Disciple-Making Principles

Disciple-Making Movements are typical characterized by a set of key principles which guide the strategy and contribute to the rapid multiplication process. While all of the following principles may not always be present in a true Disciple-Making movement it is unlikely that a movement will occur if the majority of these principles are not actively present in the process.

FOUNDATIONAL Disciple-Making PRINCIPLES

Prayer Accesses God’s Power From On High
The Spirit of God is Always Actively Present in the Disciple-Making Process
Only the Word of God is the Authority
New Believers Are Quickly Formed into Churches
God Often Uses Signs and Wonders to Catalyze Rapid Church Multiplication
Churches Multiply Rapidly When It Is Part of Their DNA
Rapid Church Multiplication Will be Accompanied by Spiritual Conflict
Christian Culture Often Imposes Barriers to Rapid Church Multiplication
Keeping Things Simple is Critical to Rapid Church Multiplication

ORGANIZATIONAL Disciple-Making PRINCIPLES

The Truly Indigenous Church Will Multiply More Rapidly
Rapid Church Multiplication Must be Supported by Continuous Training
Self-Supported Church Planters Are Generally More Effective Than Supported Ones
The Model of Church Must Be Reproducible by the Target Community Themselves
Minimizing External Influence Intensifies the Replication Process

OPERATIONAL Disciple-Making PRINCIPLES

Community Engagement Provides Access for Disciple-Making
Evangelism is Done Primarily by New Local Believers
Focusing on Families is More Effective than Extracting Individual Believers
Finding the Person of Peace Acelerates the Establishment of a Reproducing Church
Discipling Every Believer Creates a Multitude of Needed Ministers
Teaching Obedience Produces Mature Disciples Rather Than Knowledgeable Converts
Discovery Bible Study Increases Obedience to the Word
Culturally Appropriate Witness and Worship Quickly Opens Hearts to the Gospel
Persecution Dramatically Accelerates the Expansion of the Church
Departure of the Outsider Empowers Local Leadership Leading to Greater Expansion

LEADERSHIP Disciple-Making PRINCIPLES

A Clear Vision of the Target Area Saturated with Churches Propels the Disciple-Making Effort Forward
The Leadership Model is Critical to the Health and Replication of the Church
Replication of Appropriate Leadership is Essential for Rapid Expansion
A Culture of Empowerment is Essential for Rapid Church Multiplication