Many Christians understand the importance of disciple-making, but often struggle with the practical "how-to." GreatCommission.com bridges this gap by offering tools that provide a roadmap for personal growth and a blueprint for ministries embarking on the disciple-making journey. These tools are versatile and can be self-taught or experienced within a group led by a facilitator. They are listed in the drop-down menu under Tools or located below as icons. The tools are grouped into two levels explained below.
Level 1: Launch is a multi-session starter resource that focuses on the basic tools of disciple-making. It emphasizes the "how-to" aspects, equipping individuals with practical skills to begin their disciple-making journey.
Level 2: DMM Training is an in-depth, application-oriented, multi-session free training that follows Launch. This training connects the "how-to" of Launch with the "why" behind disciple-making, providing a comprehensive understanding of Disciple Making Movements (DMM).
Additionally, IMPACT offers a student-led disciple-making strategy.
Level 1: Launch is a multi-session starter resource that focuses on the basic tools of disciple-making. It emphasizes the "how-to" aspects, equipping individuals with practical skills to begin their disciple-making journey.
Level 2: DMM Training is an in-depth, application-oriented, multi-session free training that follows Launch. This training connects the "how-to" of Launch with the "why" behind disciple-making, providing a comprehensive understanding of Disciple Making Movements (DMM).
Additionally, IMPACT offers a student-led disciple-making strategy.
Most Christians recognize the importance of making disciples, but often struggle with how to do so effectively. GreatCommission.com meets this need by offering user-friendly tools and proven strategies. The resources are divided into two main categories: self-training and training others. For quick reference and practical application, standalone icons are also available below.
I WANT TO LEARN HOW TO MAKE DISCIPLES
Step 1: Pray.
Begin by expressing to God your desire to make disciples. Then build dependence by asking God for guidance and success in finding the right people. Finally, continue to rely on Him as you help them multiply. Read, Pray for helpful information.
Step 2: Find People of Peace.
People of Peace are the first fruits of a disciple making movement (DMM). They welcome conversation, accept prayer, receive Bible stories, and are eager to share them with others, as outlined in Luke 10:1-20. You can identify them situationally using by the FARM Conversation, or intentionally through Prayer Walk.
Step 3: Teach Discovery Bible Study (DBS).
Discovery Bible Study (DBS) is the primary tool in disciple making movements (DMM). There are two versions: the one embedded into this site and an app called WAHA. Each version has its own features, so review both to determine which best suits your disciples. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the Resources listed at the bottom of the DBS page as they promote multiplication.
Step 4: Coach for Multiplication.
Teaching provides initial information, but ongoing coaching offers the long-term encouragement needed for effective multiplication. Coaching involves both coaching others and being coached yourself. Refer to Coach to help you coach others and learn about being coached by others.
I WANT TO TEACH OTHERS HOW TO MAKE DISCIPLES
Level 1: Launch
Launch is a multi-session entry level resource designed to introduce the basic tools of disciple-making. Its primary goal is to help participants start Discovery Groups, providing them with the skills needed to begin their journey in disciple-making.
Level 2: DMM Training
DMM Training is a multi-session resource that offers an in-depth exploration of disciple-making. This training connects the practical "how-to" elements from Launch with the underlying "why" behind disciple-making.
Impact
Impact is a student-led strategy aimed at ensuring every student on every campus in a given area has the opportunity to discover more about God. This initiative focuses on empowering students to take the lead in spreading the message, making it accessible to their peers across various campuses.
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STEP 1: FIND PERSONS OF PEACE
People of peace are those who welcome conversation, accept prayer, respond positively to Bible stories, and are eager to share them with others as outlined in Luke 10:1-20. You can find them in two ways: situationally, which is aided by the FARM Conversation, or intentionally which is guided through a Prayer Walk.
STEP 2: TEACH DISCOVERY BIBLE STUDY (DBS)
Discovery Bible Study (DBS) is the primary tool in disciple making movements (DMM). There are two versions of DBS, the website version embedded into this site and a stand alone app called WAHA. Each is unique, look them over and decide which is most relevant for your disciples. Make sure you familiarize yourself with the DBS resources as well.
STEP 3: COACH TO MULTIPLICATION
Mentor those you taught to use DBS, to form and facilitate their own Discovery Group. Use Coach as a template help move them to multiplication.
STAND ALONE TOOLS
PRAY
Every disciple-making movement begins with a prayer movement—a united, passionate, sustained outpouring of petition. The book of Acts illustrates how every major breakthrough in the early church was fueled by earnest prayer. Prayer places us in God's presence, aligning us with His purposes and unleashing His power to advance his Kingdom.
There are two ways to pray; individually and in groups. The key is to do both. Increase the time you spend in personal and group prayer that is focused on disciple making.
Action Step
Begin praying more on an individual basis using the Pray resource as a guide.
Gather with at least two others and being praying regularly using Pray as a guide.
Gather with at least two others and being praying regularly using Pray as a guide.
Many Christians understand the importance of making disciples, but may struggle with the practical "how-to." Here's a time-tested, proven three-step strategy to guide you in making disciples who, in turn, make disciples, with the ultimate aim of launching a Disciple Making Movement (DMM).
