How to Launch a Disciple-Making Movement in Your Church
New here? Start with the overview here.
The step-by-step framework for integrating Ordinary Movement as your discipleship pathway — and seeing multiplication happen.
Scenario A
"We already have OM groups running."
Amazing — you have momentum. Your job now is to champion what's happening and prepare for multiplication. Skip to the Champion & Multiply section below.
Where Is Your Church Right Now?
Scenario B
"We don't have any groups yet."
No problem — here's how to start from scratch. Begin with the Launch Your First Groups section below.
How to Launch Your First Groups
Step 1: Identify 6 High-Capacity Leaders
Handpick 3 men and 3 women with these qualities:
Experience leading others (even informally)
Ability to gather and facilitate a group
Already active in discipling others
Potential to mentor new leaders after their group ends
Don't overthink this. Look for willing, not perfect.
Step 2: Invite Them to Lead
Cast vision: "I want you to lead a group that could spark a disciple-making movement in our church."
Direct them to our app to sign up and complete the free training. We handle the rest — you don't need to manage the process.
Step 3: Set a Launch Date
Best times: First week of September or first week of February. Avoid: Launching in the summer.
Leaders invite their own participants. Recommendation: 6-10 people per group.
Step 4: Champion Publicly
Mention discipleship and your new groups in your messages. Celebrate what God is doing. Let your church know: when people lead these groups, they're aligned with your vision.
How to Champion & Multiply
Once groups are running, your role shifts to celebration and vision-casting.
Monthly: Weave Discipleship Into Your Messages
You don't need to mention Ordinary Movement by name. Champion disciple-making as a theme. Highlight people who are stepping up. Create a culture where multiplication is celebrated.
When Groups End: Celebrate & Commission
Host a dinner or meeting to hear about their experience. Ask:
"Who felt called to lead next?"
"Who will you mentor as they start their group?"
Then have them share with the congregation on a Sunday. Cast vision for the next wave. [Watch an example here]
Repeat the Cycle
Bring up mentorship. Celebrate new group launches. Keep weaving discipleship into your teaching. This is how a movement builds.
What NOT to Do
Groups are pastor-championed, not pastor-led. Here's what to avoid:
❌ Don't make church announcements the primary funnel for sign-ups.
Leaders should invite their own people. Invitation is the start of discipleship.
❌ Don't micromanage the process.
You cast vision. We handle the rest — platform, training, coaching.
❌ Don't add friction.
Don't require extra approvals, committees, or hoops. Let ordinary people step up.
❌ Don't confine groups to the church building.
Living rooms, coffee shops, backyards — groups work best in natural spaces.
✓ DO stay available as a mentor.
Encourage leaders periodically. Collaborate on multiplication plans when groups end. Celebrate progress.
Tips for Success
Group Composition We recommend the majority of groups be gender-specific (men's or women's). Co-ed works well for couples or church-wide adoption.
Group Size Ideal: 6-10 people. Even 2-3 people is a win — the leader is being obedient. Smaller groups (4-6) are easier for new leaders.
Group Duration Best outcomes come from 12-month commitment. Longer duration = deeper relationships = stronger multiplication.
Leadership Pipeline Suggest that all your small group leaders, elders, deacons, and ministry leaders go through an OM group within 3 years. Drop hints. Let the Holy Spirit work.
Game Changer Consider a sermon series on discipleship and disciple-making. Invite your church to pray about leading a group. Need help? We can map it out with you.
What Could Happen
Year 1: 1 Mentor (You) → 6 Leaders → 60 Participants
Year 2: 7 Mentors → 60 Leaders → 600 Participants
Year 3: 67 Mentors → 600 Leaders → 6,000 Participants
Year 4: This is the exponential power of disciples making disciples.
How OM Fits Your Church
If you have a tri-semester small group system:
Launch OM groups in sync with your existing schedule (September or February). Groups run 6-12 months depending on meeting frequency.
If you don't have a formal small group structure:
No problem. OM groups are lightweight and self-contained. Leaders use our app and follow our process. No church infrastructure required.
If you want a unified discipleship pathway:
Many churches use three tiers:
Alpha — for unbelievers and new believers
Freedom / Foundations — for newer believers
Ordinary Movement — for all believers ready to become disciple-makers
OM sits at the "multiplication" tier — turning consumers into contributors.
What Pastors Are Saying
“Ordinary Movement has done an amazing job making disciples who make disciples. This ministry has not only impacted my life but the lives of many others that I know. I’m so grateful for this ministry!”
-Jeremy Duggins, Revive Church
“In my 34 years of professional ministry, I have never come across a better designed help for discipleship!”
-Paul Hammontree, Mountain Life Calvary Chapel
“This past year was a great time of building relationships as well as reminding me of our need to continue to reproduce ourselves through discipling one another. The lessons were on point and the reading material was not so heavy that it made it a chore to complete the assignments each week. The fellowship times encouraged between the mornings we met to cover a lesson were a bonus to our camaraderie as well!”
-Randy Huckabee, Discover Fellowship Church
“Ordinary Men has been an ongoing part of our discipleship program at Whittington Church for over 3 years. Our groups of men not only go deeper in their faith in Jesus, but also deeper in their relationships with each other. The 'graduates' of the groups have become foundational in the positive transformation of our church men from 'casual followers' of Jesus to motivated leaders-- actively recruiting others and daily preparing for the spiritual battles of life, family and culture.”
-Mark Minor, Whittington Church
“One of the best discipleship-making experiences I have seen in my 43 years of ministry. This is truly a Movement that I believe will impact the world for Christ.”
-John Richey, Southpoint