The Greatest Invention Since the Wheel…Is Still the Wheel
Most of us think of wheels as the things that move cars, carts, and bikes.
But in the 1930s, the Navigators introduced a different kind of wheel—one designed to move people forward in their relationship with Jesus.
So, What Is the Disciplemaking Wheel?
The Wheel is a simple picture of a disciple of Jesus. It illustrates what a healthy Christian life looks like when Jesus is at the center.
Just like a physical wheel gains its power from the hub, a follower of Jesus gains spiritual direction and strength when Jesus is the hub of their life. When we allow His leadership to shape our decisions, words, attitudes, and actions, we are choosing to let Him lead.
Think of it this way: whoever holds the TV remote has the power to make changes. Keeping Jesus at the center is handing Him the remote of your life.
But in the 1930s, the Navigators introduced a different kind of wheel—one designed to move people forward in their relationship with Jesus.
So, What Is the Disciplemaking Wheel?
The Wheel is a simple picture of a disciple of Jesus. It illustrates what a healthy Christian life looks like when Jesus is at the center.
Just like a physical wheel gains its power from the hub, a follower of Jesus gains spiritual direction and strength when Jesus is the hub of their life. When we allow His leadership to shape our decisions, words, attitudes, and actions, we are choosing to let Him lead.
Think of it this way: whoever holds the TV remote has the power to make changes. Keeping Jesus at the center is handing Him the remote of your life.
Why the Rim Matters: Surrender Daily
The rim represents our daily life. When Jesus—or the prompting of the Holy Spirit—nudges us toward something, we have a choice: follow or ignore.
If we ignore God’s leading, we essentially place ourselves at the center. But when we obey, Jesus remains the hub, and our obedience becomes the visible evidence of our faith.
The Four Spokes: How Jesus’ Power Reaches Our Lives
The spokes are the practices that keep the wheel strong. Two focus on our relationship with God (vertical), and two focus on our relationship with others (horizontal).
1. Prayer—Talking and Listening to God
Prayer is not just telling God what’s on our hearts—our fears, joys, worries, or hopes. It’s also a chance to slow down and listen. In a noisy world, learning to be still before God is a crucial discipline.
2. The Bible—Engaging, Not Just Reading
This spoke is about more than checking a box.
Engage with Scripture: read, reflect, journal, pray through it, discuss it, draw it—do whatever helps you respond to what God is saying. The Bible remains one of the primary ways God speaks to us.
3. Family of Faith—Living Out the “One Anothers”
This is Christian community in action. The New Testament includes 45 “one another” commands, used 73 times. When we gather, serve, forgive, challenge, and encourage each other (that’s 5 of the 45), we model the humility of Christ:
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value
others above yourselves” (Philippians 2:3-4).
4. Go & Tell—Sharing the Good News
If you are a follower of Jesus, someone lived out this spoke for you. They believed God’s good news was powerful enough to bring hope, forgiveness, joy, and peace into your life (Romans 1:16). Now you have the same opportunity. Share your story. Ask about theirs. Build real relationships. As you do, follow God’s leadership when He opens doors.
A Healthy Life—Not a Perfect One
The Wheel illustrates spiritual health, not perfection. We all struggle with one or more spokes or surrendering our will at different times; however, God’s love and commitment to us never change. Our struggles are gentle reminders that we have room to grow.
So ask God for help (prayer).
Ask others for help (family of faith).
Start memorizing the key verses for the parts of the wheel (Bible).
Share something God is teaching you with a friend (go & tell)
And each day, moment by moment, surrender to Jesus as He leads your life.
The rim represents our daily life. When Jesus—or the prompting of the Holy Spirit—nudges us toward something, we have a choice: follow or ignore.
If we ignore God’s leading, we essentially place ourselves at the center. But when we obey, Jesus remains the hub, and our obedience becomes the visible evidence of our faith.
The Four Spokes: How Jesus’ Power Reaches Our Lives
The spokes are the practices that keep the wheel strong. Two focus on our relationship with God (vertical), and two focus on our relationship with others (horizontal).
1. Prayer—Talking and Listening to God
Prayer is not just telling God what’s on our hearts—our fears, joys, worries, or hopes. It’s also a chance to slow down and listen. In a noisy world, learning to be still before God is a crucial discipline.
2. The Bible—Engaging, Not Just Reading
This spoke is about more than checking a box.
Engage with Scripture: read, reflect, journal, pray through it, discuss it, draw it—do whatever helps you respond to what God is saying. The Bible remains one of the primary ways God speaks to us.
3. Family of Faith—Living Out the “One Anothers”
This is Christian community in action. The New Testament includes 45 “one another” commands, used 73 times. When we gather, serve, forgive, challenge, and encourage each other (that’s 5 of the 45), we model the humility of Christ:
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value
others above yourselves” (Philippians 2:3-4).
4. Go & Tell—Sharing the Good News
If you are a follower of Jesus, someone lived out this spoke for you. They believed God’s good news was powerful enough to bring hope, forgiveness, joy, and peace into your life (Romans 1:16). Now you have the same opportunity. Share your story. Ask about theirs. Build real relationships. As you do, follow God’s leadership when He opens doors.
A Healthy Life—Not a Perfect One
The Wheel illustrates spiritual health, not perfection. We all struggle with one or more spokes or surrendering our will at different times; however, God’s love and commitment to us never change. Our struggles are gentle reminders that we have room to grow.
So ask God for help (prayer).
Ask others for help (family of faith).
Start memorizing the key verses for the parts of the wheel (Bible).
Share something God is teaching you with a friend (go & tell)
And each day, moment by moment, surrender to Jesus as He leads your life.
Would you like to download a copy of the wheel along with two memory verses for each component? Click on the links below -