Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast The Disciple Maker‘s Podcast
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Disciple-Making as the Core Mission of the Church | 10 mars 2025 | 00:33:42 | |
Come to the 2025 National Disciple Making Forum: https://discipleship.org/
Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/ Today’s episode will help us understand why disciple-making should be the church’s core mission and how we can integrate it into our daily lives through prayer, intentional relationships, and simple, faithful steps. Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr Disciple Making: Making It the Core Mission Welcome back to the Disciple Maker's Podcast! In this episode, hosts Josh Howard and Jason Ishmael embark on a new series focusing on the '10 Core Principles of Disciple Making.' This episode dives into making disciple making the core mission of the church. Jason and Josh discuss why it's important to remind the church and individuals that disciple making should be the core mission. They share personal stories, confront the common disconnect between knowledge and action, and provide practical steps on how to make disciple making integral in our personal lives and within the church. Join us as we explore the significance of intentionality, prayer, and the importance of hands-on disciple making. Stay tuned for more insights and real-life stories aimed at equipping you to fulfill the Great Commission. Don't miss out on the details of upcoming events, including the Discipleship.org National Disciple Making Forum in Houston, Texas.
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Key Takeaways
00:00 Introduction and Banter 01:04 Introducing the 10 Core Principles of Disciple Making 01:41 Principle 1: Making Disciple Making the Core Mission 03:24 Challenges in Prioritizing Disciple Making 04:42 Personal Stories and Practical Applications 05:56 The Importance of Personal Commitment 10:29 Evangelism and Disciple Making: A Unified Mission 11:49 Practical Steps for Effective Disciple Making 17:05 Conviction and Commitment to Prayer 17:49 Praying for a Doctor Friend 19:25 Overcoming Fear to Pray 20:33 A Miraculous Healing 22:26 The Power of Intentional Prayer 24:20 Facing Rejection in Evangelism 27:38 Encouragement to Make Disciples 29:48 Final Thoughts and Call to Action
Check out our Blogs: https://discipleship.org/blog/ See Below for a longer description: In the first episode of the Disciple Maker’s Podcast, hosts Josh Howard and Jason Ishmael dive into the heart of disciple-making, breaking it down in a way that’s both practical and relatable. They kick things off with some lighthearted banter before getting serious about their core message: making disciple-making the central mission of both the church and individual believers. Josh introduces the podcast’s framework—10 Core Principles of Disciple-Making—developed by him and Bobby Harrington. Each episode will unpack one principle, starting with the foundational idea: disciple-making must be the church’s primary focus. While this seems obvious, they acknowledge that many churches still struggle to put it into practice. Jason challenges the audience by pointing out the gap between knowing disciple-making is essential and actually doing it. He shares his own struggles in aligning his life with Jesus’ teachings—like when his wife’s blunt question about tithing revealed an area he hadn’t fully surrendered. Moments like these highlight how disciple-making isn’t just for pastors—it’s a calling for every believer. The conversation turns to practical steps. Josh and Jason emphasize that disciple-making isn’t a lofty goal but something woven into everyday life. Josh shares a personal story about being convicted for not praying for non-believers, leading him and his wife to start praying daily. This simple act opened doors, including a surprising ministry opportunity with a previously resistant doctor. They stress that disciple-making happens in small, intentional relationships—"ones, twos, and threes," not massive crowds. It’s about praying for people by name, being available, and stepping out in faith. They also tackle the misconception that evangelism and discipleship are separate tasks, reinforcing that Jesus saw them as one mission: leading people to faith and maturity. Before wrapping up, they preview a major study on thriving disciple-making churches, which will be shared at an event in Houston, Texas. Their final challenge? Don’t overcomplicate it. Trust God, take small faithful steps, and make disciple-making a natural part of life. This episode is both inspiring and practical—packed with real stories, honest struggles, and clear next steps for anyone looking to live out the Great Commission. In the first episode of the Disciple Maker’s Podcast, hosts Josh Howard and Jason Ishmael dive into the heart of disciple-making, breaking it down in a way that’s both practical and relatable. They kick things off with some lighthearted banter before getting serious about their core message: making disciple-making the central mission of both the church and individual believers. Josh introduces the podcast’s framework—10 Core Principles of Disciple-Making—developed by him and Bobby Harrington. Each episode will unpack one principle, starting with the foundational idea: disciple-making must be the church’s primary focus. While this seems obvious, they acknowledge that many churches still struggle to put it into practice. Jason challenges the audience by pointing out the gap between knowing disciple-making is essential and actually doing it. He shares his own struggles in aligning his life with Jesus’ teachings—like when his wife’s blunt question about tithing revealed an area he hadn’t fully surrendered. Moments like these highlight how disciple-making isn’t just for pastors—it’s a calling for every believer. The conversation turns to practical steps. Josh and Jason emphasize that disciple-making isn’t a lofty goal but something woven into everyday life. Josh shares a personal story about being convicted for not praying for non-believers, leading him and his wife to start praying daily. This simple act opened doors, including a surprising ministry opportunity with a previously resistant doctor. They stress that disciple-making happens in small, intentional relationships—"ones, twos, and threes," not massive crowds. It’s about praying for people by name, being available, and stepping out in faith. They also tackle the misconception that evangelism and discipleship are separate tasks, reinforcing that Jesus saw them as one mission: leading people to faith and maturity. Before wrapping up, they preview a major study on thriving disciple-making churches, which will be shared at an event in Houston, Texas. Their final challenge? Don’t overcomplicate it. Trust God, take small faithful steps, and make disciple-making a natural part of life. This episode is both inspiring and practical—packed with real stories, honest struggles, and clear next steps for anyone looking to live out the Great Commission. | |||
| Shifting Church Culture Towards Disciple-Making | 03 mars 2025 | 00:39:16 | |
Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/ Today’s episode will help us understand why most churches struggle with disciple-making, how culture—not just strategy—is the key to change, and what practical steps leaders can take to spark a movement. Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr Creating a Disciple-Making Culture: Insights and Strategies from Experts Join hosts Josh Howard and Jason Ishmael in this exciting episode of the Disciple Makers Podcast as they discuss a recent study revealing that less than 5% of churches in America have a functional disciple-making culture. The hosts dive into their mission to elevate this percentage to 16%, as inspired by Malcolm Gladwell's 'Tipping Point.' Learn about the importance of shifting church culture toward disciple-making, practical tips for leaders, and the significance of leading by example. This episode is packed with insights, personal anecdotes, and practical strategies to inspire and equip churches and individuals to become effective disciple-makers. Don't miss this engaging and informative discussion! Get Discipleship.org's premium Podcast Feed: https://disciplemakerspodcast.supercast.com/ Key Takeaways 00:00 Introduction and Hosts Banter 01:23 The Disciple Making Study 02:15 The 16 Percent Goal 03:31 Challenges in Shifting Church Culture 05:17 Personal Experiences and Sarcasm 08:28 The Reality of Church Culture 13:47 Practical Steps for Culture Shift 19:52 Consumerism in Church Culture 21:11 Leadership Starts with Us 22:00 The Power of Discipleship 23:51 Catalysts and Early Adopters 26:49 Failing Forward in Ministry 28:36 Celebrating Small Wins 30:51 Real Ministry and Making Disciples 37:08 Encouragement and Resources Check out our Blogs: https://discipleship.org/blog/ See Below for a longer description: Disciple Makers Podcast: Shifting Church Culture Towards Disciple-Making In this episode, hosts Josh Howard and Jason Ishmael tackle the challenge of building a true disciple-making culture in churches. With years of ministry experience, they have an honest, practical conversation about why so many churches struggle—and what it takes to turn things around. Josh shares a startling stat from Discipleship.org—less than 5% of American churches have a functioning disciple-making culture. The problem isn’t a lack of knowledge but a lack of implementation. They explore how church culture, more than strategy or programs, is the key factor holding disciple-making back. Josh and Jason unpack Discipleship.org’s vision: increasing that 5% to 16%. Drawing from Malcolm Gladwell’s “tipping point” concept, they explain that once 16% of churches embrace disciple-making, it can trigger a larger movement across the country. The issue isn’t that people don’t know how to make disciples—it’s that they don’t want to. Josh and Jason stress that real change happens when disciple-making becomes embedded in a church’s DNA, not just another ministry program. Jason shares how his Iowa church is reshaping its culture—turning every ministry into a disciple-making opportunity. Whether serving coffee or leading worship, everything is intentionally tied to discipleship. Josh reminds leaders that culture starts at the top. Leaders must model disciple-making, celebrate progress (not just success), and reinforce the mission constantly. The hosts emphasize the importance of celebrating even small disciple-making efforts. They introduce the idea of “sucking forward”—embracing failures as part of the journey and encouraging leaders to keep pushing forward. Josh and Jason challenge leaders to be among the first to embrace disciple-making, even before it’s mainstream. These pioneers will be key to hitting the 16% tipping point and sparking a larger movement. Josh closes with a powerful analogy: Leaders shouldn’t just measure church culture; they should set it. Shaping a disciple-making culture requires intentional action, not passive observation. The episode wraps up with an invitation to engage with Discipleship.org for resources and support. Josh and Jason also invite listeners to their upcoming forum in Houston, where they’ll continue the conversation and equip leaders for disciple-making. | |||
| Why Disciple Making Needs Both Extroverts AND Introverts | 24 févr. 2025 | 00:34:21 | |
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. Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr 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.
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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. Breaking StereotypesExtroverts 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. Strengths of Both Personality TypesJosh, 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. Biblical & Real-Life ExamplesLooking 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. The Power of PartnershipInstead 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. Final EncouragementTheir 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. | |||
| Where Jesus Feet Regularly Went | 17 févr. 2025 | 00:33:13 | |
Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/ Today’s episode will help us understand what true discipleship looks like by embracing solitude with God, investing deeply in a few, and being ready to make significant sacrifices, just as Jesus did. Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr Following Jesus' Footsteps: Intentional Discipleship and Deep Sacrifice | Disciple Makers Podcast Part 2 In this episode of the Disciple Makers Podcast, we dive deeper into understanding where Jesus' feet went, and what it means to truly follow Him. Building on the previous discussion, this part focuses on Jesus' practice of investing deeply into a few, the high cost of discipleship, and the ultimate sacrifice of the cross. Join us as we explore intentional relationships, the significance of proximity, and the profound accountability that comes with being a disciple-maker. Tune in to be challenged and inspired to follow Jesus with your whole heart, mind, and soul.
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Key Takeaways
00:00 Welcome Back to Disciple Makers Podcast! 00:32 Recap of Part One: Following Jesus' Footsteps 01:32 The Importance of Pouring into a Few 05:00 Practical Steps for Intentional Discipleship 05:58 The Value of Proximity in Discipleship 19:47 The Ultimate Sacrifice: Following Jesus to the Cross 21:37 The Cost of Discipleship 29:29 Conclusion: Are You Ready to Follow Jesus? 31:38 Final Thoughts and Call to Action
Check out our Blogs: https://discipleship.org/blog/ See Below for a longer description: In this episode of the Disciple Makers Podcast, Josh Howard and Jason Ishmael dive into what it really means to follow Jesus and make disciples. Their conversation is energetic, deeply rooted in scripture, and sprinkled with personal stories to bring their points to life. They kick things off with some lighthearted banter before diving into a deeper discussion about Jesus' pattern for disciple-making. Reflecting on a previous episode, Josh and Jason talk about how Jesus balanced solitude with the Father, reached out to the lost, and deeply invested in a few key followers. Josh emphasizes how Jesus often stepped away from the crowds to focus on His disciples, illustrating the power of investing deeply in a few rather than spreading oneself too thin. Jason highlights how meaningful impact comes from this relational approach to disciple-making, which Jesus demonstrated by pouring into a select few instead of trying to reach everyone. The conversation then turns to the practical side of disciple-making. Josh shares how everyday activities, like driving alone, could be opportunities to invest in others. He challenges listeners to live a lifestyle where discipleship happens naturally, just as Jesus made time for His disciples wherever He went. Next, they discuss the cross—where Jesus' footsteps ultimately lead. Josh talks about the deep sacrifice and surrender discipleship requires, including being willing to give everything, even one's life, for the mission. Jason brings in Dietrich Bonhoeffer's concept of "costly grace," critiquing the watered-down gospel often preached today that skips over the true cost of following Jesus. Josh and Jason stress that real discipleship involves surrendering to Jesus as Lord and not just seeking forgiveness. Josh shares a powerful illustration from Francis Chan, explaining that true discipleship means giving Jesus full control of your life, not just being along for the ride. They wrap up by encouraging listeners to reflect on their own lives and whether their actions align with Jesus' example. They challenge their audience to make intentional, meaningful discipleship a priority and to be ready for the sacrifices it requires. This episode is a powerful reminder that true discipleship means solitude with God, reaching out to the broken, investing in a few key relationships, and being willing to make big sacrifices. Josh and Jason urge listeners to commit to authentic discipleship, following Jesus’ footsteps and reaching out to Discipleship.org for support and resources along the way. | |||
| Are We Following in Jesus's Footsteps? | 10 févr. 2025 | 00:42:19 | |
Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/ Today’s episode will help us deepen our connection with God through intentional quiet time and embrace everyday opportunities to live out discipleship among the lost and broken. Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr Following the Footsteps of Jesus: Part 1 - Quiet Places & The Lost Join Jason Ishmael and Josh Howard in this thought-provoking episode as they explore what it truly means to follow Jesus by examining where His footsteps regularly lead. They discuss the importance of spending quiet time alone with the Father, and how this time overflows into being intentionally present among lost, hurting, and broken people. Learn about the significance of living life as a mission trip and how to make disciples in your everyday walk. Don't miss this engaging conversation packed with personal insights, practical advice, and profound reflections on discipleship.
