Global DMM Learning: Part 1
Episode Summary
In this episode, Brian and Cory discuss the importance of immersive learning experiences in disciple-making, particularly within global movements. They explore the significance of ordinary disciple makers, the cultural differences in approaches to discipleship, and the necessity of structure and intentionality in building relationships. Part one of this conversation emphasizes the challenges faced in Western contexts and offers practical steps for making disciples through creative and relational methods.
Key Themes & Takeaways
1. Why DMM Immersion Trips Matter
Cory shares that some of the most formative learning doesn’t come from books or podcasts—but from being around movements in real life.
These trips aren’t about exporting Western Christianity or “bringing” something to another culture. They’re about being trained and shaped so we can return home with better instincts and deeper humility.
Cory emphasizes that what transfers isn’t a copy-and-paste method—it’s principles that still require careful contextualization back in the West.
2. A Consistent Pattern: Signs, Wonders, and Breakthroughs
Across many homes and leaders, Cory noticed a repeated theme: stories of miraculous breakthrough often catalyzed new groups and disciple-making momentum.
Brian reflects on feeling renewed conviction to pray for signs and wonders—not as “cool experiences,” but as part of the normal life of joining Jesus.
The takeaway isn’t “chase miracles,” but expect God to move and remain dependent on Him rather than comfort or competence.
3. It’s Not Just “Organic”—Movements Are Highly Intentional
Cory pushes back on the Western assumption that movements are purely spontaneous and unstructured.
He describes seeing deep intentionality: systems, coaching layers, team launches, and backend structures that support growth.
Brian echoes a key point: “organic” doesn’t mean passive—without cultivation, you mostly grow weeds.
4. The Western “Gaps” That Slow Multiplication
Cory names two “scarce resources” that make movement harder in the West:
Time: full calendars, distance, exhaustion, and how long it can take just to schedule a meal.
Overlapping networks of relationships: fewer relational intersections, less natural influence, and frequent dead ends when asking a person of peace, “Who else should join us?”
Cory notes that people may have acquaintances, but often lack relational depth and influence to gather others into a spiritual conversation.
5. Creating Relational Containers Is Kingdom Work
Cory and Brian highlight that in the West, disciple-makers often need to become relational organizers—people who intentionally bring others together.
This isn’t bait-and-switch. For isolated people, community itself is a felt-need and often part of the good news.
They share examples of what this can look like:
a gym owner open to DBS environments
social media-based disciple-making communities that spill into in-person life
dinner-table conversations as a repeatable “container”
gatherings like fire pits or simple hangouts that connect lonely one-off relationships into a shared space
6. A Simple Next Step: Ask God for Eyes to See
Brian challenges listeners to pause and consider their real context:
Where is there fertile soil?
Who already gathers people?
What shared spaces can become a consistent container?
Cory’s practical encouragement: start with what’s natural—meals, game nights, happy hours, shared hobbies—and see that as meaningful kingdom work, not a workaround.
Final Thoughts
If the West feels slow and complicated, you’re not crazy—our cultural conditions really do change the pace and pathways of disciple-making. But the answer isn’t to abandon movement principles. It’s to adapt wisely, build relational containers with intention, and stay faithful over time. The gospel still moves best through relationships—and in a lonely culture, simply bringing people together can be a profoundly Jesus-shaped act.
