A Paradigm Shift for the Future: Instilling a Lifestyle of Disciplemaking to the Fourth Generation
In the last several years, one paradigm-shifting question has surfaced again and again among pastors, leaders, and disciplemakers engaged with MicroGroups:
How do we instill in our MicroGroup participants the DNA to adopt a lifestyle of disciplemaking to the fourth generation?
This is not a small question. It cuts to the heart of what Jesus meant by “make disciples,” and it places the spotlight squarely on Paul’s charge in II Timothy 2:2—four generations of disciples reproducing disciples:
“What you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful people who will be able to teach others also.”
Paul → Timothy → faithful people → others also.
Four generations.
A movement.
A lifestyle—not a class.
Yet for most churches and most MicroGroups, this level of multiplication remains the exception rather than the rule. And we’re beginning to call that what it is: a problem.
Why fourth-generation multiplication feels out of reach
We tend to assume MicroGroups will naturally reproduce because the experience is so life-giving. And while participants often do grow deeply, growth alone doesn’t guarantee reproduction.
So what’s missing?
Many believers still see MicroGroups as a season—not a lifelong identity. They complete a group, feel grateful for the transformation, and then move on without reproducing what they received.
But then we meet a handful of individuals who “get it.” And almost every time, they say the same thing in their own words:
“I will do this the rest of my life.”
There it is—the DNA.
This is what we long to see multiplied. This is the heartbeat of a disciplemaking movement.
Living Within Limits — So We Can Live on Mission
A surprising truth is emerging: Our inability to multiply MicroGroups often has less to do with desire and more to do with capacity.
Jesus taught His disciples to live simply, relationally, and missionally. But many believers today are stretched beyond their limits—overcommitted, hurried, distracted.
To embrace a lifelong lifestyle of disciplemaking,
“Live within limits.”
When we order our lives around Jesus’ priorities, we create space for what matters most—people. And disciplemaking is always about people.
Instilling the DNA — A Comprehensive Approach
If we want MicroGroups to multiply to the fourth generation, we can't leave it to chance. We need an intentional, Spirit-dependent strategy.
1. Cast the vision early (and often).
Don’t wait until the end of a group to talk about reproduction. Plant fourth-generation vision at week one in Discipleship Essentials. Show them the biblical pattern. Inspire a holy imagination for generational impact.
2. Model what you want to multiply.
The DNA of a movement is always caught before it is taught.
When leaders reproduce, participants see that multiplication is normal, not extraordinary.
3. Keep the process simple and transferable.
If it’s too complex, they won’t reproduce it. MicroGroups work because they are clear, simple, relational, and doable.
4. Reinforce identity, not just activity.
Disciplemaking is not something we do—it is who we are.
Help people internalize a disciplemaker identity by speaking to it consistently.
5. Celebrate every reproduction story.
Testimonies create culture. What we celebrate becomes what we replicate.
6. Remove barriers and walk with people.
Coaching, encouragement, clarity, and reassurance are essential. The most common obstacles are fear and uncertainty.
A supportive path removes the paralysis.
Where We Go From Here
The question is not whether MicroGroups will transform lives—they already do.
The question is whether they will also multiply.
If we can help our people adopt the identity, rhythms, and convictions of lifelong disciplemakers, we can see fourth-generation reproduction become the norm rather than the exception.
Imagine a church filled with people saying with conviction:
“I will make disciples through MicroGroups—for the rest of my life.”
From Moments to Movements: How to Instill a Lifelong Disciplemaking DNA
This is the future. Map it out.
This is the invitation. Live the lifestyle.
This is how movements begin.
Greg Ogden
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