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. Coaching others is outlined below in two phases and typically starts with less frequent meetings than training. It can shift to biweekly, monthly and eventually "as needed." However, the coaching relationship, ideally continues indefinitely, embracing the "life on life for life" paradigm.
To benefit from being coached by others, ask your Launch leader about joining a DMM coaching network or use the Contact button at the bottom of this page to find one. If you can’t locate or attend a network, consider starting one yourself. Coaching for coaches typically includes regular encouraging emails, monthly one hour Zoom meetings, and quarterly in-person meetups.
Finally, participate in the DMM Training as it provides the in-depth learning experience that enhances the disciple making journey. It has national ongoing coaching built into it.
To benefit from being coached by others, ask your Launch leader about joining a DMM coaching network or use the Contact button at the bottom of this page to find one. If you can’t locate or attend a network, consider starting one yourself. Coaching for coaches typically includes regular encouraging emails, monthly one hour Zoom meetings, and quarterly in-person meetups.
Finally, participate in the DMM Training as it provides the in-depth learning experience that enhances the disciple making journey. It has national ongoing coaching built into it.
PHASE 1: MULTIPLICATION
The multiplication phase involves a three-step process: Look Back, Look Up, and Look Ahead.
Look Back: Review past disciple-making experiences, reflecting on both successes and challenges. Ask guiding questions. For instance, "What is going well in disciple making and what is challenging or hard?" Or, "What are you learning?" Also include, "How did your "I will" statement go from our previous meeting?"
Look Up: Engage actively with Scripture. Options include reviewing mission related passages from your own devotions, choosing an upcoming story or a coaching passage from the DBS Story Sets. Ask, "What does this passage teach us about making disciples?"
Look Ahead: Express concrete actions moving forward. Ask participants, "What is your next step?" Let them generate "I will" statements in response to this question. Leaders should model this practice by sharing their own commitments. Conclude with prayer, asking for God's help in sustaining these practices and deepening their understanding of Him.
PHASE 2: CHURCH
Church takes place as multiplication is occurring. Transitioning from a Discovery Study to becoming a Disciple Making Community (Church) is a process marked by the following:
Identification
This is as simple as how people refer to their meetings. If they call it a Bible study, Discovery Group, or church, it can shape their perception. When they see it as church, encourage them to refer to it as such.
Practices
Encourage the group to create a manageable list of practices from the New Testament church that will help them identify as a church. Many groups use passages like Acts 2:36-42 for guidance. Have the group perform DBS on several passages that discuss what it means to be the body of Christ. Additionally, consult the relevant DBS Story Sets for further insight.
Leadership
A key indicator that a Discovery Group (DG) has transitioned into a Disciple Making Community (DMC) is when biblically qualified leaders emerge from the group and take on the role of Elders. Ideally, this marks the point where they become autonomous and self governing.
Resources
- Watch Church (6:33)
- Watch Leadership (10:29)