Get Discipleship.org's premium Podcast Feed: https://disciplemakerspodcast.supercast.com/ Key Takeaways 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:41 Setting the Stage: Following Jesus 03:46 The First Footstep: Quiet Time with the Father 07:49 The Importance of Consistent Time with God 14:26 Guarding Time with God 22:01 A Friend's Discipleship Class 23:08 The Power of Quiet Time 26:02 Struggles of an Extrovert 26:50 Introverts and Discipleship 28:14 Jesus Among the Lost and Broken 31:32 Isaiah's Encounter and Our Mission 35:23 Living Life as a Mission Trip 40:29 Closing Thoughts and Resources
Check out our Blogs: https://discipleship.org/blog/ See Below for a longer description: In this episode, Josh Howard and Jason Ishmael dive into what it really means to follow Jesus. They focus on two key aspects of discipleship: spending intentional time with the Father and actively engaging with the lost and broken. Josh kicks things off by highlighting how easily time with God gets squeezed out by the busyness of life. He and Jason agree—just like any important relationship, deep intimacy with God takes consistency and commitment. They discuss Jesus’ habit of retreating to quiet places for prayer, sharing personal experiences and lessons from spiritual mentors who’ve embraced this practice. But they don’t shy away from the challenges—distractions, packed schedules, and the struggle to prioritize God over daily demands. Their advice? Treat time with God like a non-negotiable appointment. The conversation then shifts to discipleship beyond the church walls. Josh and Jason emphasize that following Jesus means stepping into the messy, broken places of the world. Jesus didn’t just preach from a distance—He was present among sinners, offering grace and love. They challenge listeners to rethink their daily interactions, shifting from routine tasks to living missionally, where every moment becomes an opportunity to serve. They also reflect on the tendency in professional ministry to become isolated from non-believers. True discipleship, they argue, requires breaking out of that bubble and making mission a natural, everyday rhythm. It’s not about grand gestures but small, intentional acts that reflect Jesus' heart. As they wrap up, Josh and Jason tie everything together: the deeper your connection with God, the more naturally mission flows from your life. They encourage listeners to protect their quiet time with God while stepping boldly into the world’s brokenness. Their message is clear—discipleship isn’t just personal growth; it’s about bringing God’s love into everyday life. Tune in for a conversation that’s both challenging and inspiring, and get ready to rethink what discipleship looks like in your daily walk. | |||
| Living a Life Worthy of the Calling | 03 févr. 2025 | 00:38:25 | |
Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/ "Today’s episode will help us understand how aligning our lifestyle with our God-given mission through discipline and integrity can lead to lasting spiritual impact and effective disciple-making." Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr
Living a Life Worthy of the Calling: The Manner of Life & Mission
In this episode of the Disciple Makers podcast, Josh and Jace delve into an obscure passage from the Book of Judges, connecting it to the concepts of disciple-making culture. They explore the challenging question raised by Manoah about what the manner of life and mission for his son Samson should be. The discussion highlights the importance of aligning one's lifestyle with the mission of being a disciple of Jesus. They critique the sacred-secular divide in modern life and emphasize how integral it is to integrate faith into every aspect of life. They illustrate their points with examples from high-impact Christians and athletes like Michael Phelps. The episode culminates in a call to consecrate oneself to God's mission, punctuated by a heartfelt prayer for transformation, commitment, and deeper intimacy with Jesus. Tune in to be inspired and challenged to live a life worthy of your calling.
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Key Takeaways 00:00 Welcome to the Disciple Makers Podcast 00:58 Setting the Stage: The Story of Samson 02:00 Manoah's Question: Manner of Life and Mission 05:25 Connecting Faith and Daily Life 05:49 The Sacred-Secular Split 10:16 Living a Life Worthy of the Calling 18:13 The Hunger for Mission and Dedication 20:40 The Challenge of Reading the Gospel 21:54 A Life-Changing Experience 22:35 The Power of Consistent Scripture Reading 24:27 Living a Life Worthy of the Calling 26:53 The Cost of Anointing and Commitment 29:29 The Parable of the Hidden Treasure 31:03 A Call to Consecration and Sacrifice 32:26 Closing Prayer and Reflections 36:26 Final Thoughts and Resources Check out our Blogs: https://discipleship.org/blog/ See Below for a longer description: Episode 5: Mission and Lifestyle – A Deep Dive with Josh and Jason In Episode 5 of the Disciple Makers Podcast, Josh Howard and Jason Ishmael explore the connection between mission, integrity, and lifestyle in disciple-making, using the story of Samson from the Book of Judges as their foundation. The episode opens with a lighthearted exchange about Josh’s sporty appearance, setting an engaging tone before diving into the central message. Drawing from the moment when an angel of the Lord visits Manoah’s wife to prophesy Samson’s birth, Josh reflects on Manoah’s desire to understand the mission and the lifestyle required for his son. This sparks a larger conversation about how fulfilling our God-given mission demands a life aligned with that calling. Josh and Jason critique the tendency, especially among church leaders, to prioritize mission over personal integrity. Jason highlights Nancy Pearcey’s concept of the "sacred-secular split," challenging Christians to integrate their faith into every aspect of life—whether as a teacher, mechanic, or any other profession. They stress that life and mission are inseparable, and embodying the character of Jesus is essential. Using metaphors from sports, Josh references the discipline of athletes like Michael Phelps and Kobe Bryant, emphasizing how their rigorous training for temporal success mirrors the spiritual dedication needed for a life on mission. Spiritual growth, they argue, requires the same level of commitment through practices like prayer, scripture reading, and fasting. Josh shares personal experiences, such as the transformative impact of reading the Gospel of Matthew in one sitting during Bible college, while Jason recounts a story of someone who read a gospel a day for 40 days, resulting in profound spiritual growth. They stress that scripture is foundational for sustaining both mission and spiritual integrity. The hosts discuss how neglecting personal discipline can lead to burnout and moral failure, using Samson’s life as a cautionary tale. On the flip side, they highlight how spiritual practices anchor a mission-driven life, leading to lasting impact. Josh also reflects on church history, pointing to figures whose disciplined lives fueled revival and spiritual transformation. The tone becomes reflective as Josh and Jason admit their own struggles with maintaining a lifestyle worthy of their calling. They share a heartfelt desire for greater intimacy with God and encourage listeners to examine their own lives, make sacrifices, and prioritize spiritual disciplines. The episode concludes with Jason leading a prayer, asking for God’s help to align lives with His mission, cultivate deep love for Him, and bear spiritual fruit. Josh wraps up by inviting listeners to explore resources on discipleship.org and join the Disciple Makers community to pursue lives dedicated to making disciples. This episode offers a powerful reminder of the cost of discipleship, urging Christians to embrace a lifestyle of integrity, discipline, and dedication to fulfill their God-given mission. | |||
| Strategies for North American Churches | 27 janv. 2025 | 00:41:18 | |
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." Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr 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.
