Start Up is a free, 120 minute, interactive training event that shows people how to launch a multiplying Bible study. This training is for anyone who wants to be obedient to Jesus’ teaching of being a disciple-maker. Whether you have a passion for reaching your entire neighborhood or a single friend or family member—this training will be extremely helpful. Start Up is for individuals, couples or groups.
introduction
The single most important statement in Start Up is the following sentence: Humbly allow the Holy Spirit to guide you in the application of the resources. Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches. Revelation 2:7 Sometimes it's best to implement the resources as they are laid out. Sometimes it's best to tailor them to fit your specific situation. The key is the outcome; rapid multiplication. Does it result in disciples who make disciples?
The information in this training has launched hundreds of thousands of multiplying Bible studies around the world.1 It is not theory, but has been in use for decades. The material may seem new but actually it's a return to biblical principles of multiplication.
Reading, obeying and sharing the Bible is foundational to disciple making. These are the personal habits of those God uses to start and sustain movements.
You are about to experience more information than can be completely processed at one time. Don't worry if along the way you feel information overload. That is common. Keep things in perspective by remembering two things. First, think of this as a high level flyover; don't try to understand everything at once. Second, there is a resource at the end that will help you apply these principles in a way that aligns with your understanding and readiness.
There will be time afterwards for questions.
Read the following verses. Which word or phrase stands out to you the most, and why?
When he [Jesus] saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.” Matthew 9:36-38
Start Up consists of the following four steps: Pray, Share, Ask, and Disciple. Commit those steps and accompanying resources to memory and you will be able to make disciples anywhere, at any time with anyone.
The information in this training has launched hundreds of thousands of multiplying Bible studies around the world.1 It is not theory, but has been in use for decades. The material may seem new but actually it's a return to biblical principles of multiplication.
Reading, obeying and sharing the Bible is foundational to disciple making. These are the personal habits of those God uses to start and sustain movements.
You are about to experience more information than can be completely processed at one time. Don't worry if along the way you feel information overload. That is common. Keep things in perspective by remembering two things. First, think of this as a high level flyover; don't try to understand everything at once. Second, there is a resource at the end that will help you apply these principles in a way that aligns with your understanding and readiness.
There will be time afterwards for questions.
Read the following verses. Which word or phrase stands out to you the most, and why?
When he [Jesus] saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.” Matthew 9:36-38
Start Up consists of the following four steps: Pray, Share, Ask, and Disciple. Commit those steps and accompanying resources to memory and you will be able to make disciples anywhere, at any time with anyone.
1. PRAY
information
The matter of prayer has first a vertical application (praying to God), then a horizontal application (praying with people).
Pray to God. Throughout history, and presently all over the world, great movements of God are accompanied by extraordinary prayer and fasting. Extraordinary prayer is defined as simply praying more than you currently pray. Increase the time you spend in personal prayer and fasting about disciple making. Attend (or start) a weekly prayer group that focuses on disciple making.
Pray with people by asking two questions. This is likely new to most but becomes easier the more you do it. Often the results are incredible. Praying for people consists of asking two questions, "May I pray for you?" and "If God could perform a miracle in your life, what would you ask for?" You'll be amazed what people say. Pray for that miracle. Remember, the supernatural is just a snap of the fingers for God. (Jeremiah 32:17) Often, people become receptive because of a divine event in their life.
Ask the two questions to those you already know. Leverage your current relationships by seeking interest among friends, family, and acquaintances. Pause and think of three people to whom you could ask the two prayer questions. Remember their names; we'll refer to them in a few minutes.
Ask the two questions to those you don't know. The real harvest is among those we don’t presently know. There are two ways to engage these people: situationally and intentionally. Situational begins with casual, friendly conversation. It occurs as we encounter people in the everyday activities of life. Each day we cross paths with people who might accept our invitation to pray for them. An excellent resource for this is the FARM conversation.
The intentional approach is a more straightforward appeal to pray. It consists of beginning the conversation with an invitation for prayer. A great tool for this is Prayer Walk.
EVERY DISCIPLE MAKING MOVEMENT CONSISTS OF BELIEVERS ENGAGING THE LOST SITUATIONALLY AND GOING OUT AMONG THE LOST INTENTIONALLY.
