Direct answer: A Bible study becomes disciple-making when participants learn Scripture, obey what Jesus teaches, practice following Him together, and intentionally pass the lesson to another person. Discussion alone does not make disciples; truth must become a reproducible way of life.
Begin With Jesus’ Command
Matthew 28:18–20 places disciple-making under the authority of the risen Jesus. His followers are commanded to go, make disciples of all nations, baptize them, and teach them to obey everything He commanded. Jesus also promises His presence.
A disciple making Bible study should therefore include more than information. It should help people understand Jesus, trust Him, obey Him, live within His community, and become able to guide another person.
Four Marks of a Disciple-Making Study
Biblical
Scripture is read in context and remains the final authority.
Relational
Participants know, encourage, correct, pray for, and serve one another.
Obedience-Oriented
Every study ends with a clear response to Jesus.
Reproducible
The process is simple enough for participants to use with someone else.
A Six-Session How-to-Make-Disciples Bible Study
| Session | Question | Passages | Practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. The Gospel | What message creates disciples? | 1 Corinthians 15:1–4; Romans 3:23–24 | Explain the gospel in two minutes. |
| 2. Follow Jesus | What does Jesus require of a disciple? | Luke 9:23–24; Luke 14:25–33 | Name one cost of following Christ. |
| 3. Abide and Bear Fruit | How are disciples changed? | John 15:1–11 | Begin one daily abiding practice. |
| 4. Learn to Obey | How does truth become life? | Matthew 7:24–27; James 1:22–25 | Obey one specific command this week. |
| 5. Make Disciples | What did Jesus commission us to do? | Matthew 28:18–20 | Write the name of one person to invest in. |
| 6. Multiply Faithful People | How does discipleship continue? | 2 Timothy 2:1–2 | Lead one simple Scripture conversation. |
Use a Simple Discovery Pattern
- What does the passage say? Observe repeated words, commands, promises, people, and movement.
- What does it reveal about God and people? Identify the central truth.
- What must I obey? Choose one concrete response.
- Who needs to hear this? Name one person and one appropriate next step.
- How will we help one another? Pray and arrange follow-up.
Questions for a Disciple-Making Study Guide
- What did Jesus say or do in this passage?
- What does the passage reveal about the character and authority of Christ?
- What would obedience look like this week?
- What makes this command difficult for me?
- Who can help me follow through?
- Who could I invite to study this passage with me?
- Can I explain the main truth in simple language?
Before, During, and After the Meeting
Before
Read the passage, pray for participants, and prepare one clear objective rather than a lecture.
During
Ask questions, listen, return to the text, practice a skill, and agree on specific actions.
After
Follow up, pray, celebrate obedience, address difficulties, and encourage participants to repeat the study.
How to Know Whether the Study Is Working
Look for participants who increasingly read Scripture for themselves, pray honestly, obey Jesus, love others, explain the gospel, serve within the church, and initiate spiritual conversations. The clearest sign of multiplication is not that everyone becomes a polished teacher, but that ordinary believers begin helping others take faithful steps toward Christ.
Continue With The Pursuit of God Annotated Study Edition
The Pursuit of God (Annotated): A Modern Study Guide to A. W. Tozer’s Classic on Abiding in Christ and Making Disciples preserves Tozer’s original message while adding chapter summaries, study resources, word searches, and practical connections to abiding, obedience, and disciple-making.
View the Book on Amazon← Return to The Pursuit of God Knowledge Catalogue
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Bible study become disciple-making?
Yes, when participants do more than discuss information. They must obey Scripture, practice spiritual habits, serve together, and intentionally help another person follow Jesus.
Which passage is central to disciple-making?
Matthew 28:18–20 is central because Jesus commands His followers to make disciples, baptize them, and teach them to obey everything He commanded.
How many people should be in a disciple-making study?
Two to six people often allows honest discussion, accountability, prayer, and personal follow-up, although larger groups can also use the framework.
How do I know whether the study is multiplying?
Multiplication begins when participants can explain the gospel, model obedience, lead a simple study, and begin investing in another person.