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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. | |||
| Why are Disciple Making Movements NOT Happening in North America? | 20 janv. 2025 | 00:38:36 | |
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.” Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr 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/
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. Highlights from the EpisodeJosh 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:
North American Barriers The conversation shifts to the unique obstacles in North America, including:
Practical Steps for Listeners Josh and Jason offer actionable advice:
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:
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. | |||
| How can I make Jesus Smile Today? | 13 janv. 2025 | 00:41:43 | |
Check out Discipleship.org National Disciple Making Forum: https://discipleship.org/national-disciple-making-forum/ "Today’s episode will help us uncover the profound lessons of the Parable of the Talents, reflect on our God-given gifts, and learn how to use them faithfully and intentionally for His glory." Maximizing Your Talents for God's Kingdom | Disciple Makers Podcast In this enriching episode of the Disciple Makers Podcast, hosts Jason and Josh take a deep dive into the Parable of the Talents and how it relates to our daily lives. They explore the concepts of using our gifts, time, and resources for God's glory and discuss the motivations behind our actions. The episode emphasizes not wasting the opportunities and blessings given by God, but rather actively using them to further His Kingdom. Through personal anecdotes and scriptural insights, they touch on themes of joy, guilt, motivation, and the ultimate goal of sharing in the Master's happiness. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that challenges listeners to evaluate their own lives and take actionable steps toward being true disciples. Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr Get Discipleship.org's premium Podcast Feed: https://disciplemakerspodcast.supercast.com/
Key Takeaways 00:00 Welcome Back to the Disciple Makers Podcast 01:01 Discussing the Parable of the Talents 02:36 Understanding the Five Bagger 04:10 The Two Bagger's Hard Work 04:46 The One Bagger's Mistake 05:18 Reflecting on Time and Talents 09:40 The Danger of Wasting Time 17:44 Applying the Parable to Our Lives 19:42 The Motivation Behind Faithfulness 20:46 Craving Approval and Growth 22:35 Sharing in the Master's Happiness 23:51 Experiencing Joy Through Worship and Transformation 27:59 Joining in Jesus' Mission 34:23 Reflecting on Personal Motivations 38:17 Practical Steps for Discipleship 40:19 Final Thoughts and Encouragement Check out our Blogs: https://discipleship.org/blog/ See Below for a longer description: In this episode of the Disciple Makers podcast, co-hosts Josh Howard and Jason Ishmael take a deep dive into the Parable of the Talents from Matthew 25. They kick things off with lighthearted banter—Jason recalls their past conversations, and Josh humorously brings up the Tyson fight. This playful start eases into a thoughtful and relatable discussion on the parable's significance. Josh introduces the Parable of the Talents, also known as “Bags of Gold,” and invites Jason to unpack its meaning. Jason explains how the master entrusted three servants with varying amounts of gold based on their abilities—five, two, and one—and draws parallels to modern life, even coining the term “five bagger,” likening it to bowling. Their playful humor adds accessibility to a serious topic. The conversation transitions into a deeper reflection on the parable’s lessons about accountability and faithfulness. Jason highlights how the first two servants doubled their gold and were praised for their diligence, while the third buried his out of fear, earning the master’s rebuke. He shares how fear or laziness can lead us to "bury our talents," offering examples from his own life. Josh chimes in with personal anecdotes, including how distractions like video games once consumed his time until his wife’s observation convicted him to refocus on his family. Jason ties this to a Charles Spurgeon sermon titled “Gone, Utterly Gone,” which underscores the irretrievable loss of wasted time. He shares how the message moved him deeply, urging listeners to recognize the value of time and seize opportunities to serve God. The hosts then explore practical takeaways, encouraging listeners to assess their motivations and align them with God’s purposes. Josh emphasizes the joy that comes from pleasing God, contrasting it with the fleeting satisfaction of human approval. He highlights the example of Jesus sending out the 72 disciples and rejoicing in their success, pointing to the joy God feels when His people faithfully engage in His mission. Josh and Jason strike a balance between worship and active ministry, challenging listeners to wisely use their time, talents, and resources for God’s glory. The episode wraps up with a call to action: evaluate your God-given gifts, take intentional steps to use them, and seek accountability from trusted friends. The hosts also mention an upcoming discipleship forum in Houston, Texas, and direct listeners to resources at discipleship.org. Josh signs off with a heartfelt message of encouragement, reminding listeners that they are supported on their journey to becoming faithful disciple-makers. This episode blends humor, personal stories, and profound biblical insights with practical applications for living a productive and faithful Christian life.
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| Are we Truly Disciples worth Reproducing? | 06 janv. 2025 | 00:37:56 | |
NEW SERIES!! Today we launch a brand new series on the podcast featuring Josh Howard and Jason Ishmael. "Today’s episode will help us understand what it means to live as disciples worth reproducing by prioritizing a life transformed by Jesus and fully surrendered to His mission." Becoming Disciples Worth Reproducing | The Disciple Makers Podcast In this episode of The Disciple Makers Podcast, Josh Howard and Jason Ishmael dive into what it means to be a disciple worth reproducing. They share personal stories and insights on the significance of truly living out discipleship by prioritizing Jesus in all aspects of life. From addressing common misconceptions about ministry to discussing the importance of a deep, personal relationship with Christ, this episode is packed with thought-provoking discussions and practical advice to help listeners fully surrender to Jesus's heart, mission, and kingdom. Tune in to explore how you can start your journey to becoming a disciple who makes disciples. Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr Get Discipleship.org's premium Podcast Feed: https://disciplemakerspodcast.supercast.com/ Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/
Key Takeaways 00:00 Introduction 02:41 The Challenge of True Discipleship 05:21 Living a Life of Overflow 10:54 Practical Steps to Being a Reproducible Disciple 15:02 A Prophetic Dream and Its Meaning 18:57 Joining the Father's Work 22:42 Imperfect Disciples 25:37 Total Surrender to Jesus 27:15 Lessons from Indian Believers 33:40 Challenge to Fully Surrender 37:19 Final Thoughts and Resources Check out our Blogs: https://discipleship.org/blog/ See Below for a longer description: Josh and Jason share their backstory, reflecting on their long friendship from college days. Josh humorously contrasts his ministry work with Jason’s role as a megachurch pastor, blending humor with humility as they transition into the heart of the discussion: being disciples who model a life others can follow. Josh highlights a pivotal question that shaped his journey: “Are we disciples worth reproducing?” He explains how this question challenged him during his time in India and emphasizes the importance of living a life that’s worth replicating to spark true disciple-making movements. Jason reflects on Matthew 28, pointing out how the call to make disciples goes beyond personal salvation to living out Jesus’ commands daily. He warns against reducing discipleship to intellectual belief and stresses the need for a life fully surrendered to Christ. The conversation also explores the role of guilt in discipleship. Jason notes that guilt may motivate in the short term, but only a deep love for Jesus sustains true obedience. Drawing from the Gospel of Mark, he explains that Jesus’ worthiness is what compels people to follow Him, forming the foundation of authentic discipleship. Josh shares a vivid spiritual dream from 2017, where he saw Jesus and the Holy Spirit dancing in a harvest field, inviting him to join them. This powerful image captures the joy of participating in God’s mission and highlights the relational, invitational nature of Jesus’ call. Throughout the episode, both hosts stress the importance of living a life of overflow—being filled with the Spirit and letting that flow into every aspect of life, not just