Many pastors and ministry leaders share a similar frustration: despite good intentions and busy church calendars, genuine disciplemaking often gets lost amid programs, events, and organizational demands. The result? Churches filled with activity but lacking in intentional, holistic spiritual growth. This disconnect between what we hope for and what we experience can leave leaders discouraged and congregations spiritually stagnant.
If you’re longing to see your church become a vibrant community where making disciples is at the core, you’re not alone. The good news is that creating a disciplemaking culture is possible—when you take intentional steps rooted in biblical wisdom and practical action.
Building a Disciplemaking Culture Step-by-Step
Step 1: Clarify the Vision
A disciplemaking culture starts with a clear, compelling vision. Articulate what it means to be a disciple of Jesus in your context. Paint a picture that goes beyond attendance or volunteerism to encompass holistic transformation—loving God, loving others, and making disciples who multiply.
Action: Gather your leadership team and craft a vision statement that emphasizes disciplemaking as the heart of your church’s mission.
Step 2: Model Disciplemaking from the Top
Culture is shaped by what leaders do, not just what they say. Pastors and ministry leaders must personally engage in disciplemaking relationships, modeling the behaviors and attitudes they want to see throughout the church.
Action: Invest in a small group or one-on-one discipling relationships. Share stories and lessons learned with your congregation to inspire others.
Step 3: Build Relational Pathways
True discipleship happens in the context of authentic relationships. Move beyond programs to create environments—small groups, triads, or mentoring pairs—where people can engage in spiritual conversations, practice accountability, and grow together.
Action: Evaluate your current ministries. Where can you foster deeper, more intentional relationships focused on spiritual growth and multiplication?
Step 4: Equip and Empower
Provide practical tools and training so everyone can participate in disciplemaking. Teach people how to share their faith, explain the gospel simply, and walk alongside new believers. Equip leaders to facilitate discussions, ask good questions, and encourage spiritual responsiveness.
Action: Offer workshops or use resources to train your church in disciplemaking skills.
Step 5: Measure What Matters
What gets measured gets multiplied. Regularly assess how your church is doing in making and multiplying disciples—not just counting attendance or programs. Celebrate stories of transformation and multiplication, and use feedback to refine your approach.
Action: Use assessment tools to gauge progress and identify areas for growth in your disciplemaking culture.
Disciplemaking: Easier Said Than Done
Five easy steps, eh? Every one of these steps involves taking strategic action that will make waves amongst your people and will require letting go of something in order to make room to build new habits. There is nothing easy about it. If you are serious about aligning your church with the Great Commission, Bob Logan wants to help. Bob is currently taking on new coaching and consulting clients. If you would like to talk to Bob and learn how he can come alongside you and your team as you build a disciplemaking culture, email admin@loganleadership.com. Let’s get you started!