If You Want More Disciple-Makers, Celebrate Better Wins
Every baseball fan knows what to cheer for—home runs, RBIs, walk-off wins. But what if the fans didn’t know the score or what the rules were? The stadium would be full of confused people applauding random moments that don’t matter. Sadly, that’s how many churches operate in disciple-making: activity is applauded, but the real wins remain unclear.
As pastors, small group leaders, and discipleship directors, you're not just leading programs—you’re forming people. But if your team doesn’t know what the win is, how can they know they’re succeeding?
That’s why Key #2 for Thriving as a Disciple-Maker is this: Clarify and Celebrate Wins.
We’ve all been there—energized by full events, record giving, or positive feedback. Those feel like wins. But are they the right wins? Brian Phipps, founder of Disciples Made, reminds us of Zig Ziglar’s quote: “If you aim at nothing, you’ll hit it every time.” Many churches unintentionally measure busyness over transformation.
At Disciples Made, we define wins through the lens of character and calling. A disciple is Fully Alive when they’re growing in intimacy with Jesus (character) and living into their God-given purpose (calling). That’s the home plate we’re running toward. Everything else—attendance, volunteering, program success—is just getting on base.
To lead a culture of disciple-making, leaders must regularly:
Clarify what a win is (Hint: it's transformation, not just participation).
Create space to recognize those wins—in services, small groups, even staff meetings.
Celebrate both the small steps and big leaps—whether it’s someone stepping into their calling or showing more self-control in a stressful season.
Here’s what this could look like:
In a men’s group, one leader asked, “Where did you see Jesus show up in your life this week?” That question reframed wins from performance to partnership.
A women’s leader celebrated when a participant grew in patience over months—not because it was flashy, but because it was fruit.
One pastor began each staff meeting by asking for a “God sighting” from the week. That simple rhythm changed the culture from task-driven to transformation-aware.
Wins shape culture. What you celebrate gets repeated.
Ready?
If you’re ready to shift from leading for attendance to leading for transformation, let’s talk. At Disciples Made, we help churches clarify wins, celebrate fruit, and multiply disciple-makers who live Fully Alive.
➡️ Book a Discovery Call to explore how your team can gain clarity, momentum, and multiplying impact.