The Four Fields is a simple, reproducible model used in disciple-making movements to guide the processes of evangelism, discipleship, church formation, and leadership development. It is based on biblical principles and practices found in the New Testament, particularly in Jesus’ ministry and the growth of the early church.
Why the Four Fields?: This framework helps believers understand how to move from zero to multiplying disciples by clarifying the stages of the disciple-making process. It ensures that every part of the Great Commission—preaching the Gospel, making disciples, forming new communities of believers, and raising up leaders—is included.
II. BIBLICAL BASIS OF THE FOUR FIELDS
Jesus’ Parable of the Sower (Mark 4:26-29): Jesus used agricultural imagery to describe the Kingdom of God. The Four Fields strategy reflects this by viewing disciple-making as a process of sowing, cultivating, growing, and harvesting. In the parable, the farmer works through different stages—preparing the soil, planting seeds, nurturing growth, and reaping the harvest.
Paul’s Ministry Model: In Acts 13-20, we see Paul following a similar pattern. He enters new areas (empty fields), shares the Gospel (sowing), disciples new believers (growing), establishes churches (church formation), and raises up leaders to sustain and multiply the work (leadership development).
III. BREAKING DOWN THE FOUR FIELDS
Entry (Empty Field): The empty field represents people, places, or communities where the Gospel is not yet known or where there is minimal Gospel presence. This could be a neighborhood, school, workplace, or social group where few people have heard about Jesus.
Biblical Example: In Luke 10:1-12, Jesus sends His disciples ahead of Him to enter new towns and prepare the way. They were to look for receptive people who would welcome the message.
Entry Strategies: Prayer walking, offering acts of kindness, visiting homes, or engaging in community events.
Gospel Sharing (Sowing Field): Sharing the Gospel broadly to “sow” seeds of faith. The sowing field represents the initial sharing of the Gospel with non-believers. It is where seeds of the Gospel are planted in the hearts of individuals and groups, creating opportunities for spiritual growth.
Biblical Example: Jesus modeled sowing the Gospel in a variety of ways—through parables, one-on-one conversations (e.g., the woman at the well in John 4), and public proclamations (e.g., the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7).
Sowing Strategies: Use tools like the 3 Circles, personal testimonies, intentional conversation starters, or invitations to Discovery Bible Studies.
Discipleship (Growing Field): Once someone accepts Christ, they need nurturing and teaching. The growing field represents the stage where new believers are discipled and nurtured in their faith. It is where spiritual growth is cultivated through intentional discipleship.
Biblical Example: Jesus spent most of His ministry time discipling the Twelve, helping them grow in their understanding, faith, and obedience (Mark 3:14). Similarly, Paul nurtured new believers in cities like Corinth, Thessalonica, and Ephesus, investing time to build them up in the faith (Acts 18-20).
Discipleship Methods: Meet regularly for Bible study, prayer, and accountability. Encourage new believers to engage in studies such as Discovery Bible Study or 3/3rds Groups.
Exercise: Each group member disciples a new believer, teaching them foundational truths such as baptism, prayer, and faith.
Church Formation (Harvest Field): Gather new believers into simple churches that reproduce. The church formation field represents the process of gathering new disciples into simple, reproducible churches. This is where new believers come together regularly to worship, study the Word, share communion, pray, and engage in mission.
Biblical Example: In Acts 2:42-47, we see the early church coming together for fellowship, teaching, breaking of bread, and prayer. These gatherings created the foundation for sustained spiritual growth and multiplication.
House Churches: Form small, reproducible groups. Follow the 3/3rds Group Format.
Practical Multiplication
Empowering Leaders: From the beginning, teach disciples that the goal is multiplication. Train them to share the Gospel and disciple others.
Movement Mindset: Encourage each disciple to form new groups, fostering exponential growth. Encourage every disciple to make at least one new disciple within six months.
IV. EXERCISES FOR PRACTICING THE FOUR FIELDS
Group Brainstorm: Brainstorm strategies for each of the four fields and create a timeline for implementing them in the community.
Role-Playing Scenarios: Practice different stages—entering a community, sharing the Gospel, discipling a new believer, and forming a group.
Create a Visual Map: Draw or use a printed diagram of the Four Fields. As you engage a new area or community, mark specific actions and results in each field—entry points, people of peace, Gospel presentations, discipleship groups, and new church gatherings.
V. SUSTAINING MULTIPLICATION
Keep It Simple: It should not be difficult for people of other cultures to come to Christ or come to church.
Biblical Example: The first Christians were all Jews. So, the first Christian churches were culturally Jewish. They wore Jewish clothes, ate Jewish food, celebrated Jewish holidays and observed Jewish laws, customs, and traditions. There was nothing wrong with that. And as long as all the Christians came from a Jewish background, there was no problem. But something happened – the Gospel began to spread to Gentiles (Acts 10, Acts 11:20). Paul began planting Gentile churches in many cities. For the first time, Christians had to ask themselves how much of their Jewish tradition was really essential to Christianity. Consider what traditions or culture could create unnecessary barriers to evangelism and multiplication.
Elephant churches or Rabbit churches Elephants are huge, but rabbits multiply faster. Rabbit churches have these common elements.
Small and relational.
Everyone contributes to the learning, encouragement, and study process.
Everyone is considered a potential leader. Everyone has the opportunity to influence and lead others to Christ.
Obedience based and not just focused on knowledge.
Focused on forming new groups not just growing in size.
Discuss and discover the Bible, trust the Holy Spirit for understanding; and not focused on lecturing others.
