What does it mean to build a church that doesn’t simply gather people—but makes disciples?

That question brought together 22 pastors and church leaders from across Musanze, Rwanda, for a two-day discipleship conference hosted by TLAfrica Rwanda on June 18–19. Led by Rev. Dr. Tamara Mitchell, Associate Pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Jackson Hole (USA), the conference challenged participants to rethink discipleship as God’s design for every believer and every church.

The training, “Forming Disciple-Making Churches: A Biblical and Missional Approach to Discipleship,” centered on three foundational relationships that shape every follower of Christ:

  • UP – Growing up in our relationship with God
  • IN – Living in authentic community within the Body of Christ
  • OUT – Participating in God’s mission out to the world

Throughout the conference, participants were reminded that God doesn’t simply call people to attend church—He forms a people, shapes a people, and sends a people.

True discipleship begins with a relationship with Jesus before it becomes ministry activity. Lasting fruit comes from remaining connected to Christ, allowing Him to transform our hearts before we seek to impact others.

The sessions explored what it truly means to be a disciple—not merely someone who possesses biblical knowledge, but someone who is continually becoming more like Christ. Church leaders were encouraged to cultivate congregations marked by worship, biblical teaching, prayer, fellowship, accountability, and lives shared together in authentic community.

On the second day, the focus shifted from understanding discipleship to putting it into practice. Participants explored the vital role of mentoring, spiritual friendship, accountability, and encouragement in helping believers mature in their faith. They were challenged to intentionally invest in others, raise up new leaders, and build churches that multiply disciples who make disciples.

Lives Changed Through God’s Word

The impact of the conference was evident in the testimonies shared by participants.

Pastor Subwanone Cyprien reflected on how the conference reshaped his understanding of ministry.

“As pastors, we are often under pressure to bring people to Christ. In the process, we can build churches focused on decisions rather than transformation. This conference changed my understanding of discipleship. I used to think discipleship was mainly teaching Bible knowledge, but I have learned that Jesus began with relationships, mentoring, and helping believers grow into mature followers of Christ. I am returning to my church with a renewed commitment to intentionally make disciples.”

For Deaconess Umutesi Rachel, the biblical examples of Barnabas and Timothy left a lasting impression.

“The teaching about Barnabas and Timothy challenged me deeply. We live in a time when trust is difficult, but I am encouraged to become the Barnabas of this generation—someone others can trust and who can make a lasting impact. I have realized that every leader needs encouragement, and we are all called to invest in others. I now plan to begin mentoring younger believers in my church and home groups.”

Youth Pastor Niyonzima David appreciated the practical framework he could immediately apply in his ministry.

“The work we do in the church is not what matters most—our relationship with God is. The UP, IN, and OUT framework gives me a simple way to teach our youth at a time when so many voices are competing for their attention. The sessions were rich and practical. I only wish we had more time because two days were not enough to absorb everything we learned.”

Multiplying Disciples Who Make Disciples

Across Rwanda, pastors are faithfully shepherding churches in communities that desperately need the hope of the Gospel. Conferences like this equip church leaders not only with biblical knowledge but also with practical tools to build healthy, disciple-making churches that can transform families, communities, and future generations.

Please pray for these 22 pastors and ministry leaders as they return to their churches. May God strengthen them as they invest in others, raise up faithful disciples, and help their congregations become communities that are deeply rooted UP in Christ, connected IN the body of believers, and sent OUT to share the love of Christ with the world.