June 12, 2025
The Great Commission is more than a command—it’s a calling to be a disciple and make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20). Every church has a discipleship culture, whether intentional or not. The question is: Is your church’s culture actively making and multiplying disciples?
A discipleship culture is not about programs but about people. It is built through real relationships, transformational teaching, intentional multiplication, and a clear discipleship pathway. Consider these ten questions to diagnose the health of your church’s disciple-making efforts.
Do our people understand that discipleship is a way of life rather than an event? A disciple does not just attend church but grows toward Christ-likeness and multiplies the experience. Jesus modeled discipleship as a life-long process of transformation that costs everything (Luke 9:23). Discipleship culture is rooted in love (1 John 4:7-12). Without love, ministry our efforts are worthless. Churches that focus only on attendance but fail to disciple people miss the mission.
Jesus discipled in large gatherings (teaching the multitudes), small groups (the Twelve), micro-groups (Peter, James, and John), and one-on-one (Mentoring and time with the Father). A healthy discipleship culture provides similar environments for growth. Large gatherings inspire small groups to deepen relationships, and micro-groups allow for intimate accountability.
A discipleship pathway is not just a list of programs—it’s an intentional roadmap that moves people from being lost to being disciple-makers. Jesus never left His disciples guessing; He gave them clear steps. Churches must regularly and intentionally communicate how people can connect, grow, and multiply in their faith. Without clarity, many remain stagnant.
Jesus welcomed everyone. He ate with tax collectors and spoke with outcasts (Mark 2:15-17). A disciple-making church creates on-ramps where people can explore faith in a grace-filled environment. Churches must balance gospel truth and relational connection to help seekers take steps toward faith in Christ.
People are the mission field. Discipleship is built on real relationships where people are seen, not just said. Churches prioritizing authentic community provide spaces where members can invite friends into meaningful relationships that lead to transformation.
Jesus’ disciples often asked hard questions (Matthew 17:19, John 9:2). True discipleship happens when people feel safe enough to be vulnerable and wrestle with faith together. A healthy discipleship culture creates spaces where people can confess struggles without judgment and be encouraged to grow (James 5:16).
Discipleship isn’t just about meetings—it’s about life-on-life relationships. The strongest discipleship cultures cultivate deep friendships that reflect Christ’s love. In a world where loneliness is an epidemic (US Surgeon General), the church must be a place where people find true, Christ-centered community.
If discipleship happens accidentally rather than intentionally, your people will struggle to define it. When surveyed, members should be able to articulate the key avenue for discipleship in your church. Churches that emphasize multiplication over maintenance will see discipleship become a way of life rather than a side ministry.
When people only engage with God on Sundays, something is missing. A disciple-making culture equips believers to walk with God daily, studying Scripture and growing in prayer.
Jesus modeled personal devotion, teaching His disciples to abide in Him daily (John 15:4-5). Churches must equip people to engage with God beyond the Sunday service.
Discipleship is a structured but flexible process, leading people from seeking to growing to multiplying.
A strong pathway includes:
Without a pathway, discipleship stagnates. But with clear direction, disciples multiply and make other disciples (2 Timothy 2:2).
Let’s Build a Disciple-Making Culture
These ten questions are not meant to discourage but to inspire action! Jesus calls us to be a disciple and make disciples. Every church can take intentional steps to cultivate a disciple-making culture. The Georgia Baptist Discipleship Team is ready to help you assess these areas and create a customized discipleship pathway for your church. We believe discipleship is built through real relationships, transformational teaching, intentional multiplication, and a clear identifiable path. Let’s create a culture where making disciples is the norm, not the exception!
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Interested in finding out more? Take the free Discipleship Culture Diagnostic at https://gabaptist.org/dcdiagnostic.
Dr. PJ Dunn is the regional discipleship consultant for North Georgia of the Georgia Baptist Mission Board. He can be reached at pdunn@gabaptist.org.
