by Brian Wachter
In Matthew 4:19, Jesus gives us a working definition of a disciple: “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of people.” A disciple is someone who follows Jesus (Head), is being transformed by Him (Heart), and is committed to His mission (Hands). As we help others grow in these areas, we model the journey of following Jesus, and together, we pass on that same journey to others.
The Disciplemaker’s Hand provides clarity to help us do this. It’s a process that begins by communicating the why behind something you’re passing on and how to do it. Then, it helps others get started in it, supports them through challenges to keep them going, and eventually helps them multiply and pass it on to others. This progression is helpful, whether you’re starting with someone new to faith or someone ready to take the next step in their walk with Jesus.
One of the most powerful ways we can grow in our faith and help others do the same is through the simple act of reading the Bible together. Let’s look at how this tool lays out the steps for you to help someone engage with the Bible:
1. Tell Them WHY
The first step for those we disciple is for them to know the purpose behind reading Scripture. When we show someone that God’s Word is not just a book of moral lessons but the very source of life, they begin to grasp the value of engaging with it consistently.
2. Show Them HOW
Next, we demonstrate how to read the Bible in a way that’s both understandable and transformative. It is not about reading the Bible to accumulate knowledge; it’s about inviting the Holy Spirit to illuminate Scripture and allowing it to change our lives. Like Paul in Philippians 3:17, we want to invite others into our lives so they can learn how we interact with God’s Word and do it with them. It’s through our example that they catch the practical how to of engaging with the Bible.
3. Get Them STARTED
Once someone understands the why and has seen the how, it’s time to get them started. Practical steps like reading a chapter or reflecting on a passage together help them begin with a specific plan to go and do likewise. Getting started is about setting them on a path of delighting in God’s Word.
4. Keep Them GOING
It is essential to keep a disciple on track. In 2 Timothy 3:14-15, Paul encourages Timothy to continue in what he has learned. As we walk alongside others, we provide that same encouragement. It’s through consistent support that our friends continue to grow in their faith.
5. Help Them MULTIPLY
The process doesn’t stop with just one person. As we help someone grow in their relationship with God and their ability to engage with Scripture, we empower them to do the same with others. In 2 Timothy 2:1-2, Paul urges Timothy to pass on the things he has learned to others who will also be able to teach others. Passing on the gospel is the heart of multiplication—seeing the gospel continue to spread as disciples make more disciples.
Reading the Bible together isn’t just a solitary activity. It’s a shared experience that helps us grow as we go deeper into God’s Word and as we help others do the same. As we grow in our relationship with Jesus and help others in theirs, we participate in His mission to reach the world. Let’s take the next step and invite someone into this journey of growth today.
