10 Most Common Mistakes when Shifting to Multiplication

Key takeaways

Discipleship should prioritize the mission over the model.
Imitate successful models before innovating.
Empowering congregants is crucial for sustainable growth.
Avoid spreading efforts too thin; focus on depth.
Balance structure is necessary for effective movements.
Disciple-making must be a primary focus, not a secondary task.
Expect and embrace a gradual process of growth.
View mistakes as opportunities for coaching and growth.
Actions must reflect a culture of disciple-making.
Perseverance is essential; don't quit too soon.

Summary

Introduction to Multiplication in Disciple Making

In this episode of the Disciple Makers Podcast, Josh Howard discusses the essential shifts needed to transition from addition to multiplication in disciple making. The focus is on avoiding common pitfalls encountered by leaders and churches striving for disciple-making movements.

Mistake 1: Falling in Love with the Model

Josh highlights that many leaders become too attached to specific models of ministry rather than focusing on the mission itself. He emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the Great Commission over particular methods.

Mistake 2: Innovating Before Imitating

This mistake involves churches rushing to innovate without first understanding and imitating successful models. Josh advises leaders to follow existing, fruitful strategies before making changes.

Mistake 3: Doing the Work for People

Leaders often take on too much work themselves instead of empowering their congregations. The focus should be on working alongside people to develop their abilities for better multiplication.

Mistake 4: Spreading Too Thin in the Name of Scaling

In their eagerness to multiply disciples, leaders sometimes train too many people too quickly without providing proper coaching. Josh warns against this approach, advocating for a more measured and in-depth training process.

Mistake 5: Ignoring Structures That Sustain Movement

Movements need some degree of structure to thrive. Josh highlights that too little structure can lead to fragility, while too much can stifle growth; a balance must be struck.

Mistake 6: Treating Movement as a Side Hustle

Disciple-making cannot be an ancillary effort; it must be the core mission of a church and a leader's life. If it’s treated as optional, the likelihood of success diminishes.

Mistake 7: Expecting Microwave Speed

Josh explains that movements take time to develop and grow. Leaders shouldn’t pressure their communities for rapid results, as meaningful change often requires a slow build-up of understanding.

Mistake 8: Fearing Mistakes

Leaders often fear that mistakes will derail their efforts. However, Josh explains that mistakes are a part of the process and should be treated as learning opportunities to be coached through.

Mistake 9: Confusing Language with Culture

Using the right terminology without changing behaviors won’t foster a true culture of movement. Changing actions and practices is crucial in establishing a movement culture.

Mistake 10: Quitting Too Soon

Many leaders abandon efforts too early, overlooking that significant growth often comes after a lengthy commitment and perseverance in disciple-making efforts.

Conclusion and Encouragement

Josh wraps up by encouraging leaders not to be discouraged by mistakes or slow progress. He emphasizes faithfulness to the mission of making disciples, providing inspiration to continue striving for multiplication.

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/

Avoiding the Top 10 Mistakes in Disciple Making Movements

In this episode of the Disciple Makers Podcast, host Josh Howard discusses the essential shifts needed to transition from addition to multiplication in disciple making. He focuses on the top 10 common mistakes that leaders and churches make when pursuing disciple-making movements, such as prioritizing models over missions, innovating before imitating, and treating disciple-making as a side hustle. Josh provides practical principles and corrective actions to help leaders avoid these pitfalls, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness, adaptability, and deep leadership development. Ideal for church leaders and anyone passionate about multiplying disciples effectively.

00:00 Introduction and Recap 01:10 Top 10 Mistakes in Disciple Making Movements 03:02 Mistake 1: Falling in Love with the Model 07:51 Mistake 2: Innovating Before Imitating 11:59 Mistake 3: Doing the Work for People 14:36 Mistake 4: Spreading Too Thin 17:45 Mistake 5: Ignoring Structures 21:26 Mistake 6: Treating Movement as a Side Hustle 23:13 Mistake 7: Expecting Microwave Speed 25:55 Mistake 8: Fearing Mistakes 28:54 Mistake 9: Confusing Language with Culture 31:11 Mistake 10: Quitting Too Soon 33:39 Conclusion and Encouragement