Relational. Intentional. Reproducible.
Relational. Intentional. Reproducible.
At the end of 2024, amid leadership changes, Christmas, and general busyness, something unexpected happened: I was asked to teach a discipleship methodology—not a program or curriculum—to the staff. As I dove into the material, joining a cohort and absorbing thousands of pages, podcasts, and scripture references, three words emerged repeatedly: Relational. Intentional. Reproducible. Jesus made disciples in a relational environment as an intentional leader using a reproducible process.
I believe in not reinventing the wheel—especially when the wheel belongs to the God of the universe. As I explored ways to introduce these ideas to the church, one thing was clear: we excel at being relational. This is hands down the most loving, hospitable church I’ve ever encountered. On my very first Sunday, after meeting Pastor Greg for coffee, I walked in and was immediately greeted by name by someone. That underlined how much this church values relationships.
In studying this methodology, I came across Brandon Guindon's book Intentional, which recounts his daughter’s recovery from a traumatic accident. Doctors explained the four stages of learning: unconscious incapable (you don’t know what you don’t know), conscious incapable (you realize you can’t do it), conscious capable (you can do it with effort), and unconscious capable (you do it automatically). Guindon applies this to Jesus' discipleship process, highlighting eight intentional practices we can develop:
- Jesus listened to understand.
He didn’t just hear words—He understood hearts. When speaking with the Samaritan woman, He didn’t just acknowledge her answers; He saw her pain and rejection. - Jesus sought the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
Before choosing the Twelve, He spent an entire night in prayer. My prayers often look more like “Lord, help me survive Jr. High boys,” but Jesus prioritized deep connection with the Father. - Jesus saw potential in people before they saw it in themselves.
He told Simon, “You will be called Peter (the Rock).” Peter—the guy I consider the smartest dumb guy in the Bible—was transformed by Jesus' vision for him. - Jesus invited people to follow Him.
He didn’t just say “do this”—He said “come and see.” His disciples didn’t learn through lectures but by walking alongside Him. - Jesus was interruptible.
His plans were constantly interrupted, yet He saw these as divine appointments. Whether by children, crowds, or the sick, He responded with compassion. - Jesus spoke truth in love.
He never avoided hard truths but always communicated from a foundation of relationship and love. - Jesus stayed on mission despite opposition.
Rejection, misunderstanding, and even death didn’t deter Him from His purpose. - Jesus released His disciples to go and make more disciples.
He didn’t create dependent followers; He equipped and sent them out to multiply His work.
What excites me is how practical these practices are. They aren’t just for pastors—they’re for all of us. Whether as a parent, coworker, neighbor, or friend, you can:
- Listen deeply to those around you.
- Seek the Spirit’s guidance in relationships.
- Call out potential in others.
- Invite people to walk alongside you in daily life.
- Remain open to divine interruptions.
- Speak truth with love.
- Stand firm in challenges.
- Release and empower others to lead.
Imagine if we became unconscious capable at these eight things, creating ever-widening circles of discipleship. That’s not a program—it’s a reproducible movement. And it’s exactly what Jesus had in mind.