Brian Wachter
Disciplemaking: What Is It and How Do I Start?
When Jesus called His first disciples, He gave them a simple yet life-changing invitation:
“Follow me, and I will make you fishers of people.” – Matthew 4:19
This verse gives us a clear picture of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus—someone who follows Jesus (Head), is being changed by Jesus (Heart), and is committed to the mission of Jesus (Hands). But how does this idea of discipleship turn into disciplemaking?
What Is Disciplemaking?
Disciplemaking is simply helping others grow in their walk with Jesus the same way someone helped you. The Navigators motto explains this process as, “To know Christ, make Him known, and help others do the same.” Disciplemaking is about walking alongside others, pointing them to Christ in everyday life, and equipping them to do the same for others. It’s not about having all the answers or being a Bible expert—it’s about being faithful to what you’ve already received and passing it on to someone else. Navigators refer to the result of this disciplemaking process as ‘spiritual generations.’
How Do I Start?
Disciplemaking isn’t complicated. You can begin with these three simple steps:
1. Pray and Pay Attention
Ask God to show you someone you know who is spiritually hungry or who wants to follow Jesus. This person might be a friend, a co-worker, or someone at church. Pay attention to those who ask spiritual questions or seem curious about your faith.
2. Invite and Invest
Start with simple invitations—grab coffee, come over for dinner, go for a walk, or read a short passage from the Bible together. One-to-one Bible reading is one of the best ways to involve people in the Word of God and make disciples. Try sharing what you are learning in your own walk with Jesus and asking good questions to help them reflect on theirs.
3. Walk with Them and Point Them to Jesus
Disciplemaking is more than a one-time conversation. It’s a journey. Be consistent in checking in, praying together, and helping this person take small steps in faith. Help them begin to learn how to pass on the good news of Jesus to others in their family and relational networks. Encourage them to not just learn about it but also obey what Jesus says and pass it on to others.
Next Steps
Take a moment to reflect on these questions:
- Head: Do I believe that disciplemaking is for every believer, including me?
- Heart: Do I have the desire to help someone else grow in their faith?
- Hands: What’s one simple step I can take this week to invest in someone spiritually? Praying might be the first step to get you going.
Disciplemaking isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being available. Jesus calls us to follow Him, be changed by Him, and join Him in His mission. Who is God putting on your heart to come alongside today?