The landscape of global missions is constantly changing. However, the commission we have and the message we bring have never changed. For Disciple Makers Increase (DMI), the changing landscape of missions presents unique challenges and exciting opportunities. This is particularly true within the vibrant and interconnected cultures of the Global South.
Often referred to as “hot cultures,” due to their strong emphasis on community interaction and social connection, the nations of the Global South stand in contrast to the more individualistic, or “cold,” cultures often found in Western contexts. In particular, African cultures have the concept of “sitting under the tree”. This refers to the communal act of gathering together. This is the daily sharing of experiences, sharing fellowship, and building community. This inherent communal fabric offers a fertile ground for relational discipleship and the growth of movements.
Overcoming Isolation and Building Community Post-Pandemic
Even amidst the necessary restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic, DMI expanded its mission to equip individuals through its dynamic Disciple Making Movement (DMM) course and Next Steps in Missions courses. Using the unique reach of the internet, DMI has successfully trained over 4000 people across 122 nations. The trainees are predominantly from the Global South. This digital reach allowed us to connect with individuals in unreached places that traditional missional methods might find difficult to access.
As communities have adapted to meeting again and working less in isolation, DMI is strategically adapting and contextualizing its approach, building upon the digital foundation laid during the pandemic. We recognize the profound importance of in-person “sitting under the tree” connection within “hot cultures” and are excited to introduce hosting groups for our Next Steps in Missions course and eventually the other courses as well.
What Ignited the Hosting Approach
This initiative takes inspiration from the organic ways our disciple multipliers’ training in the Global South has already adapted to varying internet access. We have witnessed inspiring examples of individuals in the same geographic location gathering at a home with a reliable internet connection to participate in online training together, fostering fellowship, and mutual encouragement alongside the digital learning experience.
The formalization of hosting groups for the Next Steps in Missions course builds on this ingenuity. By encouraging small groups to meet physically for shared learning, discussion, and prayer, we are tapping into the wonderful community aspects of Global South cultures. We believe that this approach not only enhances the learning experience through face-to-face interaction. It also leads to deeper relationships and more powerful local mission outreach.
We have also seen the power of combining onsite training with the online materials. In 2024 alone, we held 20 onsite trainings in 11 nations as a follow up to areas where the disciple-making course had flourished. In these in-person trainings, we have been able to model the practical steps laid out in the course.
DMI Is Expanding into New Languages!
In addition to this, DMI’s commitment to reaching diverse language communities has significantly expanded our capacity. In the last year and a half alone, we have diligently translated our core curriculum with the help of AI and talented human translators into Tamil, Bangla, Spanish, Portuguese, and French. Nepali is now underway. This linguistic accessibility ensures that our training is culturally relevant and readily understandable, empowering local leaders to effectively disciple their own communities in their heart languages. As we expand our “hosting” groups, we hope to see people meeting in person gatherings throughout all the language cohorts we’ve developed. The impact of DMI’s work is evident in the 11 movements begun. These movements are a testament to the power of contextualized discipleship and the dedication of local believers.
The Impact We Foresee with Hosting Groups
Through the introduction of hosting groups for the Next Steps in Missions course, we see a natural progression in our training strategy. It allows us to harness the benefits of online learning – accessibility, scalability, and reach – while simultaneously embracing the crucial element of community that is so central to the cultures of the Global South. By encouraging these in-person gatherings, we aim to:
- Deepen engagement: Face-to-face interaction fosters richer discussions and a stronger sense of accountability.
- Strengthen relationships: Shared learning experiences build lasting bonds and collaborative mission partnerships.
- Contextualize learning: Group settings allow for immediate cultural application and problem-solving within a local context.
- Multiply impact: Equipped and connected individuals are better positioned to catalyze further discipleship and movements within their communities.
DMI remains committed to innovation and relevant training in our approach to global missions. By embracing the power of both digital resources and the inherent communal strengths of “sitting under the tree” cultures in the Global South, we are confident that the hosting groups for our Next Steps in Missions course will further equip and empower local leaders to make a lasting impact for the Kingdom.
The future of effective missions lies in a dynamic blend of innovative technology and genuine human connection. DMI has been actively utilizing this across the globe for the glory of God and to catalyze many movements.
Want to know more about these groups? Or to host one yourself?
Sign up for the Next Steps in Missions course today and then write to us expressing that desire! We’d love to have you host a group in your area this session or in the future.