DISCIPLE • PASTOR • TEACHER • AUTHOR
6 Obstacles to Making Disciples and How to Overcome Them
Jesus gave His followers a clear mission.
Matthew 28:19 (NKJV)
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations.”
Most Christians know this verse.
Many believe it.
But there can be a big difference between believing we should make disciples and actually making them.
Why?
Sometimes the obstacles are simpler than we think.
We may feel afraid.
We may feel too busy.
We may think we do not know enough about the Bible.
We may not know whom to disciple.
We may not know how to begin.
The good news is that you do not need to be a pastor, Bible teacher, or expert to help someone follow Jesus.
You can start with one person.
Let's look at six obstacles that keep Christians from making disciples and how to overcome them.
What Keeps Christians From Making Disciples?
Many Christians want to make disciples but do not know where to begin.
Some believe they do not know enough about the Bible.
Others are afraid of making mistakes.
Some feel too busy.
Others do not know whom to disciple.
Some think they are not qualified.
These obstacles can stop us before we begin.
But disciple making does not have to be difficult.
Start with one person.
Read God's Word together.
Pray together.
Talk about following Jesus.
Encourage each other to obey Him.
Then help that person learn how to help someone else.
You do not need to be perfect.
You need to be willing to begin.
1. I Don't Know Enough About the Bible
You may think:
“How can I disciple someone when I still have so much to learn?”
But being a disciple does not mean you know everything.
A disciple is a learner and follower of Jesus.
1 Corinthians 11:1 (NKJV)
“Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.”
You can share what Jesus is teaching you.
Read Scripture together.
Pray together.
Talk about how to obey what you read.
If someone asks a question you cannot answer, say:
“I don't know. Let's find the answer together.”
You do not need all the answers.
You need to keep following Jesus.
How to overcome this obstacle: Begin with a short Bible passage you understand. Read it with someone and talk about how to live it out.
2. I Don't Know How to Start
Many Christians have heard about discipleship.
But no one has shown them how to disciple another person.
That can make disciple making seem hard.
It does not have to be.
Start with one person.
Make one simple invitation.
You could say:
“Would you like to meet with me each week and learn how to follow Jesus together?”
Then begin.
Read a passage from the Bible.
Ask what God is showing you.
Talk about what you should do because of what you read.
Pray together.
Encourage each other to obey Jesus.
You do not need a long lesson.
You do not need a complicated program.
How to overcome this obstacle: Invite one person to meet with you and read the Bible together.
3. I'm Afraid I'll Do Something Wrong
Fear stops many Christians before they begin.
What if I say the wrong thing?
What if someone asks a hard question?
What if I fail?
Remember who is really doing the work.
Jesus gave His followers a promise.
Matthew 28:20 (NKJV)
“And lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Jesus is with His followers.
Pray before you begin.
Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you.
Trust God with the results.
You do not have to control everything.
You do not have to know everything.
Your job is to follow Jesus faithfully and help someone else follow Him.
How to overcome this obstacle: Pray for courage and take one small step, even if you feel afraid.
4. I Don't Have Enough Time
Life gets busy.
We have work.
Family.
Church.
Appointments.
And other responsibilities.
But disciple making does not always require adding another large program to your life.
Invite someone into the life you are already living.
Have coffee together.
Eat lunch together.
Take a walk.
Read Scripture before work.
Pray over the phone.
Invite someone to serve with you.
Disciple making is about sharing life as you both follow Jesus.
How to overcome this obstacle: Choose one simple activity you already do and invite someone to join you.
5. I Don't Know Who to Disciple
You may want to help someone follow Jesus but not know whom to ask.
Begin with prayer.
“Lord, show me one person I can help follow You.”
Then look around.
Who is already in your life?
A friend?
A family member?
Someone at church?
A coworker?
A new believer?
Someone asking questions about Jesus?
Do not wait for the perfect person.
Look for someone willing to take the next step toward Jesus.
Then ask.
How to overcome this obstacle: Write down the name of one person you could encourage and begin praying for them.
6. I Don't Feel Qualified
You may look at your weaknesses and think:
“God could never use me to disciple another person.”
But Jesus first called ordinary people.
They made mistakes.
They struggled.
Yet Jesus called them to follow Him.
Matthew 4:19 (NKJV)
“Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
Notice the order.
Follow Me.
Then:
I will make you.
Jesus changes us as we follow Him.
You do not have to become perfect before helping someone else.
Stay close to Jesus.
Keep learning.
Keep growing.
Invite someone to walk with you.
How to overcome this obstacle: Stop waiting until you feel fully qualified. Keep following Jesus and begin helping one person grow.
Disciple Making Is Simpler Than We Sometimes Make It
Programs can help.
Classes can help.
Books can help.
Church meetings can help.
But these are not the heart of discipleship.
The heart of discipleship is following Jesus and helping others follow Him.
Remember these four simple truths:
Be with Jesus.
Become like Jesus.
Do what Jesus did.
Help someone else do the same.
Spend time with Jesus.
Learn His Word.
Obey what He teaches.
Love people.
Help someone else grow.
Then encourage that person to help someone else.
Disciples make disciples.
You Don't Need a Crowd to Make Disciples
You do not need a large group to begin.
Start with one person.
Imagine helping that person become a faithful follower of Jesus.
Then that person helps someone else.
And that person helps another.
One life touches another life.
The work begins to multiply.
2 Timothy 2:2 (NKJV)
“And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”
This is the pattern of disciple making.
