During 30 years of walking with the Lord in the work of disciple making movements (DMM), I’ve heard many questions, concerns, and criticisms. Some are sincere and many are rooted in misunderstanding. All of them deserve a thoughtful response.

DMM is not a new technique. It’s a return to the ancient, Spirit-led pattern of Jesus—multiplying obedient disciples who make more disciples, forming churches that multiply churches. Yet, because it challenges traditional paradigms, DMM often arouses misconceptions. I would like to address a few of the most common ones I’ve encountered.

1. DMM only works in rural areas.

This is simply not true. While many movements have emerged in rural settings, we’ve seen powerful breakthroughs in urban centers, refugee camps, universities, and even digital spaces. The principles of DMM—prayer, obedience, and relational discipleship—are not location-bound. They work wherever people are hungry for truth and willing to obey Jesus.

2. DMM is simple.

DMM may look simple on the surface, but it is not easy. It requires deep prayer, strategic planning, team building, and spiritual endurance. We’ve labored through setbacks, persecution, and spiritual warfare. Movements don’t happen by accident; they are birthed through sacrifice and sustained by the Holy Spirit.

3. DMM lacks structure & leadership depth.

Every movement develops its own organic structure. We train leaders, build coaching systems, and create accountability pathways.

Our goal is not to replicate Western models but to raise up ordinary people—fishermen, farmers, students—who lead with humility and power. DMM leadership is deep, decentralized, and Spirit-formed.

4. DMM only works in Africa & Asia.

God is not limited by geography. I’ve seen movements emerge in Europe, North America, and Latin America. Some are quiet because of security concerns, but they are real. Jesus said in Matthew 19:26, “With God all things are possible.” Wherever his people obey, he moves. While security prevents wide advertisement of many movements’ locations, we have evidence of God bringing movements in every part of the world, as can be seen at https://2414now.net/resources/.

5. DMM is opposed to legacy churches.

On the contrary, we honor the legacy church. Many of our movements have grown through partnerships with existing churches that are willing to embrace flexibility and mission. DMM is not anti-church—it’s pro-Great Commission. We work best when legacy churches become catalytic hubs for multiplication.

6. DMM exaggerates its results.

We’ve heard this accusation before. But we’ve also seen thousands of lives transformed—drug addicts set free, families restored, communities changed. Our reporting is conservative, verified, and rooted in field realities. If anything, we underreport to protect the work. The fruit is real. The glory belongs to God.

7. DMM lacks theological depth.

If depth means seminary degrees, then yes—many of our leaders don’t have them. But if depth means knowing Jesus, obeying his Word, and making disciples who multiply, then DMM is rich in theology. A quick look through the New Testament shows that God does not require formal theological education in a classroom to bring theological depth and spiritual maturity. DMM employs non-formal, hands-on, ongoing training on the job. We train continuously, using the Bible as our primary curriculum. Our leaders may not wear robes, but they carry fire.

8. DMM is against church buildings.

We’re not against buildings. We’re against dependency on buildings. Movements thrive when disciples can gather anywhere—under trees, in homes, in marketplaces. Buildings can serve the mission, but they must never define it. We want to major in the major things (loving the lost and discipling them to faith) and minor in minor things (including buildings). Our focus is on people, not property.

9. DMM excludes professionals.

Not at all. We welcome professionals—doctors, lawyers, teachers—if they’re willing to embrace the simplicity of the kingdom. The challenge is not their credentials but their mindset. When professionals humble themselves, they become powerful disciple-makers. We’ve seen it again and again

Final Thoughts

DMM is not a trend. It’s a Spirit-led return to the New Testament. It’s messy, beautiful, and powerful. We don’t claim perfection. We claim obedience. Our desire is to see Jesus worshiped everywhere—by everyone—through multiplying disciples who love him and live for him.

If you’ve misunderstood DMM, I invite you to take a closer look. Not at the model but at the fruit. God is moving. The harvest is ripe. And the time is now.