Everyday Disciple Making: Sharing Hope Through Relationships
Summary
Today’s focus is on the heart of disciple making—what it means to share the hope of Jesus in our everyday lives, not as a daunting task reserved for the spiritually elite, but as a natural outflow of our relationship with Christ. At its core, disciple making is about relationship: living alongside others, having honest conversations, and drawing closer to Jesus together. The call to make disciples is not just a “Great Commission” for a select few, but a “Daily Commission” for all who follow Jesus. This is not about pressure or performance, but about being present, attentive, and willing to share the reason for our hope with gentleness and respect.
We are invited to start small—just as Jesus did. He began with a handful of disciples, often engaging in one-on-one conversations that changed lives. The story of the woman at the well and Zacchaeus remind us that a single conversation, a simple invitation, or a shared meal can be the beginning of a journey toward faith. Each person’s path to Christ is unique, and our role is to walk alongside them, discerning where they are and responding with love and patience.
Understanding where someone is on their spiritual journey is crucial. The Engel Scale helps us see that faith is often a process, not just a moment. Our responsibility is not to “close the deal,” but to be faithful in sowing seeds, nurturing relationships, and sharing our own stories of God’s work in our lives. We are called to speak with clarity, having a simple and adaptable way to explain the gospel—such as the “three circles” method—so that when the opportunity arises, we can share the good news in a way that connects with where someone is at.
Ultimately, we are reminded to trust big. The work of transformation belongs to God. Like Paul, we come not with eloquence or persuasive words, but in weakness and dependence on the Spirit’s power. Our obedience is to share, to love, to journey alongside others, and to trust God with the results. Whether it’s a five-minute conversation by the fridge or a deep discussion over coffee, every small step matters in God’s kingdom. The challenge is to pray for one person, prepare to share, and be ready to prompt a conversation, knowing that God is at work far beyond what we can see.
Key Takeaways
- Disciple making begins with relationship, not performance. Jesus modeled a life of intentional connection, often starting with one person and one conversation. Our calling is to be present and attentive, allowing God to use our everyday interactions to draw others closer to Him. [41:07]
- Faith journeys are unique and often gradual. The Engel Scale reminds us that people move toward Christ in stages, and our role is to discern where they are and respond accordingly. We are not responsible for the outcome, but for faithfully walking alongside others, sowing seeds of hope and truth. [45:37]
- Clarity in sharing the gospel is essential. Having a simple, adaptable framework—like the “three circles” method—equips us to communicate the good news in a way that resonates with each person’s story. Practicing this skill, even when it feels awkward, builds confidence and readiness for when God opens a door. [53:11]
- Trusting God with the results frees us from anxiety and striving. Paul’s example in Corinth shows that it is not our eloquence or wisdom that changes hearts, but the Spirit’s power. Our weakness and humility become the very place where God’s strength is displayed, reminding us that salvation is His work, not ours. [57:13]
- The daily commission is lived out in small, faithful steps. Praying for one person, preparing to share our story, and prompting genuine conversations are practical ways to participate in God’s mission. Even brief, ordinary moments can become sacred opportunities when we are attentive to the Spirit’s leading. [01:03:07]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[03:03] - Greetings and Opening
[05:51] - Personal Update and Gratitude
[07:07] - Opening Prayer and Worship
[09:00] - Announcements and Community Life
[22:37] - Offering and Prayer
[33:46] - Rethinking Evangelism: The Call to Disciple Making
[36:48] - Three Manageable Steps: Start Small, Speak with Clarity, Trust Big
[37:48] - Praying for One Person
[39:28] - Jesus’ Model: One-on-One Encounters
[41:07] - The Engel Scale: Understanding Faith Journeys
[45:37] - Speaking with Clarity: The Power of the Gospel
[46:37] - The Three Circles Method
[53:11] - Practicing Gospel Conversations
[55:37] - Overcoming Fears and Building Confidence
[57:13] - Trusting God with the Results
[01:03:07] - The Challenge: Pray, Prepare, Prompt
[01:14:47] - Benediction and Sending
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Heart of Disciple Making
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### Bible Reading
Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV)
> And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
1 Peter 3:15 (ESV)
> but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,
1 Corinthians 2:1-5 (ESV)
> And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Matthew 28:18-20, what are the specific actions Jesus commands his followers to do as part of making disciples?
