Dear Discipleship-first Friends,
What if we’ve misunderstood who’s truly meant to do the work of ministry?
Too often, we assume disciple making is the responsibility of pastors, teachers, or trained leaders. But Scripture casts a much broader vision—one that includes every believer in every walk of life.
The call isn’t just for the few—it’s for all.
Truck drivers. Teachers. Accountants. Moms. Students. Each one is part of what Peter describes as a royal priesthood.
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession…” 1 Peter 2:9
When Jesus gives His Spirit to His people, He doesn’t divide us into spectators and players. He equips everyone to engage. And if we don’t release the priesthood of all believers, we’ll never reach every corner of our cities—or the nations.
Why the Professional Model Falls Short
Imagine a packed basketball arena—40,000 people in the stands, watching 10 players on the court. The players are exhausted–and the crowd? They desperately need the exercise.
This is what church can become when we limit ministry to a few.
Many believers aren’t disengaged because they don’t care. They’re waiting to be invited, equipped, and sent. They’re waiting for someone to tell them: you are a minister in your everyday life.
Equipping the Whole Body
Ephesians 4 reminds us that God gave leaders not to do all the work—but to equip the saints for the work.
When we train people to disciple others where they already live and work, transformation begins to ripple outward. And here’s the beautiful part: those who disciple others often experience the greatest spiritual growth themselves.
Bobby Harrington shared how his wife has become a powerful disciple maker—not through a church program, but by living out her calling among women in her community. The fruit is real—and the joy is contagious.
The Risk of Outsourcing Our Identity
Without realizing it, churches can create environments where people feel like they’ve outsourced their spiritual identity to pastors.
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But Jesus never said, “Your leader is the ambassador.” He said, you are.
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You are a witness.
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You are a minister of reconciliation.
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You are called to make disciples.
Let’s stop asking, Who is qualified? and instead, start asking, Who is willing?
Want to Go Deeper?
We recently released a brand-new resource video that unpacks what it means to equip and release the priesthood of all believers. You’ll hear from leaders who are doing this in real disciple making movements—and discover how to create a culture where every believer is trained, empowered, and sent.
👉 WATCH THE VIDEO NOW – “The Priesthood of All Believers”
You’ll learn:
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When disciple making is embraced as the norm—not a niche—something shifts. It’s no longer about programs. It’s about people on mission.
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The importance of creating a culture where everyone plays a part and everyone sees themselves as a disciple maker.
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The church becomes a launching pad, not just a meeting place.
“This is who we are. This is how we live,” that’s what it sounds like when a church fully embraces, equips and releases the priesthood of all believers.
And friends… that’s when movements begin.
For King Jesus,
