Disciple making movements have gained popularity in recent years as a way of spreading the gospel rapidly and effectively. But what exactly is a disciple making movement, and how does it differ from traditional evangelism and church planting? 

In this post, we’ll explore the characteristics and key principles of a disciple making movement.

A Definition of “Disciple Making Movements”

At its core, a disciple making movement (DMM) is a rapid and expansive multiplication of disciples who make disciples. It’s a grassroots movement that begins with a few individuals who have a passion for sharing the gospel and a vision for multiplying disciples and churches. 

The goal of a DMM is not just to reach a certain number of people with the gospel, but to see an entire population or region transformed by the power of God.

Characteristics of DMM

So, what are the characteristics of a disciple making movement? 

First and foremost, it’s centered on Jesus Christ and the gospel message. The focus is on making disciples, not just converts. This means that the gospel is not just presented as a one-time decision, but as a lifelong journey of following Jesus and making him known to others.

Simple and Reproducible

Another key characteristic is the use of simple, reproducible methods for evangelism, discipleship, and church planting. This includes things like storytelling, Discovery Bible Study, and house churches. These methods are easy to teach and replicate, so that disciples can quickly multiply and spread the movement to others.

Prayer and Holy Spirit Emphasis

A disciple making movement is also marked by a strong emphasis on prayer and dependence on the Holy Spirit.

 Disciples are encouraged to listen to and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit in all aspects of their lives and ministry. Prayer is seen as a powerful tool for spiritual transformation and the advancement of the movement.

Focus on Persons of Peace

Another important aspect of a DMM is the focus on “persons of peace.” 

These are individuals who are open and receptive to the gospel message, and who have a network of relationships that can be leveraged for evangelism and discipleship. Disciples are trained to identify and engage with persons of peace, building relationships with them and sharing the gospel in a way that is relevant and contextualized to their culture and worldview.

Leadership Development Focus

Leadership development is also a key component of a disciple making movement. 

Disciples are trained to become leaders who can reproduce the movement in others. This means that leadership development is not limited to a select few individuals, but is intentionally and systematically built into the DNA of the movement.

Multiplication…Not Addition

Finally, a disciple making movement is marked by a commitment to multiplication, not addition. 

This means that the focus is on making disciples who make disciples, who in turn make more disciples. The goal is not just to add members to a church or organization, but to see the movement multiply and expand to reach new areas and populations.

Conclusion (And Why it Matters)

In summary, a disciple making movement is a rapid and expansive multiplication of disciples who make disciples, centered on Jesus Christ and the gospel message, using simple, reproducible methods for evangelism, discipleship, and church planting, with a strong emphasis on prayer and dependence on the Holy Spirit, a focus on persons of peace, intentional leadership development, and a commitment to multiplication.

In conclusion, disciple making movements have been used to see rapid and widespread transformation in various parts of the world to tackle the enormity of the task to reach the unreached with the gospel. We need a strategy of multiplication to tackle a challenge as big as bringing the gospel to the whole World.

The principles and characteristics outlined above provide a helpful framework for those interested in starting or joining such a movement. 

By following these principles and seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit, disciples can play a part in seeing their communities and nations transformed by the power of the gospel.