The Disciple Maker‘s Podcast (Discipleship.org)

In this episode of Disciple Making Culture Matt Dabbs interviews the point leader of Discipleship.org Bobby Harrington. They’re talking about steps to help your churches make disciples who then in turn make other disciples. They explore the importance of shifting focus from informing to equipping, from program to purpose, from activity to relationship, and finally from accumulating to deploying. This episode instills the value of creating that disciple-making culture within your church and integrating it into the everyday lives of your churchgoers.

NEW!!! Making the DiscipleShift in Your Church The Basics in 5 Minutes

For more information on the book Disciple Shift click HERE

For more information about Disciple Making Culture click HERE

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Episode Highlights:

00:00 The Importance of Disciple Making Culture

01:30 The State of Churches in Disciple Making

01:57 The Importance of Disciple Making Culture in Churches

02:53 The Consequences of Not Making Disciple Shifts

03:17 The Five Shifts to Help Your Church Make Disciples

06:35 The Importance of Discipling Relationships in Churches

16:22 The Importance of Deploying Disciples into Communities

23:34 The Importance of Practicing Discipleship

Greg Ogden and Dan Schanuel of Global Discipleship Initiative took the time to share with us their thoughts on the power of the micro-group. How can we our small groups to form real, impactful relationships with our people?

This clip was taken from the first track session by The Global Discipleship Initiative at last year's Forum. We got to hear from founders Greg Ogden and Ralph Rittenhouse along with Executive Assistant Director Bev Garcia about practical steps to creating a disciple making, reproducing church.

This episode is from Faith International University, recorded at the National Disciple Making Forum, and it features Bobby Harrington and David Ferguson. Download the recommended resource with this episode, "Evangelism or Discipleship," by going to discipleship.org/ebooks.

This episode is from Renew, recorded at the National Disciple Making Forum. Download the recommended resource with this episode, “Multiplying Disciples by Winfield Bevins,” by going to discipleship.org/ebooks.

This episode is from the National Disciple Making Forum. Download the recommended resource with this episode, “Revival Starts Here Primer,” by going to discipleship.org/ebooks.

This audio was taken from Zúme Training's second track session and last year's National Disciple Making Forum. Curtis Sergeant (leader of the original subteam that began working on Zúme) informed us about the four stages of the training cycle (model, assist, watch, and leave) in order to equip the people we're discipling to go and disciple others.

Visit Legacy Coalition: https://legacycoalition.com/ 

Today's episode will help us understand the crucial, biblically endorsed role of grandparents in their grandchildren's spiritual formation, offering practical tips and insights to nurture their faith amidst a challenging cultural landscape.

The Vital Role of Grandparents in a Changing Culture: A Guide to Intentional Christian Grandparenting

In this episode, pastor George Postumus discusses the significant role of grandparents in the spiritual development of their grandchildren. He emphasizes the lack of focus on the third generation in churches and the importance of grandparents being actively involved in their grandchildren's lives. George highlights the biblical foundation in Deuteronomy 4:9, which calls grandparents to teach both their children and grandchildren. Sharing personal stories and practical advice, he underscores the necessity of establishing strong relationships and guiding grandchildren with love and truth. He also tackles the challenges posed by the modern, rapidly changing culture and urges grandparents to be intentional in their role. The session concludes with an encouragement to seek deeper involvement and offers resources for overcoming common grandparenting barriers.

Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/ 

Key Takeaways 

00:00 Introduction and Initial Instructions

00:59 Casual Conversations and Greetings

10:11 Session Begins: Speaker Introduction

12:27 The Role of Grandparents in the Church

13:00 Biblical Foundations for Grandparenting

19:44 Navigating Cultural Challenges

27:30 The Importance of Absolute Truth

32:08 Using a Compass as a Metaphor for Truth

36:46 The Crisis of Faith Among Youth

37:07 The Role of Grandparents in Faith Formation

38:19 The Importance of Truth in Christian Life

41:14 Cultural Challenges and Biblical Responses

43:53 Timeless Truths for Right Living

47:05 Building Strong Relationships with Grandchildren

53:35 Launching a Grandparenting Ministry in Churches

56:16 Practical Tips and Resources for Grandparents

01:00:37 Q&A and Concluding Thoughts

Resources on Discipleship  

Reaching & Discipling Women: A Guide to Women’s Ministry in Your Church

What Is Church? And How Important Is It?

Family Discipleship Blueprint: A Year-by-Year Guide to Family Discipleship

Becoming a Disciple Maker

Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr

In this episode, George Postumus, a former pastor with 39 years of experience, shares his insights on Christian grandparenting. Drawing from his own journey and biblical teachings, he emphasizes the significant role grandparents play in their grandchildren's spiritual upbringing.

George begins by addressing the misconception that grandparents are merely spectators in their grandchildren's lives. Instead, he points to Deuteronomy 4:9, which calls for their active involvement in passing down the teachings of the Lord.

Despite losing his hearing due to a disease, George continues to serve in the Legacy Coalition, encouraging grandparents to be spiritually active in their grandchildren's lives. He highlights the cultural challenges today’s grandchildren face and stresses the importance of "speaking the truth in love," as mentioned in Ephesians 4. In a world moving towards moral decay, he believes grandparents must be a voice of biblical truth.

To help grandparents fulfill this role, George offers practical steps:

1. Build strong relationships with their grandchildren.
2. Emphasize the unchanging nature of biblical truth.
3. Use symbols like compasses to represent the steadfast word of God.
4. Encourage right thinking and actions.

He uses metaphors, comparing God’s word to a compass that always points north, to illustrate these points. George also advises grandparents to avoid disciplining like parents but instead to be full of grace and truth, much like Jesus.

George addresses the alarming trend of 60-70% of young people from Christian homes leaving their faith by the end of high school. He suggests that intentional Christian grandparenting can help counter this trend by reinforcing the biblical foundation taught by their parents.

The seminar includes practical advice like scheduling one-on-one time and using meal times for spiritual discussions. George also recommends resources like the "Levitical Blessing" from Numbers 6:24-26 to impart spiritual blessings.

In summary, the seminar underscores the vital, biblically endorsed role of grandparents in their grandchildren's spiritual formation. By being intentional, loving, and truth-filled, grandparents can offer essential guidance and support, helping to nurture their grandchildren’s faith amidst a challenging cultural landscape. George’s personal experiences and practical tips provide a rich framework for grandparents to embrace this ongoing, impactful mission in the kingdom of God.

Check out our Blogs: https://discipleship.org/blog/ 

This episode features Ken Shackelford of LumeNations. Bobby talks with Ken about Disciple Making Movements and shares a clip of David Young from North Boulevard Church of Christ from the Renew.org Gathering about DMM's and what he's seen happening with his own eyes outside of our country.

We must carefully examine the elements Jesus used to train and prepare His own disciples for being effective disciple makers themselves. In this episode, David Roadmap of TCM International Institute helps us discover what Jesus did to grow and prepare His disciples for multiplication and how you can do the same for those you’re currently discipling.

Click here to view Small Circle: https://www.smallcircle.com/ 

Get The Disciple Makers Podcast Premium Feed: https://disciplemakerspodcast.supercast.com/ 

“Today’s episode will help us understand the importance of personalized, small-circle disciple-making and practical strategies for fostering deep, transformative relationships within our church communities.”

In this session, Steve McCoy, Lead Pastor in Sarasota, Florida, goes deep into the principles and practices of disciple-making, emphasizing the importance of one-to-one relationships inspired by Jesus' ministry. This second session of Small Circle covers topics such as the Two Circle Operating System, engaging everyday people in disciple-making, and the significant role of customized, intimate conversations in facilitating life change. Pastor McCoy stresses the need for a paradigm shift in church culture to foster deeper, more personalized discipleship. The session includes interactive exercises, prayer, and practical strategies for building a sustainable disciple-making culture within the church.

Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/ 

Check out Discipleship.org Audio Books: https://discipleship.org/resources/ebooks/ 

Key Takeaways

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:43 Opening Prayer and Reflections

01:49 Recap of Previous Session

02:17 The Concept of Small Circle

03:12 Jesus' Ministry Model

04:37 The Importance of One-to-One Interactions

05:29 Challenges and Benefits of Customized Conversations

10:20 The Role of Everyday People in Disciple Making

13:15 The Need for Tools in Discipleship

23:12 Exercise: Identifying Comfortable Conversation Spaces

32:03 The Importance of Sharing in Church Groups

32:43 The Role of Trust and Transparency

33:09 Challenges Faced by Pastors

34:16 Secrets and Their Impact

35:24 The Power of the Holy Spirit and Tools

36:10 Engaging Everyday People in Discipleship

39:00 Building Strong Relationships

39:47 The Four Quadrants of Discipleship

48:15 Practical Discipleship Strategies

51:26 Balancing Church Activities and Discipleship

54:59 The Journey of Discipleship

59:44 Concluding Thoughts and Prayer

Resources on Discipleship  

Reaching & Discipling Women: A Guide to Women’s Ministry in Your Church

What Is Church? And How Important Is It?

Family Discipleship Blueprint: A Year-by-Year Guide to Family Discipleship

Becoming a Disciple Maker

In this episode, Steve McCoy, a lead pastor from Sarasota, Florida, talks about effective disciple-making strategies. He kicks things off by creating a relaxed atmosphere, inviting attendees to sit on the floor or counters if they prefer. After introducing himself and sharing his background in church planting and disciple-making, Steve dives into his Small Circle concept.

He explains their church's "two-circle operating system": a large circle for worship services and a mid-sized circle for smaller groups like home groups and Bible studies. He draws parallels to Jesus’ ministry, noting that profound changes often happen in those personal, one-on-one interactions, much like Jesus’ encounters with the woman at the well, Nicodemus, and Zacchaeus.

Steve highlights that intimate settings allow for deeper conversations that address individual needs, comparing it to using a fork for pie and a spoon for soup—each tool has its specific use. The episode includes a hands-on exercise where attendees discuss sensitive issues like job loss or marriage conflicts in small groups, showing that such conversations thrive in trusted, smaller circles.

He stresses that disciple-making should focus on both knowledge and transformation, not just transferring information. Steve introduces a four-quadrant framework for discipleship: building a strong foundation in the Word of God, living a sacrificial life for Christ, forming deep relationships, and encouraging multiplication.

Steve advocates for a slow, deliberate pace to build trust and transparency, which can take six months or more. He suggests balancing group meetings with intentional one-on-one interactions for a sustainable approach.

He wraps up by referencing Acts 1:8 and 8:1, highlighting that everyday believers played a crucial role in early church disciple-making. Steve calls on leaders to equip their congregations for this mission, emphasizing intentionality in fostering deep relationships and equipping all believers for effective disciple-making.

Follow us at Discipleship.org!

Craig Etheredge and Glenn Underhill from discipleFIRST encouraged us about how to disciple the disciple maker, the leader of leaders, and reminded us that if we lose our shepherd's heart, we become hopeless.

Dave and Sydney Clayton of Ethos Church Nashville give us a glimpse of their passion for discipleship within their family, sharing their personal experiences, and offering principles for effective family discipleship. They emphasize how to disciple young children, adult children, grandchildren, and even spiritual children. So if you don’t have biological children, don’t skip this episode: Scripture teaches us that “family” extends beyond the traditional nuclear family to encompass the idea of a spiritual family, where all of us can function as spiritual fathers and mothers.

