Obedience > Competence: The Surprising Secret to Kingdom Impact

“Follow me.”
That’s where it all began.

Not with résumés, degrees, platforms, or perfected sermons. Just Jesus’ invitation—and someone’s courageous “yes.”

At Disciples Made, we’re convinced of this simple truth: Obedience > Competence. It’s one of our core values, and for good reason. In a world obsessed with polished performance and professional accolades, Jesus is still inviting people—ordinary people—to transform the world through simple acts of obedience.

That’s good news for us, and for every church leader and disciple-maker longing to make a lasting difference.

Why Obedience Comes First

When Jesus called the first disciples, they were fishermen—not rabbis. Tax collectors—not theologians. Yet through their obedience, the world was flipped upside down. Why? Because competence is the fruit of obedience, not a prerequisite for it.

Let that sink in: You don’t need to have it all together to follow Jesus—you just need to say yes.

We’ve seen this over and over in the lives of Disciple-Makers we serve. One leader began with a shaky sense of identity and no leadership title, but through small, consistent steps of obedience, she’s now catalyzing a fourth-generation movement of Fully Alive disciples. Another began with zero confidence in discipling others but took the first courageous step—and is now reproducing leaders who are owning their Kingdom calling.

This is what excites us: when people stop waiting to be “ready” and start walking in obedience, transformation accelerates. Jesus meets us in motion. Obedience activates growth, multiplies impact, and unlocks new levels of Spirit-led competency.

The Freedom Obedience Offers

When we believe competence is the key to fruitfulness, we’ll always feel inadequate. But when we embrace the truth that Jesus qualifies the called, not the other way around, a weight lifts.

You’re free to follow Jesus today.
You’re free to lead before you feel “expert.”
You’re free to invite others into the journey before you feel fully prepared.

Obedience isn’t flashy. It’s not usually viral or marketable. But it’s powerful. Obedience brings breakthrough. It creates momentum. And it’s how disciples are made—not by perfect leaders, but by surrendered ones.

Ready to Say Yes?

If this stirs your spirit, we’ve got three ways you can take a next step:

✅ Watch the entire April Webinar to hear how this obedience-first mindset is reshaping churches and leaders across the country.
🎥 Watch the Webinar »

✅ Start the Prepare for Impact Discipleship Course absolutely free. It’s built to help you take immediate, Spirit-led steps of obedience—no prior expertise required.
🚀 Start for Free »

✅ Learn more about how Disciples Made can help you start a movement of disciple-making in your context to the fourth generation and beyond through Obedience > Competence.
🚀 Learn More »

You don’t need more qualifications. You just need to trust the Voice who called you in the first place.

He’s still saying, “Follow me.”

Will you say yes?