From First Conversation to Disciple-Maker: The Four Moves Every Church Needs

Episode Overview What does it actually look like for a church to make disciples—not just attract people or teach them more information? Brian Miller talks with Jim Jansen about building a clear discipleship pathway that moves people from initial relationships to mature faith and eventually equips them to help others do the same. Jim outlines four essential movements—relational outreach, a conversion moment, faith formation, and evangelization formation—and explains how a coaching approach helps churches discover what each of those should look like in their own context.

Key Ideas & Takeaways 1. Start with Relational Outreach Churches have to answer a basic question: Where and how are we connecting with people outside the church?

Evangelism doesn't have to look like door-knocking or street preaching.

Coaching helps individuals identify their existing relationships, interests, communities, and natural spheres of influence.

Churches can ask the same question collectively: Where has God already given us relationships and influence?

2. Evangelism Should Fit the Person People often resist evangelism because they have one particular model in mind that doesn't fit who they are.

A coaching approach asks how someone naturally connects with people rather than imposing a predetermined method.

The early church demonstrates that relational outreach doesn't depend on buildings, budgets, institutional credibility, or cultural influence.

3. Create a Conversion Moment Relationships alone aren't the entire discipleship process.

Churches need intentional opportunities for people to encounter the gospel and decide whether they will follow Jesus.

Jim points to Alpha as one example, but the specific ministry isn't the point.

The better question is: What would an authentic conversion opportunity look like for our church and our community?