Shift 2—Disciple-Making Within Existing Networks
Episode Summary
Cory and Brian dive into the second paradigm shift in disciple-making: planting the gospel within existing networks of relationships. They explore why starting where people already are—family, friends, workplaces—is key to seeing generational growth and gospel multiplication.
Key Takeaways
1. Why This Shift Matters
Disruption of Networks Hinders Multiplication: Extracting people from their relational environment disconnects them from the very people they could disciple.
Gospel Planting Multiplies Naturally: Transforming a person within their existing network influences their relational orbit and leads to generational disciple-making.
Biblical Framework: Jesus modeled this by working within his relational network, starting with John the Baptist’s disciples and moving outward.
“Jesus didn’t just find random people—he worked within relational networks to build His team and plant the gospel.”
2. Biblical Foundations for Gospel Planting
Jesus’ Model:
Begins with John the Baptist’s disciples.
Expands to Andrew, Peter, Philip, and Nathaniel—all connected relationally.
Book of Acts:
Cornelius’ household (Acts 10).
Lydia, the jailer, and others in Philippi (Acts 16).
Networks of relationships transformed by the gospel lead to church planting and disciple multiplication.
3. Practical Strategies for Gospel Planting
Start Where You Are: Identify the networks of relationships where you already have influence (e.g., family, workplace, hobbies).
Pray and Join God’s Work: Use tools like prayer walking and listening prayer to discern where God is already at work.
Gospel Conversations: Move from casual to spiritual conversations, leading to invitations to discover Jesus through Scripture.
Discovery Bible Studies: Simple, reproducible tools for disciple-making within networks.
Stories to Inspire
Jack Price’s Apostolic Work: Prayer walking in a neighborhood led to unexpected gospel conversations and a new discovery group.
Neighborhood Transformation: Persistent prayer and fasting in one neighborhood led to someone experiencing a profound encounter with the Holy Spirit.
Awaken Young Adults: Training young leaders to plant the gospel in their own networks, from nursing students to young families.
Key Reminders
Disciple Within, Not Outside: Look for ways to plant the gospel directly in existing networks instead of extracting people.
Trust God for Breakthrough: Prayer often precedes miraculous openings for gospel planting.
Model Jesus’ Approach: Start small, go deep, and let relational transformation ripple outward.
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