Skip to content

Good disciplemaking requires both intentionality and…

“Good disciplemaking requires both intentionality and relationality. It means being strategic and being social. Most of us are bent one way or the other. We’re naturally relational, but lacking in intentionality. Or we find it easy to be intentional, but not relational. We typically tip (or…” quote by David Mathis
Download Open image
““Good disciplemaking requires both intentionality and relationality. It means being strategic and being social. Most of us are bent one way or the other. We’re naturally relational, but lacking in intentionality. Or we find it easy to be intentional, but not relational. We typically tip (or sometimes lean) one way or the other as we begin the disciplemaking process. But tipping and leaning won’t cover the full picture of what life-on-life disciplemaking requires. It’s not just friend-to-friend, and it’s not just teacher-to-student. It’s both. There is the sharing of ordinary life (relationship) and seeking to initiate and make the most of teachable moments (intentionality). There are the long walks through Galilee and the sermons on the mount. Disciplemaking is both organic and engineered, relational and intentional, with shared context and shared content, quality and quantity time.””

David Mathis

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Effective disciplemaking blends purposeful planning with genuine relationships, balancing strategy and social connection to foster growth.

In simple terms: Combine intentional teaching with real friendship.

Key Takeaway

Blend plan and friendship.

Themes

discipleship relationships intentionality growth balance

Mood

thoughtful encouraging

Type

instructional relational

When to use this quote

  • church small groups
  • one‑on‑one mentoring
  • mission trips
  • online discipleship

Key Concepts

Christian mentorship relational dynamics strategic planning

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you ensure both strategy and friendship in your mentoring?
  • What habits help you balance intentional teaching with relational care?
A Different Perspective

Too much focus on one side can lead to superficial or rigid outcomes.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by David Mathis

Explore all 49 David Mathis quotes

More Discipleship quotes

Browse all 545 Discipleship quotes