If you have not done so yet, read the FARM conversation and Prayer Walk.
Resource: Watch Prayer Calendar (1:32)
Pray to God. Throughout history, and presently all over the world, great movements of God are accompanied by extraordinary prayer and fasting. Extraordinary prayer is defined as simply praying more than you currently pray. Increase the time you spend in personal prayer and fasting about disciple making. Attend (or start) a weekly prayer group that focuses on disciple making.
Pray with people by asking two questions. This is likely new to most but becomes easier the more you do it. Often the results are incredible. Praying for people consists of asking two questions, "May I pray for you?" and "If God could perform a miracle in your life, what would you ask for?" You'll be amazed what people say. Pray for that miracle. Remember, the supernatural is just a snap of the fingers for God. (Jeremiah 32:17) Often, people become receptive because of a divine event in their life.
Ask the two questions to those you already know. Leverage your current relationships by seeking interest among friends, family, and acquaintances. Pause and think of three people to whom you could ask the two prayer questions. Remember their names; we'll refer to them in a few minutes.
Ask the two questions to those you don't know. The real harvest is among those we don’t presently know. There are two ways to engage these people: situationally and intentionally. Situational begins with casual, friendly conversation. It occurs as we encounter people in the everyday activities of life. Each day we cross paths with people who might accept our invitation to pray for them. An excellent resource for this is the FARM conversation.
The intentional approach is a more straightforward appeal to pray. It consists of beginning the conversation with an invitation for prayer. A great tool for this is Prayer Walk.
EVERY DISCIPLE MAKING MOVEMENT CONSISTS OF BELIEVERS ENGAGING THE LOST SITUATIONALLY AND GOING OUT AMONG THE LOST INTENTIONALLY.
If you have not done so yet, read the FARM conversation and Prayer Walk.
Resource: Watch Prayer Calendar (1:32)
practice
For all practice sessions, get into groups of 3-4. Someone leads and quickly moves the group through the session. There is a lot of ground to cover. Be brief. Put this information in the chat if you're using Zoom and the group uses breakouts.
Pray to God. Take a moment right now and pray aloud as a group. Ask God to make you a multiplier. Ask Him to help you make disciples who make disciples.
Pray with others.
Practice having a FARM conversation with people in your group. One person in the group asks another person a Family question. The person who just answered, then asks another an Academic (or Occupation) question. The person who just answered, then asks another a Recreation question. The person who just answered, then asks another the Message question. Just ask the Spiritual Background question since you'll ask the two prayer questions below. If you already know the person you are talking with, ask them to tell you something you don't already know about that topic.
Ask the two prayer questions with people you already know. Take a moment right now and text the three people you thought of a few minutes ago. You might say you're thinking of them and would like to pray for them. Include the phrase, "If God could perform a miracle in your life, what would you ask Him for?” Share the results at the end.
Ask the two prayer questions with those in your group. One person asks another the two prayer questions, "May I pray for you?" and "If God was to perform a miracle in your life, what would you ask for?" Remember the answer of the person you asked. You'll be praying about it in a few minutes. The person who just answered, then asks another the two questions. Repeat this pattern until everyone has asked and answered the two questions. Then pray as a group about what was just shared.
After praying together, share what that was like.
Pray to God. Take a moment right now and pray aloud as a group. Ask God to make you a multiplier. Ask Him to help you make disciples who make disciples.
Pray with others.
Practice having a FARM conversation with people in your group. One person in the group asks another person a Family question. The person who just answered, then asks another an Academic (or Occupation) question. The person who just answered, then asks another a Recreation question. The person who just answered, then asks another the Message question. Just ask the Spiritual Background question since you'll ask the two prayer questions below. If you already know the person you are talking with, ask them to tell you something you don't already know about that topic.
Ask the two prayer questions with people you already know. Take a moment right now and text the three people you thought of a few minutes ago. You might say you're thinking of them and would like to pray for them. Include the phrase, "If God could perform a miracle in your life, what would you ask Him for?” Share the results at the end.
Ask the two prayer questions with those in your group. One person asks another the two prayer questions, "May I pray for you?" and "If God was to perform a miracle in your life, what would you ask for?" Remember the answer of the person you asked. You'll be praying about it in a few minutes. The person who just answered, then asks another the two questions. Repeat this pattern until everyone has asked and answered the two questions. Then pray as a group about what was just shared.
