Becoming a Disciple-Maker

Most of us can quickly think of someone who helped us grow in our faith.

Maybe it was a parent who prayed with us at night. A friend who asked honest questions when we were struggling. A Bible class teacher who made Scripture come alive. A mentor who walked with us through doubts or through hard times. Or someone who simply listened or reminded us of God’s truth at the right time.

When we reflect on those moments, something becomes clear: spiritual growth rarely happens in isolation.

God often uses ordinary people to help us take the next step in following Jesus. And that realization naturally leads to an important question. If someone helped us grow… who might God be calling us to help?

Disciple-making isn’t reserved for a few leaders. It’s the natural outflow of following Jesus.

As we grow in Him, He begins shaping us not only to follow but to help others follow too.

Following Jesus Means Joining His Mission

When Jesus first called His disciples, He didn’t simply invite them into personal spiritual growth. He invited them into a multiplying mission.

“Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” - Matthew 4:19 (ESV)

That statement is simple, but it carries deep meaning. Jesus didn’t say, “Follow me and you’ll become more knowledgeable,” or “Follow me and your life will improve.” Instead, He connected following Him with helping others follow Him.

From the very beginning, discipleship included multiplication.

Peter and Andrew likely didn’t fully understand what that meant. They were fishermen, not teachers. Ordinary men, not religious experts. Yet Jesus saw something in them - not just who they were, but who they could become.

And the same is true for us.

We may not feel ready to help someone else grow. We may feel like we still have too much to learn. But Jesus doesn’t call us because we are fully prepared. He calls us, walks with us, and shapes us along the way.

As we follow Him, He gradually turns our focus outward. We begin to care about the spiritual lives of others. We begin to notice opportunities to encourage. We begin to share what we are learning.

Following Jesus naturally leads to helping others follow Him too.

The Vision of Multiplication

The apostle Paul later describes this same idea in a powerful but simple way:

“What you have heard from me… entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.” - 2 Timothy 2:2 (ESV)

In one sentence, Paul describes four generations of disciples: Paul to Timothy to faithful people to others.

This is the heart of disciple-making. It’s not just addition - it’s multiplication. The goal isn’t only to help one person grow, but to invest in people who will then invest in others.

This changes how we think about influence. Disciple-making isn’t about reaching large numbers at once. It often begins quietly, with one person. One relationship. One intentional investment.

Over time, that investment can ripple outward in ways we may never fully see. A conversation today may shape a life. That life may shape another. And God continues working beyond what we can see or measure.

This is how the gospel has spread throughout history, not primarily through large platforms, but through faithful relationships.

Every Believer Has a Role

Sometimes we assume disciple-making is something reserved for ministers, elders, or teachers. But Scripture paints a much broader picture:

“He gave… shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry.” - Ephesians 4:11-12 (ESV)

Leaders are called to equip. But the work of ministry belongs to the entire body. That includes disciple-making.

Jesus reinforces this truth in the Great Commission:

“Go therefore and make disciples…” - Matthew 28:19 (ESV)

This command wasn’t given only to a select few. It wasn't given to just the Apostles. It was given to disciples, ordinary followers of Jesus. That means disciple-making is not optional for some; it is part of the calling of every believer.

And in many ways, this is encouraging. Disciple-making doesn’t require formal training or a teaching program. It often happens in the ordinary rhythms of life.

It looks like:

• Sharing a meal and talking about faith

• Texting someone to check in spiritually

• Reading Scripture together

• Praying with a friend during a difficult time

• Encouraging someone who feels discouraged

• Walking with a new believer as they grow

These simple, relational moments often become the soil where discipleship grows.

From Following to Helping Others Follow

As we grow in Christ, something begins to shift. We move from simply following Jesus ourselves to helping others follow Him too.

This transition doesn’t require perfection. It requires growth.

We don’t disciple others because we have everything figured out. We disciple others while we are still learning ourselves. We simply walk with someone and point them toward Jesus along the way.

Disciple-making is less about having all the answers and more about sharing the journey.

It often looks like:

• Being present: building a genuine relationship

• Being intentional: pointing conversations toward Christ

• Being humble: remembering we’re growing too

• Being consistent: showing up over time

This kind of discipleship is relational, not programmatic. It’s walking alongside someone and encouraging them as they take steps toward Jesus.

And often, the people God calls us to invest in are already in our lives. A friend. A coworker. A younger believer. A family member. Someone who simply needs encouragement and guidance.

We don’t need to search far. We simply need to be attentive and willing to disciple.

So let me ask you…

As I ask myself these same questions:

• Who are the people who helped shape my faith?

• How did God use them in my life?

• Have I ever viewed myself as someone who could help others grow?

• Who has God already placed in my everyday life?

• Is there someone I could begin encouraging spiritually this week?

• What might change if I saw disciple-making as part of my normal Christian life?

Disciple-making often begins not with a plan, but with a person.

A Closing Word for Fellow Pilgrims

Jesus never intended discipleship to stop with us.

He calls us to follow Him, and then to help others follow Him too. This is not a calling reserved for the spiritually elite. It’s the natural outflow of a life shaped by Christ.

We don’t need to be perfect. We simply need to be willing. Willing to care. Willing to invest. Willing to walk alongside someone and point them toward Jesus.

And as we begin doing this, something beautiful happens. Not only do others grow, but our own faith deepens as well. Disciple-making strengthens both the one being discipled and the one doing the discipling.

So perhaps the next step is simpler than we think.

Look around. Notice who God has placed in your life. Take one small step toward encouraging them.

One conversation. One prayer. One relationship at a time. This is how disciple-making begins.

Until the journey is complete,

Jonathan Pilgrim

P.S. This week, identify one believer (or new Christian) you could intentionally encourage in their faith. Reach out to them, invite them for coffee, ask about their walk with God, or offer to pray together. Disciple-making often begins with a simple step of intentional care.