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# How You Can Participate
- URL: https://updates.discipleone.life/how-you-can-participate/
- Published: 2026-08-05T14:00:08.000Z
- Updated: 2026-08-22T18:39:08.000Z
- Author: Doug Coburn
- Tags: How to Participate

One of the most surprising things about this journey is that it has never been a solo project.

In many ways, the story of DiscipleOne is a story of participation.

Long before there was an app, Sharon, Bill, Hannah, and Evan helped shape the early vision. Later came software developers, ministry leaders, designers, entrepreneurs, and friends who contributed ideas, encouragement, expertise, and wisdom.

At a software conference, I met people connected to organizations like YouVersion who shared perspective and encouragement. Conversations with leaders like John Chappell helped shape discipleship ideas and app features. Josh Marsden and Abdalkader Alhamoud helped bring the first code to life.

## **The Power of Participation**

I'm honestly overwhelmed by how many people have contributed to this mission.

Not because everyone did the same thing.

But because everyone brought something they already had to give.

For some, it was wisdom and encouragement.

For others, it was relationships and introductions.

Software developers contributed code. Designers helped shape the experience. Ministry leaders offered perspective. Friends volunteered their time.

If I added up the professional expertise that people have freely invested into this mission, it would easily exceed $300,000.

And this is only the beginning of that kind of giving. The road ahead, building the platform, launching it well, sustaining it long term, will call for the same mix of gifts that got us here: time, skill, encouragement, connections, and financial investment. Every one of those has already shown up in this story. I expect all of them will keep showing up.

**That's humbling.** It reminds me that DiscipleOne has been built largely through the generosity, expertise, and encouragement of people who believed in the mission.

**I think the way you start says a lot about who you're becoming.**

If that's true, then I'm incredibly encouraged.

From the beginning, DiscipleOne has been shaped by people who believed the mission was worth building together.

Not a project built by one person.

A mission built through participation.

## **The Next Chapter**

We're still building VIA. We're still learning.

And we're still early in the journey.

But I'm more convinced than ever that God is bringing together the right people at the right time.

If this vision resonates with you, there are many ways to help carry it forward, from prayer and professional expertise to beta testing, church connections, and yes, financial partnership too.

**Share the story.** If this excites you, there is something very tangible you can do! Send this to one person who cares about discipleship, spiritual formation, or the future of the local church.

**Start a conversation.** I'd genuinely enjoy hearing your thoughts, answering your questions, and learning about your own experiences with discipleship and spiritual formation.

The story of DiscipleOne has always been a story of participation.

Perhaps your story is meant to join what we are doing as well?

[https://calendly.com/discipleone/discovery-session](https://calendly.com/discipleone/discovery-session?ref=updates.discipleone.life)