The result of a holistic discipleWhen we have integrated disciples– those who incorporate head, heart, and hands– we see they are vastly more likely to pass along that discipleship to others. The end result of holistic disciples modeled on the pattern of Jesus is the multiplication of more disciples. Consider Jesus’ parable of the vine and the branches:

Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. —John 15:4-5

Notice the mutuality described in this passage. Growth doesn’t happen apart from meaningful connections with God and others. We need to abide in Christ in order to bear fruit. We become disciples and make disciples at same time. There’s no waiting time, but a simultaneous being influenced as we influence others. Our connection with the vine is clarified and evidenced by our fruit. Our fruit is only possible because of the vine.

Being a disciple means you make disciples. It’s part of the package. Whatever methodology you use to make disciples, make sure it’s reproducible.