After praying together, share what that was like.
2. SHARE
information
Share a Bible story. Once you have prayed, ask, "May I share a story from the Bible that might encourage you?" If they say yes, share a story from the DBS Story Set: Starter List. It's helpful to memorize the story beforehand. Share it naturally, in your own words, as if speaking with a friend. Then ask, "What does this say about Jesus and people?" Affirm their answer and move to the next question. This is not a time to teach or lecture. Remember, you're modeling for them how they might eventually do it with others.
practice
Practice sharing the Bible story and asking the Jesus question. One person reads the following Bible story (Mark 4:35-41). That person then asks another the following question, "What does this say about Jesus and people?" The the person who answered, asks another the same question. No need to reread the story. Repeat this pattern until everyone has asked and answered the question. Try to give different answers to the question.
3. ASK
INFORMATION
Ask the Golden Question, "Do you know others who would be encouraged to hear this story FROM YOU?" This is where the approach differs from traditional disciple making strategies. Instead of gathering people around you, encourage the person to gather people around him/her. The answer to this question determines if you have found a potential storyteller; someone who is willing to share the Bible story with others. This is the person you are looking for. They are the key to multiplication. If they say yes, move to the next step.
practice
Practice asking the Golden Question. One person asks another the Golden Question, "Do you know of others who would be encouraged to hear this story from you?" If they say yes, ask if you may text the story to them. The person who answered the question then asks another the question. Repeat this pattern until everyone has asked the question.
Practice texting the story to yourself. Help one another with this. Go to GreatCommission.com, then Tools, then DBS Story Sets. Then click Mark 4:35-41 (Jesus Calms the Storm). It shows the first two or three verses. Click More to see the full story. Scroll down to the bottom of the story and click Copy. You should see the following message flash at the top of your device: "Passage copied to clipboard!" Click Copy again if you missed it. Go to the text app on your device and press and hold the bubble that you use to compose text. Click Paste and send. You should receive the passage as a text.
If this seems too confusing, you can always copy the URL and send it to the story teller.
If you're able to do this fairly quickly, repeat the process, but this time do it in Spanish. Follow the steps above until you have the full story on your device. Look for the option to change translations. It's to the right of the text address on an iPhone. Press the drop down and write Spanish in the bubble. I select Nueva Versión Internacional. Now go to the bottom of the passage, press Copy and send it to yourself.
Before you prayer walk, text yourself a Bible story you're going to use, in English and Spanish (or a language you're likely to encounter). That way you just forward the text to share it. Practice forwarding the text by holding your finger on the passage text until the copy option pops up. Copy and resend it to yourself to mimic sending it to someone who is willing to share the story.
Practice texting the story to yourself. Help one another with this. Go to GreatCommission.com, then Tools, then DBS Story Sets. Then click Mark 4:35-41 (Jesus Calms the Storm). It shows the first two or three verses. Click More to see the full story. Scroll down to the bottom of the story and click Copy. You should see the following message flash at the top of your device: "Passage copied to clipboard!" Click Copy again if you missed it. Go to the text app on your device and press and hold the bubble that you use to compose text. Click Paste and send. You should receive the passage as a text.
If this seems too confusing, you can always copy the URL and send it to the story teller.
If you're able to do this fairly quickly, repeat the process, but this time do it in Spanish. Follow the steps above until you have the full story on your device. Look for the option to change translations. It's to the right of the text address on an iPhone. Press the drop down and write Spanish in the bubble. I select Nueva Versión Internacional. Now go to the bottom of the passage, press Copy and send it to yourself.
Before you prayer walk, text yourself a Bible story you're going to use, in English and Spanish (or a language you're likely to encounter). That way you just forward the text to share it. Practice forwarding the text by holding your finger on the passage text until the copy option pops up. Copy and resend it to yourself to mimic sending it to someone who is willing to share the story.
4. DISCIPLE
INFORMATION
Disciple those who want to share the Bible story with others. Guide them to becoming a storyteller, and then forming a multiplying Discovery Group.
