A Disciple Making Movement (DMM) is a strategic approach to evangelism and discipleship that seeks to catalyze rapidly multiplying networks of disciples and churches, particularly among unreached people groups. Here's a breakdown for a mission practitioner:
Core Components
- Intentionality: DMM is proactive, with a focus on intentional evangelism and rapid multiplication of disciple-making groups.
- Discovery Bible Study: Central to DMM, it's a method where participants read and engage with the Scriptures, promoting self-discovery and obedience. No "expert" teaches; the Bible is the authority.
- Person of Peace: Missionaries seek individuals who are receptive, respected, and have relational influence in their communities. These individuals can bridge the Gospel to their own social networks.
- Multiplication: New believers are quickly trained and released to evangelize and disciple others, leading to organic growth.
- Simple Church: Rather than large congregations, DMM fosters simple, reproducible gatherings (often in homes) where discipleship, worship, and community take place.
- Obedience-Based: The emphasis isn’t just on knowledge but on immediate obedience to Scripture.
- Indigenous Leadership: Local believers take ownership and leadership early on, ensuring the movement is culturally relevant.
Benefits
- Rapid Spread: The emphasis on multiplication leads to a rapid spread of the Gospel.
- Cultural Relevance: Since it encourages indigenous leadership and simple gatherings, the Gospel can be contextualized easily.
- Sustainability: It empowers local believers to take charge, ensuring long-term sustainability without heavy external resources.
Training
- Principles Over Methods: Training usually focuses on understanding DMM principles rather than rigid methods. Every context might require tweaks.
- Mentorship: Experienced DMM practitioners often mentor novices through challenges, ensuring lessons from successes and failures are passed on.
For a mission practitioner, engaging with DMM offers the potential to ignite an exponential Gospel movement in their context, allowing them to reach many for Christ in a short span of time. It’s a shift from traditional methods but holds promise, especially in resistant or unreached areas.
