From Hearing to Multiplying: The Hidden Truth about Effective Discipleship

Discipleship

Have you ever wondered why so many believers seem stuck in their faith?

They hear sermons, attend services, and know scripture, yet their lives remain unchanged. The truth is, discipleship isn’t just about knowing—it’s about being. Jesus didn’t call us to sit in comfort; He called us to follow Him on a journey that transforms us and, ultimately, the world around us.

I’ve learned that most Christians aren’t living a life that transforms the world because they aren’t living a life that’s being presently transformed by God.

If your walk with God feels stagnant, or you’re discipling others who seem stuck, it may be time to revisit the stages of discipleship—a progression that moves from hearing to being to multiplying.

Hearing: The Invitation to Follow

Discipleship begins with hearing. Jesus said, “Follow me,” and those words sparked a life-changing journey for the first disciples. Hearing is where truth enters our hearts. It’s the moment we encounter the gospel, listen to the Word, and recognize the voice of the Shepherd.

But hearing alone isn’t enough. If we stop here, faith remains passive, like a seed planted but never watered.

“Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God” (Romans 10:17).

Seeing: Learning Through Observation

Jesus didn’t just preach—He lived the message. The disciples watched Him heal the sick, forgive sinners, and show compassion. They learned by observing His actions.

When hearing is combined with seeing, the growth of the individual begins to accelerate.

Today, people need to see real examples of faith lived out. They need mentors, pastors, and fellow Christians who demonstrate what it looks like to walk with God.

Observation can only happen through proximity of relationship. So in order to consistently see faith lived out, the disciple must take the initiative to follow.

But just like hearing alone isn’t enough, seeing without action simply creates spectators, not disciples. Are we modeling a faith that others can follow? Are we walking in close proximity with those we’re leading so they can see and be drawn to the light of our faith?

Discussing: Wrestling with the Word

Jesus often asked questions that invited His disciples to reflect: “Who do you say that I am?” Conversations like these help move truth from the head to the heart.

In discipleship, discussing the Word is critical. Not just teaching it, but allowing the disciple to reflect on what the Spirit is challenging their heart with. It’s where we wrestle with questions, explore challenges, and personalize God’s truth. Small groups, mentoring relationships, and accountability partners create the space for this kind of growth. This is truly where the wheels of transformation gain traction in the road of the heart. It’s where spiritual movement takes place, and Jesus begins changing what the disciple cares about.

The question isn’t just, “What does the Bible say?” but, “What does this mean for my life, and how am I obligated to live it out?”

Doing: Practicing Obedience

Jesus didn’t stop at teaching—He sent. He gave the disciples practical assignments: “Go… heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead.” Faith matures when we act in obedience to what we’ve learned.

This is the turning point of discipleship. When believers begin obeying in their actions, thoughts, and words, they experience approval from God, and excitement about their inner change. And when they begin serving, teaching, or sharing their faith, they discover their gifts and experience God’s power at work.

The results of their active, obedient faith are powerful testimonies that become infectious to those that hear, and empowering to those that tell.

If disciples aren’t doing, they aren’t growing. Transformation happens when truth is put into action.

Teaching: Multiplying the Mission

The ultimate call of discipleship is multiplication. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). Mature disciples reproduce themselves by investing in others, mentoring new believers, and equipping future leaders.

Not everyone will have the gift of an Evangelist like Philip, or travel to preach like Paul. But everyone who is a true disciple will evangelize among their oikos – their circle of community.

Discipleship isn’t complete until it multiplies. This final stage ensures that the mission continues to the next generation and beyond.

Where Are You on the Journey?

The journey of discipleship is about movement. It’s not enough to hear, see, or discuss—we are called to do and eventually teach. The danger comes when we stop moving:

  • Hearing without doing creates passive faith.
  • Seeing without engaging turns believers into spectators.
  • Discussing without applying turns conviction into complacency.
  • Doing without teaching lets the mission suffocate and die.

True discipleship begins with hearing but finds its fullness in multiplying.

It’s Time to Move

Where are you in this journey? If you’re discipling others, ask:

  • What stage are they in? Are they hearing, observing, discussing, or doing?
  • How can you help them take the next step?

And if you feel stuck in your own walk with God, hear this: The call of Jesus is not just to listen, but to follow. Take a step. Serve someone. Share your faith. Invite others into the journey. Take someone on the journey with you. Disciple them.

Discipleship doesn’t end with you—it multiplies through you.

Jesus modeled the stages of discipleship: He called, He showed, He sent, and He multiplied. Now, He calls you to do the same. Start where you are, trust Him to lead you deeper, and take the next step.