Joyo and Anita, national partners of James and Sharon, were ready to move. Together the couple had sought the Lord on where they might live to be most effective in making multiplying disciples. And the Lord had answered.

They felt led to move to a new area and start a ministry that would open the region to the gospel for the first time. By seeking the Lord themselves, the couple was honored and able to “own” the discovery that the Holy Spirit had given them. 

Through persons of peace, Anita has since started four groups that are using the Discovery Bible Study method. And a second generation of seekers has already been formed!

This is a key component of disciple-making movements: Only when leaders like James and Sharon humble themselves, trust the Father, and fully release younger disciples to follow the direction of the Holy Spirit can we see the plan and the fruit the Father has in mind. 

As Jesus taught in Matthew 16:24, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me.” James and Sharon have seen it first-hand, “Death to self and submission to life in Christ is always a great idea.” 

*pseudonym

Harto* is a Muslim man who encountered Jesus through a discipleship process with Shawn*. Harto was interested in becoming a disciple of Jesus and was even considering being baptized.

Then Harto’s family found out about his studies. He has not met with Shawn since they found out.

Harto’s story illustrates why it is so important for seekers to bring their family and friends to hear what the Bible says about Jesus. That way, no one is removed or ostracized from their closest relationships. Instead, whole relational groups (oikos) explore together.

And it’s biblical! The book of Acts records over 30 instances of people becoming followers of Jesus; only three describe a person coming to Christ as an individual. In all the other instances, a large or small community became followers of Jesus as a group.

If a person’s oikos is not willing to engage with the Bible, the seeker should show love and be patient, letting their testimony be a witness of God’s goodness and power to save.

This is why movements are often slow to begin but can then experience rapid growth as entire families come to Christ.

*pseudonym

One day, Karly* and Allison* went to the park to meet people. When they arrived, they saw their Muslim friend Yasmin* who introduced them to some women she knew. “These are my friends Karly and Allison. They study the holy books and the prophets.”

Then Yasmin shared a story about Isa (Jesus). This prompted one woman to remember that her son had asked about Jesus. He had seen videos on YouTube and TikTok about the end times, one of which included a story about Isa. As a result he became very afraid and could not sleep. She and her husband also became troubled. “We sent our son to study more religion so he might understand and not be afraid.”  

Suddenly, one of the women turned to Yasmin. Motioning toward Karly and Allison, she asked, “Who did you say these women are?” 

Yasmin told the women they should talk with Karly and Allison if they wanted to study stories from the holy books. 

“I want to know the stories,” one woman said. “I know Jesus will come, but I don’t know how.”  

Later Karly and Allison talked with this woman. “When are you coming again?” she asked. “Next time, come to my house so we can study the stories.”

Obedient disciples can train reproducible groups to study the Word from the start. Spiritually hungry people immediately learn that, no matter the setting, they can hear what God is saying to them because the Holy Spirit is their teacher. As Jesus said in John 6:45, “It is written in the Prophets: ‘They will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who has heard the Father and learned from him comes to me.” 

Pray that these women will meet Jesus as Karly and Allison obediently model how to learn from God’s Word directly from the Father Himself.

*pseudonym