What Is a Disciple-maker?

When we hear the word disciple, most of us think about our own walk with Jesus—prayer, Scripture, obedience, growth. Those things matter. But Jesus didn’t just call us to follow Him personally; He also called us to help others follow Him.

That’s what a disciple-maker is.

Not someone with a title. Not someone who has everything figured out. A disciple-maker is simply a follower of Jesus who is willing to walk with someone else and point them toward Christ.

Before Jesus ascended, He gave His followers this clear instruction:

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations… teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
(Matthew 28:19–20, ESV)

That call wasn’t just for pastors or missionaries—it was for everyday believers. Disciple-making is part of what it means to follow Jesus.

One of the most encouraging truths about disciple-making is that you don’t have to be perfect to do it. Disciples are still learning too. Jesus said:

“A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher.”
(Luke 6:40, ESV)

Disciple-making doesn’t come from having all the answers. It comes from faithfully following Jesus and inviting others into that journey with you.

Jesus showed us what this looks like. He didn’t disciple from a distance—He shared life with His followers.

“And he appointed twelve… so that they might be with him.”
(Mark 3:14, ESV)

Disciple-making happens in real life—through conversations, prayer, encouragement, and example. It’s helping others learn not just what Jesus taught, but how to live it out.

Jesus was clear that following Him is about obedience, not just knowledge:

“If anyone loves me, he will keep my word.”
(John 14:23, ESV)

A disciple-maker helps others move from hearing God’s Word to living it—learning how faith shapes everyday choices.

And disciple-making is meant to continue beyond just one relationship. Paul reminded Timothy:

“What you have heard from me… entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.”
(2 Timothy 2:2, ESV)

That’s how the church grows—not only in numbers, but in spiritual depth.

So who can be a disciple-maker? Anyone who follows Jesus.

“Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
(Matthew 4:19, ESV)

Disciple=making begins with availability and faithfulness. It’s simply inviting others to follow Jesus with you—and trusting God to do the transforming work in both of you.

In the coming weeks, I plan to break down some of these ideas even further, with the hope of making disciple-making easier to understand and easier to live out in everyday life. My prayer is that these posts will encourage you and give you practical ways to grow as a disciple of our Lord. I hope you’ll join me—and as always, feel free to ask questions or share your thoughts in the comments.

Introduction

Hello everyone. Today I want to explore what my blog title means and why it is important for the church not only to understand it, but to implement it as a way of life.

As I continue writing this blog and future posts, my goal is to bring Christian topics down to earth—to simplify areas of the faith that I’ve seen both new believers and seasoned believers shy away from, or assume are best left to pastors or the academic world. I don’t believe that was ever God’s intention.

My desire is to engage with believers wherever you may be in your walk and to help you grow, even as others continue to help me grow. We are all on this journey together, and it is humbling to share what little knowledge I have gleaned over the years.

Several years ago, I wrote a blog called Thinking Critically. While that theme is still important, I’ve come to realize that this new title better reflects my heart and calling. After all, the most important thing in this world for the Christian is to be a disciple-maker. Thinking critically is certainly part of that—but it is so much more.

If I am privileged enough to have you read this blog going forward, I hope you will engage with me. And if there is a topic you would like me to discuss, please don’t hesitate to email me and ask.