Visit RENEW.org: https://renew.org/ 

Transformative Women's Discipleship: Delving into Deep Theological Studies with Tina Wilson

Today’s episode will help us understand how comprehensive Bible study can transform our spiritual lives and foster a resilient faith community through practical discipleship methods.

Join Tina Wilson in an inspiring session that explores a comprehensive method for discipling women through deep Bible study from Genesis to Revelation. Tina shares her personal journeys, biblical insights, and practical approaches for integrating daily scripture reading into personal and community life. Discover how to cultivate spiritual growth using 'Step Into Scripture' and how committed, rigorous theological studies generate lasting engagement and a deeper hunger for God's word. This session also covers essential strategies for leading effective women's Bible studies and ensuring meaningful, transformational discipleship.

Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/ 

Key Takeaways 

00:00 Introduction and Setup

00:28 Casual Conversations and Humor

08:21 Event and Speaker Introduction

11:04 Defining Discipleship

12:49 The Importance of Biblical Reading

15:55 Teaching and Testifying in Discipleship

25:18 Authenticity in Discipleship

32:28 Historical Lessons and Testimonies

35:07 Planting Ecclesia Christian Church

36:45 Lessons from Church Planting

37:33 Catalysts for Faith

38:15 Discipling the Next Generation

39:32 Psalm 78 and God's Faithfulness

41:07 Step into Scripture: A Bible Study Model

42:01 Implementing the Bible Reading Plan

49:55 Overcoming Challenges in Discipleship

59:25 Q&A: Effective Discipleship Strategies

Resources on Discipleship  

Reaching & Discipling Women: A Guide to Women’s Ministry in Your Church

What Is Church? And How Important Is It?

Family Discipleship Blueprint: A Year-by-Year Guide to Family Discipleship

Becoming a Disciple Maker

Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr

In this episode, we join a women's discipleship workshop led by a speaker who dives deep into the topic of discipling women through the comprehensive study of the Bible.

The session begins with an informal setup and introductions, creating a welcoming atmosphere. The speaker introduces "Renew," highlighting its collaborative groups, daily digital communications, free e-books, and mentoring programs.

She emphasizes the importance of grounding discipleship in the Word of God, sharing personal stories to make her points relatable. One key message is the transformative power of reading the entire Bible systematically. The speaker shares how daily Bible reading has profoundly shaped her faith, revealing new insights each time.

Using Psalms 78 and Deuteronomy 6, she defines discipleship as teaching and testifying about God's deeds and commandments. Practical advice includes integrating spiritual discussions into everyday life, adopting a "walk along, talk along" approach from Deuteronomy.

The speaker underscores authenticity in discipleship by sharing personal struggles and failures, encouraging vulnerability. She cautions against idealizing the past and promotes acknowledging shortcomings to prepare future generations better.

For structured Bible study, she recommends a chronological reading plan that spans a year, highlighting its impact with just 15 minutes of daily reading. She shares her experience facilitating large group Bible studies, which offer accountability and a supportive environment for spiritual growth.

The speaker advocates for resources like "Step into Scripture," which provides commentary and guidance for a year-long Bible reading journey. She concludes by sharing the profound impact this disciplined approach to discipleship has had on her life and ministry, encouraging participants to invest deeply in fostering a community rooted in strong biblical literacy and genuine spiritual growth.

In summary, the episode underscores that discipleship grounded in comprehensive Bible study leads to profound spiritual transformation, nurturing a resilient and deep faith community through teaching, testifying, and authentic sharing.

Check out our Blogs: https://discipleship.org/blog/ 

Visit TCM: https://www.tcmi.org/ 

In this episode, David Roadcup, a professor of discipleship and spiritual formation at TCMI Institute, shares his experiences and insights on effective spiritual leadership. With over 30 years of experience and a focus on spiritual transformation, David discusses various elements crucial for fostering personal and communal spiritual growth. He touches on the importance of prayer, community, and the role of the Holy Spirit in achieving spiritual maturity. He also emphasizes the significance of having spiritually transformative practices within church staff and leadership, including consistent prayer meetings, retreats, and daily spiritual discipline. Tune in for a comprehensive guide on cultivating a spiritually enriching environment in your church.

Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/ 

Key Takeaways 

00:00 Introduction and Setup

05:53 Introduction to David Roadcup and TCMI Institute

07:08 Challenges and Opportunities in Ministry

10:53 Workshop Introduction: Creating Spiritual Transformation

11:20 The Ultimate Goal of Church Leadership

13:10 Paul's Mission and Spiritual Maturity

20:18 Daily Commitment to Following Jesus

30:56 The Process of Spiritual Transformation

37:07 The Importance of Spiritual Disciplines

38:30 Recognizing Spiritual Transformation

40:21 Personal Testimony and Stewardship

43:21 Spiritual Growth in Church Leadership

47:35 Creating a Culture of Prayer and Content

53:25 The Value of Retreats and Fun Activities

58:14 Elder Selection and Unity

01:03:07 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Resources on Discipleship  

Reaching & Discipling Women: A Guide to Women’s Ministry in Your Church

What Is Church? And How Important Is It?

Family Discipleship Blueprint: A Year-by-Year Guide to Family Discipleship

Becoming a Disciple Maker

Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr

The episode starts with casual conversations before David Roadcup introduces himself as a professor at TCM Institute. He discusses TCM's significant reach, with 2,600 students from 55 countries, and the impact of their work, especially in Europe and Central Asia. He also touches on challenges like the war in Russia and Ukraine affecting student visas. David shares personal stories about his marriage, family, and career path, expressing joy in his role at TCM.

Shifting to the core topic of spiritual transformation, David emphasizes that the primary goal of church leadership is to present spiritually mature individuals to Jesus Christ. He cites Colossians 1:28-29 and explains the Greek term "teleos," meaning complete or mature. David highlights that spiritual transformation starts with the Holy Spirit and is a lifelong process. He shares his own journey, emphasizing the importance of the Word of God, fellowship, obedience, ministry, and spiritual disciplines.

David discusses practical applications, criticizing superficial benchmarks for church members and advocating for genuine heart-and-will surrender to God. He provides indicators of spiritual transformation, such as conversation topics, priorities, attitudes, and behavior.

In the latter part of his lecture, David stresses the importance of spiritual growth among church leaders, sharing his consulting experiences and the need for unity. He suggests practices like prayer sessions, retreats, and continuous learning to foster spiritual growth. David concludes with a call to action for church leaders to focus on spiritual nourishment and unity, creating a supportive and growth-oriented culture within the church.

The episode ends with personal interactions and endorsements of his talk, showing that attendees resonated with his message and sought further materials to implement in their contexts.

In summary, David Roadcup offers a deeply theological and practical approach to spiritual transformation, emphasizing genuine, heart-centered growth for both individuals and church leaders.

Check out our Blogs: https://discipleship.org/blog/ 

Click here to view Be1Mk1: https://www.be1make1.org/

The Pathway to Discipleship: Following Jesus' Footsteps

In this episode, Chip and Anthony emphasize the importance of a structured pathway beyond weekly church services, based on four commands from Mark 1:17, offering practical assessments and insights to help individuals transition from seekers to mission-oriented disciples. This episode addresses the commitment to becoming a disciple of Jesus, focusing on the steps and processes that follow this commitment. The speaker reflects on their early experiences with faith, emphasizing the need for a structured approach to discipleship beyond attending church services. Using a metaphor of creating trails in the woods, Chip highlights the importance of following a clear path in life, akin to Jesus' invitation to his disciples in Mark 1:17 to 'follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.' This episode outlines a discipleship pathway with focal points including speaking one's purpose, knowing the word, investing in individuals, lifting one's heart through prayer, living in community, and sharing the message. The session leverages Luke 2:40-52 to underscore Jesus' growth as a model for discipleship and presents an assessment for self-evaluation in these key areas. The goal is to live on mission, grow in faith, follow Jesus' footsteps, and help others do the same on the mission of Disciple Making. 

Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/

Check out this link to the book Discipleship that Fits: https://discipleship.org/shop/discipleship-that-fits/ 

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Key Takeaways:

00:00 The Invitation to Discipleship

01:19 The Process of Faithfulness

02:00 Creating Spiritual Pathways

04:51 Understanding Discipleship

05:48 Navigating Life's Trails

07:29 The Journey of Seeking

11:16 Living Life on Mission

17:05 The Skills of Jesus

26:30 Discovering Your Purpose

26:48 Understanding Your Identity in Christ

27:14 Embracing Your Unique Design

30:14 The Power of Knowing the Word

31:45 Investing in the One

34:44 Lifting Your Heart in Prayer

37:24 Living in Community

39:50 Sharing the Message

40:50 Assessment and Reflection

Resources on Discipleship

The Definition of a Disciple

Becoming a Disciple Maker

https://church-multiplication.com/disciplemaker/

This episode features Dave Buehring and Kent of Chevalier of Lionshare. They talked to us about how they met and experiences of discipling professional football players to trust and follow Jesus and to share that hope wherever they end up.

In this special Discipling Conversations episode, we had the chance to have a conversation with the point leader of Discipleship.org, Bobby Harrington, to talk about Israel. Bobby shared with us what’s going on, a brief history of wars in Israel, his personal thoughts on end times, and how to live out hope during these times.

This episode was track session #2 for Concentric and they talked to us about Jesus using "fishing trips" to give new experiences to his disciples. Mike Harder (the president of Concentric introduces Doug Holliday who brings the message).

Bobby interviews author Pete Scazzero about his book Emotionally Healthy Discipleship: Moving From Shallow Christianity to Deep Transformation. You can purchase his book here. 

Click here to view The Navigators Church Ministry: https://www.navigators.org/ 

View Discipleship.org’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@discipleshipdotorg

Creating an Intentional Disciple-Making Culture | Navigators Church Ministries

In this episode, Steve Tice, the Northeast region director for Navigators Church Ministries, joins senior pastor Cliff McDowell of East New York Church of God to discuss the transformational impact of incorporating an intentional disciple-making culture within churches. They share real-life examples and strategies for fostering disciple-makers who are rooted in their communities. The session highlights the importance of purposeful leaders, having a clear picture of a disciple, pathways for discipleship, practitioners, and monitoring progress. Tune in to hear more about their shared experiences, practical tips, and how to avoid common pitfalls while building such a culture in your own congregation.

Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/ 

Check out Discipleship.org Audio Books: https://discipleship.org/resources/ebooks/ 

Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr

Key Takeaways

00:00 Introduction and Background

00:07 Navigators Church Ministries Overview

00:17 Personal and Professional Journey

00:50 Introduction to Cliff McDowell

01:40 Transformational Impact of Disciple Making

02:47 Interactive Session and Prayer

03:33 Recap and Illustration

04:55 Intentional Disciple Making Culture

07:27 Biblical Foundations of Intentional Culture

10:38 Cliff McDowell's Journey and Church Culture

14:17 Intentional Commitments and Changes

15:18 Interactive Table Discussion

17:15 Building Maturity in Church Culture

22:17 Church Planting and Cultural Shifts

24:58 Purposeful Leaders and Discipleship

26:25 A Life-Saving Friendship

27:43 Homegrown Leadership

28:03 Defining Discipleship

29:10 The Four Seasons of Life

32:42 The Pathway for Discipleship

37:50 Building a Culture of Discipleship

39:21 Navigating Challenges in Discipleship

42:41 Adapting to Context and Diversity

45:05 Final Thoughts and Q&A

Resources on Disciple Making Culture 

Disciple Making Culture Visual Introduction

Cultivating a Disciple-Making Culture at Your Church

Disciple-Making Culture

In this episode Steve Tice and Cliff McDowell share their experiences with the Navigators organization, focusing on building intentional disciple-making cultures in churches.

Steve, the Northeast regional director for Navigators Church Ministries, opens the discussion by sharing his background as a musician and bi-vocational minister. He and his wife run a music school on Long Island, and with over 35 years of experience, he now attends church services without occupational duties.

Cliff, senior pastor of East New York Church of God, discusses his extensive leadership roles, including a six-year term as vice presiding elder of the National Association of the Church of God. He emphasizes his collaboration with Navigators, impacting churches across New York and beyond.

The session centers on the importance of cultivating an intentional disciple-making culture, which supports disciple-makers embedded in their local contexts. Steve highlights that the discussion will feature real-life examples and allow for audience questions.

He stresses the need for intentional leadership to avoid half-hearted ministry efforts. Citing Bill Mallory’s book "Designed to Flourish," he contrasts intentional cultures with those driven by competing agendas. Steve uses biblical references, including Acts 2:42-47 and 1 Corinthians 9:19-27, to illustrate how early Christian communities embodied intentionality.

Cliff shares his pastoral journey, detailing how he intentionally shaped his congregation's culture. He reflects on transitioning from a cell church model to a disciple-making church, aided by his bi-vocational experience and trust built within the community.

To encourage table discussions, Steve and Cliff pose reflective questions about participants' church cultures, identifying intentional practices and obstacles. They then explore how mature disciples and intentional cultures support each other, with Cliff sharing his experience of mentoring three men over three years, which strengthened their faith and leadership.

Follow us at Discipleship.org!

This episode features Scotty Kessler (director of The Robert Coleman School of Discipleship and The Wes Neal School Of Sports Ministry at Faith International University) as he gives us the third track session at last year's National Disciple Making Forum. He talked about investing in a small group of people that you may already have in front of you versus spending time wishing you had a bigger church.

__________________

Ozark Christian College Masters

2022 National Disciple Making Forum

In this episode, Chris from Betterman.com emphasizes the need for a clear path and purpose in the journey towards spiritual maturity when discipling men. He outlines a multifaceted approach that includes the Spirit of the Word, Spirit of the Body, Spirit of the Mind, and the Spirit of Service. The ultimate goal is to guide men to become like Christ, serving as gifts to their communities rather than burdens.

Registration for our upcoming event –  National Disciple Making Forum (Disciple Making Culture).

For more information about BetterMan check out their website: https://betterman.com/

Key Takeaways 

00:00 Introduction to Discipleship and the Path to Follow

00:30 The Shift in Discipleship Strategies and the Importance of a Structured Approach

01:19 Core Elements of Discipling Men: Spirit of the Word, Body, Mind, and Service

02:51 Understanding Gender Differences in Learning and Communication

05:49 Addressing the Delay in Maturation Among Men and Its Societal Impacts

08:55 Navigating Relational, Psychological, and Theological Changes in Discipleship

14:53 Theological Guidance and Encouraging Critical Thinking

24:04 Sociological Change: Inviting Men into a Larger Story

26:38 The Importance of Preaching the Full Gospel

27:09 A Cautionary Tale from Pastoral Experience

28:13 Challenging Easy Believism with Genuine Faith

28:49 The Three Essential Elements of Belief According to R.C. Sproul

30:00 John Piper's Addition to the Faith Discussion

30:58 The Parable of The Room: Desires vs. Reality

32:14 The Central Question of Discipleship: What Do You Desire?

33:06 Understanding Salvation and Fighting Sin

33:46 The Misconception of Living However You Want After Salvation

34:03 The Journey Towards Holiness and Patience in Discipleship

36:51 Addressing the Challenges of Modern Manhood

44:47 Discipleship as a Path to True Manhood

Check out these Free Ebooks: 

Disciple Making Culture 10 Minute E-Book 

Disciple Shift Ebook

Discipleship That Fits Ebook

Disciple Making Culture Visual Guide

Interested in Audio books? Here are a couple of great options:

Audio Book Becoming a Disciple Maker

Audio Book National Study on Disciple Making

Visit our website discipleship.org for blogs, videos, and free resources to fuel disciple making.

This is our #10 most played podcast episode featuring Dr. Marcus De Carvalho, M.D. talking to us about building strong relationships with our kids to help them overcome sexual impurity. You can check out Dr. Marcus' free ebook Untangling Addiction here.

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Digital Access Pass for the 2021 National Disciple Making Forum: https://discipleship.org/shop/2021-forum-livestream-digital-access-pass/

Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/ 

Today’s episode will help us understand how both extroverts and introverts play vital roles in disciple making and how their unique strengths can complement each other for greater impact.

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Introverts and Extroverts in Disciple Making | Disciple Makers Podcast

In this engaging episode of the Disciple Makers podcast, hosts Josh Howard and Jason Ishmael dive into a crucial topic often overlooked in disciple making: the unique roles of introverts and extroverts. They explore the feedback and misconceptions surrounding introverts' contributions to disciple making and highlight the significant and complementary gifts present in both personality types. The discussion also includes insights on global personality studies and how these findings can enhance the effectiveness of ministry strategies. By reflecting on biblical examples and modern-day stories, they emphasize the importance of relational generosity and encourage every listener, regardless of their personality, to recognize their value in God's mission. Whether you're an introvert or an extrovert, this episode aims to inspire and equip you to make a profound impact through discipleship.

Get Discipleship.org's premium Podcast Feed: https://disciplemakerspodcast.supercast.com/ 

Key Takeaways 

00:00 Introduction 

00:20 Introverts vs Extroverts in Disciple Making

01:14 The Role of Extroverts in Ministry

03:08 The Importance of Introverts in Ministry

03:58 Global Personality Research

05:03 Understanding Energy Sources

06:09 Strengths and Weaknesses of Extroverts and Introverts

10:10 Jesus' Model of Discipleship

15:32 Unseen Parts of the Body of Christ

17:09 Encouragement for Introverts

18:13 Curtis Sargent: The Introverted Mentor

19:59 The Unsung Heroes of Discipleship

21:58 Embracing Your Unique Gifts

23:00 Challenging Traditional Church Norms

25:17 The Beauty of Diverse Contributions

28:04 Valuing Different Personalities in Discipleship

32:35 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Check out our Blogs: https://discipleship.org/blog/ 

See Below for a longer description:

In this episode, Josh Howard and Jason Ishmael tackle a common misconception: that disciple making is better suited for extroverts. They break down how both extroverts and introverts bring unique strengths to the mission.

Extroverts are often seen as natural disciple makers because they thrive in social settings, while introverts may feel they don’t fit the mold. But Josh and Jason challenge this idea, showing that disciple making isn't just about reaching many—it’s about going deep.

Josh, an extrovert, shares how easily he connects with people but admits he struggles to build deep relationships. Introverts, on the other hand, tend to invest deeply in a few people—something just as crucial for disciple making. Jason highlights how introverts’ strength in prayer and studying the Word plays an essential role, balancing the energy extroverts bring to outreach.

Looking at Jesus’ ministry, they note how He focused on a small group of disciples, proving that deep, intentional relationships drive lasting impact. They also share the story of Curtis Sargent, a highly introverted leader who has influenced millions, showing that introverts can be just as effective in ministry.

Instead of working solo, Josh and Jason encourage a team approach, where extroverts and introverts complement each other—whether it’s an extrovert helping an introvert meet new people or an introvert modeling spiritual depth.

Their message? No matter your personality, you have a role in disciple making. God designed you uniquely, and your strengths—whether in connecting widely or investing deeply—are essential to His mission.

This audio was taken from TCM International Institute's second track session at last year's National Disciple Making Forum. Jordan M. Scheetz (Professor of Biblical Studies at TCM) shared insights with us about the importance prayer and fasting has in discipling relationships.

This audio was taken from Zúme Training's second track session and last year's National Disciple Making Forum. Curtis Sergeant (leader of the original subteam that began working on Zúme) walked us the through the how and the why of using Zúme Training as your next tool to equip the people you are discipling.

This episode is from Navigators Church Ministries, recorded at the National Disciple Making Forum. Download the recommended resource with this episode, “Discipleship That Fits,” by going to discipleship.org/ebooks.

This episode is from The Bonhoeffer Project, recorded at the National Disciple Making Forum. Download the recommended resource with this episode, “The Discipleship Gospel Primer,” by going to discipleship.org/ebooks.

This was Navigators Church Ministries third track session at last year's Forum. Navigators leader Dane Allphin spoke to us about dealing with conflict in discipleship.

Visit RENEW.org: https://renew.org/ 

Effective Discipleship: Strategies and Frameworks

Today’s episode will help us learn about discipleship, identity formation, and integrating spiritual principles into daily life to foster personal transformation and community growth.

In this video, Renee Sprouls shares her insights on effective discipleship, particularly focusing on discipling women. The discussion includes practical methods and spiritual practices to equip and support individuals in their faith journey. Key topics include understanding the right and left brain approaches, the Fish M. framework, and the importance of heart-focused community. Renee also highlights the necessity of spiritual healing, identity work, and walking in the Spirit, providing personal anecdotes and experiences to illustrate these points.

Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/ 

Key Takeaways 

00:00 Getting Started: Turning On and Off

00:48 Spills and Small Talk

02:40 Technical Troubles and Personal Updates

06:28 Morning Greetings and Introductions

07:49 Discipling Women: Initial Thoughts

11:05 Understanding Right Brain Attachment

14:44 Stories of Women in Discipleship

18:31 The Clogged Well: A Metaphor for Discipleship

21:19 Framework for Discipling Women

38:47 The Importance of Heart-Focused Community

39:21 Understanding Identity and Mission

40:59 Practical Discipleship Practices

46:13 The Power of Spiritual Biographies

50:14 Concluding Thoughts and Encouragement

55:59 Addressing Group Dynamics and Challenges

Resources on Discipleship  

Reaching & Discipling Women: A Guide to Women’s Ministry in Your Church

What Is Church? And How Important Is It?

Family Discipleship Blueprint: A Year-by-Year Guide to Family Discipleship

Becoming a Disciple Maker

Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr

The episode begins with an introductory segment where the speaker, Renee Sprouls from Renew.org, is setting up and dealing with some technical details. She then engages in a friendly and relaxed conversation with the attendees, setting a casual atmosphere.

Renee addresses the group, appreciating their attendance at an early morning session and introduces herself, explaining her affiliation with Renew.org. She discusses the resources available through Renew.org, such as newsletters, free ebooks, and other valuable materials for church planting and discipleship. She encourages the attendees to join the mailing list for more information and emphasizes the variety of resources available.