Disciple by encouraging your disciple to become a storyteller. If there is interest in sharing the Bible story with others, ask, "May I text you the story you just heard?" If they say yes, send the story along with the Jesus question. Inquire with whom and when they might share it so you can pray. Stay in touch with encouraging words. When they share a story, celebrate, and send another. Do this two or three times. Each time share a new story and ask the "What does it say about Jesus and people?" question. When they have shared a story two or three times, move to the next phase.
Disciple by helping your disciple start a multiplying Discovery Group (DG). A Discovery Group is a gathering of people who meet to study the Bible together using Discovery Bible Study. Until now your disciple has only shared a Bible story and asked a few questions. Now is the time to explain the Discovery Bible Study (DBS). The DBS is a key tool in multiplying movements. Meet personally to teach about the DBS AND read the Facilitator Notes. This is very important. The Facilitator Notes contain key elements for reproduction. Don't skip them. Do an overview of the Story Sets.
Then do a full DBS together with your disciple. Repeat this process until your disciple is confident to facilitate their group.
If a group has not already been formed, encourage your disciple to invite people to a formal launch. Have them set a date and time and get confirmation so there is a good turn out. Consider showing up as an observer, but just the first time. Suggest providing something to eat and drink.
As you coach, consider finishing the Starter Stories, then moving through another set of studies that the you and the facilitator deem a best fit.
As mentioned in the beginning of Start Up, decide if you should skip the storyteller step and go directly to modeling a DBS. This might be the case if an interested group already exists, or can be quickly formed, and has the time to go through a DBS. It takes 60-90 minutes. If that's the case, facilitate the first meeting yourself and choose a natural leader from the group to serve as a facilitator moving forward. That is the person to disciple. It should be noted that a group is usually formed over time.
Coach by reminding your disciple to hold people accountable to the "I will" statements. They are the key to multiplication. Be ready to do whatever is necessary to encourage obedience.
The goal is that the group would form into an autonomous multiplying home fellowship or church.
Disciple by encouraging your disciple to become a storyteller. If there is interest in sharing the Bible story with others, ask, "May I text you the story you just heard?" If they say yes, send the story along with the Jesus question. Inquire with whom and when they might share it so you can pray. Stay in touch with encouraging words. When they share a story, celebrate, and send another. Do this two or three times. Each time share a new story and ask the "What does it say about Jesus and people?" question. When they have shared a story two or three times, move to the next phase.
Disciple by helping your disciple start a multiplying Discovery Group (DG). A Discovery Group is a gathering of people who meet to study the Bible together using Discovery Bible Study. Until now your disciple has only shared a Bible story and asked a few questions. Now is the time to explain the Discovery Bible Study (DBS). The DBS is a key tool in multiplying movements. Meet personally to teach about the DBS AND read the Facilitator Notes. This is very important. The Facilitator Notes contain key elements for reproduction. Don't skip them. Do an overview of the Story Sets.
Then do a full DBS together with your disciple. Repeat this process until your disciple is confident to facilitate their group.
If a group has not already been formed, encourage your disciple to invite people to a formal launch. Have them set a date and time and get confirmation so there is a good turn out. Consider showing up as an observer, but just the first time. Suggest providing something to eat and drink.
As you coach, consider finishing the Starter Stories, then moving through another set of studies that the you and the facilitator deem a best fit.
As mentioned in the beginning of Start Up, decide if you should skip the storyteller step and go directly to modeling a DBS. This might be the case if an interested group already exists, or can be quickly formed, and has the time to go through a DBS. It takes 60-90 minutes. If that's the case, facilitate the first meeting yourself and choose a natural leader from the group to serve as a facilitator moving forward. That is the person to disciple. It should be noted that a group is usually formed over time.
Coach by reminding your disciple to hold people accountable to the "I will" statements. They are the key to multiplication. Be ready to do whatever is necessary to encourage obedience.
The goal is that the group would form into an autonomous multiplying home fellowship or church.
practice
Learn about the resources. Read through the following resources: Discovery Bible Study (DBS) and Facilitator Notes. Do a brief overview of the DBS Story Sets.
Do an abbreviated DBS as a group. Use Luke 17:11-19. As before, one person begins by asking another the first question. The person who answered, then asks another the second question, and so on until you have finished the DBS. In the abbreviated format, not everyone will answer every question. However, everyone will hear the answers to every question.
