Learning from Our Peers: 5 Observations from Fruitful Urban Disciplers

By S. Crawley

Photo by Thuận Minh on Unsplash

It can be tough carrying a burden for discipleship movement in cities! Most, if not all, of the success stories and books are written about rural contexts and there's a good chance there are few others in your city with who have a similar vision. If there are, they are likely to be heavily involved in a different affinity or part of the city.

There can be great encouragement from learning with and from the experiences of peers. That's why peer learning is an important part of the work we are doing in cities. In this article we're opening a window into what is being learnt from the wider international network of practitioners.

Urban Discipleship Research

For the last 12 years David Broodryk and the Two Four Eight (TFE) team have focussed on replicating discipleship (sometimes referred to as disciple-making movements or DMM) in urban contexts. Since 2021, they have been pioneering formal research in this area, led by Michael Sherwin.

The first report became available last year, revealing trends observed from 25 "fruitful" urban workers representing 14 cities from Europe, Africa, Asia and North America. TFE is defining "fruitful" as representing at least 3 generations of discipleship from the worker.

The full report is available here, but to whet your appetite, here are the five most common observations according to Michael:

1. Foster Obedient Lifestyles through Discovery Learning

2. Emphasize Affinity Group Engagement in Cities

3. Begin with the Broken, Marginalized, and Poor

4. Invest in High-Commitment, Disciple-Making Relationships

5. Invest, One-on-One, in Disciple-Making Relationships that Multiply

Let's dive in!

1. Foster Obedient Lifestyles through Discovery Learning 

"Based on what we have observed so far, urban disciple-makers should consider seeking to model, teach, and replicate lifestyles of loving obedience to God through discovery-based, adaptive learning methods."

Michael highlighted obedience to God, and a values-driven approach (rather than method-driven approach). Self-discovery from the Bible and group processing were central, and this appeared consistent in cultures which were individualistic as well as group-based (collectivistic).

2. Emphasize Affinity Group Engagement in Cities

"Based on what we have observed so far, urban disciple-makers should consider identifying and strategically engaging with cities at the affinity group level. Overall, the language of affinity appears to be relevant and precise in describing how urban populations interact." 

Often, outreach or mission efforts break down the city according to location, ethnicity or language. These fruitful practitioners were observed to focus on groups connected socially and relationally by shared needs, interests or causes. This appears to be a more effective approach for facilitating multiplication.

3. Begin with the Broken, Marginalized and Poor

"Based on what we have observed so far, urban disciple-makers should consider identifying and strategically engaging with the broken, poor and marginalized in their city."

Discipleship efforts in urban areas are often centered on serving marginalized communities in cities: defined as those who are ignored or treated as insignificant in society. These include the poor, foreigners, refugees, and the underemployed, among others. Michael comments, "Practitioners emphasize both meeting their practical needs and sharing the Gospel, noting greater receptivity and effectiveness among these groups compared to others in urban settings."

4. Invest in High-Commitment, Discipleship Relationships

"Based on what we have observed so far, urban disciple-makers should seek to invest heavily, intentionally, and long-term into those that they disciple."

In this sample of workers, fruitfulness was connected with discipling relationships that were understood to be long-term, high-cost, high-commitment connections. Disciples were described in family terms, and prioritised above other commitments and persevered through challenges and failures.

Says Michael, "They emphasize that disciple-making can feel like a slow process over the course of years and that multiplication and growth only become apparent over time."

5. Invest, One-on-One, in Discipleship Relationships that Multiply

"Based on what we have observed so far, urban disciple-makers should consider establishing and maintaining clear one-on-one discipleship relationships that are encouraged to reproduce and multiply."

Long-term accessibility, communication and encouragement to disciple others were characteristic of these workers as they walked with those they discipled.

"While they affirm the importance of group disciple-making, many view one-on-one disciple-making as complementary and essential, regardless of cultural context, in fostering deep, authentic spiritual growth and community impact.

Getting Practical

As you think about God’s vision for your city and/or affinity group:

1. Which of these observations resonates for you?

2. What insights or ideas has this research given you?

3. What opportunities are there in your city or region for peer learning and encouragement with others with who have a similar passion and interest in multiplying discipleship?

Discipling the Urban Harvest provides practical insights and encouragement to walk with God in multiplying discipleship in an increasingly urban world - growing as children of the Father, serving the communities He has called us to, and discipling those hungry to know Him.