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Lesson 5: Disciple-Making Learning Communities (DMLC)

Course/series

Orality & Movement-Based Discipleship

Audience

  • Field teams committed to sustained movement building
  • Trainers leading action-oriented learning groups
  • Leaders needing accountability systems for disciple-making

Purpose

Teach learners how to form and sustain Disciple-Making Learning Communities that prioritize practice over theory, experimentation over isolation, and results over good intentions.

Learning objectives

  • Describe the DMLC 3:1 practice-to-theory ratio
  • Identify key roles and rhythms for a DMLC
  • Create a 90-day action plan for field learning and accountability

Core principle

Sustainable movements grow when teams learn together in the field with more practice than theory.

Field problem

Isolated workers often plan without testing, learn without accountability, and fail to reproduce because they lack a community of practice.

Key concepts

  • Practice before theory (3 parts practice, 1 part theory)
  • Continuous experimentation and rapid feedback
  • Accountability based on tangible fruit

Practical framework

Use the DMLC 90-Day Action Plan to set SMART goals, practice cycles, review meetings, and accountability markers.

flowchart LR
    A[Gather evidence of current disciple-making] --> B[Develop strategies to address weaknesses]
    B --> C[Implement strategies in the field]
    C --> D[Analyze impact based on results]
    D --> E[Apply new knowledge in the next cycle]
    E --> A

::: admonition note DMLC ratio: 3 parts practice to 1 part theory. Emphasize action, experimentation, and repetition over lengthy planning. :::

Scenario or case exercise

A small team meets weekly to report on one new story they used, one insight from the field, and one adaptation for the next week.

Checklist or worksheet

  • How often does the group practice stories or gospel conversations?
  • What measurable fruit is the group tracking?
  • How is learning shared among team members?

Discussion questions

  1. What will your first DMLC experiment focus on?
  2. How will you keep practice central to your learning?
  3. What accountability markers matter most in your setting?

Field assignment

Form or join a DMLC and draft a 90-day cycle with practice sessions, reflection meetings, and field experiments.

Further reading/resources

  • Making Disciples of Oral Learners by the International Orality Network
  • Truth That Sticks by Avery Willis and Mark Snowden
  • The Art of Storytelling by John Walsh
  • Christian Storytelling by Eric B. Hare and Arthur Spalding
  • Orality and Literacy by Walter J. Ong
  • Is Hearing Enough? Literacy and the Great Commandments by Donald E. Chapman
  • DMLC coaching guides
  • Field reports from movement-based teams

Reviewer notes

Confirm the action plan is realistic for the team’s context and includes both practice and accountability.

Risk/disclaimer notes

This material is for educational purposes and is not legal, medical, tax, accounting, counseling, or security advice. Consult qualified professionals before adopting policies or making high-risk decisions.