Be mindful of time. Keep your answers brief. You won't get through this section if you give lengthy answers. Most DBS take 60-90 minutes, so you can see how much less time you have.
Do an abbreviated DBS as a group. Use Luke 17:11-19. As before, one person begins by asking another the first question. The person who answered, then asks another the second question, and so on until you have finished the DBS. In the abbreviated format, not everyone will answer every question. However, everyone will hear the answers to every question.
Be mindful of time. Keep your answers brief. You won't get through this section if you give lengthy answers. Most DBS take 60-90 minutes, so you can see how much less time you have.
CONCLUSION
INFORMATION
To summarize: Pray to God and with others, Share a Bible story with the Jesus/people questions, Ask the Golden Question, and Disciple by helping them become a storyteller, form a Discovery Group, and multiply.
Review the material in Start Up on our own. Don't worry if you did not grasp all of this the first time through. Most people need more than one exposure to fully understand the concepts. This is because the Start Up strategy is a radical departure from most current practices. There is likely as much to unlearn as there is to learn. Practice the resources on your own. It's a great way to increase understanding, and build confidence.
Commit yourself to being coached on an ongoing basis. This is the resource mentioned in the beginning. Ongoing coaching is essential to becoming a long term disciple maker. It provides understanding, wisdom, and encouragement. It's your next step in the disciple making process. Don't wait to begin. Ask the person taking you through Start Up about the details for ongoing coaching.
Store this page as an icon on your device. It will act like an app. You'll refer to it often as you implement the Start Up steps.
Consider going through Multiply. Multiply is a free, eight session, in-depth DMM training, especially suited for people with a vision to reach their city, region or country. It is vital for anyone in ministry leadership. It's best experienced after applying all four steps of Start Up.
Explore the 10-10 vision.
Any reports on the prayer text?
Any questions or comments?
Review the material in Start Up on our own. Don't worry if you did not grasp all of this the first time through. Most people need more than one exposure to fully understand the concepts. This is because the Start Up strategy is a radical departure from most current practices. There is likely as much to unlearn as there is to learn. Practice the resources on your own. It's a great way to increase understanding, and build confidence.
Commit yourself to being coached on an ongoing basis. This is the resource mentioned in the beginning. Ongoing coaching is essential to becoming a long term disciple maker. It provides understanding, wisdom, and encouragement. It's your next step in the disciple making process. Don't wait to begin. Ask the person taking you through Start Up about the details for ongoing coaching.
Store this page as an icon on your device. It will act like an app. You'll refer to it often as you implement the Start Up steps.
Consider going through Multiply. Multiply is a free, eight session, in-depth DMM training, especially suited for people with a vision to reach their city, region or country. It is vital for anyone in ministry leadership. It's best experienced after applying all four steps of Start Up.
Explore the 10-10 vision.
Any reports on the prayer text?
Any questions or comments?
Presentation tips
Choose a training format that suits your situation. Options include: online (Zoom), video, audio, in person, etc.
Trade-off reading so everyone stays involved.
Text the Practice notes to the chat BEFORE moving into breakout groups. Zoom limits the number of words that can be pasted at once. You will need to clip and paste some of the instructions in two steps.
If you use Zoom, suggest students also have a second device on hand. Don't let this keep you from going through Start Up.
Find a co-host if your online group is large. Leading a large group by yourself can be challenging. The co-host admits people to the meeting, oversees muting and unmuting, clips and pastes Practice instructions, and sends people into breakouts.
All the information in this training is available at GreatCommission.com/Start-Up. No need to take notes.
Trade-off reading so everyone stays involved.
Text the Practice notes to the chat BEFORE moving into breakout groups. Zoom limits the number of words that can be pasted at once. You will need to clip and paste some of the instructions in two steps.
If you use Zoom, suggest students also have a second device on hand. Don't let this keep you from going through Start Up.
Find a co-host if your online group is large. Leading a large group by yourself can be challenging. The co-host admits people to the meeting, oversees muting and unmuting, clips and pastes Practice instructions, and sends people into breakouts.
All the information in this training is available at GreatCommission.com/Start-Up. No need to take notes.
- Dr. David Garrison, Church Planting Movements: How God Is Redeeming a Lost World (Monument, CO: WIGTake Resources, 2007) Chapters 3-10 Kindle