on Sundays. Jason compares this to being a funnel rather than a bucket: a funnel channels what it receives, symbolizing a life fully engaged with Jesus and His work. Josh recounts his early experiences in India, admitting his understanding of discipleship was initially shallow. He underscores that true discipleship starts with personal transformation through Christ, leading others into that same journey—not just delivering sermons. They also reflect on how God uses imperfect people for extraordinary purposes, emphasizing that it’s not about being flawless but about being obedient and dependent on Jesus. Finally, the hosts invite listeners to reach out for resources and support as they grow as disciples who make disciples, promising encouragement and inspiration in future episodes. Get Discipleship.org's premium Podcast Feed: https://disciplemakerspodcast.supercast.com/ Check out the following eBooks from Discipleship.org: -- What Is Church? And How Important Is It? https://discipleship.org/shop/what-is-church-and-how-important-is-it/ -- Family Discipleship Blueprint: A Year-by-Year Guide to Family Discipleship https://discipleship.org/shop/family-discipleship-blueprint-a-year-by-year-guide-to-family-discipleship/ -- Becoming a Disciple Maker https://discipleship.org/shop/becoming-a-disciple-maker/ -- National Study: The State of Disciple Making Churches: A 10 Minute Visual Guide https://discipleship.org/shop/national-study-the-state-of-disciple-making-churches-a-10-minute-visual-guide/
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| A New Year Approaches | 30 déc. 2024 | 00:28:50 | |
The New Year is right around the corner! With the new year comes some sad but exciting changes. Today's episode features Dave Stovall Host of The Disciple Makers Podcast and Josh Howard Director of Vision and Mobilization for Discipleship.org. In this episode of the Disciple Makers Podcast, Dave Stovall bids an emotional farewell while introducing the new host, Josh Howard. Josh, who is the new Director of Vision and Mobilization at Discipleship.org, discusses his role and shares insights on the impact of disciple making both locally and globally. The conversation dives into the importance of creating a disciple-making culture in churches and features personal anecdotes and future visions for the organization. They also touch on the significance of contextualizing the gospel to reach various cultures and the exciting developments expected from Discipleship.org in the coming years. Tune in to hear about the changes coming to the podcast and to get inspired about making disciples. Key Takeaways 00:00 Introduction and Farewell Announcement 00:24 Meet the New Host: Josh Howard 01:00 Vision and Mobilization Explained 02:30 The Importance of Discipleship 03:36 Current State of Discipleship in America 04:19 Icebreaker Questions and New Year's Resolutions 09:27 Josh's Overseas Experience 11:54 Contextualizing the Gospel 15:51 Vision for Discipleship.org 19:05 Podcast Future and Conclusion | |||
| So, You're Interested in Parenting or Planting a Church...? (feat. Todd Wilson and Brett Andrews) | 25 déc. 2024 | 00:46:21 | |
Visit RENEW.org: https://renew.org/
Today’s episode will help us understand the dynamics of church planting, including the challenges, distinctives, and importance of collaboration to ensure successful and sustainable growth in the movement.
Church Planting Masterclass: Insights from Todd Wilson, Patrick Bradley, and Brett Andrews
Join Todd Wilson, Patrick Bradley, Brett Andrews, and various other church leaders in an in-depth discussion on church planting and disciple-making. Drawing from experiences with New Life Christian Church, Passion for Planting, and Exponential, this session explores the importance of fostering a disciple-making culture, theological grounding, and healthy support systems for church planters. Discover valuable insights on overcoming common challenges, the significance of early involvement, and the power of collaborative efforts. With practical advice and real-world examples, this episode is filled with essential tips for effective church reproduction and multiplication.
Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/
Key Takeaways 00:00 Introduction and Marine Background 00:07 Family Military History 00:59 Personal Military Service 01:18 Grandfather's War Stories 03:30 Community and Local Connections 08:31 Church Planting Introduction 10:16 Interactive Session and Introductions 21:33 Challenges in Church Planting 45:32 Paul and Barnabas: Church Planting Pioneers 46:09 The Power of Multiplication in Church Planting 46:45 Preparing for Q&A: Introducing Renew Movement 48:44 The Importance of Theological Grounding 51:31 Disciple Making and Reproduction 56:18 Healthy Support Systems and Accountability 58:44 Collaboration in Church Planting 01:01:07 Encouragement and Next Steps 01:15:02 Interactive Session: Introductions and Discussions 01:25:55 Introduction to Patrick Bradley and Passion for Planting 01:26:26 The Origin Story of Passion for Planting 01:27:25 Interactive Q&A Session 01:28:01 The Importance of Church Planting 01:29:53 Challenges in Church Planting 01:31:19 National Studies on Church Planting 01:33:22 The Bell Curve of Church Life 01:35:19 Reproduction vs. Addition in Church Growth 01:45:05 Overcoming Fear in Church Planting 01:50:36 The Role of Collaboration in Church Planting 01:53:35 Six Distinctives of Renew Movement 02:08:58 Final Thoughts and Q&A
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
Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr The episode titled "RENEW Movement 1" presents a detailed discourse on various aspects of church planting, particularly through the lens of the Renew Movement. The session begins with an informal group interaction, setting a relaxed yet engaging environment for the participants. Todd Wilson, the main facilitator, invites all to share their names, locations, and their interest or involvement in church planting. The participants hail from different regions and backgrounds, bringing diverse perspectives to the discussion.
Todd Wilson introduces himself as someone who transitioned from the marketplace to ministry over 20 years ago. He mentions his association with New Life Christian Church and his involvement with Exponential, a significant church planting initiative. Wilson, along with other leaders like Patrick Bradley and Paul, emphasizes the collaborative nature of the Renew Movement, highlighting their aims to foster disciple-making and church planting initiatives.
Wilson outlines two major national studies that illustrate current challenges in the U.S. church planting landscape: less than 5% of U.S. churches have a disciple-making culture, and less than 7% are actively planting new churches. These statistics underscore a significant disciple-making and reproduction problem within American churches. This orientation sets the stage for discussing solutions and best practices in church planting.
A noteworthy part of the session explores the normative measures of success within the church context. Wilson emphasizes that while adding members (level 3) is common and celebrated, true success entails reproduction (level 4) and multiplication (level 5). He argues that the focus should be on churches reproducing themselves, akin to the natural life cycle where reproduction ensures continuity and growth. However, he points out that current data shows only a small percentage of churches actually engage in these higher levels of multiplication, emphasizing the need for more robust disciple-making cultures within churches.
One significant barrier to church planting identified by Wilson is fear—namely, fears related to resources and expertise. Churches often hesitate to plant new congregations due to concerns over insufficient financial and human resources. Brett Andrews echoes this sentiment, stressing the importance of overcoming these fears through a deeper trust in God’s provision and the practice of risk-taking in faith.
The session also touches on practical aspects, offering six key distinctives that the Renew Movement adheres to, which can serve as a guideline for other churches or networks looking to engage in church planting:
The session further emphasizes the concept of planting collaboratively. By doing so, churches can pool their resources and experience, thereby mitigating the individual limitations concerning expertise and funding. Collaboratives like the Renew Movement focus on creating a supportive network where newer or smaller churches can engage in planting efforts alongside more experienced ones.
Moreover, practical pathways for involvement are discussed. The Renew Movement offers initiatives like the Multipliers Journey and the MOS (Multiplication Operating System) cohort, tailored programs aimed at equipping existing churches and new planters with customized church planting plans and disciple-making strategies. These cohorts provide structured support, from initial training to ongoing coaching, fostering a hands-on approach to planting new churches.
