Apostolic Blueprints of Disciple-Making
Apostolic Blueprints: Rediscovering the Mission of Disciple-Making
Disciple-making is not a new concept, but its implementation varies significantly across cultures. The mission of the church is often perceived as planting and growing churches, developing well-structured congregations led by full-time pastors. However, a return to the biblical model of making disciples who multiply presents a more transformative approach.
An exploration into disciple-making began in Israel, where restrictive laws made traditional evangelism impossible. Rather than relying on events and programs to grow the church, training young believers to share their faith organically led to a movement. This realization sparked a broader vision: what if disciple-making became the central focus of the church, rather than just a function within it?
The Power of Multiplication
A crucial question arises: how do we move beyond first-generation disciples to second, third, and fourth generations? In Israel, young believers began discipling their peers in homes and schools, creating networks of faith outside traditional church structures.
One key principle is finding "persons of peace"—those open to the gospel who naturally influence their communities. Investing in these individuals ensures that disciple-making movements are led by local believers rather than external leaders imposing a foreign model. This is critical in both Western and non-Western contexts, as movements grow best when led by insiders who already have cultural and relational credibility.
The Clash Between Kingdom and Culture
There is inevitable tension between the kingdom of God and existing power structures. Historically, Christianity has collided with political and religious establishments, as seen in the opposition faced by Jesus, Paul, and the early church.
When disciple-making movements take root, they don’t just spread a belief system—they introduce a new culture. This culture, based on obedience to Jesus, often disrupts local economies, political systems, and religious traditions. While this may be less visible in the West, movements in places like China or the Middle East face government opposition because they create alternative social structures.
Overcoming Western Challenges
In the West, the primary challenge is not persecution but institutionalization. New believers are often quickly absorbed into established church systems, which can stifle organic disciple-making. Church affiliation often revolves around denominational preferences rather than a unified kingdom mission.
To counteract this, a disciple-making movement was branded to provide structure without institutionalization. Initially hesitant to adopt a structured identity, the realization came that Western believers often seek belonging within a defined framework. One example of this is The Bread Global, a recognizable yet non-institutional network encouraging disciple-making within a kingdom mindset.
The Role of Apostolic Leadership
Another pivotal aspect is the role of apostolic leadership. Many churches today follow blueprints established centuries ago by founders like John Wesley or Martin Luther. However, these blueprints often remain static, leading to stagnation rather than adaptation.
There is a need for active, apostolic leadership that continuously refines and reshapes disciple-making strategies in response to cultural shifts. This means not just maintaining traditions but constantly seeking the most effective ways to advance the kingdom.
Training for Generational Impact
What does it take to create disciples who multiply? Several key factors stand out:
- Invest in the Right People – Focus on persons of peace who have the influence and willingness to spread the gospel organically.
- Emphasize Obedience Over Knowledge – Discipleship should prioritize action and application rather than mere theological understanding.
- Encourage Local Leadership – Movements thrive when led by those within the culture, rather than relying on external missionaries or pastors.
- Foster a Kingdom Identity – New believers should see themselves as part of a global kingdom movement, not just members of a specific church.
Conclusion
There is an urgent need to reclaim the biblical mission of disciple-making. By focusing on multiplication, cultural adaptability, and apostolic leadership, the church can move beyond institutional Christianity toward a dynamic, kingdom-oriented movement.
As movements grow worldwide, the challenge remains: how do we in the West embrace this mission with the same urgency and effectiveness? The answer lies in rediscovering our calling, stepping outside traditional boundaries, and committing to the radical obedience of making disciples who make disciples.