s focus on the Great Commandment (Matthew 22:36-40). Read it slowly a few times, then reflect and discuss:
- What are three things this passage teaches us about God or people?
- Now read John 14:15, 21, and John 15:10. What do these verses say about the connection between love and obedience?
- Reread just Matthew 22:37, but this time substitute the word “obey” for “love.” What stands out to you?
- “We don’t fail to fulfill the Great Commission because we don’t know enough. We fail because we don’t obey what we already know. Movements happen not when knowledge increases, but when obedience results in multiplication.” Agree or disagree?
Now turn to the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20). Read it slowly and thoughtfully.
- What are five things this passage teaches us about God or people?
- Share your thoughts with one another.
Action Time
What’s one thing you believe God is asking you to do based on today’s time together?
- Write it down and share it with the group, phrasing it as an “I will…” statement (For example, “I will text ___________ and invite them to read the Bible with me.”)
We’ll check in at the beginning of the next meeting to celebrate what God has done!
SAIL #1: FOCUS ON GOD'S WORD
Reading, obeying, and sharing Scripture are fundamental for practitioners of the Disciple-Making Movement (DMM). Although devotionals can be beneficial, they are selections chosen by others. Direct Bible reading enables the Holy Spirit to emphasize the most relevant words and phrases for each reader. Obedience-based disciple-making a cornerstone of DMM as reflected in John 14:15. Additionally, sharing God's word is essential for the multiplication of disciples.
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- One Thing Study is a simple but powerful Bible reading method that is transformative and easy to share with others.
MULTIPLY EXTRAORDINARY PRAYER
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Here’s an improved and more compelling version of your text, with a friendlier tone, smoother flow, and a stronger call to action:
Extraordinary Prayer Extraordinary prayer simply means praying more than you normally would. It’s not about perfection—it’s about persistence and growth. Around the world, DMM (Disciple-Making Movement) catalysts devote significant time each week to both personal and group prayer. For personal prayer, start where you are and gradually expand your time with God. A few extra minutes each day can begin to reshape your heart and focus. For group prayer, gather a few others with a shared vision. Meet regularly to pray specifically for a disciple-making movement. As your group grows in vision and passion, form new groups with the same focus—multiplying prayer alongside disciples. No matter the format, here’s a simple but powerful DMM prayer rhythm to follow:
This kind of prayer doesn’t just support movements. It fuels them. Would you like a printable version of this for training guides or prayer cards? |
Extraordinary prayer means simply praying more than you ordinarily do. DMM catalysts worldwide spend hours each week in personal and group prayer. For personal prayer, begin with your current routine and gradually add more time. For group prayer, form a group that meets regularly, dedicated to praying for a disciple-making movement. Then, create additional groups with the same focus. Regardless of the format, a simple template for DMM prayers is:
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CAST VISION
Casting vision involves sharing God stories and inviting others to be trained. It is compelling when you tell others firsthand accounts of how God has been present in your disciple making efforts. This naturally leads to inviting others to join you on the journey, identifying those whom God has prepared to become disciple makers. These individuals are often marked by a healthy, holy discontent—a dissatisfaction with their current level of involvement in fulfilling the Great Commission. They are eager to learn how to make disciples who, in turn, make more disciples.
TRAIN BELIEVERS
Training believers occurs in two phases. The first phase, called Launch, is an entry-level resource that teaches the basic tools such as Discovery Bible Study (DBS), equipping believers to make disciples. The second phase, DMM Training, is for Launch graduates and explores the effective practices and habits of movement practitioners. Both resources can be taught to others by the attendees immediately after completion, thereby expanding the multiplication process.
GO OUT AMONG THE LOST
Engaging the unsaved is essential for sparking a disciple-making movement (DMM). The goal is to find People of Peace—those ready to make disciples among their family and friends. This can be done situationally using the FARM Conversation and intentionally through Prayer Walk.
SEE GROUPS START
Discovery Groups are essential to the multiplication process. These groups, which meet weekly and use the Discovery Bible Study (DBS) method, are formed and facilitated by People of Peace within their natural network of family and friends.
ONGOING COACHING
Ongoing coaching is crucial for effective disciple-making. While teaching provides initial knowledge, continual coaching offers the long-term support needed for multiplication. Coaching involves two key aspects: coaching others and being coached yourself. Use Coach as a temple for coaching others as well as information about being coached by others.