church planting multiplication disciple

I don’t know about you but I long to see people not just attend church, but become wholehearted disciples of Jesus who multiply their faith into others through everyday life. I long to see congregations where prayer is natural, faith is shared with confidence, and everyday believers step into God’s mission with courage and joy. Yet many of us wrestle with the same question – how do we move people from knowing about God’s mission to actually living it out?

This question has shaped my journey and sits at the heart of my new book Step In: To the Mission of God.

Over more than two decades in pastoral ministry, I have had the privilege of walking alongside churches and leaders who want to see genuine disciple-making cultures flourish. Through a wide range of ministry contexts, and especially through my Doctor of Ministry research on missional renewal in the western church, I have become deeply convinced of something simple but powerful: when everyday believers are equipped to join God in His mission, the whole church comes alive.

At its core, Step In is my invitation to the Church – not just to think differently about mission, but to live differently.

As I studied the early church and the rapidly growing present day majority world church, I saw a clear and consistent pattern. Disciple-making flourishes when followers of Jesus develop simple, intentional rhythms that connect them to God’s heart for people. Mission is not reserved for the gifted few or professional ministers. It is the natural overflow of disciples who walk closely with Jesus and intentionally engage with the world around them.

Rather than presenting mission as another program or initiative, I wrote Step In to help cultivate a culture where disciple-making becomes part of everyday church life. I wanted to bridge the gap between theology and practice by offering clear rhythms and frameworks that help leaders train and equip their people to pray, live, and share their faith in authentic and relational ways.

In writing Step In, I wanted to create a resource that is relational, accessible and deeply practical. The book brings together biblical depth, real-life stories, and practical guidance that can be used in small groups, leadership teams, and whole-church discipleship pathways. I am convinced that when pastors, volunteer leaders, and everyday believers are trained and equipped to join God in His mission, churches begin to develop a culture where faith is lived naturally and confidently.

This is the kind of culture I believe many of us are praying and longing for – one where people see themselves as ambassadors of Christ in their workplaces, homes, schools, and communities. A culture where mission is not an occasional event, but a daily posture. A culture where disciple-making becomes the normal expression of following Jesus.

Here are what other respected Christian leaders are saying about Step In:

• “Step In by Mike Stevens has pulled together three key factors: a strong evidence base, with a thoroughly Biblical focus, in a great storytelling format.” Mark McCrindle
• “Mike Stevens’ Step In takes us on a journey to transform our rhythms and activities to make mission possible in our daily lives.” Sam Chan
• “Step In by Rev Dr Mike Stevens is a timely and inspiring call for everyday Christians to participate in God’s mission.” Rev Bree Mills
• “Mike is committed to see the mission of God put into the hands of ordinary people. This is a book that will inspire and equip people to step into the great mission of God.” Dale Stephenson
• “This is the kind of book the Church in Australia, and beyond, needs right now. It’s readable, relatable and deeply rooted in Scripture and wonderfully practical for everyday Jesus followers.” Melinda Dwight
• “A must read for those that want to move from church goer to Christ follower.” Pastor Danny Guglielmucci

This is what Tim O’Neill, our very own Executive Director of Exponential Australia says about Step In: “I really enjoyed reading what Mike Stevens has written in Step In. It’s well written and very readable. But beyond that I think that Mike introduces a concept that is simple, yet powerful and effective as he informs us about what is often a missing link in our faith walk in Western nations; developing rhythms, practices and habits in community. At a time where there is growing hope for renewal in our nation, we are challenged to see the body of Christ mobilised as partners in mission. Step In provides valuable insights as to how this can happen.”

A Call to Action

If you are passionate about disciple-making and want to equip your church to participate more fully in the mission of God, I would love to invite you to explore Step In: To the Mission of God.

The book is available at Koorong and Amazon, and discounted bulk copies (10 or more) are available at mikestevens.com.au.

Why not consider purchasing copies for your leadership team, small group leaders, or entire church as part of a discipleship or missional training journey?

This is more than a book – it is an invitation for you and the church you serve to step into God’s mission together, one disciple at a time.