Disciple Making Movements (DMM) & Discovery Bible Study (DBA)

[Note: this document was sourced from here on 7/28/2025 for archival purposes, as I refer to it here: ]

Disciple Making Movements (DMM) & Discovery Bible Study (DBS)
A Simple, Reproducible Way to Multiply Disciples

What is DMM?

Disciple Making Movements (DMM) are Spirit-led movements of ordinary people who make disciples who make more disciples. Based on Jesus’ commands in Matthew 28, the focus is on obedience to Scripture and multiplying spiritual generations—often outside traditional church structures.

Rather than drawing people into programs, DMM encourages believers to live missionally in their everyday lives. Movements grow through small, simple gatherings that multiply as new disciples are empowered to lead.

DMM in the West

In post-Christian cultures, DMM has gained traction as a relational, low-barrier way to engage people spiritually. Instead of waiting for someone to come to church, disciples go out into homes, workplaces, parks, gyms, and neighborhoods—looking for spiritually open people, known as "people of peace."

This approach often resonates with those disillusioned with institutional religion but hungry for meaningful faith and purpose.

The Role of Discovery Bible Study (DBS)

DBS is the engine of DMM. It’s a simple method anyone can use to engage the Bible with others:

1. What does this passage say about God?
2. What does it say about people?
3. What will I obey or apply?
4. Who will I share this with?

Rather than someone teaching, the group discovers God’s truth together. The emphasis is on obedience, not just knowledge. Many come to faith simply by encountering God's Word and learning to follow it.

“Come” vs. “Go” Models of Church

Most churches operate in a “Come” Model:

• Come to our building
• Come hear a message
• Come join our programs

In contrast, DMM is a “Go” Model:

• Go out into your community
• Go find people who are spiritually open
• Go make disciples in everyday places

The “go” model focuses on equipping all believers, not just pastors or leaders, to live on mission.

The "Going Out" Lifestyle

DMM, from start to finish, is about going out. 

• Go out to pray for people: Start spiritual conversations by offering prayer. "Hey, I’m praying for folks in the neighborhood—can I pray for you?" This simple question often opens hearts.
• Go out to share the Gospel: Share your testimony, explain the Gospel story, or invite someone to read the Bible with you. Many are more open than we assume.
• Go out to meet tangible needs: Serve your community. Meet physical, emotional, or relational needs. Love opens doors for truth.

Key Going Principle: PIPSY

Matthew 25:31-40 In Disciple Making Movements, we follow Jesus' pattern of going to those who are most open, often those in crisis or transition. The acronym PIPSY helps us remember specific groups that are spiritually responsive:

• P – Poor: Those struggling economically are often open to spiritual hope and community.
• I – International: Immigrants and refugees frequently seek connection and meaning in new environments. (Depending on your context, I could = indigenous)
• P – Prisoners: Incarcerated individuals are often ready for transformation and eager to study Scripture.
• S – Sick: Illness can prompt deep questions about life, eternity, and God.
• Y – Young: Students and young adults are shaping their identity and purpose—ideal times for Gospel discovery.

FAQs 

Is this anti-church or against pastors?Not at all. DMM values the Church deeply. It simply emphasizes equipping all believers to make disciples outside the building, not just inside it.

Isn’t this just house church?House churches may be part of a DMM, but the key is multiplication, not just gathering. DMM emphasizes reproduction and disciple-making, not simply smaller versions of traditional church.

What if people get Scripture wrong without a teacher?DBS is designed to keep the focus on the plain meaning of the text, with the Holy Spirit as the teacher. Also, the group structure encourages mutual accountability and obedience—not isolated interpretation.

Is DMM just for missions, or can it work here?It’s already working here. Many believers in Western cities are starting DBS groups, seeing people come to faith, and multiplying disciple-makers.

How to Get Started

1. Start with prayer (and consider fasting, too!)Ask God to give you His heart for the lost and lead you to people of peace around you. Ask him to prepare people to hear from him and respond.

2. Learn the DBS questions.Practice reading Scripture using the DBS format with a friend or your family.

3. Go out.Prayer walk in a neighborhood where the Lord is leading you to cast a net. Ask people how you can pray for them. Look for openness.

4. Invite someone to discover the Bible with you.Rather than inviting them to church, say: “Would you like to read and talk about what the Bible says about life and God?”

• If they say yes, ask them if they know anyone else who might want to join in. 
• Tell them you’re happy to meet up at their house, or in their neighborhood (gives them ownership, instead of it being “your” thing.)

5. Focus on obedience and sharing.In every gathering, ask: “What will we do?” and “Who will we share this with?” Obedience leads to transformation. Sharing leads to multiplication.

6. Multiply.When someone is ready, help them start a group of their own. Keep it simple. Trust the Spirit.

RESOURCES

• BOOK: From Mega Church to Multiplication, by Chris Galanos
• TRAINING: 8-Week
  • https://www.experiencelifenow.com/training

GRANT OPPORTUNITY

Starting DMM or DBS as a missional outreach in your community isn’t an expensive endeavor. It may require some staff or trusted volunteer time to help church members access training opportunties 

 to However, there may be a small cost associated with moving in this direct. 

$1,100 Evangelism grant from the Gianforte Family Foundation.

• May be used for DMM & DBS Training or Coaching. (travel, accommodation, food, needed resource material of church staff or a DMM/DBS Coach)
• Costs associated with any of the listed resources above.
• Gift Cards at a local coffee shop for trained DBS Leaders from your church to use to meet people of peace.