Church Planting

4 Ways to Overcome Barriers in Cross-Cultural Disciple-making

Cultural misunderstandings about Christianity are nothing new. In the 2nd century, a Roman named Caecilius accused Christians of cannibalism and being a threat to society. Today, similar misconceptions still exist—we notice them especially when working with people from other faith backgrounds. These misunderstandings can feel overwhelming and may even seem like barriers to multiplying disciples …

Disciple Making Is Tough—Perseverance Is Your Superpower

perseverance in disciple-making

“What is the most important quality in a disciple-maker or church planter’s life?” she asked. I paused, reflecting on the many traits that came to mind—diligence, prayer, passion for the lost, and the ability to inspire others. One quality stood out above the rest: perseverance. Without perseverance, Disciple Making Movements (DMMs) rarely take root. God …

Pruning for Fruitfulness: A Hard but Necessary Step in Disciple Making

Pruning is rarely pleasant. It often makes things look worse before they get better. Outside my home in Thailand, flowering shrubs line the walkway. Every few months, I trim them back—even the branches still blooming. It feels counterintuitive, but it’s essential for their health and future growth. The same principle applies to disciple-making. If we …

Disciple-Making Without Drift: The Power of Tracking Progress

track progress

I grew up in Minneapolis, a city known for its beautiful lakes. On sunny days, we’d rent kayaks and paddle across the water. One thing I quickly learned: if I didn’t keep my eyes fixed on the shore, I’d end up paddling around in circles without ever reaching my destination. Disciple-making movement (DMM) efforts can …