An Invitation to Follow Jesus More Fully Together
At First Coast Churches, we believe disciple-making isn’t limited to classrooms, conferences, or curriculum. And it’s definitely not reserved for believers on the “varsity team.”
Making disciples is how we follow Jesus.
When we look closely at how Jesus discipled the Twelve, we see a pattern that’s as powerful today as it was then. He taught. He gave clear, personal feedback. And He sent them—on mission, in real life, before they had it all figured out.
So what was at the core of Jesus’ disciple-making?
Biblical teaching, hands-on ministry experiences, and real-time feedback.
If that’s how Jesus made disciples, it leads us to two essential questions:
- What shifts do churches of all sizes and settings need to make to align more closely with Jesus’ method?
- And what research or models might help us take those steps with wisdom and clarity?
Let’s begin with a model that’s both well-researched and deeply biblical: the 70:20:10 principle.
Originally developed in the world of adult learning, and championed in church leadership by voices like Daniel Im, this principle offers a compelling framework for transformation:
- 70% of growth happens by doing—through real-time action, trial and error, and hands-on experience.
- 20% comes through coaching and relationships—honest feedback, encouragement, and reflection.
- 10% comes through formal instruction—like sermons, books, or conferences.
Sound familiar?
It should. It mirrors Jesus’ way.
In Mark 6:6–12, Jesus sends His disciples out in pairs to proclaim, serve, and heal—long before they had a perfect theology or polished resumes. He didn’t wait for them to finish their training. He discipled them while they made disciples.
That’s the kind of culture we long to see in our churches.
Not one built only on knowledge, but on life-on-life obedience.
Not one that replaces preaching and study, but one that puts them in their proper place.
Because while sermons and studies are essential, they were never meant to carry the full weight of disciple-making on their own.
What if discipleship isn’t about doing more… but about following Jesus more fully together?
Imagine a church where:
- 70% of spiritual growth came from people actually living out Jesus’ commands—praying with neighbors, serving the poor, and sharing their story
- 20% came from processing and reflecting in real relationships—like coaching, Sunday School, or small group settings
- 10% came from teaching—after people had something real to reflect on
This kind of shift doesn’t undo what we’re already doing, it builds on it.
It aligns our pathway with the way of Jesus.
Want to explore this more deeply?
We’d love to invite you to the First Coast Collective with Daniel Im, author of No Silver Bullets: Five Small Shifts That Will Transform Your Ministry.
- Where: Fruit Cove Baptist Church
- When: August 21, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- What: Q&A lunch with Daniel to follow
- Bonus: Book included with registration
Daniel will walk us through the 70:20:10 principle and other strategic shifts that can help move our discipleship from information to transformation.
Discipleship doesn’t have to feel overwhelming.
And you don’t have to figure it out alone.
At First Coast Churches, we’re creating space for leaders and churches to rediscover the kind of disciple-making Jesus modeled, biblically grounded, mission-shaped, and lived out in community.
So let us ask one final question:
What if your next step isn’t adding more… but realigning what already matters most?
And what if that next step could unlock the kind of transformation you’ve been praying for?
We believe it can.
Register now: https://firstcoastchurches.com/events/2025-august-quarterly-collective
