In 2016 with the Explore God campaign in Austin, only 10% of the 300 churches were preparing their people to be able to share their faith.
So now Christ Together Austin is focusing on helping Austin area churches to become missionary disciple-makers.
“This past year I have found something I was looking for my entire ministry life!” – Tim Hawks
Jesus did not tell us to go and plant churches or go and start seminaries. Those are good things, but instead in Matthew 28:18-20, he said: “Go and make disciples of all nations…” and in Acts 1:8, he said: “You are my witnesses….”
Jesus meant these commissions for every follower of Jesus!
Every church says they are making disciples, but what is really happening?
Exponential and Discipleship.org surveyed churches for 2 years and discovered less than 5% of the churches in America have an effective disciple-making program.
Why is disciple-making in the USA so bad?
We substituted the definition of sanctification with the definition for discipleship. Becoming like Jesus is part of the discipleship process but not the only part of it!
We have substituted a programmatic approach that replaced a personal approach.
In 2024, 52% of pastors surveyed by Christ Together National indicated that small groups was the primary way their church was making disicples.
71% of those in small groups said they were spiritually stuck and not sure how to move forward.
Classes and groups aren’t bad. They are making a difference. However, we are not making disciples the way Jesus commissioned us to do so.
Objections to Jesus-styled discipleship:
Some think that since Jesus was with his disciples 24/7 for 3 years so that cannot work today. This would imply Jesus gave us something to do without the resources to do it.
Jesus had all of the spiritual gifts so he could do something we cannot do. As a result, we point them to multiple classes and programs led by different people.
What if how we do this is more obvious than we think?
Paul said: “Follow me as I follow Jesus.” Paul didn’t say follow me and become my disciple.
Jesus is the disciple-maker in the disciple-making relationship!
What if I could help people to start their day with Jesus and throughout the day follow Him?
We would be doing what we are called to do!
Definition of a Disciple in the Gospels
A disciple is one who is following Jesus, being changed by Jesus, and on mission with Jesus.
“Come follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” – Matthew 4:19
We are helping people follow Jesus, be changed by Jesus, and on mission with Jesus.
This takes me or any other human disciple-maker out of the equation!
The title “disciple” is an entry level term to describe someone who chooses to follow Jesus.
The Two Things Jesus Emphasized with His Disciples:
1. Jesus often asked the disciples: “Who do you say that I am?”
Since Jesus is King and Savior then He is our Lord!
The one who loves Jesus keeps His commandments.
Too many of our people believe in Jesus, but they do not follow Him as Lord.
2. Jesus said: “Peace to you; as the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” (John 20:21)
The USA has become a gospel desert wasteland. The gospel message is rarely shared outside of the doors of our church building.
To prove it: Consider, when is the last time someone tried to lead you to follow Jesus outside of a church service?
A Resource to Reverse this Trend: PlantingTheGospel.org
Gospel Disciple Life: 5, 3, 2
(5 principles, 3 people, 2 Rhythms)
5 Key Principles:
1. Simple enough to reproduce.
2. The Holy Spirit is our teacher.
3. The Gospels are our curriculum.
4. Following Jesus is our objective.
5. Relationships are our vehicle.
3 People:
I invite one person who invites one person to form a triad (micro group).
We stay together until each of us is living the Gospel Disciple Life.
Then we each multiply.
This process progresses in the following ways: 3 to 9, 9 to 27, 27 to 81… at the 14th generation = 4, 782,969
If someone doesn’t get it by the end of all 4 Gospels, then they are probably resistant.
Typically some groups multiply after going through the Gospel of Mark. Some go through all 4 Gospels. Some go through the Gospels more than once.
2 Rhythms:
1. Daily Bible Reading in the Gospels (five days a week)
Using the S.O.W.I.N.G. questions.
S.O.W.I.N.G.
- Scripture – What verse or passage stands out to me?
- Observation – What is Jesus saying to me?
- Walk – How will I obey what I’ve heard?
- Invite – Who will I invite into a discipling relationship?
- Need – What need will I meet or relationship will I nurture?
- Gospel – How will I share the gospel or be good news today?
People are open to reading the Bible!
For example – 20% of the people of San Francisco indicated they are interested in reading the Bible.
2. Weekly Huddle
The triad gets together each week to find out how the week went.
What did Jesus say? How did you respond? What did God do this week in your life or through your life?