The central focus of the session is on discipling women. Renee starts with a prayer, asking for the Holy Spirit's guidance and blessings for the session. The prayer acknowledges the importance of spiritual rejuvenation, gratitude for God’s gifts, and a commitment to love and steward those gifts well.

To gauge the audience's current feelings about discipling women, Renee conducts an interactive session where she asks attendees to rate their preparedness on a scale of one to ten. Some rate themselves as a six, citing a general understanding but a sense of unpreparedness in some critical areas. This leads to a discussion about real-life challenges and feelings associated with discipling women and how to overcome them.

Renee shares personal stories of women she has discipled, detailing their varied backgrounds and unique challenges. These stories include women dealing with broken relationships, adoption struggles, fears of motherhood, and overcoming past traumas. Each story illustrates different aspects of discipleship and the various ways women might struggle, feel inadequate, or carry wounds from their past.

The session then transitions into exploring a conceptual framework for discipleship called "Fish M." This framework comprises several key elements:

1. **Freedom**: This aspect involves clearing out internal 'junk' that clogs our spiritual well-being, akin to the metaphor of cleaning a literal well filled with garbage. The emphasis is on the need for freedom from spiritual strongholds and deliverance from evil forces that hinder spiritual growth.
2. **Identity**: Renee explains the concept of right brain attachment versus left brain narrative. She underscores the importance of forming strong, healthy attachments and understanding one's identity in Christ. Misbeliefs like imposter syndrome or feelings of inadequacy often stem from deeper identity issues that need spiritual healing and right brain reattachment.
3. **Spirit**: Emphasizing a vital connection with the Holy Spirit, the analogy here is that of a car needing gasoline or a battery. This point underscores that our spiritual life and fruitfulness depend on being deeply rooted in and empowered by the Holy Spirit.
4. **Heart-focused Community**: Effective discipleship requires community, integrity, and mutual encouragement. Heart-focused community refers to creating an environment where people journey together with honesty and transparency.
5. **Mission**: Once established in the first four areas, individuals are better prepared to serve others. Discipleship then extends to serving and helping others grow in their faith.

Renee also lays out practical ways to implement this framework, including:

- **Praying and Fasting** to seek God's guidance in forming discipleship groups.

- **Serving and Eating** together to build community.

- **Taking Sabbaths and Studying** together for rest and spiritual growth.

She also mentions the role of spiritual biographies in building deep connections within the group. A spiritual biography involves creating a timeline of significant life events and reflecting on how God has worked through those experiences. This practice helps group members to understand each other better and fosters a supportive environment.

Issues concerning group dynamics are also discussed. For example, handling dominating group members involves addressing the issue

Check out our Blogs: https://discipleship.org/blog/ 

This episode was taken from a track session at the 2021 National Disciple Making Forum where The Bonhoeffer Project presented their third track session for the event. It features chief Denny Heiberg along with several from the TBP team with a message about the difficulties in discipling real life people.

Highlight – “Revival is going to come in your generation.”

In this podcast episode we’ve got Grant Skeldon. Grant heads up the Nxt Gen Summit, and today he speaks with Matt Dabbs about his experiences working with churches and his observations on how generational gaps can be bridged. He discusses the role of mentorship and discipleship in helping younger generations grow up in faith, and shares in-depth insights into the various challenges that millennial and Gen Z generations face and how the older generations can guide them. Skeldon emphasizes the mutual benefits of connecting generations in ministry and the positive impact it has on church health. He provides practical advice based on his observations and experiences working with churches, drawing insights from various sources including movies, sports, and even….canine behavior.

Check out our NEW ebook – The State of Disciple Making Churches

Check out the Next Gen Summit

Check out Thinq

Join Discipleship.org this coming may for our national Forum on Disciple Making Culture: https://discipleship.org/national-disciple-making-forum/

Watch The Video 

Key Takeaways 

00:00 Introducing the Guest and His Work

01:04 Discussing the Challenges of the Next Generation

01:39 The Impact of Parenting and Culture on the Next Generation

02:35 The Influence of Technology and Convenience on the Next Generation

03:19 The Role of Faith and Consequences in Growth

05:56 The Effects of Coddling and Criticism on the Next Generation

06:33 The Confusion and Cancellation of the Next Generation by Culture

07:54 The Impact of Debt on the Next Generation

08:39 The Importance of Mentorship and Discipleship

16:34 Addressing Common Excuses for Not Discipling

23:46 The Role of the Church in Discipleship

25:22 The Power of Movies in Addressing Racial and Generational Reconciliation

26:08 Addressing the Elephant in the Room: Generational Differences

27:20 Identifying Enthusiastic Older and Younger Leaders in the Church

29:11 Creating a Movement Within: The Power of Influence

30:35 Identifying the Ringleaders Among Generations

42:35 The Importance of Mutual Encouragement and Energy in Discipleship

48:52 The Power of Hope and Joy in the Church

This episode features Renee Sproles and Michelle Eagle (Discipleship and Women's Minister at Harpeth Christian Church in Franklin, TN). They discuss what it looks like to be a woman who is following God's calling while also following God's commands in Scripture.

This was Navigators Church Ministries first track session at last year's Forum. Justin Gravitt (Dayton, OH Area Director for Navigators) spoke with us about the importance of having a core team that 100% believes in the discipleship vision for your church.

_____________________________

You can check out Justin's blog and podcast here.

This episode features Alisa Childers (alisachilders.com) being interviewed by Discipleship.org point leader Bobby Harrington about the intellectual cost of discipleship.

David Hunzicker emphasizes the crucial role of parents in the spiritual discipleship of their children. He lays out a compelling case for why family discipleship should be the primary responsibility for parents today, as well as gives us practical tips and resources to help engage our children in meaningful Bible studies at home. It concludes with actionable ideas and community-building tips to motivate and equip parents and caregivers in their spiritual journey with their children.

Key Takeaways 

00:00 Opening Prayer and Embracing Family Discipleship

02:00 The Inspiring Story of Jim Elliot: A Call to Action for Parents

05:18 Addressing the Crisis of Faith in Young Evangelicals

06:46 Empowering Parents: The Heart of Discipleship at Home

16:32 Introducing Real Life Theology Conversations: A Resource for Families

25:42 Practical Tips and Strategies for Effective Family Discipleship

35:01 Closing Thoughts: The Vision for Future Family Discipleship

Visit our website discipleship.org for blogs, videos, and free resources to fuel disciple making. 

Click this link for the Digital Access Pass: https://discipleship.org/shop/2024-forum-digital-access-pass/?mc_cid=2b27e8013a&mc_eid=a00a4f11e7 

Resources on Family Discipleship 

Check out Discipleship.org Free Ebook on Family Discipleship: 

Family Discipleship: The Present and Future State of Family Discipleship

Check out the Real Life Theology Conversations Website on Family Discipleship: https://renew.org/RLTC/ 

What are your thoughts on family Discipleship.. 

Click here to view Awana: https://www.awana.org/ 

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Check out our latest eBook on Family Discipleship: https://discipleship.org/shop/family-discipleship-blueprint-a-year-by-year-guide-to-family-discipleship/ 

Empowering Child Discipleship: Practical Steps for Church Leaders and Parents

In this episode, Shawna Murlin from Awana shares a valuable resource for leaders and parents dedicated to raising children within the Christian faith. She discusses the focus on safety and security, featuring insights from Julie Lowe's book 'Safeguards'. The episode emphasizes the necessity for churches and homes to collaborate in child discipleship. Key resources and conversation guides, like the Friday family email, are showcased. The importance of prayer, meaningful adult relationships, and building a culture of discipleship in both church and home settings are highlighted. We conclude with a heartfelt prayer and a call to action for training and equipping parents and church leaders in the crucial work of child discipleship.

Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/ 

Check out Discipleship.org Audio Books: https://discipleship.org/resources/ebooks/ 

Key Takeaways

00:00 Introduction and Resources

05:21 The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt

09:40 Understanding Stalemates in Ministry

11:37 The Role of Home and Church in Child Discipleship

28:34 Building a Vision for Child Discipleship in the Church

33:41 Challenges in Family Discipleship

39:20 Creating a Formational Home

49:33 The Power of Spiritual Conversations

56:15 Conclusion and Resources

Resources on Family Discipleship

Family Discipleship: The Present and Future State of Family Discipleship

Family Discipleship: Present and Future Trends

Family Discipleship: Jason Houser

Real Life Theology Conversations 

See below for a longer description: 

This episode of the podcast focuses on a comprehensive overview of valuable resources for child discipleship, both for leaders and parents within church communities. The episode begins with the speaker highlighting the importance of sharing practical resources and introduces the Awana website, childdiscipleship.com, as a hub for such tools, including podcasts, printable materials, and safety and security information for parents. 

One of the highlighted resources includes 14 questions to ask potential babysitters, inspired by Julie Lowe's book "Safeguards." The speaker underscores the book's message about the importance of safeguarding children from individuals they know, not just strangers. Another valuable tool mentioned is the Friday Family Email, a resource sent out weekly, featuring biblically-based conversation guides, activities, and memory verses for families to engage with their children.

Videos from the Child Discipleship Forum are also recommended, particularly a powerful message by John Tyson on the importance of prayer and fasting in family discipleship. Various books, including "The Anxious Generation" by Jonathan Haidt, are suggested for their insightful views on community and faith, despite the author not being a Christian.

The speaker transitions to a discussion on the responsibility of child discipleship, emphasizing the current stalemate between churches and parents. While 95% of children's ministry leaders believe discipleship should occur at home, only 51% of parents agree, highlighting a significant disconnect. This stalemate sees both parties pointing fingers at each other for the lack of effective discipleship.

The episode delves into resolving this issue by advocating for a model where church leaders train and equip parents to disciple their children effectively. This involves casting a compelling vision for child discipleship within church communities, creating dedicated times and places for training parents, and fostering language that emphasizes the integration of faith into daily conversations.

A key strategy discussed is the importance of building meaningful adult relationships within the church community for every child. Research demonstrates that children with such relationships are significantly more engaged and likely to integrate biblical principles into their lives. The speaker suggests surrounding each child with five adult mentors to provide a robust support system.

The speaker shares personal anecdotes to illustrate the transformative power of regular, meaningful conversations and community support, emphasizing the need for intentional planning and vision in both church and home settings. Resources recommended for implementing this approach include "Children’s Ministry in a New Reality," "Transforming Children into Spiritual Champions," "Beautiful Resistance," "Habits of the Household," and "Sticky Faith."

The episode concludes with practical steps for church leaders to create a supportive environment for family discipleship, including establishing clear visions, identifying training times during already existing church activities, promoting language that integrates faith into daily life, and building a community of believers who actively support and engage with the children.

Listeners are encouraged to visit the Awana website and explore the recommended resources further. The episode ends with a prayer for strength and guidance in the mission of disciple-making, urging listeners to persist in this critical and challenging work.

Follow us at Discipleship.org!

Click here to view Small Circle: https://www.smallcircle.com/ 

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Discovering the Depth of Discipleship: Unpacking Intimacy in Ministry with Steve McCoy

Today’s episode will help us understand the transformative power of small, intimate discipleship relationships within church communities and inspire leaders to incorporate these personal connections into their ministry.