2. In 1 Peter 3:15, what attitude or manner are we told to have when sharing the reason for our hope?
3. From the sermon, what are some ways Jesus modeled starting small in disciple making? ([39:28])
4. In 1 Corinthians 2:1-5, how does Paul describe his approach to sharing the gospel with others?
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### Interpretation Questions
1. The sermon refers to the “Great Commission” as a “Daily Commission.” What does this shift in language suggest about how often and in what context disciple making should happen? ([33:46])
2. Why do you think the sermon emphasizes relationship and presence over performance or pressure when it comes to sharing faith? ([41:07])
3. The Engel Scale was mentioned as a way to understand people’s spiritual journeys. How might recognizing where someone is on their journey change the way you interact with them about faith? ([41:07])
4. Paul says he came “in weakness and in fear and much trembling.” What does this reveal about the role of our own abilities versus God’s power in disciple making? ([57:13])
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon challenges us to pray for one person who doesn’t know Jesus. Who is one person in your life you could start praying for regularly? What might that prayer look like this week? ([37:48])
2. Think about your daily routines—at work, home, or in your neighborhood. What is one ordinary moment (like a conversation by the fridge or over coffee) where you could be more present and attentive to someone’s spiritual journey? ([57:13])
3. The “three circles” method was suggested as a simple way to share the gospel. Have you ever practiced explaining the gospel in a simple way? What feels awkward or challenging about it, and how could you practice this week? ([53:11])
4. The sermon says our job is to “sow seeds” and “walk alongside” others, not to “close the deal.” How does this perspective change the way you think about sharing your faith? ([41:07])
5. Paul’s example shows that God works through our weakness. Can you recall a time when you felt unqualified or nervous to talk about faith, but God used you anyway? What happened? ([57:13])
6. The sermon encourages us to “trust big”—to trust God with the results. What would it look like for you to let go of anxiety or fear about someone’s response and simply be faithful in sharing? ([57:13])
7. What is one practical step you can take this week to prepare yourself to share your story or the gospel if the opportunity arises? (For example: writing out your testimony, practicing with a friend, or learning a simple gospel outline.) ([01:03:07])
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for the one person God has put on their hearts, asking for opportunities to be present, to share with gentleness and respect, and to trust God with the results.
Devotional
Day 1: The Daily Commission—Making Disciples as Jesus Commanded
Jesus calls every believer to be a disciple maker, not just a select few with special training or boldness. This commission is not about grand gestures or saving the world in a day, but about faithfully journeying with others, sharing life, and pointing them to Jesus through relationship. When we live with Jesus at the center, our hope becomes visible, and we are invited to share the reason for that hope with gentleness and respect. The journey of disciple making is both an event and a process, as we walk alongside others, helping them take steps toward faith and deeper obedience. [36:48]
Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV)
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Reflection: Who is one person God is putting on your heart today to intentionally journey with in faith, and what is one small step you can take to begin or deepen that relationship this week?
Day 2: Always Be Ready—Sharing Hope with Gentleness and Respect
Followers of Jesus are called to always be prepared to give an answer for the hope they have, but to do so with gentleness and respect. This means living authentically and being attentive to the Spirit’s prompting, so that when questions arise about your faith, you can respond in a way that reflects Christ’s love and humility. It’s not about having all the answers or being eloquent, but about being genuine, kind, and willing to share your story and the gospel when the opportunity comes. [36:48]
1 Peter 3:15 (ESV)
…but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect…
Reflection: When was the last time someone asked you about your faith or hope, and how did you respond? How can you prepare yourself to answer with gentleness and respect the next time?
Day 3: Start Small—The Power of One Relationship
Disciple making often begins with one name, one relationship, and one conversation. Jesus modeled this by engaging individuals personally, such as the woman at the well or Zacchaeus, showing that significant spiritual movements can start with small, relational steps. Rather than feeling overwhelmed by the idea of reaching many, focus on being present and faithful with the one person God places on your heart, trusting that your small acts of love and conversation can have a ripple effect far beyond what you see. [41:07]
John 4:7-10 (ESV)
A woman from Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.” (For his disciples had gone away into the city to buy food.) The Samaritan woman said to him, “How is it that you, a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a woman of Samaria?” (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.) Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.”
Reflection: Who is one person in your life you can start a deeper, more intentional conversation with this week, and what is one practical way you can show them Christ’s love?
Day 4: Speak with Clarity—Sharing the Gospel Simply and Clearly
It is important to have a clear and simple way to share the gospel, so that when the opportunity arises, you can communicate God’s message of hope without confusion or fear. Whether you use the “three circles” method, your personal testimony, or another approach, practicing how to explain the gospel helps you feel more confident and ready. Remember, it’s not about eloquence or perfection, but about faithfully sharing the good news that Jesus offers forgiveness and new life to all who believe. [46:37]
Romans 1:16 (ESV)
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.
Reflection: Take a few minutes today to practice explaining the gospel out loud—how would you share it with a friend who is curious about your faith?
Day 5: Trust Big—Relying on God’s Power, Not Your Own
While we are called to share, sow, and water seeds of faith, it is ultimately God who brings growth and transformation in people’s lives. Even the Apostle Paul acknowledged his own weakness and lack of eloquence, relying instead on the Spirit’s power. Our role is to be obedient and faithful, trusting that God is more committed to saving our loved ones than we are, and that He will use our words, actions, and even our silence to draw people to Himself. [57:13]
1 Corinthians 3:6-7 (ESV)
I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.
Reflection: In what area of your disciple making efforts do you need to release control and trust God for the results, and how can you pray specifically for that today?
Quotes
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