Disciple-making Starts with Following

Before we ever talk about making disciples, we have to start with something simpler—and more personal: following Jesus ourselves.

It’s easy to hear the phrase “make disciples” and immediately feel pressure. We might think about strategies, programs, or whether we’re qualified. But disciplemaking doesn’t begin with leadership skills. It begins with relationship.

Jesus made this clear when He first called His disciples. He said:

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

Notice the order. He didn’t begin with an assignment. He began with an invitation: “Follow me.” The making would come later.

Disciplemaking flows out of abiding in Christ. Before we can point others toward Him, we must be walking with Him ourselves—learning His voice, submitting to His Word, trusting Him in daily obedience.

This is both humbling and freeing.

It’s humbling because we cannot give away what we do not possess. If we are spiritually stagnant, disciplemaking will feel forced or mechanical.

But it’s freeing because the burden of transformation does not rest on us. Jesus says, “I will make you…” He is the One who shapes hearts. He is the One who brings growth. Our responsibility is faithfulness.

Following Jesus means:

• Spending time in His Word

• Responding in obedience

• Repenting when we fall short

• Growing in love for God and others

As we follow Him consistently, something begins to change. Our priorities shift. Our conversations deepen. Our lives begin to reflect Christ. And from that overflow, disciplemaking becomes natural—not forced.

Disciplemaking is not a separate calling from discipleship. It is the fruit of it.

When we are walking closely with Christ, inviting someone else into that walk becomes a simple extension of our own obedience.

Disciplemaking starts there.

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Reflection Questions

1. How would you describe your current walk with Jesus? Is it intentional or drifting?

2. What habits help you consistently follow Christ? Which ones need strengthening?

3. Where might Jesus be inviting you to deeper obedience right now?

4. Who in your life could benefit from seeing what faithful following looks like?

5. What would it look like this week to intentionally “follow first” before trying to lead?