4 Keys to Multiplying Everything

[featured_image]To cultivate a disciplemaking movement, you need to be intentional about multiplication.

Think: Multiply Everything!

Multiply disciples. Multiply disciplemakers. Multiply disciplemaking groups. Multiply disciplemaking initiatives. Multiply leaders. Multiply worship gatherings. Multiply apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds and teachers. Multiply congregations. Multiply churches. Multiply missionaries. Multiply movements.

As you begin to venture toward movement-like behaviors, it’s important to be intentional about multiplying at every level.

4 Keys to Multiplying Everything

1. Keep it simple.
This is important. The more complex you make something, the more challenging it will be to reproduce. Keep it simple. Focus on the irreducible minimums. Don’t make it overcomplicated. Remember, less is more.

Don’t create a 10 step process if a 5 step process will work. Think simple. The more simple your model or methods, the easier they will be to pass on.

For example, consider SOAP Journaling. It’s very simple. There are four things you need to do as you SOAP – 1) read the Scripture and write down a key verse, 2) write out your Observations, 3) write out your Application (“I will…”), and 4) Pray. That’s simple. And because it’s simple, it’s easy to pass it on.

2. Write it down.
Many people I meet who are very good at the first steps in making disciples have a hard time explaining what they are doing to someone else. They are acting intuitively. And many times they are actually failing to pass on what they are actually doing.

Take time to write down the key steps you are following. Consider how you are actually making disciples. Write it down. Then communicate the principles or process to those you are training.

If you can’t write it down, you’ll never be able to multiply.

3. Make it memorable.
The more memorable the steps are, the easier it will be to pass it on. The harder it is to remember, the harder it will be to pass it on. Simple is easier to remember (see #1 above).

Whatever you are trying to multiply, find a way to make the process easier to remember.

For example, my friend Keith has developed The COACH Model™ which is an easy way to help people using coaching conversations. Using this model will help you multiply disciples and leaders. One of the reasons it works so well is that it’s easy to remember.

4. Think transferable principles.
Don’t get bogged down in all the details. Focus on the key principles that need to be embraced. If you are multiplying small groups, what are the essential components that need to be present when a group meets. Make sure that those principles are talked about often and passed on with intentionality.

Once you’ve identified the transferable principles, you’ll be able to multiply more easily. Without the transferable principles, multiplication will be difficult.

Take the time to focus your attention on the principles that must be transferred in your multiplication model. When it comes to making disciples, one of the key principles is the “teaching to obey mechanism.” If you are going to multiply disciples, you better be transferring this principle to every disciple.

Whatever you intend to multiply, take the time to focus on each of the concepts above. This will help accelerate your multiplication.