Mosaix PDX: Blog Mind the Roots (part 3) by Dave Martin

This is part 3 of our series, “Mind the Roots,” where we delve into the core of disciplemaking through intentional relationship-building and spiritual formation.

Last time, we emphasized that our methods are secondary to the primacy of truth in relationships. We also unpacked Hebrews 3:13, which tells us to encourage one another daily, and explored how spiritual disciplines, rather than altering us directly, position us for divine transformation.

We defined a number of disciplemaking terms in order to give us a commonly understood vocabulary. Finally, we urged a re-evaluation of our metrics – are we merely measuring what’s obvious or are we measuring what truly matters?

In this article, we’re diving into the concept of the “Dream Disciple.” This visionary framework provides a compelling and contextual picture of how a person’s life might transform when they actively follow Jesus and engage with the church’s mission.

Understanding “Dream Disciple” vs. “disciplemaking pathway”

To differentiate, let’s explore how a “Dream Disciple” profile contrasts with a disciplemaking pathway.

Dream Disciple:

Picture of spiritual maturity
When the mission is fulfilled
Who Joe and Johanna become
The fruit-producing vine

Disciplemaking pathway:

Process of spiritual maturity
How the mission is fulfilled
What Joe and Johanna do
The vine-supporting trellis

The goal of understanding the “Dream Disciple” is to capture a vivid image that resonates emotionally and spiritually with people, motivating them towards a deeper commitment to their faith journey.

Key characteristics of Jesus-style disciplemaking

When we reflect on the method of Jesus in forming disciples, we see that it is:

Intentional: Jesus was deliberate in his approach, guided by a master plan. He didn’t leave disciplemaking to chance; he designed a strategy based on meaningful engagement with those around him.
Relational: Jesus was personally engaged, guided by a cross-shaped love for people (John 13:34-35). Disciples are hand-crafted, not mass-produced (Mark 3:13-15).
Formational: Jesus formed his disciples by teaching, coaching, challenging, and modeling so they could become more and more like him, ultimately spending the bulk of their time making disciples just as Jesus did.

Crafting a Dream Disciple description

An effective Dream Disciple description should embody the following qualities:

Identity-based: Focused on the kind of person you’re becoming rather than actions, activities, and disciplines.

Comprehensive: Encompasses both the character and competence of Jesus, addressing formation alongside reproduction.

Compelling: Not a list of disciplines but a picture of devotion.

Contextual: While core principles exist across the board, certain aspects will be emphasized based on the local situation.

The importance of defining the Dream Disciple

Possessing clarity around the Dream Disciple allows us to measure not just tangible outputs but the deeper transformations occurring within individuals and the community at large. Without a Dream Disciple vision, you will measure what is obvious but not what is most important.

Case studies of Dream Disciple profiles

Across various churches, leaders have embraced the “Dream Disciple” model, tailoring it to fit their specific contexts while sharing powerful insights:

Grace Church (Erie, PA), led by Pastor Derek Sanford, highlights four roles for a disciple: Savvy Follower, Intentional Friend, Embedded Influencer, and Compassionate Storyteller. As disciples of Jesus, we tell a better story when we live out these four roles.

Menlo Church (Menlo Park, CA) with Pastor Phil Eubank, settled on this 8-word profile: Undivided Follower, Unhurried Friend, Sacrificial Developer, and Thoughtful Witness “This was the single most important part of our vision clarity work, and it is already bearing fruit.”

First Baptist Church (Garden City, KS) led by Pastor John Harms. “While in the military I learned a useful phrase when learning how to hit a target: ‘Aim small, miss small.’ By naming our Dream Disciples I have learned what the bullseye is for making disciples in my community!” Their four descriptors are Humble Learner, Intentional Neighbor, Servant Leader, and Kingdom Builder.

At City Hope Church (Mobile, AL), Pastor Trey Taylor says that this process has given them a reproducible pattern that’s not dependent on the presence of one leader. Their profile terms are Formed Follower, First Responder, Hero-maker, and Everyday Missionary.

At St James Church (Dothan, AL), Pastor Albert Williams says, “By naming the dream disciple, we have experienced members who are able to say, ‘Imitate me as I imitate Christ.’ There is a growing sensitivity to the Holy Spirit coupled with an increased intentionality in equipping others.” Their descriptors: Spirit-led Follower, Resilient Restorer, Spiritual Navigator, and Kingdom Investor.

Long Hollow Church (Hendersonville, TN) and its leader Robby Gallaty emphasize adaptability and clarity in disciplemaking, creating excitement for local and global engagement. At Long Hollow a 'Dream Disciple is a Spirit-led Follower, Intentional Friend, Humble Guide, and Force for Good.

First Monroe Church, Monroe, LA. Pastor James Doughty: “Developing our Dream Disciple has reshaped our church and how I lead. It has given clarity to our people and has helped me to be more practical in the way I approach my sermons every week.” A Dream Disciple is an Everyday Follower, Everyday Friend, Everyday Missionary, and Everyday Disciplemaker.

Redemption Church (Mobile, AL) under Pastor Ed Litton has witnessed a refreshing vision take shape through its Dream Disciple framework, articulating a common purpose and practical approach. Dream Disciple profile: Hungry Learner, Open-handed Server, Passionate Storyteller, Everyday Multiplier.

Crosspoint Methodist Church (Niceville, FL). Pastor Jeremy Smith says, “I didn’t get into ministry to run an organization. I got into it to make disciples. Developing our Dream Disciple roles brought me back to what ministry is all about. It also rejuvenated and reoriented our staff to measure and celebrate what’s most important.” Roles are Faithful Follower, Helpful Neighbor, Deployed Disciple, Kingdom Builder.

These case studies demonstrate how various churches have successfully defined their dream disciple, shaping their internal culture and clarifying expectations for community members to live out their faith.

Conclusion

Embracing a vision for the Dream Disciple sparks a transformative journey for individuals and communities alike. By intentionally crafting identity-based, compelling, and contextual definitions, churches are empowered to cultivate spiritually mature followers of Jesus who actively participate in the mission of the Gospel. It’s not merely about what we do, but about who we become in the process of following Jesus — an essential shift in mindset that can revolutionize the disciplemaking narrative within our congregations.

As we continue this series, we will move from the profile of a disciple to explore the pathway of disciplemaking, discussing how we can implement these visions into actionable steps for transformation.

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(The views expressed in blog posts are those of the authors of the posts. They do not reflect an official position of Mosaix PDX, but are intended to promote thinking and constructive interaction. We welcome differing viewpoints.)

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