The Heart of Disciplemaking
Written by Brian Wachter
Making disciples didn’t originate with a Navigators ministry strategy or training resource—it came from the very heart of God. Jesus’ call in Matthew 28:18–20 isn’t just for a select few with formal ministry titles. It’s for all of us who have chosen to follow Him.
When Jesus called His disciples, He didn’t hand them a program. He invited them into relationship: “Come, follow me…” (Matt. 4:19). His disciplemaking model wasn’t a platform—it was a personal investment in a few, day after day, conversation by conversation. At the centre of it all was intentional, one-to-one relationships.
We often imagine disciplemaking as something “extra” to add into our busy lives. But what if it’s more about how we approach the relationships we already have? Your everyday friendships and natural connections— these are the soil where disciplemaking begins. The question isn’t whether you have time for disciplemaking, but whether you are willing to view your relationships the way Jesus did: as God-given pathways to spiritual multiplication.
Cultivating One-to-One Relationships That Matter
So where do we start? Begin with prayer. Ask God to bring someone to mind—perhaps a friend, co-worker, neighbour, or younger believer in your church. Think of the people you naturally connect with. Then initiate with relational intention: invite them for coffee, take a walk, ask questions, listen well. Let friendship grow. As trust builds, look for ways to bring Scripture, prayer, and spiritual encouragement into your conversations.
You don’t need to be an expert—just available and real. You can ask questions like:
- “What’s been helping you grow in your walk with God lately?”
- “Would you be up for reading a short Bible passage together each week?”
Simple, Spirit-led steps like these can grow into a one-to-one disciplemaking relationship that shapes both of your lives.
Mapping Your Relational Network
To help you take your next step, consider using tools like the Relational Network Map from the Backpack or the 1+1 Neighbourhood Mapping resource that are both available in the Resources section of our website for free. The Hard copy of The Backpack is available for purchase as well. These can help you prayerfully list and visualize the people God has already placed in your life—those you can walk alongside toward Jesus. Ask God for an open door and an idea on how to connect.
Disciplemaking isn’t about doing more. It’s about being present with people and pointing them to Christ.
Head / Heart / Hands Reflection + Bible Study
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:7–8 (ESV)
“But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves…”
Head – What do you learn about disciplemaking from Paul’s relational posture in this verse?
Heart – Who in your life has discipled you this way? How did it impact you?
Hands – Who could you begin meeting with one-to-one to encourage in their walk with God this month?