Resources
- Watch Introduction to DMM. (9:07)
PRAY
Every disciple-making movement begins with a prayer movement—a united, passionate, sustained outpouring of petition. The book of Acts illustrates how every major breakthrough in the early church was fueled by earnest prayer. Prayer connects us with God's presence, aligning us with His purposes and unleashing His power to advance his Kingdom.
Participate in Great Commission Prayers both individually and together as a group. Elevate your prayer life by praying more than before; go beyond the ordinary. Establish a prayer group by hosting an initial gathering and progressively increasing its regularity and attendance.
Select the ONE prayer practice from the list below that resonates with you, and let it serve as a helpful guide for your prayers.
PRAYER PRACTICES
The Open Prayers: Petition the Lord to open your eyes to the spiritual condition of the lost (John 4:35 NIV, Matthew 9:36), to open doors; opportunities for reaching the lost (Colossians 4:3 NIV), to open your mouth to bring clarity and embolden your words in witnessing to the lost (Colossians 4:4; Ephesians 6:19 ESV), and to open the hearts of the lost to an invitation to be discipled (Acts 16:14). This concise prayer can be part of your daily routine.
One Thing Study: Use this devotional tool to pray for yourself, your family, ministry, etc.
7 Sails Prayer: Pray through the key elements of a disciple-making movement, especially effective for group prayer.
Pray Disciple Making Movement (DMM) Prayers: Pray elements of specific passages for your disciples such as John 17:9-26, Ephesians 1:16-20, and Philippians 1:3-11.
THUMB: Pray for the five major unreached people groups: Tribal, Hindu, Unreligious, Muslim, and Buddhist.
PIPSY: Pray for the Poor, Internationals, Prisoners, Sick, and Youth, as they are often the most receptive to discovering more about God.
Prayer Calendar: Utilize a creative method to pray for others.
Contact List: Pray for at least one person from your contact list daily, aligning their last name initial with the day of the month. Consider reaching out to connect with them and ask how you can pray for them.
110cities.com: Join in a collaborative strategy to saturate key global centers with prayer.
Beyond.org prayers: Pray for the specific issues highlighted on this strategic disciple-making mission agency website.
One Thing Study: Use this devotional tool to pray for yourself, your family, ministry, etc.
7 Sails Prayer: Pray through the key elements of a disciple-making movement, especially effective for group prayer.
Pray Disciple Making Movement (DMM) Prayers: Pray elements of specific passages for your disciples such as John 17:9-26, Ephesians 1:16-20, and Philippians 1:3-11.
THUMB: Pray for the five major unreached people groups: Tribal, Hindu, Unreligious, Muslim, and Buddhist.
PIPSY: Pray for the Poor, Internationals, Prisoners, Sick, and Youth, as they are often the most receptive to discovering more about God.
Prayer Calendar: Utilize a creative method to pray for others.
Contact List: Pray for at least one person from your contact list daily, aligning their last name initial with the day of the month. Consider reaching out to connect with them and ask how you can pray for them.
110cities.com: Join in a collaborative strategy to saturate key global centers with prayer.
Beyond.org prayers: Pray for the specific issues highlighted on this strategic disciple-making mission agency website.
DISCOVER
During the discovery phase, the goal is to find a person of peace, someone who is open and receptive to your message and invitation. This person may be the one who welcomes your presence and message initially, or they may lead you to such an individual. The objective is to identify those whom God has prepared to become disciple makers.
Discovering people of peace can occur situationally through the FARM Conversation method, allowing engagement with anyone, anywhere, at any time. Situational witnessing takes place as you go; amidst daily routines and interactions.
Alternatively, intentional discovery involves Prayer Walk, targeting those most likely to respond positively to your discipleship invitation. One effective approach is to address practical needs through a Compassion Ministry (such as food distribution) and then follow up with a spiritual conversation.
Resources
- Watch Person of Peace. (5:41)
- Watch Compassion. (8:04)
- Watch Prayer Walking (3:11)
- Watch First Contact (4:53)
- Watch Miracles and Healings (5:11)
DISCIPLE
Disciple making encompasses three essential components: training others, coaching them, and receiving coaching. Training encompasses instruction in various tools like Discovery Bible Study (DBS), FARM Conversation, Prayer Walk, One Thing Study, and 7 Sails Prayer. Typically, DBS is the first tool taught, followed by others based on preference. Training focuses on one tool at a time, usually spanning one to three sessions, followed by a one-month application period during which coaching occurs on a weekly basis. Structured training templates such as Launch and Multiply offer organized approaches to this process.
Continual coaching is essential for sustained growth and application in the disciple-making journey, providing personalized support and guidance beyond initial training. While training initiates the process, coaching ensures ongoing implementation and development. Resources like Coach can offer valuable templates for structuring coaching meetings, fostering effective disciple-making relationships. The goal of coaching is to guide disciples through the stages of forming a Discovery Group, which focuses on DBS, and then transitioning into a Disciple Making Community (church) that practices the 7 elements of a Disciple Making Movement (DMM).
Finally, those in coaching roles must also receive coaching themselves to grow and improve. One option is to join a national weekly online coaching meeting after completing the eLife DMM Training, which spans 8 weeks. Alternatively, you can seek out a like-minded individual who shares your devotion to disciple making and engage in mutual coaching using the following map.
Resources:
- Watch Church (6:33)
- Watch Leadership (10:30)
- Watch Discipleship (3:51)
- Watch Church Planting Movements (7:57)
- View DMM Resources