In this engaging session from our past National Disciple Making Forum, Steve McCoy dives deep into the essence of discipleship and relational ministry. Steve begins the talk with a prayer, inviting God to open minds and remove clutter. Steve, the lead pastor from Sarasota, Florida, uses engaging diagrams and questions to illustrate the unique way God created humans for intimate, relational connections. He emphasizes that while worship services and group studies are important, the greatest life changes occur in deeply intimate, customized, one-on-one interactions, modeled after Jesus' own relationships with his disciples. By combining scientific data with practical ministry experience, Steve closes by urging churches to adopt a more personalized approach to disciple-making, fostering deeper relationships. This talk is a call to action for leaders and pastors to rethink and possibly reframe their strategies for true spiritual growth and life transformation.

Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/ 

Check out Discipleship.org Audio Books: https://discipleship.org/resources/ebooks/ 

Key Takeaways

00:00 Introduction and Opening Remarks

00:56 The Importance of Deep Relationships

02:16 Understanding Our Creation in God's Image

05:21 The Role of Circles in Church Dynamics

10:49 Challenges in Church Practices

15:49 The Power of Personalized Interactions

27:01 The Impact of Technology on Relationships

30:34 Understanding Dyads and Relationships

31:13 Exploring Dunbar's Number

32:54 The Significance of the Number Five

34:20 Group Dynamics and Relationship Formulas

36:05 Personal Journey and Ministry Insights

42:14 The Importance of Customized and Confidential Conversations

54:09 Jesus' Prayer for Unity and Deep Relationships

57:13 Final Thoughts and Personal Stories

Resources on Discipleship  

Reaching & Discipling Women: A Guide to Women’s Ministry in Your Church

What Is Church? And How Important Is It?

Family Discipleship Blueprint: A Year-by-Year Guide to Family Discipleship

Becoming a Disciple Maker

In this episode, lead pastor Steve McCoy from Sarasota, Florida, discusses the power of personal connections in church communities.

He suggests a three-circle model for church activities: large gatherings for worship, mid-sized groups for Bible study, and small circles for deep, personal discipleship. McCoy uses Biblical examples of Jesus’s personal engagements with individuals like Nicodemus and Peter to emphasize this point.

Addressing the rise in loneliness and lack of deep friendships today, McCoy explains the concept of "dyads" (pairs of individuals) and how complex relationships become as group size increases. He reflects on his own transformative experience with one-on-one mentorship from a pastor named Titus, which he believes was crucial to his spiritual development.

McCoy calls on church leaders to integrate small circle discipleship into their ministries, sharing how such personal connections can lead to significant spiritual growth and support. His message is a compelling reminder of the need for intentional, deep relational interactions within church communities.

Follow us at Discipleship.org!

This episode feature Matt Markins (Chief Strategy Officer of Awana). Matt offers great insight for building a strong community within our children and student ministries.

How do we as believers respond to the heightened racial tension in our country today? Freedom in Christ Ministries believes that our spiritual identity, not our ethnic or racial identity should guide our conversations. Learn how your identity in Christ informs and enables you to have conversations about race and experience for your self what Freedom in Christ is all about.

This episode is from Faith International University, recorded at the National Disciple Making Forum, and it features Bobby Harrington and David Ferguson. Download the recommended resource with this episode, "Evangelism or Discipleship," by going to discipleship.org/ebooks.

Disciple making comes in many shapes and sizes. How do you determine what is right for your church? Michelle Eagle (Discipleship and Women's Minister at Harpeth Christian Church) helps us discover the nuts and bolts of several types of disciple making strategies and the pros and cons that go with them along with the must' haves of every disciple-making ministry.

This clip was taken from the third and final track session by The Global Discipleship Initiative at last year's Forum. Greg Ogden and Ralph Rittenhouse talked about lowering the bar for becoming a small group leader. Anyone can lead a group of 3-4 people. We don't need experts; we need transparent and authentic people.

This episode is from Freedom in Christ Ministries, recorded at the National Disciple Making Forum. Download the recommended resource with this episode, “Untangling Addiction,” by going to discipleship.org/ebooks.

Susan Freese (founder and president of All In Ministries International) talked to us about healthy short term missions. You can more wisely steward your short-term missions to make a long-term impact with one addition: discipling indigenous women. Worldwide women believers do not know they are loved, valued, or have a divine purpose of enjoying God and exalting Him by making disciples. When you intentionally invest in local women—they are radically and fundamentally changed. They’ll risk their lives to spread the gospel to their families, communities, and closed spaces. That’s because women are "keepers of religion" in many cultures—yet few people invest in women. 

Matthew Dabbs interviews Alice Matagora about her new book "How To Save the World: Disciplemaking Made Simple". Come see Alice speak at the National Disciple Making Forum in Nashville, TN by clicking here. 

Click here to view Relational Discipleship Network: https://rdn.org/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw8MG1BhCoARIsAHxSiQmiFG0czO2HClUqBDVxT9NZHAYaOm_Jrf0WGacBvXTl_ihES3joJ6kaAu_UEALw_wcB 

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“Today’s episode will help us understand how relational discipleship provides practical support through challenges, fosters deep community connections, and emphasizes the role of parents in disciple-making.”

Creating Resilient Discipleship Communities: Real-Life Examples and Practical Insights

This episode stresses the importance of building supportive and nurturing discipleship communities within the church to help individuals face life's trials and challenges. By sharing personal experiences and examples from within their own church, the speaker illustrates how such an infrastructure can protect and foster growth among believers. Key stories include a couple's journey through the loss of their child and their subsequent creation of a nonprofit, as well as a former staff member's marital restoration after an affair. The episode emphasizes the necessity of relational discipleship and provides practical advice, including the concept of 'TikTok Apologetics' for engaging youth in critical thinking and faith discussions.

Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/ 

Check out Discipleship.org Audio Books: https://discipleship.org/resources/ebooks/ 

Key Takeaways

00:00 Introduction: The Challenge of Deconstruction

00:44 Personal Journey: From Mega Church to Church Planting

01:35 Building a Discipleship Community

02:03 Story of Evan and Krista: Faith Through Tragedy

04:56 Story of Tevin: Redemption and Restoration

08:25 Personal Struggles and the Importance of Community

12:17 Q&A: Engaging Youth in Discipleship

Resources on Discipleship  

Reaching & Discipling Women: A Guide to Women’s Ministry in Your ChurchWhat Is Church? And How Important Is It?

Family Discipleship Blueprint: A Year-by-Year Guide to Family Discipleship

Becoming a Disciple Maker

In this session, the speaker addresses the challenges believers face and the importance of a supportive community to help them through tough times. The message begins with the concept of "deconstruction" in Christian faith, where individuals question and reshape their beliefs. The speaker stresses the need for an environment where faith can thrive despite adversity, referencing Jesus's teachings about inevitable trials and tribulations.

He shares his personal journey, starting with his time at First Baptist Church of Spartanburg, South Carolina. Despite managing significant responsibilities like budgeting and preaching to thousands, he admits he didn’t truly understand disciple-making. This realization struck when he left to plant a church in Charleston, South Carolina, and was tasked with genuinely making disciples and reaching lost people.

He then talks about discovering Real Life Ministries and Jim Putman, which transformed his understanding of relational discipleship. This approach became the foundation of his church community, creating a nurturing environment for believers to grow and bear fruit, even in adversity.

The speaker shares two poignant stories to illustrate this. The first is about Evan and Krista West, a couple in the church who faced a devastating trial when their daughter, born prematurely, passed away. The church community, especially their small group, supported them through this difficult time. Despite their grief and questions about God’s goodness, the relational discipleship structure helped them persevere. Their small group's support inspired them to start "Keep Hope Alive," a nonprofit providing encouragement to families who have lost a child, turning their tragedy into a ministry of hope.

The second story is about Tevin, a friend and former campus pastor, who confessed to an affair. This led to his resignation, but Tevin and his wife Shelby chose to stay in the church community, seeking counseling and support from their small group. Their group leaders and members responded with compassion, helping them restore their marriage and faith. This story highlights the role of relational discipleship in fostering accountability and spiritual growth.

The core message is that relational discipleship is a practical lifeline, not just a theoretical approach. Leaders, especially, should practice it actively, even in tough times. This method, emphasizing close relationships and accountability, reflects how Jesus taught his followers to disciple others.

The speaker broadens the application, emphasizing that parents are the primary disciple-makers for their children, not the church. He shares his personal journey of walking away and the importance of reclaiming this responsibility.

Follow us at Discipleship.org!

This episode is from Freedom in Christ Ministries, recorded at the National Disciple Making Forum. Download the recommended resource with this episode, “Untangling Addiction,” by going to discipleship.org/ebooks.

Daniel McCoy and Renee Sproles speak with Anessa Westbrook about...sin. This was a great conversation about ways that Satan lures us into sin and division. You can visit Anessa's website to find out more about her here.

“Culture Eats Strategy for Breakfast.” In this kick off episode Bobby Harrington with guests Renee Sproles and Bart Shaw delve deep into the topic on disciple making culture. They discuss the need to create a culture that values Bible reading, memorization, sharing of faith, and personalized interactions. They also emphasize the important role of beliefs, behaviors, and narrative in shaping this culture. Additionally, they highlight the challenges in shifting from a consumer to a producer mindset within religious communities.  

Watch the Video: 

Key Takeaways:

• 00:06 Introduction and Initial Conversation
• 00:07 Discussing Tech Issues and Meeting New Members
• 10:43 Understanding the Components of Culture
• 18:11 Analyzing the Dominant Culture of Church in North America
• 20:07 The Importance of Discipleship
• 20:34 The Challenge of Creating a Disciple Making Culture
• 21:06 The Role of Preaching, Praise and Worship, and Programs in Discipleship
• 21:46 The Impact of Culture on Discipleship

If you are interested in reading Discipleship.org’s blog post on Why Culture of a Disciple Making Church is so important click here: https://discipleship.org/bobbys-blog/why-is-the-culture-of-a-disciple-making-church-so-important/  

If you are interested in reading an article on disciple making in the Megachurch click here: https://renew.org/disciple-making-in-the-megachurch/  Finally for access to the National study on disciple making in the USA churches click this link: https://discipleship.org/shop/national-study-on-disciple-making-in-usa-churches/

Link to Disciple Making Culture Visual Guide: https://discipleship.org/shop/disciple-making-culture-visual-introduction/ 

Highlight – “Everything Jesus did was Discipleship.” 

In today’s episode, Jason Shepherd discusses his revolutionary approach to Church Projects, a movement that started in 2010. He emphasizes the importance of distributing pastoral leadership, decentralizing church gatherings, and fostering diverse discipleship communities grounded in shared scripture. He also discusses the function of house churches and how they enrich the church community. Furthermore, he provides practical tips for managing kids within a house church setting and fostering powerful church growth. The discussion is tied together with a focus on aligning all church activities with Biblical teachings, values, and examples.

