As disciple makers, we know that the end game of discipleship is reproducing. We must pour into the people we are discipling with the vision and tools they need to become a disciple maker in their sphere of influence. This is really what makes discipleship unique from a Bible study or a class; it's a training ground for raising up leaders. Jesus says this about discipleship in Luke 6:40
"A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher."
It's clear that reproducing is the goal, but discerning when a disciple is "fully trained" and ready to lead can be challenging. Sometimes if we aren't careful, we can launch people before they are ready, setting them and probably the people they lead up for headaches. However, I would imagine most of us err on the other side of keeping people in our groups too long. There are many reasons for this hesitation to launch, as "losing" people we love is never fun. But if we had some indicators on what to look for in a disciple maker, it may help us determine when it's time to let them fly. Here are three indicators that someone in your group is ready to leave and disciple others.
- Do they demonstrate a love for God and a Love for People?
Christian maturity is not measured by knowledge, but by love. (John 13:34-35; John 14:15) A mature disciple loves God and therefore demonstrates a desire to battle against the sin that He hates. Because they love God, a mature disciple will delight to pray, worship, and spend time in God's presence. You will notice a mature disciple concerned with God's will in their decision making. Mature disciples will extend the characteristics of the fruit of the spirit to others. (Gal. 5:22-23) They work hard at developing and maintaining relationships, and they do well with resolving conflict. They remember people, and take invested interest in them. Many times I am willing to take a "chance" of entrusting leadership to someone who clearly loves God and people over someone who knows all the information but cannot relate to others.
- Are they willing to serve and help with things?
One of the marks of leadership that Jesus valued was servanthood. (Mark 10:42-45) It's been said that anyone who thinks they are too big for a small job, is too small for a big job. A mature disciple isn't above "filling in" undesirable spots to make sure ministry can happen in the church. Servant-hearted disciples will set up and tear down for meetings. They will stay later and get their hands dirty to clean up. They have no problem doing things for others and getting no recognition. You will see them concerned with how to meet practical needs of others and rallying the group to encourage someone in hard times. A person who is willing to serve will be faithful to disciple people and go the extra mile to help them grow.
- Do they have a zeal for the lost, and sharing the gospel?
Perhaps one of the biggest indicators of a mature disciple is that they are burdened to see lost people come to know Jesus. One of the ways this shows itself is prayer. Listen to their prayer requests. Are they asking prayer for lost people to be saved? Are they asking God for courage and opportunities to evangelize? Do they beg God to show mercy to people they know are headed for hell? Another thing to look for is that they have intentional friendships with lost people. I've never met a soul winner that isn't surrounded by lost people who trust them. A mature disciple will have regular stories of how they are sharing the gospel, whether successfully or unsuccessfully, they are regularly having these conversations. Lastly a mature disciple is an "inviter." They are always asking people to come with them to services, studies, events, and groups. They want their friends to be any place where they would have a chance to hear the gospel even if spoken by someone else.
If someone in your D-Group has these qualities and they are growing, it's time to launch them. Some of us have d-groups filled with mature disciples who need to be leading their own disciple making ministry. We should not view d-groups as peer accountability. As challenging as is may be, we need to develop a plan to send them out to look for new people to disciple. We must have our most mature disciples pouring into new converts, recent baptisms, and those who are lacking the characteristics mentioned above. If this is something you feel you need direction on, our team would love to give you some steps to do that. It is completely fine to launch the ones that are ready and retain the ones that aren't. This would actually free up room in your group for new people as the Lord provides them. At the end of the day, be discerning. Look for the indicators, pray, and act on faith.
From Gospel Presentation to Gospel Presence
In this article, Jason Dukes shares the importance of sharing the gospel through on-going relationships. I believe God uses all forms of evangelism but this one I have found to be very effective, and most naturally leads to discipleship.
https://discipleship.org/blog/shifting-from-gospel-presentation-to-gospel-presence/