Multiplication Matters: How to Make Disciples Who Multiply

Jesus’ Vision for Multiplication

When Jesus sent His disciples into the world, He sent them to multiply their lives into the lives of others. He didn’t just want followers—He wanted disciple-makers who would make more disciple-makers. Multiplication was central to Jesus’ mission.

In the book of Acts, we see that the early church lived out this vision of multiplication. In just two years, they had “filled Jerusalem with their teaching” (Acts 5:28, ESV). By four and a half years, churches were multiplying rapidly (Acts 9:31, ESV). Within twenty years, their impact was so great that it was said they had “turned the world upside down” (Acts 17:6, ESV). And within thirty years, the Gospel had spread across the known world (Colossians 1:23, ESV).

The Importance of Bearing Fruit

Jesus had strong words for those who failed to bear fruit. In Matthew’s Gospel, He says, “A good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree produces bad fruit” (Matthew 7:17, NLT). He goes on to warn, “Every tree that does not produce good fruit is chopped down and thrown into the fire” (Matthew 7:19, NLT).

Similarly, in Luke’s Gospel, Jesus shares a parable about a barren fig tree. The orchard owner wants to cut it down, but the gardener persuades him to give it one more year. The owner agrees but makes it clear: “If there is no fruit after a year, cut it down” (Luke 13:9, ESV).

In the parable of the talents, Jesus emphasizes the responsibility to multiply what we’ve been given. Two servants invest wisely and are rewarded, but the servant who does nothing with his resources is punished (Matthew 25:14–30, ESV). These teachings make it clear: Jesus expects His disciples to produce fruit by multiplying their lives.

Helping Your Disciples Multiply

As a leader, your goal is not just to disciple individuals but to see those individuals invest in others, creating a chain reaction of multiplication. Here are three steps to help ensure this happens:

1. Set the Expectation of Multiplication from the Start

Too often, people attend church or Bible studies without considering the need to share what they learn with others. From the very beginning, make it clear that the purpose of your group is to multiply. You might say something like, “I’m investing in you so God can use you to invest in others. What I’m doing for you over these next few weeks is exactly what you’ll do for someone else.”

2. Regularly Remind Them of Their Role as Disciple-Makers

As time goes on, group members may lose sight of the expectation of multiplication. Periodically, offer simple reminders such as, “When you’re teaching this to someone else, be sure to highlight this point…” Small, casual comments like these help reset the mindset of multiplication.

3. Prepare Them Before Releasing Them

Not everyone will feel ready to lead right away. Some will be eager to take the next step, while others may be hesitant. If a disciple struggles, stay with them. Work through their concerns, and if needed, invite them to co-lead a group with you. By sharing the leadership role for a time, you can help them gain the confidence they need to lead on their own.

Multiplication is at the heart of Jesus’ plan to reach the world. By setting clear expectations, offering regular encouragement, and equipping your disciples to lead, you can ensure that your investment in others continues to grow and bear fruit for generations to come.

This blog originally appeared at: Multiplication Matters: How to Make Disciples Who Multiply – discipleFIRST and features an excerpt from one of their Student Series books, Invest In A Few.