A Disciplemaking Journey Through the Gospels (Blog Plus Video)

By Cadre Missionary, Dave Garda

Video Message by Dave Garda, Disciplemaking Convictions Part 1. Shared with Grace Fellowship Church in Maple Park, IL Jan. 18, 2026

What if we paused long enough to watch how Jesus actually lived? Walking step-by-step through the middle of the Gospels reveals a way of life shaped by identity, rhythms, friendship, and shared presence. This approach invites us to slow down and learn from Jesus not just as a distant figure but as a living example of disciplemaking.

Living with a Clear Identity

Jesus lived with a strong sense of who he was and what his purpose was. Throughout the Gospels, he consistently showed confidence in his identity as the Son of God and the Messiah. This clarity shaped every interaction and decision.

For example, when Jesus called his first disciples, he didn’t just ask them to follow him blindly. He invited them into a shared identity as “fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19). This identity gave them purpose and direction. It wasn’t about tasks or rules but about belonging to a mission bigger than themselves.

This teaches us that disciplemaking starts with understanding who we are. When we slow down and reflect on our own identity, we can live and lead with more clarity and confidence.

Embracing Rhythms of Life

Jesus’ life was marked by rhythms—times of work, rest, prayer, and teaching. These rhythms created space for growth and connection. He often withdrew to quiet places to pray (Mark 1:35), showing the importance of intentional pauses.

Slowing down to notice these rhythms helps us see disciplemaking as a lifestyle, not a program. It’s about balancing action with reflection, presence with purpose. Jesus modeled this balance by spending time with his disciples in everyday moments, sharing meals, walking together, and teaching through stories.

By adopting similar rhythms, we create environments where relationships deepen and learning happens naturally.

Friendship as a Foundation

Jesus’ relationship with his disciples was more than teacher and students. It was friendship. He invited them into his life, shared meals, and showed vulnerability. This friendship built trust and opened hearts to transformation.

In John 15:15, Jesus calls his disciples friends, not servants. This shift highlights the importance of mutual respect and love in disciplemaking. Friendship creates a safe space where questions are welcomed and growth is encouraged.

We can learn from this by prioritizing genuine relationships over quick fixes or transactional interactions. Slowing down to build friendship means investing time and presence.

Shared Presence in Everyday Life

Jesus showed that disciplemaking happens best in shared presence. He didn’t just teach from a distance but walked alongside his followers. This presence created opportunities for teaching moments, encouragement, and correction.

For example, the story of Jesus washing his disciples’ feet (John 13) reveals servant leadership lived out in close, personal moments. It’s a powerful example of how presence communicates love and humility.

Slowing down to be fully present with others allows us to notice their needs and respond with care. It transforms disciplemaking from a task into a shared journey.

Practical Steps to Slow Down and Follow Jesus’ Example

• Reflect on your identity: Spend time considering how your sense of purpose shapes your daily life.

• Create rhythms: Build regular times for rest, prayer, and meaningful connection.

• Invest in friendships: Prioritize deep relationships over surface-level interactions.

• Practice presence: Be fully attentive when with others, listening and engaging without distractions.

These steps help us live out a disciplemaking way of life that mirrors Jesus’ own.

Spaces for rest and reflection support rhythms of disciplemaking. —Dave Garda