How Jesus Made Disciples (And Why It Still Works)

Key takeaways

Many churches fail not due to lack of programs or leadership but because they do not genuinely make disciples.
Jesus' model for making disciples consists of three stages: be with Him, become like Him, and do what He did.
Discipleship is rooted in personal relationships with Jesus and is about identity transformation, not just information transfer.
True discipleship involves teaching individuals how to actively engage in ministry and embody Jesus' call.
Real discipleship entails sacrifice, demanding that followers embrace their crosses and commit to the mission of Christ.

Summary

Introduction: The Call for Change

Josh Howard opens the podcast by addressing the critical state of many churches, asserting that the real issue isn't a lack of programs or leadership, but rather a failure to genuinely make disciples. He challenges listeners to rethink their approach to discipleship and highlights the necessity of transforming lives through authentic relationships with Jesus.

Jesus' Blueprint for Discipleship

He emphasizes that Jesus has already provided a clear, simple, and reproducible model for making disciples, which can fundamentally change lives and churches. The model consists of three critical stages: 'Be with Him,' 'Become like Him,' and 'Do what He did.' Each stage serves as a blueprint for effective disciple-making.

Stage 1: Be With Him

The first stage focuses on proximity to Jesus. Josh argues that discipleship begins not in classrooms but in close relationships, where followers get to experience and know Jesus intimately. He emphasizes the importance of building deep, personal connections rather than merely attending church services.

Stage 2: Become Like Him

In this section, Josh discusses how time spent with Jesus transforms individuals. He stresses that true discipleship involves more than transferring information; it requires a complete transformation of identity, reshaping followers' lives to mirror the character and love of Jesus.

Stage 3: Do What He Did

Josh addresses the practical implementation of discipleship. He notes that many churches excel in the first two stages but often overlook the necessity of equipping disciples to actively live out their faith. Disciples must be taught how to engage in ministry and embody Jesus' mission through action.

The Cost of Discipleship

The podcast concludes with a powerful message on the sacrificial nature of true discipleship. Josh reminds listeners that following Jesus requires dying to one's comforts and conveniences, illustrating that real discipleship means embracing the cross and fully committing to the mission of Jesus.

Show notes

Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/

Join us at the 2026 National Disciple Making Forum: https://discipleship.org/2026-national-disciple-making-forum/

The Blueprint to True Discipleship: Be With Jesus, Become Like Him, Do What He Did

In this episode of the Disciple Makers Podcast, Josh Howard dives into the heart of discipleship and the modern church's struggles. He emphasizes that many churches today fail not due to lack of programs or leadership but because they do not genuinely make disciples. Josh outlines Jesus' clear, simple, and reproducible model of discipleship encapsulated in three stages: being with Him, becoming like Him, and doing what He did. Through anecdotes and insights, he underscores the transformative power of intimate relationships with Jesus. Josh calls for a return to the basics of disciple making—living closely with Jesus, reshaping our lives to mirror His, and actively carrying out His mission. Tune in for an inspiring call to embrace authentic discipleship and ignite a movement of Christ-like living in our communities.

Key Takeaways

00:00 Introduction and Controversial Statement 00:32 The Real Problem in Churches Today 00:54 Jesus' Blueprint for Discipleship 03:26 The Three Stages of Discipleship 04:03 Stage 1: Be With Him 08:26 Stage 2: Become Like Him 13:15 Stage 3: Do What He Did 18:35 The Cost of Discipleship 19:51 Conclusion and Call to Action 22:40 Upcoming Events and Resources