Watch the Video 

Key Takeaways 

00:00 Introduction and Prayer

07:09 The Concept of Distributed Pastoral Leadership

11:28 The Importance of Diverse Discipleship Communities

14:30 The Balance Between Large Gatherings and House Churches

19:18 Protecting Sound Doctrine in House Churches

20:30 The Role of House Church Pastors

23:56 The Health of House Churches

27:19 The Structure of House Church Gatherings

29:17 The Role of Children in House Churches

33:18 The Benefits of a Separate Sunday Gathering

36:59 The Church Project Network

Check out our popular ebook on Becoming a Disciple Maker

Interested in taking an assessment on Disciple Making: Individual Disciple Maker Assessment

To learn more about church project visit: https://www.churchproject.org/ 

This episode features The Bonhoeffer Project. The executive director of TBP, Cindy Perkins, interviews Jim Thomas (senior pastor of First Baptist Church Fayetteville, GA) and Carmelita Boyce (Ladies Ministry Coordinator at Bay Life Church) about whether or not we'll ever get back to "normal". Jim and Carmelita talk through what things are looking at their churches now and cast a wonderful vision for how to move forward.

This episode is from Small Circle, recorded at the National Disciple Making Forum, and it features Steve McCoy, Gilbert Thurston. It's called "Getting beyond information transfer by using tools." Register for the next National Disciple Making Forum by going to Discipleship.org.

This audio was taken from a show that ran in the discipleship.org Collective and it features The Bonhoeffer Project team. Dan Leitz (President and COO of TBP) talked with us about some ways to produce fruitfulness in the ones you are discipling and also about the correct way to shift church cultures towards discipling making.

This episode features Matt Markins (president and CEO of Awana) having a conversation with Discipleship.org Collective Director Matt Dabbs about discipling our kids and the things we must do to cultivate long-lasting faith within our children.

This clip was taken from the Awana track session at the 2021 National Disciple Making Forum. Melanie Hester talked to us about the importance of handing down the faith and also revealed some ways where we think we're handing it down, but we're actually not.

I wanted to inform you of a couple d.org announcements: 1. The next National Disciple Making Forum is coming to Indiana April 26-27, 2023 at Traders Point Christian Church Indianapolis. Get the super early bird special on tickets by clicking here (sale ends soon). If you're interested in reading an article written by our point leader Bobby Harrington about the theme for the event, check it out here. 2. Help d.org out with a year end gift by purchasing the Digital Access Pass for the 2022 National Disciple Making Forum. Click here to purchase the DAP. Have a great Thanksgiving!

In this episode of the podcast Dave Buehring of Lionshare covers various topics including the decline in biblical knowledge among younger generations, the importance of discipleship, the challenges of spiritual warfare, and the importance of hearing the voice of God. He shares personal stories and experiences to help engage the audience. He also discusses the need to develop a hearing heart, which involves being open to God's voice, and provides ways to test and confirm God's instructions.

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You can now get access to all video content from the Discipleship.org city tour in Nashville, visit this link for more information

This episode is from the National Disciple Making Forum. Download the recommended resource with this episode, “Revival Starts Here Primer,” by going to discipleship.org/ebooks.

This episode is taken from one of Discipleship.org's Q&A Sessions which aired in the Discipleship.org Collective. Our point leader Bobby Harrington, along with Neil Anderson (Freedom In Christ Ministries) answer questions from a live online audience.

This episode was Exponential's first track session at the 2021 National Disciple Making Forum. Grant Skeldon (author of "The Passion Generation") spoke to us about reaching and discipling the next generation.

This is the fourth and final track session that Lionshare did at the National Disciple Making Forum 2022. Dave Buehring along with Darren Bearson, Laurie Frey, and George Kehoe, showed us what it looks like to begin making disciples where we work.

David Roadcup from TCM International talked with us about Discipling for Transformation and Reproduction. In this episode he dives into why and how to keep yourself spiritually full in order to disciple people well.

This final track session from SmallCircle focuses on utilizing the small circle mobile app for disciple making. This free app really helps with one-to-one engagement based on Jesus's methods. Highlighting the app's features, including customizable modules for spiritual growth, offline functionality for global accessibility, and a unique disciple tracking system, this episode aims to equip users for meaningful disciple making by leveraging technology. Additionally, Steve addresses the importance of personalization in spiritual guidance.

Visit our website discipleship.org for blogs, videos, and free resources to fuel disciple making. 

Click this link for the Digital Access Pass: https://discipleship.org/shop/2024-forum-digital-access-pass/?mc_cid=2b27e8013a&mc_eid=a00a4f11e7 

Key Takeaways 

00:00 Introduction to the Final Session of SmallCircle

00:18 Understanding SmallCircle's Approach to Discipleship

02:55 Exploring the Mobile App: A Comprehensive Guide

04:30 Navigating the SmallCircle Web App and Its Features

05:03 The Power of Personalized Discipleship Through the App

28:51 Exploring Mix: A Companion Tool for Discipleship

32:34 Closing Thoughts and Prayer

Check out these Free Ebooks: 

Disciple Making Culture 10 Minute E-Book 

Disciple Shift Ebook

Discipleship That Fits Ebook

Disciple Making Culture Visual Guide

Interested in Audio books? Here are a couple of great options:

Audio Book Becoming a Disciple Maker

Audio Book National Study on Disciple Making

This clip was taken from the 2nd track session by Lionshare at last year's Forum. President and founder, Dave Buehring, talked about helping the people we're discipling realize the greater reason for their vocation.

This episode was the first track session from Freedom In Christ Ministries at the 2021 National Disciple Making Forum. Dr. Neil Anderson talked to us about how everyone has a worldview whether they realize it or not and how it affects everything including discipleship.

________________________

The Bondage Breaker

Victory Over the Darkness

Freedom in Christ

Ken Shackelford talks with Roy Moran about Disciple Making Movements. Roy is the lead pastor at Shoal Creek Community Church in Pleasant Valley, MO.  Find out more about Roy at roymoran.com.

This episode features The Bonhoeffer Project team interviewing Stephen Kimbrell about what the gospel is versus what it isn't.

Discount promo code for the National Disciple Making Forum: podcast

This episode is a remastered version of our #1 most played episode featuring Glenn Underhill of First Colleyville and discipleFIRST and he talks about the strategy of a disciple making church.

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Seeds Family Worship wants to inspire all ministry leaders, that means you, in this next episode with a call to action to not “miss the moment” you’ve been given as a leader to powerfully impact the lives of the next generation. We all see the battle in culture over the hearts of the young, and the enemy is sowing seeds of confusion at every turn. This is your moment to speak truth and bring the light of the gospel into young hearts.

This episode is from Like Jesus Initiative, recorded at the National Disciple Making Forum. Download the recommended resource with this episode, “Disciple Making Metrics,” by going to discipleship.org/ebooks.

Shodankeh Johnson shares stories of learning the importance of prayer as it relates to making disciples who make disciples. Paul and Shodankeh share an open conversation about prayer, fasting, and breaking down the strongholds of the enemy. 

This episode is from The Bonhoeffer Project, recorded at the National Disciple Making Forum. Download the recommended resource with this episode, “The Discipleship Gospel Primer,” by going to discipleship.org/ebooks.

Dane Allphin hopped on the Collective and shared with us 4 key principles to creating a disciple making culture within your church. Check out Navigators Church Ministries by clicking here.

Episode 2 of our five-part mini series on disciple making culture. Senior pastor, Brandon Guindon, tells the story of how he started a new church with a disciple making culture. He shares two of his greatest challenges along the way, not to mention the stories of a few people in particular. Download the free visual introduction to his new book Disciple-Making Culture here at discipleship.org/ebooks.

Renee Sproles (renew.org) talks about what it means to be a man and what it means to be a woman according to principles we find in God’s word. This episode challenges the view that gender roles are secondary issues, arguing they have significant consequences. Through analogies of government, education, and church choice, Renee Sproles illustrates the impact of these roles on society. She  argues that gender roles are designed by God and have profound implications for individual behavior, family dynamics, and societal health. She advocates for a complementarian view, suggesting that men and women have distinct, complementary roles that contribute to marital happiness, effective parenting, and societal stability. It is a good thing to live in accordance with one's God-given gender identity.

Visit our website discipleship.org for blogs, videos, and free resources to fuel disciple making. 

Click this link for the Digital Access Pass: https://discipleship.org/shop/2024-forum-digital-access-pass/?mc_cid=2b27e8013a&mc_eid=a00a4f11e7 

Key Takeaways 

00:00 Exploring Gender Roles in Religious Contexts

01:19 The Importance of Understanding Gender

05:39 Applying Biblical Evidence to Gender Roles

27:02 Sociological Insights on Masculinity and Family Dynamics

34:25 Embracing True Masculinity and Femininity

Our point leader Bobby Harrington caught up with Curt Erskine and talked about his new book "Recreated to Be Like God" on our discipleship.org Collective. They chatted about the book and also about making sure we as well as our neighbors have counted the cost on what it means to really follow Jesus.

Get your free ebook version of "Recreated to Be Like God" here.

This episode is from Freedom in Christ Ministries, recorded at the National Disciple Making Forum. Download the recommended resource with this episode, “Untangling Addiction,” by going to discipleship.org/ebooks.

This episode is from the National Disciple Making Forum. Download the recommended resource with this episode, “Revival Starts Here Primer,” by going to discipleship.org/ebooks.

Exploring Discipleship.org: Free Resources, Podcasts, Events, and More

You may not be aware of this, but discipleship.org is a great resource for disciple-making tools. In this episode, Matt Dabbs and Bobby Harrington discuss those tools and they cover our free and premium resources, including blogs, ebooks, podcasts, books, assessments, videos, and specific toolkits, all designed to facilitate disciple-making. This conversation also highlights some key figures in disciple-making, their content, and their contributions to the Discipleship.org community. They also talk through upcoming events and more.

Join Discipleship.org this coming may for our national Forum on Disciple Making Culture: https://discipleship.org/national-disciple-making-forum/

Key Takeaways 

00:00 Introduction to Discipleship.org

01:41 Understanding the Mission of Discipleship.org

02:18 The Difference Between Being a Disciple and Making Disciples

02:58 Exploring the Resources Available on Discipleship.org

04:30 The Importance of eBooks in Discipleship

09:42 The Role of Podcasts in Discipleship

11:06 The Value of Books in Discipleship

14:07 The Power of Free Tools in Discipleship

16:50 The Impact of Premium Content in Discipleship

19:50 The Significance of Assessments in Discipleship

22:22 Exploring the YouTube Channel of Discipleship.org

34:43 Conclusion: The Vision of Discipleship.org

This episode is about Chad Harrington and Jim Putman's new book The Revolutionary Disciple. Both authors talk to us about what the book is all about and how to apply it in today's world.

Order The Revolutionary Disciple Book here: https://himpublications.com/product/the-revolutionary-disciple/

The Revolutionary Disciple Teaching Series Resources for Churches: https://himpublications.com/sermon-series/the-revolutionary-disciple/

Click here to view DeeperWalk: https://deeperwalk.com/ 

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Heart Focused Discipleship: Transforming Lives Through The Napkin Gospel

In today's session, Dr. Marcus Warner introduces a unique approach to discipleship dubbed 'Discipleship on the Back of a Napkin.' Drawing from personal experiences and traditional evangelistic tools, he outlines a model that incorporates freedom, identity, spirit, and heart-focused community. Through engaging examples and practical exercises, the session explores the flaws in conventional discipleship methods and provides solutions to creating mature, whole-brain disciples. Learn how to effectively explain the gospel, build on new foundations, and foster deeper spiritual connections through this transformative approach.

Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/ 

Check out Discipleship.org Audio Books: https://discipleship.org/resources/ebooks/ 

Key Takeaways

00:00 Introduction and Opening Remarks

01:44 The Power of the Napkin in Evangelism

05:51 Critique of Traditional Discipleship

14:44 A New Model for Discipleship

18:40 Understanding Freedom in Christ

20:41 Tools for Greater Freedom

25:15 The REAL Prayer Method: R.E.A.L.

26:00 Healing Through Prayer: A Real-Life Example

27:19 The Importance of Freedom in Discipleship

28:00 Rising with Christ: Understanding Our New Identity

28:40 The Foundation of Identity in Christ

34:36 Walking in the Spirit: Balancing Scripture and Connection

41:38 Heart-Focused Community: Beyond Social Clubs

43:17 Mission and Discipleship: The FISH Model

Resources on Disciple Making Culture 

Disciple Making Culture Visual Introduction

Cultivating a Disciple-Making Culture at Your Church

Disciple-Making Culture

This episode of Deeper Walk 2 dives into effective discipleship. Dr. Marcus Warner starts by thanking everyone for joining early. He shares a bit about his work with family—his son handles marketing, and his daughter manages the podcast—along with support from volunteers like Dawn Whitestone, the school of ministry director. With a lighthearted story about a print shop mix-up, he confirms everyone has a handout and opens with a prayer, expressing gratitude for the day and the fellowship of like-minded people.

The heart of his talk is “discipleship on the back of a napkin.” He recalls a teaching tool from his youth that illustrated the gap between man and God due to sin, comparing it to trying to swim from California to Hawaii—showing that we can’t reach God on our own, but He provides a bridge. He suggests enhancing this napkin metaphor with vivid images, like having an angelic lawyer, to illustrate the transformations that come with accepting the gospel—such as forgiveness, a new identity, and citizenship in God's kingdom.

He critiques traditional discipleship models focused on the ABCs: Academics, Behavior, and Church Activity. While valuable, he argues they often miss deeper personal transformation, leading to issues like spiritual pride and superficial maturity. He points out that traditional approaches might prioritize church benefits over individual growth, noting that knowledge can lead to arrogance without true change.

Instead, he proposes a heart-focused model that integrates gospel-based theology with practical tools. Discipleship, he suggests, should start with understanding freedom in Christ—highlighting that believers need to die with Christ to be freed from sin. He emphasizes the importance of addressing repentance, forgiveness, and truth to help break free from harmful lies and wounds.

Next, he stresses the significance of identity, urging listeners to recognize their new identity in Christ. He likens discipleship to cleaning out a well, removing both trash and blockages that prevent a clear flow of life. Maturity in the Christian life means handling stress while staying true to one’s identity, rather than reverting to self-centered patterns.

A key part of this model is walking in the Spirit. He introduces a two-winged airplane metaphor, with Scripture as one wing and the Holy Spirit as the other. Effective discipleship balances these, allowing the Spirit to guide our understanding and application of Scripture in daily life, avoiding legalism and unchecked spiritual experiences.

He also highlights the importance of a supportive, heart-focused community that fosters individual freedom and spiritual growth, distinguishing it from mere social clubs. This community helps individuals remember their identity in Christ and supports their spiritual journeys.

Finally, he ties everything together, showing how freedom, identity, Spirit, and community empower effective mission work. He warns that pursuing mission without these foundations can be risky, while true discipleship naturally leads to mission, as spiritually connected individuals with strong identities are equipped to make a difference.

Throughout the session, he uses practical exercises and metaphors, including a simple hand mnemonic for Biblical covenants, to reinforce the gospel's cohesive narrative and present a holistic, gospel-centered approach to discipleship.

Follow us at Discipleship.org!

This episode is taken from one of Discipleship.org's Q&A Sessions which aired in the Discipleship.org Collective. Our point leader Bobby Harrington, along with Dandelion Resourcing's Alex Absalom, takes questions from live audience members at the time of the recording about discipleship in a simplistic yet supernatural way. You can download the book Bobby and Alex wrote together, "Discipleship That Fits," by going to https://discipleship.org/ebooks/discipleship-that-fits/

This episode is from Leadership Network, recorded at the National Disciple Making Forum, and it features Grant Skeldon and Monica Zuniga. Download the recommended resource with this episode, “Leaving a Legacy,” by going to discipleship.org/ebooks.

This is the first episode of a special five-part series on disciple making culture, featuring Brandon Guindon. In this episode, Brandon defines disciple-making culture, why it’s so important, and what it takes to get there as a church. He's written a book on this topic, download the overview of this book for free here: Disciple Making Culture Visual Introduction at discipleship.org/ebooks.

Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/ 

“Today’s episode will help us understand why disciple-making movements thrive in places like South Asia but struggle in North America, and how we can spark spiritual renewal through prayer, and fasting.”

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Why Disciple Making Movements Struggle in North America - Part 1 | Disciple Makers Podcast

In this episode of the Disciple Makers podcast, Jason Ishmael and his co-host dive into why disciple-making movements haven't thrived in North America as expected. They explore four key reasons, split into two parts for detailed discussion. Emphasis is placed on the power of prayer, fasting, and the need for personal responsibility in spreading the gospel. Real-life examples and tips are shared, encouraging listeners to think strategically about their faith practices. Join us for an inspiring conversation on how to ignite spiritual awakening and revival in your community.

Get Discipleship.org's premium Podcast Feed: https://disciplemakerspodcast.supercast.com/ 

WATCH THE VIDEO

Key Takeaways 

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

02:52 Heart Issues in Disciple Making

05:15 Radical Prayer and Fasting

07:11 The Power of Desperation and Prayer

10:12 The Role of Prayer in Revival

16:55 Crazy Farmers: The Parable of the Sower

18:28 The Parable of the Sower

18:52 Boldness in Sharing the Gospel

19:03 The Farming Analogy: Sowing and Reaping

20:31 Challenges in American Seed Sowing

22:05 The Importance of Personal Responsibility

23:07 The Domino Effect of Faith

26:34 The Power of Speaking Up

29:00 Living and Preaching the Gospel

34:25 Practical Steps for Prayer and Fasting

37:18 Conclusion and Next Steps

Check out our Blogs: https://discipleship.org/blog/ 

See Below for a longer description:

In episode 3 of the Disciple Makers Podcast, hosts Josh Howard and Jason Ishmael dive into an engaging and heartfelt discussion about the challenges and opportunities for disciple-making movements, particularly in North America. They explore why these movements have thrived in regions like South Asia but remain slower to gain traction in North America.

Josh shares how movements in South Asia have seen remarkable success, citing examples like 75,000 conversions in nine months. He contrasts this with the slower growth in North America, attributing it less to cultural factors and more to deeper spiritual and heart-level issues.

Two Key Success Factors The hosts identify two game-changing practices driving movements overseas:

• Radical Prayer and Fasting: South Asian leaders dedicate hours daily to prayer and frequently fast, practices less common in North American churches. Josh emphasizes that these spiritual disciplines create the foundation for breakthroughs.
• Personal Evangelism: Leaders overseas are bold and persistent in sharing the gospel, sowing “seeds” widely. The hosts argue that more sharing leads to a greater harvest, encouraging listeners to adopt this “crazy farmer” mindset.

North American Barriers The conversation shifts to the unique obstacles in North America, including:

• Busyness and Self-Sufficiency: The fast-paced, self-reliant culture leaves little space for spiritual disciplines like prayer and fasting.
• Comfort Zones: A lack of desperation for spiritual renewal often hinders a deeper dependence on Jesus.

Practical Steps for Listeners Josh and Jason offer actionable advice:

• Start small with prayer and fasting, even just with a friend or small group for accountability.
• Pray intentionally for revival and specific individuals by name.
• Focus on strategic, mission-oriented prayers rather than only personal needs.

Stories and Encouragement Josh shares powerful examples from South Asia, illustrating how focused prayer and fasting have sparked spiritual awakenings. He encourages listeners to expect God to move when they step out in faith.

Reframing Evangelism The hosts address common misconceptions about evangelism:

• Words Matter: They debunk the idea of “preach the gospel, use words if necessary,” stressing the need for both proclamation and a gospel-aligned lifestyle.
• Positive Message: Sharing the beauty and grace of Jesus is more effective than relying on fear or condemnation.

A Vision for Revival Josh and Jason end on a hopeful note, envisioning a future where North American Christians embrace prayer, fasting, and bold evangelism to spark widespread spiritual renewal.

Call to Action Listeners are encouraged to reflect on the episode's themes and take small, actionable steps toward deeper spiritual practices. Josh hints at more in-depth discussions in upcoming episodes and directs listeners to resources on discipleship.org for support.

This episode is packed with practical insights and inspiring stories, urging believers to lean into prayer, fasting, and evangelism to reignite disciple-making movements.

What are some of your strategies to make Disciples? Or perhaps you are looking for ways to do so? 

Either way, this episode will be for you! 

Click here to view Discipleing Another: https://disciplinganother.com/

Check out the book Discipleship that works: https://disciplinganother.com/pages/discipleship-that-works#:~:text=Discipleship%20That%20Works%20provides%20practical,their%20faith%20within%2090%20days. 

In this episode, Grant and Dr. Ron introduce the 'LampPost Strategy' for making disciples, meaning one-on-one mentorship over group discipleship to build a sustainable disciple-making culture within our churches. The episode explains the Lamppost Strategy for disciple making, emphasizing one-to-one disciple making based on 2 Timothy 2:2. It critiques how traditional disciple-making methods are often ineffective in American church culture, which can be antagonistic towards the concept. The strategy focuses on developing third-generation disciple makers to shift from 80% walking away to 80% staying in faith. This process involves creating a robust culture of discipleship through 90-day cycles, emphasizing foundational content, developing the right culture, and ensuring effective organizational connections. The strategy also uses Benjamin Franklin’s invention of the lamppost as a metaphor for creating an attractive and sustainable disciple-making model within the church.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction and Overview

03:30 Implementing Third Generation Disciple Makers

09:35 The Importance of Foundational Discipleship

14:00 Content, Culture, and Connection

29:09 Balancing Discipleship Needs

32:50 90-Day Discipleship Cycles

36:32 Pre-Decision and Post-Decision Efforts

47:46 Third Generation Disciples: A Deeper Look

54:30 Q&A and Final Thoughts

Resources on Discipleship

The Definition of a Disciple

Becoming a Disciple Maker

https://church-multiplication.com/disciplemaker/

Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/ 

"Today’s episode will help us understand the key barriers to disciple-making movements in North America and explore practical ways to equip, empower, and release believers for Gospel multiplication."

