Addressing Objections to DMM

Dave Coles, a pastor, missionary, and co-author of several DMM-related books, shared with our Ongoing Coaching group about addressing theological and missiological objections to CPM/DMM. He shared responses to the following 8 objections:

• Rapid reproduction is never promised in Scripture and often results in shallow discipleship. Targeting rapid growth may frustrate workers and tempt them to exaggerate numbers.

• The CPM/DMM paradigm does not adequately include the biblical role of teaching by spiritually mature teachers.

• CPMs leave open a door for false teaching because of inadequate theological training for leaders.

• CPMs have inadequate ecclesiology. (Their ‘churches’ may not be real churches.)

• The ‘Person of Peace’ strategy is not really taught in the texts of Matthew, Luke or Acts.

• Obedience-based discipleship is a dangerous paradigm, running the risk of bypassing grace and teaching legalism.

• Discovery Bible Study (DBS) is not a biblical approach to evangelism. The biblical pattern is proclamation.

• It is missiologically unwise, even dangerous, to have unbelievers studying the Bible without any mature Christian present to guide their study.