CDN Blog

When we’re planting seeds of God’s truth and love, how can we help someone develop healthy “soil,” or a receptive heart? One strategy that I’ve found fruitful is practical mentoring–a holistic, relational approach that prepares people to receive the Gospel and grow spiritually.

Anne Durell helped us walk through how to synthesize what we've learned up to this point; how the flexible framework looks in practice. With ample experience and many different examples, Anne helped those pieces click!

Jesus’ call today is not limited to the most charismatic leaders or the most gifted musicians. His invitation to join His mission through discipleship is extended to ordinary believers.

Disciplemaking isn't all smooth sailing. Even the most experienced and gifted disciplemakers can expect some bumps along the way. Rather than allow this to discourage us from trying, our local practitioners show us that we can learn from these failures and experience God's grace in the midst of it all.

Embarking on a life-on-life disciplemaking journey can come with costs. It can challenge us, it can cost us, it can be intimidating to start. But is it worth it? A diverse group of local practitioners weigh in with the fruit they have seen life-on-life disciplemaking bring to their lives.

As imperfect people working in a fallen world, ministry can get messy and discouraging. This advice from tested and effective disciplemakers show us we don't have to remain stuck and discouraged, but we can move forward in faith and see fruit on the other side.

Disciplemaking success is typically measured in ministry output among the next generation. But what should we be coaching, and how?

When I started my career right out of college, I faced new fears in a highly professional consulting firm. But I took Jesus with me into those circumstances. I prayed before client meetings and openly shared with colleagues that the success I experienced was because of God. New opportunities emerged. Colleagues began asking for advice, attending church, and joining me at a business Bible fellowship. Eventually, I was asked to teach a weekly lunchtime Bible study at our office

Lee Davis, Pastor of Berlin Church, helps us navigate the intersection of counseling and disciplemaking.

We’ve heard the same thing from pastors for a long time: “No one ever discipled me.” While it’s not a universal experience, many pastors report feeling isolated and alone… but Mark’s church set out to change that, and it's reaping dividends in the best way. Could not love this more!

Christopher Ledezma makes a compelling case for using the Discovery Bible Study method in Disciplemaking.

And yet, through every season, one joy has remained unmatched: watching disciples become disciplemakers. Seeing Christ transform a life and then send that person out to invest in others is the essence of spiritual multiplication—and the joy of a lifetime. My wife and I may be retired from our professions, but we are not retired from our purpose. We remain fully committed to equipping the next generation of disciplemakers for as long as God gives us breath.

Shawna Shepherd, Director of Pray for Columbus, teaches us how to help our disciples learn to pray!

Kindway is a discipleship ministry that works with incarcerated men and women, preparing them for release and supporting their transition into the community. Executive Director Christine Money and Director of Development Communications Juan Martinez discuss Kindway's approach to discipleship, which involves getting to know people, asking questions, and creating a safe space for them to be genuine.

The workplace is possibly the most effective place to make disciples, yet may be the most neglected and undervalued in terms of training and resources. John Scroggins has a whole ministry based around this crucial topic, and dispenses loads of practical advice we can all implement right away.

Jenna Dascenzo has experience mentoring women from a range of different backgrounds, and has some insight into which goals are universal, and which are not.

Rich Mendola didn't come from a Christian family, and had never been discipled. But he received an uncommonly clear vision to mentor others, eventually leading him to a lifetime of discipling international students. His steady faithfulness has yielded impressive fruit the world over.

Transitions put us out of routine, they shift our normal and force us to reevaluate ourselves, our relationships, and our walks with God.

A mom of three with a chemical engineering background, Jeanne defies most stereotypes of missions work. But her steadfast commitment to...

Doug Franck will help us dismantle some fears and misconceptions that can get in the way of our faithfulness, as well has help us discern who to invest our time and energy in discipling.