#9 Seven Types of Disciple-Makers

On being a disciple-maker that doesn't fit the mold

When it comes to helping others put their trust in Christ (AKA discipleship), Christians often have a fixed stereotype about the kind of person they believe will be better at it than others.

But this kind of mindset is never helpful.

There really is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to making disciples.

In fact, we can see how Jesus used all sorts of people with a variety of backgrounds, personalities and skill sets for his mission to change the world.

So, here are 7 types of Disciple-Makers found in the Early Church… 

Which type are you?

Type 1: 🎯 The Pioneer

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• You are bold, outspoken, full of creative ideas and always ready for action. 

• You love nothing more than proclaiming loudly who Jesus is whilst pioneering new projects, reaching new places, and working with people to make a difference.  

• Sometimes you may be a little impulsive, say the wrong thing, or even bite off more than you can chew, but it’s only because you are so committed to helping people know Jesus for themselves.

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You Are Most Like: Peter in the Bible 

Type 2: 👬 The Alongsider

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• You are friendly, emotionally intelligent, open minded and sensitive. 

• You love nothing more than talking one-on-one with friends or introducing new people to like-minded individuals in your social network. Even though you are a little shy yourself, you thrive on helping everyone feel like they belong and are included. 

• Sometimes you feel a little unsure because you aren’t as outwardly courageous as your more extroverted friends, but you are committed to coming alongside others for the long haul.

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You Are Most Like: Andrew in the Bible 

Type 3: 👩‍🍳 The Hoster

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• You are warm, hospitable, welcoming and kind.

• You love nothing more than opening your home, sharing what you have, and seeing strangers become friends around your dining room table. Your hospitality skills are known throughout the whole community!

• Sometimes you get a little rushed off your feet but that’s only because you are always focussed on making others feel at home with Jesus.

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You Are Most Like: Martha in the Bible 

Type 4: 🔥 The Lover 

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• You are passionate, affectionate, and infectiously fun to be around. 

• You adore nothing more than talking about what you LOVE and why you love it — whether iPhones, foodie-markets, TV Shows, or Jesus! Your love for God, life, and others shines through on every occasion. The name of your game is people.

• Sometimes you get a little hurt when people don’t feel the same way as you (or about you) but it is only because you are so committed to loving others no matter what. 

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You Are Most Like: John in the Bible 

Type 5: 👩‍🏫 The Developer

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• You are focused, empowering, wise and constructive.

• You love nothing more than seeing people reach their potential — so you teach, train and inspire others towards change. Nobody can stay comfortable for too long when you are around but you help things get better.

• Sometimes you have an edge that might rub people up the wrong way but that’s only because you are so committed to seeing people become more like Jesus.

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You Are Most Like: Priscilla in the Bible

Type 6: 🧠 The Thinker

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• You are logical, rational, deep and naturally inquisitive.  

• You love nothing more than analysing the evidence, sharing the facts, holding steadfast to the truth, and raising a standard for the gospel. You are outcomes-based and impact-oriented in all you do.

• Sometimes you lean towards a head-over-heart mindset but that's only because you desperately want others to know the truth about who God really is. 

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You Are Most Like: Luke in the Bible 

Type 7: ⛰️ The Overcomer

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• You are strong, resilient and tough, yet somehow soft-hearted and grateful.

• You love nothing more than sharing about what God has done and the mountains you have conquered with Christ. You’ve been forgiven so much that you simply cannot keep silent about the incredible grace that has wiped your slate clean.

• Sometimes you get a little frustrated when people can’t see what you can see but it’s only because you long for people to experience the same transformation in their own life too.

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You Are Most Like: Mary Magdalene in the Bible

So, what’s your type?

Jesus was not surrounded by Superheroes who had it all together. His followers were not professional at making disciples from day one - none of them had ever done it before! The first disciples were not carbon copies of each other. They weren't all extroverts or introverts. They didn’t have the same level of qualifications or training. None of them were perfect. Yet, they ALL changed the world with Jesus.

At the end of the day: it doesn’t matter if you are more like a pioneer, an alongsider, a hoster, a lover, a developer, a thinker, or an overcomer. Or any combination of the above for that matter! What matters is that you are a FOLLOWER first. 

Isn’t it time you became more confident with your style, type, and approach? What if God can use you just the way you are? Imagine if you stopped wishing you were more like someone else and simply got on with the job! 👍

PS: Tell me what type or combo you think you are in the comments below.👇🏻