Discipleship Quote by David Mathis
““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.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Disciplemaking: A Practical Guide, 2020
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.
