How Fast is Too Fast? Five Essentials Ways to Understand the Speed of DMM
No, Disciple Makers are not Pelagians.
When people hear about Disciple Making Movements (DMM), the phrase “rapid multiplication of disciples and churches” often grabs attention. While DMMs are indeed known for their exponential growth, it's important to understand that this process doesn’t happen overnight. In this article, we’ll explore the reality behind the speed of growth in DMM, address misconceptions, and explain why patience and persistence are key.
1. Works-Based Misconceptions
One common criticism of DMM is that it could be perceived as a "Western" cultural tendency to overemphasize rapid results, leading some to focus too much on "doing" rather than "being." Some worry that the emphasis on multiplying disciples quickly might inadvertently push a works-based salvation, where success is measured by numbers rather than genuine spiritual transformation. However, this is a misunderstanding of the true purpose of DMM.
DMM is not about achieving quick results for the sake of appearances, nor does it reduce faith to a set of tasks to accomplish. The core of the movement is relational and discipleship-based, focusing on genuine transformation through following Jesus. As followers of Jesus, we engage in making disciples not to earn our salvation, but because it’s an overflow of our faith in God and our desire to see others experience the same freedom and relationship with Him.
2. The Hebrew Understanding of “Doing” as Learning
To better understand the role of “doing” in DMM, it’s helpful to look at the Hebrew concept of learning. In the Hebrew mindset, learning was deeply intertwined with action. The Shema in Deuteronomy 6:4-5 emphasizes not just hearing but obeying: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” This is a call to love God not just in words or thoughts, but in action. Obedience and “doing” are essential parts of spiritual growth.
In DMM, this same principle applies. The goal is not just to accumulate knowledge or attend church but to actively live out one’s faith and disciple others. The act of making disciples is part of the learning process and deepens one’s relationship with God. It aligns with the biblical understanding that faith without works is dead (James 2:26). However, these actions stem from love and obedience to God, not from a desire to earn salvation.
3. The Exponential Part of DMM Growth: What People Don’t Always See
The phrase "rapid multiplication of disciples and churches" has become synonymous with DMM, and while it's true that exponential growth can happen, the reality is that most DMM practitioners labor for years before seeing these results. Often, the definition of a DMM involves reaching a certain number of disciples and churches within three years, but this only describes the exponential phase of growth, which typically follows years of patient groundwork.
The early stages of DMM can involve years of sowing seeds, prayer, and discipling people without seeing immediate fruit. It can take 10 years or more before the explosive growth phase begins. This period is crucial for building a strong foundation of obedient disciples who will multiply others when the time comes. It's important to recognize that DMM is a long-term commitment, not a quick fix.
4. The J-Curve of Jesus
Exponential growth often follows a pattern known as the "J-curve." At first, growth may seem slow or stagnant, but over time, as the foundation is built and disciples begin making more disciples, the growth begins to accelerate. This is the nature of multiplication: at first, the change may be imperceptible, but eventually, it reaches a tipping point and the numbers start to multiply rapidly.
This pattern is seen in many areas of life, from business to biology, and DMM is no different. The slow build-up in the early stages is natural and necessary to prepare for the rapid growth that will follow. Understanding this helps set realistic expectations for anyone engaging in DMM—it’s a marathon, not a sprint.
5. Understanding the DMM Process
To fully grasp the dynamics of DMM and how it works, it’s crucial to understand the process from start to finish. The Waha Disciple Making Course is an excellent resource for this, providing a clear roadmap on how to make disciples who will in turn make other disciples. The course teaches practical strategies for building relationships, starting Discovery Bible Studies (DBS), and nurturing the kind of obedience-based discipleship that leads to multiplication.
By engaging with this course, disciple makers can gain insights into both the early stages of DMM and the eventual explosive growth, equipping them with the patience and skills needed to see long-term fruit in their ministry.
Conclusion
While the rapid multiplication of disciples and churches in DMM is exciting, it’s important to remember that this growth follows years of patient labor. Disciple making is not about quick results or works-based salvation, but about obediently living out the call to make disciples, trusting that the fruit will come in time. By understanding the J-curve of growth and grounding ourselves in biblical principles, we can embrace the journey of disciple making with perseverance and joy.
If you want to explore how DMM works in more depth, consider taking the Waha Disciple Making Course, which provides a comprehensive guide to the process. Click here to learn more about how you can begin or continue your journey in disciple making.