Reclaiming the Mission: Equipping Every Believer to Make Disciples

Many believers today are not making disciples as Jesus commanded, and the reasons are both personal and systemic. One major reason is a lack of understanding. Many Christians simply don’t realize that disciple-making is a responsibility for every follower of Christ—not just pastors or missionaries. According to Barna Research, 44% of all Christians are not being discipled, showing that many have not been taught how to make disciples or do not view it as their responsibility (Barna Group, barna.com). Often, churches focus more on attendance, programs, or knowledge than on training believers to actively disciple others (Norton, Hope No Matter What).

Another significant barrier is fear and insecurity. Many believers don’t feel spiritually equipped, and 37% say they don’t feel qualified to share their faith or make disciples (Finney, Baptist News Global). This sense of inadequacy can paralyze even the willing. Additionally, in cultures or environments that are hostile to Christianity, fear of rejection or persecution is real and can cause believers to remain silent about their faith (Shellnutt, The Christian Post).

Busyness and distraction also play a major role. In today’s fast-paced world, work, family, and entertainment often take priority, leaving little room for intentional spiritual investment in others. While only 7% of Christians directly cite busyness as the reason they aren’t discipling, the distractions of modern life still contribute to a lack of intentionality in this area (Barna Group, barna.com).

Many are also influenced by a wrong view of discipleship, seeing it only as a class, Bible study, or church event rather than a lifestyle of walking with others toward Christlikeness. Some even treat disciple-making as optional rather than a clear command from Jesus (Mathis, Crossway). This misunderstanding of discipleship as a program instead of a relational journey further limits the Church’s ability to multiply.

Spiritual apathy and immaturity can also hinder disciple-making. When a believer’s love for Jesus grows cold, or they stop growing spiritually themselves, they often lose the passion to help others grow. The International Mission Board notes that apathy is one of the primary reasons believers stop pursuing disciple-making altogether (IMB.org).

Cultural influences add another layer of difficulty. In many societies, faith is viewed as a private matter, and the value of communal spiritual growth is overlooked. Consumer Christianity teaches people to focus on what they can receive from church rather than how they can serve and multiply their faith (Shellnutt, The Christian Post).

Lastly, a lack of vision and strategy holds many people back. Even those who are willing often don’t know how to start or what steps to take. Without practical training, clear examples, or mentorship, disciple-making feels overwhelming. As Replicate Ministries explains, many Christians are not making disciples simply because they haven’t been shown how (Replicate.org).

These combined factors create a widespread gap between what Jesus commanded and what many believers are actually doing. Closing that gap will require intentional teaching, a shift in church culture, and personal obedience to Christ’s Great Commission.

The solution to the disciple-making crisis in the Church begins with rediscovering the biblical mandate. Jesus’ command in Matthew 28:19–20 to “go and make disciples of all nations” applies to every believer, not just pastors or missionaries. It is not optional. Churches must clearly teach that disciple-making is a core part of following Jesus, and not simply a task for a few leaders. This vision must be restored through sound biblical teaching and a renewed commitment to obedience.

Secondly, discipleship must return to the relational, life-on-life model that Jesus demonstrated. He didn’t just teach His disciples in large crowds—He lived with them, ate with them, walked with them, and shared His life with them. Paul followed this same pattern, writing, “You know how we lived among you for your sake” (1 Thessalonians 1:5). Making disciples is not just attending a class or Bible study—it’s walking alongside someone in everyday life, modeling faith, and guiding them in obedience.

Another essential step is equipping believers to be disciple-makers. Ephesians 4:11–12 tells us that church leaders are to equip the saints for the work of ministry. Too often, Christians feel unequipped or unqualified to make disciples. Churches must intentionally train their members with simple, biblical, and reproducible tools for evangelism, Bible study, prayer, and making disciples. Every believer can learn to disciple others if they are shown how.

A shift in mindset is also needed—from addition to multiplication. In 2 Timothy 2:2, Paul urges Timothy to pass on what he has learned to faithful people who will teach others. This is a generational, multiplying model of discipleship. Rather than relying solely on large events or programs, believers should be encouraged to form small discipleship groups that can multiply organically in homes, communities, and workplaces.

At the foundation of all disciple-making is a life that abides in Christ. Jesus said in John 15:5, “Apart from me you can do nothing.” A disciple-maker must first be a disciple—someone who walks intimately with Jesus through prayer, obedience, Scripture, and community. This spiritual foundation fuels lasting fruit and prevents burnout or pride.

Finally, disciple-making requires a willingness to suffer and persevere. Jesus said, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23). Making disciples is not always comfortable or easy. It often involves rejection, spiritual warfare, and sacrifice. Yet through the power of the Holy Spirit, believers can endure and remain faithful to the mission.

At Core Discipleship, we believe every believer can make disciples—just like Jesus did. Whether you’re new to disciple-making or training others, this step-by-step guide will show you how to follow Jesus’ model in a clear, practical way. With free online training and downloadable discipleship resources, you’ll be equipped to share the gospel, build deep relationships, and multiply mature followers of Christ in any context—starting today.

For example, one such disciple-maker in training wrote, “One of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned is that making disciples isn’t complicated. It’s not about adding more Bible studies or lecturing people—it’s about loving them with the Word and doing life together. Discipleship is relational. My instructor modeled this beautifully. He didn’t just give answers—he guided us to seek truth in Scripture, always pointing us back to God’s Word rather than his own opinion. When I was off track or confused, our instructor corrected me gently and biblically, helping me grow in both confidence and conviction. I wholeheartedly recommend this training. I’ve already shared it with others who are seeking to grow or lead. And I’m thrilled to continue on to the intermediate level. I truly cannot express how grateful I am for this discipleship journey. It has transformed my life.”

It is my prayer that the Church return to the simple and powerful disciple-making model of Jesus and the early Church—relational, intentional, Spirit-filled, and multiplying. When every believer embraces their role and is equipped to live it out, the global Church can begin to close the gap between Jesus’ command and our current reality.