Ordinary People are the Primary Workers
Episode Summary
Brian and Cory continue the Nine Paradigm Shifts for Disciple-Making Movements, focusing on the shift from "Send the Expert" to "Send the Ordinary and Willing." Throughout history, the Gospel has spread through ordinary people, not just trained leaders. This episode explores how embracing the "idiot" approach (yes, really) fuels movement and multiplication.
Key Takeaways
1. The Gospel Moves Through Ordinary People
The greatest movements of God have been led by unnamed, unschooled, ordinary believers (Acts 4:13, Acts 8, Acts 11, Acts 19).
Even the early disciples were not the religious elite—Jesus chose fishermen, tax collectors, and outcasts to launch His movement.
The Kingdom expands when willing disciples obey and share, not when we wait for trained experts.
💬 “May it be said of us: They were unschooled, ordinary people—but they had been with Jesus.”
2. The Pitfalls of an "Expert-Driven" Culture
Requires Credentials & Titles – We assume disciple-making belongs to those with seminary degrees, preaching skills, or leadership training.
Creates a Bottleneck – When only “qualified” people do ministry, the spread of the Gospel slows down or stops.
Encourages Consumer Christianity – People sit & receive rather than live on mission in their everyday lives.
Burns Out Leaders – When pastors and leaders are the “only ones” doing ministry, they collapse under the weight.
Jesus never intended for a handful of experts to carry the Great Commission. The call is for EVERY believer!
3. The Power of the "Ordinary and Willing" Approach
Every Follower of Jesus is a Disciple & Disciple-Maker – Obedience, not expertise, qualifies you (Matthew 28:18-20, Ephesians 4:12).
Multiplication Comes Through Simplicity – Ordinary people use simple tools (like Discovery Bible Study) that spread easily.
Releases the Movement into Everyday Spaces – The Gospel flourishes in homes, workplaces, and friend groups, not just in church buildings.
The Ordinary and Willing Approach:
"I may not know everything, but I can read Scripture with others and obey."
"I don’t have to be a pastor or expert—I just need to trust Jesus and take action."
"When I step out, God shows up and does the work."
Real-Life Stories of Ordinary People Making Disciples
Zero Hour Students – High school students from Zero Hour Retreat made “I will” statements to start Discovery Bible Studies with friends at school. No seminary. No titles. Just willing hearts.
Dan in Jail – A man in county jail used printed Discovery Bible Study sheets to lead dozens of Bible studies in his cell. Eventually, it spread through the entire jail system.
Woman in Rwanda – An ordinary woman with no formal education planted 150+ microchurches in her home region by simply obeying Jesus and sharing the Word.
Key Quotes
“Ordinary things multiply easier than complex things. Keep it simple and trust God to do the work.”
“When the Gospel is unleashed and we focus on obedience, God actually changes people.”
“Most people already feel like they aren’t special—this means they’re exactly the kind of person Jesus uses.”
