The A-to-Z Approach to Disciple Making: A Comprehensive Path to Spiritual Maturity
One of the most common misunderstandings in disciple making is the tendency to focus on a book study or a particular spiritual topic without considering the full scope of discipleship. While studying books and specific topics are important, they often concentrate on a narrow portion of the journey—perhaps points L, M, N, O, or P—without an A-to-Z mindset that ensures a believer matures in all aspects of faith. True disciple making is a comprehensive journey that begins at point A—introducing Christian basics—and continues all the way to point Z, where a mature believer is equipped to reproduce disciples. This A-to-Z approach ensures that believers are not left with an incomplete understanding of their faith but are fully developed and engaged in the life and mission of the Church.
Starting at A: Laying the Foundation
The journey of discipleship begins with a solid foundation in the Gospel. New believers must first grasp the essentials: salvation through Jesus Christ, the authority of Scripture, the role of the Holy Spirit, and the importance of community in the body of Christ. Without this grounding, further growth will be unstable. This phase also includes fostering a personal relationship with God through prayer and engagement with Scripture (Matthew 28:19-20).
Building Relationships: The Lifeblood of Discipleship
One of the most overlooked yet crucial aspects of disciple making is the necessity of relationships. Jesus modeled this with His disciples, spending time with them, teaching, correcting, and encouraging them (Mark 3:14). Discipleship is not simply about conveying information—it is about investing in others’ lives through mentorship, accountability, and authentic community.
A strong discipling relationship fosters trust, allowing for real growth and transformation. Without intentional relationships, discipleship risks becoming a transactional process rather than a transformational journey.
Developing Habits and Spiritual Disciplines
Growth in Christ requires the cultivation of spiritual habits. Prayer, Bible reading, worship, fasting, and Scripture memorization are essential disciplines that must be developed consistently (1 Timothy 4:7-8). However, these habits are not learned overnight. They must be modeled, practiced, and reinforced through encouragement and accountability.
A disciple maker should help new believers understand that these disciplines are not about legalism but about positioning oneself to receive from God and grow in faith.
Serving in the Local Church: Moving Toward Maturity
A disciple’s faith deepens as they move beyond personal growth and engage in the life of the local church. Serving in ministry, practicing generosity, and using spiritual gifts (Romans 12:4-8) are essential aspects of growth. When a believer actively participates in the church body, they shift from being passive recipients to active contributors in the kingdom of God.
Reaching Z: Reproducing Disciples
The ultimate goal of disciple making is multiplication. A mature disciple does not simply remain in a cycle of personal growth but invests in others, passing along what they have learned (2 Timothy 2:2). Too often, believers assume they must reach a certain level of expertise before they can disciple someone else, but in reality, disciple making should be a continuous cycle at every stage of faith.
If a believer only consumes knowledge without passing it on, discipleship stagnates. True disciple making ensures that each believer is equipped and encouraged to disciple others, continuing the multiplication process.
Avoiding a Narrow Focus in Discipleship
When a disciple maker focuses only on points L, M, N, O, or P—whether that be a deep study of theology, an emphasis on spiritual disciplines, or a passion for community engagement—they may help a disciple grow in specific areas, but this approach can leave other crucial aspects of discipleship underdeveloped. For example, a disciple who is well-versed in doctrine but lacks engagement in relationships and service may struggle to apply their knowledge in a meaningful way. Conversely, someone who is active in church ministry but lacks a foundation in biblical truth may find their faith shaken when challenges arise. While specialization in certain aspects of discipleship can yield good results, a narrow focus risks producing disciples who are strong in some areas but weak in others. A balanced, A-to-Z approach ensures that every disciple receives a well-rounded foundation, equipping them to grow in Christ holistically and ultimately invest in others.
Many well-meaning believers assume that working through a single book or focusing on one aspect of faith is sufficient for disciple making. While these resources can be helpful, they often emphasize just one part of the journey—perhaps focusing on doctrine, prayer, or spiritual gifts—without addressing the full range of growth necessary for a disciple to mature. If discipleship is reduced to only a portion of the journey, other vital areas of growth may be neglected. Instead, disciple making must encompass a full spectrum of learning, practice, and application, ensuring a well-rounded path to spiritual maturity.
Conclusion
While multiplication is the goal, a disciple making process that does not result in reproduction is still valuable and meaningful in spiritual growth. By adopting an A-to-Z approach—beginning with Christian basics and culminating in the reproduction of mature disciples—believers will experience transformation that extends beyond personal growth into the mission of Christ. It is only when disciple making is comprehensive and intentional that we truly fulfill Jesus’ Great Commission.
Resources:
- The Master Plan of Evangelism – Robert E. Coleman
- Growing Up: How to Be a Disciple Who Makes Disciples – Robby Gallaty
- Discipleshift: Five Steps That Help Your Church to Make Disciples Who Make Disciples – Jim Putman, Bobby Harrington, Robert Coleman
- Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life – Donald Whitney
Toby DeHay 