Tools to Make Disciples

Four Tools to Make Disciples

You want to take Jesus seriously when He said, “Go and make disciples,” (Matthew 28:19) but you aren’t exactly sure how.

Perhaps you’ve never been formally or intentionally discipled yourself, so you don’t know where to start or what to do. We want to help.

Below, you’ll find four great tools designed to equip you to better make disciples.

Abraham Lincoln said “ Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the ax.” Share on X

We all need great tools to do a great work, but don’t ever forget the indispensable tool of God’s Word. The tools below are only meant to point you and the disciple deeper into the Scriptures, the source of life and truth.

“Like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation.” 1 Peter 2:2

There is no growth outside of God’s Word.

We hope one of these tools will become a resource you’ll sharpen over time as you aim to fulfill the Great Commission of making disciples.

1. Replicate

Replicate Ministries equips local churches to make disciples who make disciples. What I love about replicate is these guys are real life practitioners. They didn’t create a product to sell, they are sharing a product they created and are using in their own church! These people are in the trenches.

Alongside discipleship resources for churches, they’ve developed a Bible reading plan called F260. It’s designed to take you through foundational passages of Scripture every disciple should know. To accompany the reading plan, they recommend the H.E.A.R method of reading and journaling God’s Word.

Essentially, you and your disciple would work through the Bible reading plan and journal together. Once a week, you would meet together to discuss what God is teaching you from His Word. You can also use this time to ask questions, share struggles, and pray for one another.

PROS:

  • Replicate is packed full of resources. Beyond the reading plan, you’ll find plenty of blogs and podcast that will both inspire and motivate you to make disciples.
  • No homework. Since the method is based on reading God’s Word, you’re not adding another task to someone’s busy schedule.
  • Reproducible.
  • Works best in a group of 3-4.

2. Small Circle

Small Circle is a relational one-to-one discipleship process that takes the disciple through a series of four modules.

The conviction is that discipleship best takes place in one-to-one relationships, not in group settings. Small Circle has developed a path for believers to follow. The material can be purchased on their website, or you can download the Small Circle app and access the content for free.

PROS:

  • Step by step. There are four modules, and each module goes progressively deeper. It’s simple, yet comprehensive.
  • App based. It takes a little getting used to, but once you get a feel for how the app works, it’s great.
  • It’s personal. Since it’s on-to-one, you’ll find a more genuine, real experience with the disciple.
  • Reproducible.

3. Chronological Bible Teaching

Chronological Bible Teaching (CBT) is pretty much what it sounds like – a chronological study of the Scriptures. This resource may be the best tool available to get a comprehensive overview of the Bible.

Sound daunting? It’s not. CBT walks the student through the entire story of the Bible. Sure, you may know the story of creation, David and Goliath, Daniel in the Lions Den, and Jesus born in a manger. But how does it all fit together. As you read the Bible chronological, CBT helps you better understand the Scriptures by asking strategic questions.

As you experience the coherent story of the Bible, you quickly realize that you are part of that story as well. This leads to many different ways to apply the Scriptures to our lives today.

PROS:

  • Go at your own pace. If you don’t complete all the questions in one discipleship meeting, just pause and pick up at the same spot next week!
  • Workbooks for men, women, and students.
  • Comprehensive. There will be plenty of lightbulb moments as you uncover many incredible truths found in God’s Word.
  • Reproducible.
  • Works best for a group of 3-8.

4. Tough Questions

This isn’t really a resource per se as much as it is a method. If you look at how Jesus discipled the twelve, you’ll find a series of through prevoking questions. Sometimes they were initiated by Jesus (Mark 8:27), and other times they were initiated by the disciples (John 9:1).

If you are committed to meet with a person, or group of people, weekly, be intentional about some questions you could ask on a regular, consistent basis. Without a plan, the conversation will usually center around weather, politics, and sports. Which isn’t necessarily bad to get the conversation going, but discussing the latest sports news doesn’t make disciples.

Here are some sample questions your group could agree to ask of each other on a regular basis.

  • What are you reading in Scripture and how is God speaking to you? 
  • What’s your greatest challenge or struggle right now?
  • What victory can we celebrate with you?  
  • How’s your faith, family, friendships, fitness, finances?
  • How can we pray for you this coming week? 

PROS:

  • Framework. These questions provide an intentional framework for discipleship conversations to happen.
  • Transparency. Beyond talking about information, tough questions cause us to be open and honest about areas in our own lives.
  • No homework. Again, there aren’t any additional tasks to complete through the week. Challenge people to be in God’s Word personally and come prepared to talk about it.
  • Reproducible.

There are lots of great discipleship tools out there, so try not to get bogged down with analysis paralysis. The best discipleship tool is the one you use!

The best discipleship tool is the one you use! Share on X