At Disciple Makers Increase (DMI), we believe that the most powerful, lasting work of God’s Kingdom happens not through programs or transactions, but through relationship. This value is the cornerstone of everything we do, from training new disciple makers to partnering with like-minded churches. We are overjoyed to announce a new, vital partnership—a relationship forged in faith and shared vision—with Calvary Community Church out of Nebraska.
A Partnership Rooted in Shared Purpose
The story of this new collaboration is a beautiful example of God’s perfect timing. It is also the story of relational connection. Our very own team member, Jen, served as the bridge, introducing DMI to this amazing congregation. Recently, our CEO, Cynthia Anderson and her husband Todd had the privilege of visiting Calvary to share DMI’s vision to see vibrant, multiplying groups of Jesus followers in every nation. “It was a joy to hear from Calvary’s leadership about a recent community outreach where many had heard the good news of Jesus and of the pastor’s heart to reach those from other nations who had settled there,” said Anderson.
This new partnership is vitally important to us, as are all of our partners—our trainees, coaches, leaders, prayer partners, and financial partners. The tremendous fruit DMI is seeing in the field is a direct result of these authentic connections. Calvary Community Church has committed to supporting DMI throughout the year.
Calvary’s Core Mission and Global Passion – An Excellent Fit
In a recent interview, Pastor Holbrook shared the heart of Calvary Community Church’s mission and vision.
“Our Mission – At Calvary Community Church, we believe the written Word, the Bible, is the sole authority for our faith and practice and the Living Word, Jesus Christ, is the center of our worship and devotion. Our desire is for all who worship here to experience life transformation and spiritual growth through prayer, discipleship, and authentic relationships. We hold high the value of grace-based relationships, living generously, and intentionally passing down the Christian faith to the next generation.”
“Our Vision – We exist to proclaim God’s truth completely, to grow in Christ consistently, and to love others compassionately. Our passion is to see Christ proclaimed to every tribe, nation and tongue.”
This foundational commitment to spiritual growth through discipleship and a global vision that extends to “every tribe, nation and tongue” aligns perfectly with DMI’s own calling to train disciples, especially in areas with little to no gospel access (the Global South).
The Relational Bridge
“It was Jen!” Pastor Holbrook announced as we asked him how this partnership came about. “We simply trusted Jen’s discernment.”
This simple confirmation underscores DMI’s core belief: relationships are the conduit for God’s work. A personal connection opened the door to a ministry partnership that will have eternal impact.
Cynthia & Todd Anderson’s Visit
Cindy and Todd visited Calvary in mid October. They had the opportunity to meet with the congregation and speak of the vision of DMI. When asked what stood out from their visit, Calvary’s mission pastor said,
“Her (Cindy’s) compassion for people and desire to do the Lord’s will on the mission field”.
The commitment of Cindy and Todd to the vision that God has given to disciple the nations, is what inspires. This is what all of us in DMI passionately believe. It’s why we equip ordinary believers to become extraordinary disciple-makers.
The Strategy: Disciples, Not Merely Converts
One of the most affirming insights into Calvary’s decision to partner with DMI came when we asked what specifically about our strategy connected with their congregation:
“The Disciple-making strategy is phenomenal! Disciples, not converts!”
This statement captures the essence of DMI’s work. We are not focused on simply adding names to a list; we are committed to multiplying genuine, transformed disciples of Jesus Christ who are equipped to go out and make more disciples. This is the heart of Discipleship Making Movements (DMM)—creating a reproducible, multiplying method for fulfilling the Great Commission. This focus on long-term, multiplying discipleship is key to seeing the Kingdom grow exponentially.
Addressing the Greatest Opportunity
DMI’s work is focused on high-need areas in the Global South—specifically South Asia, Africa, and Latin America—through multi-language training cohorts. Pastor Holbrook recognizes the significance of this focus:
“Reaching the unreached!”
The staggering number of unreached people groups—nearly two billion people who have little to no access to the Gospel—is the greatest missionary challenge of our time. DMI’s strategy of training local leaders to become disciple makers in their own language and cultural context is the most effective way to address this massive need and accelerate the fulfillment of the Great Commission.
As We Work Together
When discussing his greatest hope for the future of the partnership, Calvary’s missions pastor pointed to a desire for active engagement from his congregation:
“Our hope is that individuals within our body will step out by faith to join DMI in their efforts.”
This vision goes beyond financial support; it’s a hope for active involvement—for the discipleship culture at Calvary to translate into new laborers joining the harvest field.
Pastor Holbrook’s heart for the lost came through as he shared a simple yet powerful request for prayer: “Pray that we can be an effective lighthouse to our community.”
This shared passion to reach the lost at home and abroad is the motivation of the partnership. Together we can exponentially increase our capacity to reach those who don’t yet know Him, and to see those who come to faith discipled in such a way that they too will reach many others.
Moving Forward Through Relationship
The new partnership between DMI and Calvary Community Church is a testament to what God does when people and ministries come together in relationship, united by a singular, powerful vision: to make and multiply disciples of Jesus Christ. We are grateful for Pastor Holbrook’s heart, Jen’s relational connection, and the committed support of the Calvary congregation. Together, we are accelerating discipleship movements and seeing the light of the Gospel reach the unreached places of the earth.
DMI is actively seeking more partnerships like the one formed with Calvary Community Church. Would your church be interested to work together with DMI to see God’s Kingdom expand? In their own community and among the unreached?
You could be the person who provides that relational connection and sparks a partnership with eternal impact! Write to us if you would like more information about how your church could get involved with DMI, or become a ministry partner.