How Jesus Made Disciples

How Jesus Made Disciples — And How We Often Do It Today

When we look at how Jesus made disciples, we see a process that was deeply personal, relational, and Spirit-led. He didn’t rely on programs or crowds—He invested in a few, walked closely with them, and taught through both word and example. He expected obedience, not just belief, and He empowered ordinary people to carry His mission forward. His approach was slow, intentional, and rooted in real life. He lived with His disciples, modeled how to love and serve, and sent them out long before they had it all figured out (Mark 3:14; John 13:15; Matthew 28:19–20).

In contrast, modern discipleship often happens in classroom settings or short-term programs, where the focus is more on information than transformation. It’s common to see ministry concentrated in the hands of church leaders, while most believers remain passive attendees. There’s often little expectation of multiplication or real-life obedience, and many Christians don’t feel equipped or empowered to make disciples themselves (Luke 6:46; 2 Timothy 2:2).

At Core Discipleship, we’re doing our best to return to Jesus’ way. We focus on small, relational discipleship groups that build trust, encourage obedience to God’s Word, and train every believer to make disciples who can make more disciples. We believe that if Jesus’ method worked to change the world, it’s still the best path forward today. Our goal isn’t just to run a program—it’s to walk with people like Jesus did, empowered by the Spirit, and trust Him to multiply the work through ordinary people like you and me.

One of the things that’s challenged me most over the years is the gap between how Jesus made disciples and how many of us are trying to do it today. I’m not saying we have it all figured out, but at Core Discipleship, we’re intentionally trying to return to the way of Jesus—not just in what we teach, but in how we walk with people.

Here’s how I’ve come to understand the difference, based on Scripture, my own experience, and what we’ve seen God do through this kind of disciple-making:

Jesus built real relationships.

He didn’t just teach from a distance. He shared life with His disciples—eating with them, traveling, praying, rejoicing, grieving. They didn’t just learn about Him—they knew Him.

“He appointed twelve that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach.” (Mark 3:14)

Today: Many churches rely on short-term classes or event-based ministry. It’s structured but often lacks depth in relationship. And real transformation rarely happens without real connection.

At Core Discipleship: We build small, consistent groups where people feel known, safe, and seen. We check in on one another’s lives, pray together, and walk through challenges—not just curriculum. The goal is community, not just content.

He invested deeply in a few.

Jesus didn’t spread Himself thin. He poured most of His time and heart into twelve men—especially three—and those men carried the mission forward.

“Peter, James, and John… Jesus took them with Him…” (Mark 9:2)

Today: We often measure success by crowd size. But discipleship doesn’t scale that way—it grows like a seed, not like a show.

In Core Discipleship: We focus on a few, just like Jesus did. We intentionally train faithful people who will, in turn, train others. Multiplication always starts small, and we embrace that.

He taught through both words and life.

Jesus didn’t separate teaching from living. His life was His message. His disciples learned by watching, listening, and imitating Him.

“I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” (John 13:15)

Today: We often teach in classroom-style settings. But information alone doesn’t form people—it takes example, accountability, and shared experience.

Core Discipleship is built around the idea that we’re not just learning about Jesus—we’re learning to live like Him. We ask simple, heart-level questions:

• What is God saying to you?
• What are you going to do about it?
• Then we follow up, not to pressure—but to walk with people as they grow.

He expected obedience, not just attendance.

When Jesus invited people to follow Him, it meant a real, personal response. It wasn’t passive.

“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow Me.” (Luke 9:23)

Today: Discipleship is sometimes treated like a nice “add-on”—optional for the really committed. But Jesus called everyone to follow fully.

At Core Discipleship: From the beginning, we make it clear: this is about loving God, loving others, and making disciples, not just knowledge. We create a loving environment where people are encouraged to actually do what Jesus says—one step at a time. No pressure, but also no pretending.

Some of the most faithful disciple-makers I know started with simple acts of obedience—like forgiving someone, sharing their testimony, or leading a group in their home.

He empowered and released His disciples.

Jesus gave His disciples real responsibility. He didn’t wait until they were perfect—He trusted them to grow as they went.

“He gave them authority… and sent them out two by two.” (Mark 6:7)
“As the Father has sent Me, I am sending you.” (John 20:21)

Today: In many churches, the “real” ministry is done by pastors or staff. People don’t always feel released to lead or serve beyond their comfort zone.

In Core Discipleship: We train everyone to be a disciple-maker. Everyone. We believe the Holy Spirit equips every believer, and we’ve seen God use ordinary people—new believers, women from rural villages, former skeptics—to lead others to Christ and start groups. We walk with them, but we trust God to grow them as they go.

He was led by the Spirit.

Jesus didn’t run on human strategy. He followed the Father’s timing and the Spirit’s leading.

“Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit… was led by the Spirit…” (Luke 4:1)
“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you…” (Acts 1:8)

Today: There’s a temptation to rely on systems, books, or models—and not listen for the Spirit. Even good plans can get in the way of God’s voice.

In Core Discipleship: We’re always asking, “Lord, what are You doing here?” Whether it’s changing direction in a meeting, taking a spontaneous prayer walk, or sitting in silence—we make space for the Spirit to lead. Training is important, but God’s presence is what transforms people.

He created a culture of multiplication.

Jesus didn’t just make followers—He made disciple-makers. He equipped people to reach others, and that ripple hasn’t stopped since.

“Go and make disciples of all nations… teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19–20)

“And the things you have heard me say… entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.” (2 Timothy 2:2)

Today: Many churches focus more on bringing people in than sending people out. But addition will never reach the world—multiplication will.

Core Discipleship is built for multiplication. Every group is designed to reproduce. Every disciple is equipped to lead others. That’s why we don’t rely on one big gathering—we see the gospel spreading through house churches, workplaces, families, and friend groups.

I’ve seen women disciple their neighbors in secret, men lead groups under trees in the countryside, and youth start movements in their schools—all because they were discipled in a way that equipped them to multiply.

The way Jesus made disciples still works. It’s not fancy, fast, or easy—but it’s powerful. It’s centered on love, God’s Word, obedience, the Holy Spirit, and a vision that goes far beyond us.

Core Discipleship is just our way of trying to follow the same path He walked.

We don’t claim to have the best method—but we do trust the One who gave us the Great Commission. If we keep our eyes on Jesus and help others do the same, we’re on the right track.

You don’t have to be a pastor, speaker, or expert. You just have to be willing to follow Jesus—and invite others to follow Him with you.