In Luke 10:5–7, Jesus instructed His disciples to greet households with peace and stay where that peace is received. This concept of the “Person of Peace” has become a foundational principle in Disciple Making Movements (DMMs) and a common approach to entering a new place. A Person of Peace not only receives the Gospel but also actively shares the message with others within their community. Identifying such individuals is key to launching movements that multiply.
Over the years, I’ve learned that not everyone who shows initial interest is a Person of Peace. Early in my ministry, I misidentified several people, investing time and energy only to discover they weren’t serious about following Jesus. These experiences taught me to be more discerning and to wait a bit before I consider them a Person of Peace.
Why Finding a Person of Peace Matters
A Person of Peace provides access to a network of relationships that would take years to build as an outsider. They allow you to lead from behind, sharing the gospel through someone who understands the local culture and worldview. This insider-led approach ensures the message is contextualized and relevant. Most importantly, working through a Person of Peace enables you to plan your exit from the beginning. You’re not meant to stay forever—you’re there to make disciples, start churches, and move on. Ownership belongs to the insiders from that community.
Signs Someone Is Not a Person of Peace
Interest Without Commitment
Some individuals may be drawn to you because of your status, education, or resources, especially in cross-cultural settings. If they don’t take steps of obedience—like baptism or forgiving others—they may not be a Person of Peace. Ask for these steps early in the relationship to discern their true openness to the Gospel.
Learning Without Sharing
A true Person of Peace doesn’t just receive the message—they share it. If someone is learning but not passing it on, they may be a candidate for salvation, but not the person through whom a movement will grow. Keep evangelizing until you find someone who actively promotes God’s message and invites others to also listen.
What to Do When They Don’t Receive You
Jesus was clear: if your message isn’t received, move on (Luke 10:11). This can be painful, especially if you’ve built a strong friendship. That’s why it’s crucial to share the gospel early in the relationship. Waiting too long makes it harder to share—and harder to walk away if people are not receptive.
Keep Looking for that Key Influencer
Avoid getting stuck in friendship evangelism with people who aren’t open to learn about Jesus and spiritual truth. Make friendships for sure, but quickly identify yourself as a follower of Christ. If not, you can waste precious time. Your time is valuable, and the Person of Peace is out there. God has already prepared them; your job is to find them.
Identifying a Person of Peace is a major milestone in disciple multiplication work. If you’ve found one, celebrate! If not, keep sowing Gospel seeds. They are out there, waiting to be discovered.
Have a story or question about finding a Person of Peace? Join the conversation on the Dare to Multiply Community or share in the comments below.
Comments
DMM is good but focuse to Holistic gospel preaching fot those un touched places.
In ethiopia there are alot un touched places.
souurunding were muslim brothers specially Robe is centere of gravity for bale from maka and sudarabia.
why not provide holstic gospel.
Author
DMMs are normally very holistic. I’m not sure what you are seeing around you, but I know of people in your nation working hard to bring a holistic approach in DMMs.