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Why Disciple-Making Movements Aren't Flourishing in North America (Part 2): Equipping and Releasing

In this continuation of our series, we delve deeper into the reasons behind the absence of widespread disciple-making movements in North America. Join us as we explore the importance of equipping and releasing the priesthood of all believers, the pitfalls of a consumeristic mindset in churches, and the danger of outsourcing spiritual responsibilities to professional ministers. Through vivid analogies and real-life examples, we discuss the significance of shifting from control to empowerment and the need to foster a culture of intentional disciple-making. Learn how to turn up the dial on radical prayer and fasting, sow abundant seeds of the gospel, and embrace Jesus' model of multiplying disciples. Don't miss this invigorating conversation aimed at awakening the sleeping giant of the church in North America.

Get Discipleship.org's premium Podcast Feed: https://disciplemakerspodcast.supercast.com/ 

WATCH THE VIDEO

Key Takeaways 

00:00 Introduction to Part Two: Disciple Making Movements

01:43 Equipping and Releasing the Priesthood

02:12 Challenges in Traditional Church Settings

04:43 Empowering the Congregation

06:53 Jesus' Model of Discipleship

07:48 Sports Analogies and Ministry

10:45 The Problem with Professional Ministry

15:55 The Need for a Disciple Making Culture

17:57 The Potential of the Church

19:47 Leaning on Family and Faith

20:57 Surrendering Control for God's Movement

22:56 Confidence in the Gospel and Integrity

24:01 The Role of Leaders and Discipleship

27:33 Releasing Control and Empowering Others

33:58 The Importance of Influence Over Authority

39:10 Recap and Final Thoughts

Check out our Blogs: https://discipleship.org/blog/ 

See Below for a longer description:

Episode 4: Josh and Jason – Tackling Disciple-Making Challenges in North America

Josh Howard and Jason Ishmael unpack why disciple-making movements struggle in North America and explore actionable solutions. They break down four key barriers to these movements while offering encouragement and insights for church leaders and members.

Introduction: Picking Up Where We Left Off

Josh and Jason revisit the topic of disciple-making, comparing its limited growth in North America to thriving movements worldwide. They recap the previous episode, where they covered the importance of radical prayer, fasting, and sowing the Gospel abundantly, setting the stage for the next two barriers.

The Priesthood of All Believers

The third barrier? A reluctance to empower everyday Christians. Josh critiques the consumer mindset in many churches, where believers show up to “be fed” instead of stepping into their roles as ministers of reconciliation. Jason drives this home with a practical analogy: Christians often outsource discipleship like hiring a plumber—leaving the work to pastors. Josh underscores that every believer is called to be an ambassador for Christ, not a bystander.

Bridging the Church-Layperson Divide

Jason shares a story about a staff member who downplays his title to connect better with non-believers—highlighting the disconnect between church leaders and their congregations. Josh emphasizes that globally, disciple-making movements prioritize equipping and releasing believers, a strategy underutilized in North America.

Leadership as Coaches, Not Stars

Josh shifts focus to church leadership, pointing to Ephesians 4:11-12. Leaders aren’t meant to be the “star players” but coaches training others to spread the Gospel. This redefines success for leaders, putting the spotlight on equipping the congregation.

Breaking Structural and Cultural Barriers

Josh and Jason critique how many American churches resemble assembly lines, churning out attendees rather than true disciples. Professionalized ministry often burns out leaders and sidelines congregants. Less than 5% of American churches have a functional disciple-making culture, they note, calling for structural change.

Surrendering Control

The fourth barrier is leadership's unwillingness to relinquish control. Josh recounts a pastor's fear of losing members if they empowered congregants to plant churches. Jason and Josh advocate for leaders to celebrate when members are sent out, even if it means letting go.

Practical Steps for Change

Jason emphasizes that growth in faith requires significant responsibility. Josh adds that disciple-making can’t be an efficiency-driven process—it demands intentional equipping of every believer.

Vision for Multiplication

The episode closes with a hopeful vision: churches as launch pads sending believers into their communities. This multiplication model has the power to transform neighborhoods and cities, making a lasting impact.

A Mindset Shift

Josh and Jason challenge leaders to move from focusing on retention to releasing. True success, they argue, is celebrating when members flourish in disciple-making—even if it means they move on to other ministries.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

Josh wraps up with a recap of the four barriers to disciple-making: lack of prayer and fasting, insufficient Gospel sharing, failure to equip believers, and resistance to relinquishing control. They encourage listeners to subscribe, share feedback, and connect with Discipleship.org for support in building disciple-making churches.

This episode is both a reality check and a rallying cry for church leaders and members to embrace a transformative, outward-focused approach to discipleship.

This is a remastering of our #3 most played podcast featuring D.A. Horton and Robby Gallaty speaking at one of our National Disciple Making Forums.

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Digital Access Pass for the 2021 National Disciple Making Forum: https://discipleship.org/shop/2021-forum-livestream-digital-access-pass/

This episode features author Will Mancini about his new book Future Church: Seven Laws of Real Church Growth which can be purchased here.

This episode features the forum response to Shodankeh's teaching in episode 8 of season 8. After Shodankeh's session Jim Putman, Bill Hull, and Bobby Harrington joined him on stage to respond and discuss further his teaching on prayer and fasting.

Christian parents know they need to disciple their children, but they are often distracted, passive, and swept into the culture rather than being “transformed by the renewing of their minds” (Romans 12:2). Seeds Family Worship wants to equip ministry leaders with a call to action for parents to not “miss this critical moment” in their children’s lives, but to set the spiritual foundation for them to create a God-centered culture in their homes. If parents will step into their role as defined by Deuteronomy 6, they can significantly impact their child’s teen years, young adulthood, and ultimately their eternity. The greatest voice in the life of any child is their parents — and the greatest opportunity for discipleship is in the context of their family and home. Let’s listen to Jason Houser encourage us today to impact the discipleship of the next generation.

This episode is from Lionshare, recorded at the National Disciple Making Forum. Checkout the Discipleship.org Collective a discipleship.org/collective.

This was the second track session given by The Great Commandment Network at last year's National Disciple Making Forum. David Ferguson and Lewis Alexander talked more about whole-life discipleship looks like in the church at (sometimes more importantly) at home.

This episode features Curtis Sergeant (obeygc2.com) being interviewed by Discipleship.org Bobby Harrington about disciple making movements happening around the world.

Doug Burrier of Sustainable Discipleship teaches us about the different “hats” we wear when we’re making disciples. Jesus had the advantage of knowing the hearts of his disciples, and you can too. You can learn how to motivate them, how to guide them, and how to lead them. This practical episode will empower you to personalize your approach to each disciple whether one at a time or in groups of twelve. Guaranteed!

Most parents just don't know where to start when it comes to discipling their kids. Sometimes they just need a few good ideas to get going. Shawna from Awana shares proven ideas you can pass on to your families to help them get real traction with at-home discipleship. We know that biblically, parents are responsible for training up their children in the way of the Lord, but most don't do it on a regular basis. That's where ministry leaders need to fill in the gaps, but they don't always know how. Shawna gives us practical ideas that can be shared with parents to help them form consistent, doable discipleship habits in the home

In this episode, Bobby Harrington talks to Sean McDowell about the importance of defining and understanding core beliefs and values in the practice of discipleship. They highlight the importance of modeling these beliefs, building intimate relationships, and having meaningful spiritual conversations. They also discuss the impact of social media and culture on the faith and beliefs of today's generation and how the church can counteract this.

If you are interested in taking an assessment on your church click HERE

Interested in an Ebook on Disciple Making click HERE

Watch the Video 

Key Takeaways

00:00 Discussing the Importance of Beliefs in Culture

06:08 Understanding the Role of Beliefs in the Church

11:41 The Role of Truth in Spiritual Warfare

13:05 The Importance of Relationships in Discipleship

14:18 The Power of Beliefs and Their Influence

16:26 The Importance of Core Values in Organizations

27:03 The Impact of Social Media on Discipleship

31:33 The Importance of Modeling Faith

34:07 Closing Remarks

The Ts of Kingdom Stewardship

Click here to view E3 Partners: https://e3partners.org/ 

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In this episode, speakers from E3 Partners introduce the Five Ts of Stewardship—a framework for effective kingdom work. The Five Ts are Targets, Tools, Teaming, Training, and Tracking. They emphasize the importance of setting clear and measurable targets, like the 'five by five' approach, which focuses on five people groups and five geographic locations for evangelism.

The session highlights the need for strategic tools and continuous training to foster discipleship and organizational growth. They give practical advice on building and maintaining effective ministry teams, stressing the importance of regular rhythms and structures for sustainable success. Tracking and accountability are underscored as essential for ensuring productive and mission-aligned initiatives. Various tracking methods, such as church health tracking and generational mapping, are detailed to emphasize accurate stewardship and accountability.

The speakers also cover the significance of ongoing coaching and training to maintain momentum and adjust strategies. This session is a valuable guide for anyone looking to contribute meaningfully to kingdom stewardship, whether locally or globally.

Check out Discipleship.org for disciple-making resources: Discipleship.org Resources Check out Discipleship.org Audio Books: Discipleship.org Audio Books

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction to Stewardship and the Five Ts

00:40 Defining Targets: The Five by Five Strategy

03:08 Tools for Success: Circles of Accountability

06:37 Building Effective Teams

08:47 The Importance of Rhythms in Teaming

11:03 Prioritizing Time for Kingdom Work

13:15 The Power of Modeling and Prayer Walking

15:10 Training for Multiplication

17:14 Building Rhythms in the Calendar

18:02 Encouragement for Shifting to Disciple-Making

18:38 The Importance of Training and Coaching

21:35 Tracking Progress and Stewardship

29:41 Generational Mapping and Church Health

31:32 Seven Phases of Movement

33:42 Strategic Focus for Global Gospel Saturation

Resources on Discipleship

• Becoming a Disciple Maker
• Disciple Making Culture: 10 Minute eBook
• National Study on Disciple Making in USA Churches
• DiscipleShift: 5 Minute eBook

See below for a more comprehensive summary of this episode:

In this episode, Josh Howard and David Kaufmann discuss effective stewardship and outreach through the "Five Ts": Targets, Teaming, Training, Tracking, and Tools.

Targets: They highlight the importance of clear targets, using the "five by five" strategy to identify five specific population segments and geographic locations for evangelism. This helps allocate resources effectively and focus on high-need areas. Methods like the "circle of accountability" ensure everyone hears the gospel.

Teaming: They stress the value of strong, collaborative teams with consistent schedules and practices. Team formation around specific targets improves organization and mutual encouragement.

Training: Various programs equip individuals with practical skills for their mission. Continuous training and coaching ensure ongoing development and problem resolution.

Tracking: Measuring progress and ensuring accountability through metrics like gospel shares, new believers, and group establishment is vital. Tools like generational maps help track church network development.

Tools: Providing tangible resources for evangelism, discipleship, and gathering is essential. Effective tools ensure everyone knows how to contribute efficiently.

Throughout the episode, the interconnectedness of the Five Ts is emphasized. Setting targets informs tracking, guiding training needs, supported by effective teaming and tools. This structured approach ensures a strategic mission and comprehensive outreach.

This episode dives into the organizational strategy behind successful ministry, highlighting the synergy between clear targets, effective teaming, comprehensive training, diligent tracking, and practical tools.

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