One disciple helps another disciple.
Then that disciple helps someone else.
You do not need a crowd.
Begin with one person.
How to Start Making Disciples This Week
You can begin with five simple steps.
1. PRAY
Ask God to show you one person you can help follow Jesus.
2. CHOOSE
Think about someone already in your life.
3. INVITE
Ask if they would like to meet and grow in faith together.
4. READ AND PRAY
Open the Bible, read a short passage, and pray together.
5. KEEP GOING
Make time to meet again.
Encourage each other to obey what Jesus teaches.
As you grow together, think about someone else you could help.
You do not need a perfect plan. You need to begin.
What Can I Say When I Invite Someone?
You do not need a long speech.
You could simply say:
“I have been thinking about growing closer to Jesus and helping others do the same. Would you like to meet with me once a week to read the Bible, pray, and grow together?”
Keep the invitation simple.
Give the person time to think and respond.
If they say yes, choose a day to meet.
If they say no, respect their answer and keep showing them kindness.
The first step is simply to ask.
Ready to Begin Making Disciples?
If you want to make disciples but do not know where to begin, start with one person.
Read God's Word together.
Pray together.
Encourage each other to obey Jesus.
You do not need a large ministry.
You need a willing heart.
For a simple step-by-step guide, read:
Start Small and Grow Together
Disciple making does not have to begin with a crowd.
It can begin with two people.
One open Bible.
One prayer.
One conversation.
One step of obedience.
If you think you need a large group before you can make disciples, read:
Learn More About Biblical Discipleship
Biblical discipleship is about following Jesus, becoming more like Him, and helping other people follow Him.
Every Christian can keep growing.
Every Christian can learn God's Word.
Every Christian can encourage others.
You do not need to wait until you know everything.
To understand the mission Jesus gave His followers, visit:
Biblical Discipleship: What It Means to Follow Jesus and Make Disciples
Want to Become a Stronger Disciple Maker?
Maybe you want to help someone follow Jesus but still have questions.
How do you begin?
What should you teach?
How can you help another person grow?
The Disciple Maker — Disciples Who Make Disciples explores biblical disciple making and the call to help others follow Jesus.
Continue learning how to grow as a disciple and help others become disciple makers.
🌱 LEARN ABOUT THE DISCIPLE MAKER
A Prayer for Courage to Make Disciples
Lord Jesus, thank You for calling me to follow You.
Forgive me when fear keeps me from obeying.
Help me trust You when I do not know what to say.
Teach me through Your Word.
Give me courage to begin.
Show me one person I can encourage.
Help me make time for that person.
Give me patience as we learn together.
Help me lead through love and example.
May I never forget that disciple making is about following You.
Use my life to help someone else grow closer to You.
In Jesus' name, amen.
Download the Free Disciple-Making Starter Guide
Do you want to make disciples but feel unsure where to begin?
Download the free guide:
6 Obstacles That Keep Christians From Making Disciples — and How to Overcome Them
This guide will help you understand common obstacles and take simple steps to overcome them.
Keep it with your Bible.
Share it with a Christian friend.
Use it as a reminder that you do not need to be perfect to begin.
You don't need to be perfect. You just need to start.
🌱 DOWNLOAD THE FREE PDF
Questions About Obstacles to Making Disciples
What are the biggest obstacles to making disciples?
Six common obstacles are not knowing enough about the Bible, not knowing how to start, fear of mistakes, lack of time, not knowing whom to disciple, and feeling unqualified.
Can I make disciples if I don't know the whole Bible?
Yes. You do not need to know every answer. Keep following Jesus, read Scripture together, and learn with the other person.
How can I start discipling someone?
Begin with one person. Invite them to read the Bible and pray with you. Talk about what God is teaching you and how you can obey Him.
What if I am afraid of making mistakes?
Pray for courage. Remember that Jesus promised to be with His followers. Take one faithful step and trust God with the results.
How can I make disciples when I am busy?
Invite someone into activities you already do. Meet for coffee, share lunch, take a walk, pray by phone, or serve together.
How do I know whom to disciple?
Ask God to show you one person. Look among friends, family, coworkers, church members, new believers, or people asking questions about Jesus.
Do I need special training to make disciples?
Training can help, but you do not need to be a pastor or Bible expert to begin. Stay close to Jesus, keep learning, and help another person grow.
How does disciple making multiply?
One person helps another follow Jesus. That person learns to help someone else. Then those disciples help others grow.
You Don't Need to Be Perfect. You Just Need to Start.
Do not wait until you know everything.
Do not wait until you have more time.
Do not wait until fear disappears.
Do not wait until you feel qualified.
Jesus called ordinary people to follow Him.
He still calls His followers to make disciples.
Take five minutes today.
Pray:
“Lord Jesus, show me one person I can help follow You.”
When someone comes to mind, reach out.
Invite them to read the Bible.
Pray together.
Grow together.
Then help that person learn how to help someone else.
You do not need a crowd.
You do not need all the answers.
You do not need to be perfect.
You need Jesus, a willing heart, and one person.
Start with one.
Be with Jesus. Become like Jesus. Do what Jesus did. Help someone else do the same.
About James Constable
James Constable is a Christian author, pastor, teacher, and disciple maker. His writing helps Christians follow Jesus, grow in God's Word, overcome barriers to discipleship, and help others become faithful disciples.
✝️ MISSION STATEMENT
Helping believers grow deeper in prayer, worship, Scripture, and discipleship through biblical books and devotionals.