Dear Discipleship-first Friends!
What if the key to unlocking powerful, Spirit-filled transformation in your disciple making journey isn’t the latest book, podcast, or personality—but something far more timeless?
It’s Scripture–Scripture is the curriculum.
That’s not just a nice slogan—it’s a principle at the heart of every thriving disciple making movement around the world. And it might be the most overlooked reality in the North American church today.
“Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of God.” — Romans 10:17
Why Scripture Must Remain Central
In our well-intentioned efforts, we sometimes substitute good resources—books, sermons, podcasts—for the best resource… God’s Word itself. But no matter how inspiring these other tools are, nothing carries the same power as the living, breathing Word of God.
“The word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword…” — Hebrews 4:12
God’s Word doesn’t just inform—it transforms. It cuts through confusion, convicts the heart, and stirs genuine obedience.
What Global Movements Are Teaching Us
In disciple making movements across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, Scripture is the only curriculum. No printed workbooks. No video series. Just believers opening the Bible together and letting the Holy Spirit lead.
They’re using simple, Spirit-driven tools like:
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Discovery Bible Study (DBS) – A method where participants read a passage, ask key questions like… “What does this passage teach me about God?” “About myself?” “Is this passage pointing out something that I need to repent of?” “What promise of God can be seen in this passage?, etc., and then seeking to obey together.
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Three-Thirds Groups – A format built around caring, accountability, Scripture engagement, and obedience.
These aren’t content-heavy programs. They’re obedience-based gatherings where the Word of God leads, the Spirit convicts, and ordinary people grow as disciples who make disciples.
Why This Works Better Than a Sermon
Josh recently reflected on a 30-minute DBS he sat in on. It wasn’t led by a seminary graduate, but the group insights were richer and deeper than many sermons—because everyone engaged the Word, and the Spirit of God spoke through His people.
Imagine that happening in your small group, your living room, your church.
A Word for the Western Church
Let’s be honest, in North America, we’re often tempted to outsource discipleship to charismatic teachers or polished media. But what if the most powerful move we could make is simply returning to Scripture as the core of every conversation?
“All Scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness…” — 2 Timothy 3:16
When God speaks through His Word, we don’t debate as easily. We listen. We obey.
Practical Ways to Re-Center Scripture in Your Disciple-Making:
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Start a Discovery Bible Study – Invite a few friends or seekers to read and reflect on a passage weekly.
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Ask Better Questions – What does this reveal about God? What must I obey? Who can I share this with?
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Let the Word Lead – Don’t rush to explain. Let the Spirit do the teaching through His Word.
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Build Weekly Accountability – Return each week and ask: “How did you obey what we studied?”
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Trust the Process – God’s Word, plus God’s Spirit, in God’s people, doing God’s mission—that’s where the power is.
Want to Go Deeper?
We just released a brand new resource video that unpacks why Scripture as the curriculum is the foundation of true transformation. You’ll hear from leaders in the field and learn how to implement these practices in your context.
👉 WATCH THE VIDEO NOW – “Scripture as the Curriculum”
You’ll learn:
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How to start a Discovery Bible Study from scratch
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Why obedience-based learning trumps knowledge-based teaching
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What movements around the world are doing differently—and why it’s working
Let’s Reclaim the Curriculum
We believe that Scripture, not strategy, is the heartbeat of effective disciple making. Let’s open the Word together, obey it boldly, and trust the Spirit to bring the increase.
“The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few…” – Luke 10:2
For King Jesus,