When the 411 Doesn’t “Work” Right Away

by Dave Miller

How to Stay Faithful and Fruitful in the Long Game of Disciple-Making

Why Three Exposures to 411 Is Often the Minimum

When we introduce the 411 tool—a simple method to help believers understand their gospel identity and take action—we’re often met with excitement... and then silence.

Someone might say, “That’s great!” but never use it. Another may try it once, feel awkward, and quietly give up. Still others watch passively, waiting for someone else to model it again before engaging.

The truth is: this isn’t a failure of the tool. It’s the reality of disciple-making in the real world.

Most people need to encounter the 411 multiple times—at least three—before it truly sticks. The first exposure is often curiosity. The second is clarity. The third becomes conviction. You’re not doing it wrong if someone doesn’t immediately change. You’re doing it faithfully if you return again.

Don’t give up too soon. Multiplication starts with repetition.

Understanding Spiritual Seasons: Planting, Watering, Harvesting

Paul says in 1 Corinthians 3:6, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.”

This is how movement works. Sometimes you’re the planter—introducing people to a new way of thinking about their role in the kingdom. Other times you’re the one watering—reinforcing truths they’ve heard but haven’t yet applied. Occasionally, by God’s grace, you get to be part of the harvest.

But you can’t force fruit in planting season.

And you can’t skip planting and hope for harvest.

As a covocational leader, your role is to be faithful in whatever season God has placed you in—whether that’s introducing tools like the 411, having repeated spiritual conversations, or praying persistently for hearts to soften.

Faithfulness looks like showing up even when the outcome isn’t immediate.

Encouraging Growth Through Repetition, Not Results

In a performance-driven culture, it’s easy to evaluate success by visible outcomes. But kingdom leadership doesn’t work that way.

We’re called to obedience, not optics.

Repetition builds confidence. Repetition creates familiarity. Repetition shows that this isn’t a fad—it’s foundational.

So keep bringing the 411. Keep pulling out the Oikos map. Keep asking questions like, “Who did you pray for?” and “Who can you share with this week?” Not to guilt people—but to remind them that this mission is still their mission, even if they’re in a season of sowing.

Over time, repetition builds readiness. And readiness leads to response.

Leading When There’s No Immediate Change

One of the hardest things to do as a leader is to keep going when you don’t see change.

You wonder, “Am I doing something wrong?” You question, “Should I say something different?” You’re tempted to think, “Maybe this isn’t working.”

But spiritual work is slow work. And leadership isn’t about how quickly people respond—it’s about how consistently you serve.

The people you’re investing in may not be showing fruit today, but seeds are being planted. And when those seeds finally take root, they’ll look back and say, “That brother or sister never gave up on me.”

So lead patiently. Speak truth graciously. And model faithfulness with joy.

That’s how movements are built—not through mass conversion, but through quiet consistency and repeated invitation.

Final Word

The 411 is a tool, not a silver bullet. It takes time, patience, and repetition to become part of a person’s rhythm.

Your job isn’t to force growth—it’s to be faithful in your lane.Expose people to the truth. Encourage them again. Equip them with simple steps. And trust God for the timing.

Sometimes, the most fruitful work happens beneath the surface long before anything is visible.

Stay faithful. Keep sowing. Let God bring the increase.