The session concludes with an affirmation of the urgency and necessity of church planting as a strategic mission. Wilson and Andrews encourage participants to discern specific actionable steps they can take to engage in church planting endeavors. The overarching message is clear: churches need to move beyond addition and strive for reproduction and multiplication to ensure the continuity and health of their congregations.
In summary, the "RENEW Movement 1" episode is a rich dialogue revolving around the pressing need for disciple-making and church planting within the American church landscape. The conversation, led by experienced ministry leaders, provides insightful strategies, addresses common fears, and presents practical solutions for engaging in collaborative church planting efforts. Through this comprehensive approach, the Renew Movement aims to cultivate a robust disciple-making culture and encourage a substantial increase in church planting activities nationwide.
Check out our Blogs: https://discipleship.org/blog/ | |||
| Our Two-on-One Discipling Model (feat. Ashlee Catizon) | 23 déc. 2024 | 00:47:45 | |
Visit RENEW.org: https://renew.org/
Today’s episode will help us understand the process and importance of effective discipleship and ministry within the church community.
Mastering Intentional Discipleship: Insights and Strategies for Church Leaders
Join us as we dive into the journey of intentional discipleship, featuring Ashlee's personal experiences and practical advice. Discover the growth of her family's church, the dynamics of their two-on-one discipling model, and the importance of creating a culture of discipleship at all levels. Learn about managing small group discipleship, the challenges of splitting established groups, and strategies for training new leaders. This episode offers valuable insights into connecting, mentoring, and continuously supporting new believers, complete with personal anecdotes and practical tips for integrating discipleship into everyday life.
Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/
Key Takeaways 00:00 Introduction and Initial Setup 00:24 Unexpected Room Host 01:13 Casual Conversations and Introductions 02:42 Personal Journey and Ministry Background 04:30 Challenges and Overcoming Adversity 06:19 Discipleship and Ministry Philosophy 09:21 Connecting with People 12:03 Intentional Outreach and Community Events 16:40 Two-on-One Discipling Model 23:27 Bible Studies and Spiritual Growth 42:13 Balancing Personal Life and Discipleship 42:25 Intentional Mentoring and Relationship Building 42:59 Church Unity Through Shared Reading 43:52 Weekly Group Activities and Their Impact 45:03 Connecting Disciples to Service and Ministry 53:52 Handling Group Dynamics and Multiplication 01:00:28 One-on-One Discipleship and Personal Growth 01:03:47 Q&A Session and Practical Advice 01:05:28 Closing Remarks and Final 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
Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr This episode features a detailed, conversational discussion led by a speaker named Ashlee, who has extensive experience in ministry, particularly in youth and discipleship work. The script presents a narrative-style engagement with an audience, involving multiple segments, including shared personal stories, explanations of ministry practices, and interactive question-and-answer periods.
The episode begins with a casual, almost chaotic introductory scene, as Ashlee and participants settle into the environment, which could be a seminar or a workshop. Ashlee humorously acknowledges the informal start, mentioning mishaps and sharing light-hearted exchanges with attendees. This laid-back, relatable opening sets the tone, making the audience feel comfortable and engaged.
Ashlee dives into her background, sharing her journey in ministry, which began when she was two years old as her parents started a church. She describes how she grew up in this environment, eventually moving to St. Charles County with her husband to establish their first church plant. Ashlee emphasizes her lengthy experience in youth ministry, discussing her personal and professional background, including raising her own children and adopting another.
The episode's core focuses on discipleship and outreach. Ashlee shares practical insights and strategies for engaging with different demographics, from young children to adults. She details her approach to building and sustaining meaningful relationships with community members, highlighting the importance of creating opportunities for connection. This involves being intentional about interactions, whether at work, school, or in casual settings like sports events or coffee shops.
Ashlee emphasizes the concept of intentional discipleship, where every interaction is viewed as an opportunity to connect people with Christ. She discusses using various methods to nurture these connections, including creating events that draw people into the church community, like "Rock the Block" or "Spooktacular" events. She also mentions practical tools such as cook-offs or tech classes for seniors to create more engagement points.
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to explaining the structured studies Ashlee's ministry uses to teach new believers. She outlines a multi-step discipleship process, starting with a "Seeking God" study to communicate God's desire for a personal relationship with individuals. This leads into a "Word" study, emphasizing the reliability and authority of the Bible. They then proceed to studies on "Sin and the Cross," explaining the nature and consequences of sin and the significance of Christ's sacrifice.
Ashlee introduces the concept of a two-on-one discipleship model used in her church. This method involves pairing two mentors with one new believer to ensure thorough teaching and relational support. She explains how this method helps train new disciples while providing them with immediate relational connections within the church. This dual focus on teaching and relationship-building is presented as a key to successful discipleship, ensuring that new believers have the support and guidance they need to grow in their faith.
The script transitions to a part where Ashlee elaborates on the cultural challenges of her generation and how many young people drift away from faith due to a lack of discipleship and direction. She stresses the difference between simply attending church and truly embodying discipleship, which requires understanding and living out the mission of God.
In answering questions from the audience, Ashlee provides insights into managing small groups, the challenges of splitting groups to maintain effective discipleship, and the importance of relational connections. She shares practical examples of how her ministry runs small groups and the different activities they employ to ensure ongoing engagement and growth among members.
The closing part of the episode includes a prayer session, reinforcing the spiritual focus of the discussion. Despite technical issues and personal anecdotes that add a genuine, relatable layer to her presentation, Ashlee consistently brings the conversation back to the central theme of intentional discipleship and the practical ways her ministry implements this.
Overall, this episode is a comprehensive guide on practical discipleship and relational ministry. It offers valuable insights and actionable strategies for anyone involved in church leadership or interested in improving their approach to building and nurturing faith communities. Through storytelling, detailed examples, and interactive dialogue, Ashlee paints a vivid picture of a dynamic and effective ministry focused on creating passionate followers of Christ.
Check out our Blogs: https://discipleship.org/blog/ | |||
| How I Disciple Women (feat. Renée Sproles) | 18 déc. 2024 | 00:47:45 | |
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
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:
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/ | |||
| A Proven Method for Discipling Women (feat. Tina Wilson) | 16 déc. 2024 | 00:57:38 | |
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
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/ | |||
| Overcoming Grandparenting Barriers (feat. George Posthumus) | 11 déc. 2024 | 01:01:03 | |
Visit Legacy Coalition: https://legacycoalition.com/
Intentional Christian Grandparenting: Overcoming Barriers and Building Relationships
Today's episode will help us understand how to be intentional Christian grandparents, using practical tips and biblical principles to overcome common barriers and leave a lasting spiritual legacy.
In this session, we explore the significance of intentional Christian grandparenting, emphasizing the need for grandparents to be involved in the spiritual lives of their grandchildren. The speaker discusses the challenges faced by grandparents, such as geographical and relational distances, and offers practical solutions to overcome these barriers. Highlighting biblical principles from Deuteronomy 4:9 and Psalm 71:18, the session encourages grandparents to forge strong, faith-driven relationships with their grandchildren. Through personal anecdotes and actionable advice, the speaker underscores the importance of being a forgiving, intentional, and proactive grandparent, aiming to leave a lasting spiritual legacy.
Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/
Key Takeaways 00:00 Introduction to the Compass Illustration 06:00 The Importance of Biblical Grandparenting 12:39 Overcoming Grandparenting Barriers 19:05 Practical Tips for Geographical Distance 20:19 Building Relationships with Grandchildren 31:56 Creating Memories and Special Events 35:24 Responding to Relational and Spiritual Distance 35:53 Reflecting on Past Mistakes and Moving Forward 37:49 The Power of Humble Admission and Forgiveness 39:57 Reconciliation Steps and Biblical Guidance 42:53 Initiating Reconciliation with Adult Children 56:03 The Importance of Forgiveness in Relationships 01:02:40 Intentional Christian Grandparenting 01:06:33 Closing Remarks 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
Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr In this episode of "Legacy Coalition 4," the speaker offers a practical guide on intentional Christian grandparenting. He starts with a story about using a compass to illustrate the unchanging word of God, setting the stage for discussing the vital role grandparents play in their grandchildren's spiritual growth.
Highlighting the lack of church ministries for grandparents, he shares how a sermon on Deuteronomy 4:9 transformed his understanding and led him to advocate for this cause. He recounts his journey from a music-focused career to pastoral care, despite losing his hearing, and discusses Bible verses like Psalms 71:18 and 103 that emphasize the blessings of grandparenting.
The speaker addresses common barriers to grandparenting, such as geographical distance, and suggests using technology like FaceTime and BeReal to stay connected. For relational distance caused by strained family relationships, he advises forgiveness, humility, and practical reconciliation steps. To tackle spiritual distance, he recommends patience and respect for parental boundaries while finding ways to influence grandchildren spiritually.
He offers practical tips like organizing family reunions and Cousin's Camps to create bonding opportunities. Emphasizing the benefits of forgiveness, he provides reflective questions and steps for reconciliation, sharing personal anecdotes and biblical principles to underscore its importance.
The session concludes with Larry Fowler's concept of "intentional Christian grandparenting," guiding grandchildren with grace, respecting parental roles, and exemplifying a Christ-centered life. The open Q&A allows participants to share experiences and seek further advice.
This episode highlights that intentional Christian grandparenting is about living a Christ-centered life and leaving a spiritual legacy, playing a crucial role in nurturing a vibrant faith in the next generation.
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| Helping Spiritual Grandchildren Navigate Their Culture (feat. George Posthumus) | 09 déc. 2024 | 00:52:07 | |
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
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:
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.
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| Building Relationships as Grandparents (feat. George Posthumus) | 04 déc. 2024 | 00:57:14 | |
Visit Legacy Coalition: https://legacycoalition.com/ “Today’s episode will help us actively engage in our grandchildren’s spiritual growth with practical strategies and biblical insights on being intentional, grace-filled Christian grandparents.” Intentional Grandparenting: Equipping Grandparents with Legacy Coalition
In this comprehensive seminar, a seasoned pastor and grandparent passionately discusses the crucial role of grandparents in the spiritual growth and mentorship of their grandchildren. Starting with the foundational concepts from Deuteronomy 4:9, the session emphasizes the importance of intentional grandparenting and offers practical advice on building strong, positive relationships with grandchildren. The speaker encourages grandparents to transition from a role of control to one of influence and highlights the significance of using positive affirmations, sharing personal testimonies, and spending quality one-on-one time with grandchildren. Additionally, resources, such as children's books and structured activities like Cousin's Camp, are suggested to help reinforce these relationships. The seminar also addresses challenging family dynamics and provides strategies for navigating broken relationships with adult children. The session concludes with a discussion on the available resources and the importance of integrating grandparenting ministries into churches.
Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/
Key Takeaways 00:00 Introduction and Setup 01:13 Welcoming the Participants 07:50 Grandparenting Foundations 08:54 Personal Background and Ministry 10:15 The Importance of Deuteronomy 4:9 12:32 The Role of Grandparents 14:53 Building Relationships with Grandchildren 30:25 Practical Tips and Blessings 38:14 Expressing What's Most Important 38:37 Introducing a Special Book 39:38 Reading 'Wherever You Go, I Want You to Know' 43:18 Positive Affirmation and Intentional Grandparenting 46:56 The Control Influence Principle 50:15 Repairing Broken Relationships 55:41 Practical Activities for Grandparents 01:03:47 Resources and Support for Grandparents 01:06:52 Launching Grandparenting Ministries in Churches
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
Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr In this episode, "Legacy Coalition 2," the focus is on how grandparents can actively and intentionally engage in their grandchildren’s spiritual growth. It starts with a brief setup and a warm welcome from the speaker, who introduces the seminar's theme. The core message is about the unique and proactive role grandparents play in their grandchildren’s lives, supported by biblical references like Deuteronomy 4:9. Grandparents are encouraged to move beyond being passive figures and instead actively engage in teaching, sharing personal testimonies, and living out their faith. The speaker, along with his wife Linda, shares personal stories and practical methods, including using the Levitical blessing from Numbers 6:24-26 to positively impact grandchildren. They emphasize that while parents set rules, grandparents should focus on guiding with grace and love, akin to the role of Jesus in the Bible. Practical tips include spending one-on-one time with each grandchild, sharing personal stories, using mealtimes for deep conversations, creating special memories, and using "Let's Talk" cards for meaningful dialogue. The episode also addresses challenges, such as dealing with rebellious grandchildren and maintaining healthy relationships with adult children, stressing the importance of avoiding criticism and fostering reconciliation. For those interested in expanding these principles into their churches, resources like the “Grandparenting Matters” seminar are recommended. The speaker concludes by emphasizing that while there’s no guaranteed formula for ensuring grandchildren's salvation, consistent prayer, genuine faith, and loving engagement are key. In summary, the episode provides a comprehensive guide for grandparents, combining biblical foundations, personal anecdotes, and actionable strategies for impactful, intentional Christian grandparenting.
Check out our Blogs: https://discipleship.org/blog/ | |||
| The Biblical Basis for Grandparenting (feat. George Posthumus) | 02 déc. 2024 | 00:51:08 | |
Visit Legacy Coalition: https://legacycoalition.com/
“Today’s episode will help us understand the crucial, biblically mandated role of grandparents in nurturing their grandchildren's Christian faith and provide practical strategies for active spiritual engagement.”
The Role of Grandparents in Christian Discipleship | Featuring George Postumus
George Postumus, a pastor with 39 years of experience and a staff member of Legacy Coalition, discusses the vital role of grandparents in Christian discipleship. Addressing a room of grandparents, Postumus emphasizes that the Bible commands Christians to teach both their children and grandchildren. He shares personal experiences, Scripture references, particularly Deuteronomy 4:9 and Psalm 78, and offers practical advice on intentional Christian grandparenting. Throughout the video, George addresses common misconceptions and cultural barriers, urging grandparents to actively share their faith with their grandchildren. The session includes prayers, personal anecdotes, and an invitation to integrate this ministry into church life.
Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/
Key Takeaways 00:00 Introduction and Initial Setup 00:07 Counting Grandchildren and Ministry Introduction 01:01 Opening Prayer and Speaker Introduction 01:47 Personal Background and Ministry Importance 03:57 Family Introduction and Long-Distance Grandparenting 05:51 Biblical Perspective on Grandparenting 07:15 Discovering the Role of Christian Grandparents 11:27 The Importance of Passing Down Faith 16:03 Challenges and Strategies in Grandparenting 25:28 Generational Decline and the Role of the Church 31:28 The Rise of Grandparenting Ministry 32:03 The Biblical Mandate for Grandparents 33:14 Preparing Grandkids for the Future 34:00 The Influence of Grandparents 34:40 Passing on Your Faith 36:04 Communicating Spiritual Joy 41:47 The Importance of the Soul 44:03 Types of Grandparents 47:46 Launching Grandparenting Ministries in Churches 58:22 Engaging with Grandkids Spiritually
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
Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr In this episode, titled "Legacy Coalition 1," George Postumus discusses the vital role of grandparents in nurturing Christian faith within their families. He begins by sharing his personal story, including his struggle with hearing loss and use of an auditory brainstem implant, which affects his speaking style. The main focus of George's message is the biblical importance of grandparents as spiritual guides. He highlights the need for grandparents to intentionally embrace their role in their grandchildren's spiritual upbringing, referencing Deuteronomy 4:9 and Psalm 78. He stresses that grandparenting is a crucial, scripturally mandated responsibility. George shares how his understanding of this role evolved after attending a conference led by Larry Fowler. He offers practical advice for grandparents, encouraging them to actively engage in their own spiritual health and in teaching their grandchildren. He refutes the cultural notion that grandparents should take a backseat in matters of faith. He emphasizes that grandparents should support parents and play an active, influential role in their grandchildren’s spiritual education. George provides practical tips such as having conversations about God, praying together, and sharing biblical stories. He highlights the ultimate goal of ensuring grandchildren's salvation and spiritual well-being. George concludes by offering resources and suggesting ways for churches to support grandparent-focused ministries, advocating for the integration of grandparents into church activities. His message is a powerful call for grandparents to embrace their significant influence and follow biblical guidance to support their family's faith journeys and impact future generations.
Check out our Blogs: https://discipleship.org/blog/ | |||
| How to Effectively Create Personal Spiritual Transformation in the Lives of Your Church Staff, Elders and Congregation (feat. David Roadcup) | 27 nov. 2024 | 00:58:22 | |
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
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/ | |||
| How to Prepare, Train and Motivate the Members of Your Discipling Group to Actually and Effectively Disciple Others (feat. David Roadcup) | 25 nov. 2024 | 01:03:33 | |
Visit TCM: https://www.tcmi.org/
Building an Effective Discipling Ministry: Insights from David Roadcup
Join David Roadcup, a professor at TCMI Institute, as he shares valuable insights on creating a sustainable and impactful discipling ministry within your church. In this comprehensive discussion, David covers foundational principles such as prayer, fasting, and the importance of scripture, as well as practical steps for recruiting and training leaders. He also emphasizes the significance of having church leadership on board and the power of suggestion in influencing potential leaders. David shares success stories and key strategies for growing an effective small group ministry that fosters spiritual maturity and leadership within the congregation. Whether you're a church leader or active member, this session provides actionable guidance to help your discipling ministry thrive.
Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/
Key Takeaways 00:00 Introduction and Greetings 01:51 Discussion on Coastal Cities 02:33 Church Roles and Responsibilities 03:05 Challenges in Church Discipleship 07:52 Introduction to the Session 08:45 Keys to Effective Discipleship 10:21 Personal Background and Prayer 11:46 Importance of the Word and Prayer 26:10 Creating Relationships for Discipleship 27:48 Leadership Support and Vision 37:38 Overwhelming Acts of Kindness 39:05 The Power of Small Groups 39:45 Effective Leadership in Small Groups 40:49 Recruiting for Discipleship 43:06 The Covenant Commitment 53:16 The Power of Suggestion 01:04:33 Sustaining Discipleship Groups 01:08:35 A Vision for Citywide Transformation
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
Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr
The episode focuses on session led by David Roadcup, a professor at TCMI Institute, about developing an effective and authentic discipling ministry within the church. Roadcup shares key strategies and elements for building a lasting and impactful ministry, drawing from his extensive experience. The seminar starts with anecdotes from church life, setting the stage for a deeper dive into discipling ministries. Roadcup discusses his background at TCMI Institute and the institute's campuses in Vienna and Indianapolis, adding credibility to his insights. A major theme is the cyclical nature of discipleship, where those discipled go on to disciple others. Roadcup emphasizes the importance of a structured approach, including prayer, fasting, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. He underscores the need for church leaders to fully support and lead the disciple-making efforts, fostering a culture of discipleship through strong, trusting relationships. Roadcup also covers practical steps for recruiting leaders and participants, advising a focus on quality over quantity. He highlights the importance of a covenanted commitment from all members to ensure accountability and dedication. An interesting technique he mentions is the power of suggestion, encouraging members to consider future leadership roles without pressure. Roadcup also stresses leader care, emphasizing ongoing support and mentorship to maintain the ministry's effectiveness. To illustrate the impact, Roadcup shares success stories, including his own church group that grew exponentially and even inspired community outreach among police officers, firefighters, and teachers, showcasing the potential for widespread transformation through disciplined discipleship.
Check out our Blogs: https://discipleship.org/blog/ | |||
| The 7 Most Critical Elements of Jesus' Disciple Making Approach: How To Understand and Apply Them to Your Discipling Ministry (feat. David Roadcup) | 20 nov. 2024 | 01:02:59 | |
Visit TCM: https://www.tcmi.org/ https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=nvdt0m5XKyQ&feature=youtu.be Join Professor David Roedkup from TCMI Institute as he dives into the concept of disciple making. Taken during a morning session at our National Disciple Making Forum, this session provides an in-depth overview of how Jesus Christ trained his disciples, emphasizing the importance of selection, association, and commitment in creating effective disciple groups. David shares his personal experiences from over 57 years of marriage, nine years with TCM, and insights gained from teaching and ministry. Learn the timeless methods of discipleship, how they can be applied in modern-day settings, and how consistent dedication can lead to spiritual transformation in youth, men, and women. Perfect for church leaders, educators, and anyone passionate about fostering deep, genuine faith in their communities.
Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/
Key Takeaways 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:50 Background and Experience 02:07 Prayer and Blessings 02:49 Jesus' Training Methods 06:37 Personal Discipling Journey 15:18 Commitment and Persistence in Discipling 19:07 Effective Discipling Strategies 23:44 Challenges and Successes 32:22 Selection of Disciples 34:03 Reflecting on Last Year's Journey 34:18 The Commitment of Discipleship 35:19 Recruiting the Right People 43:04 The Importance of Association 50:14 Teaching and Demonstration 53:48 Delegation and Supervision 56:53 Reproduction and Multiplication 01:01:11 Addressing Challenges and Questions
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Check out our Blogs: https://discipleship.org/blog/ | |||
| Taking Serious Next Steps in Your Personal Spiritual Development (feat. David Roadcup) | 18 nov. 2024 | 00:52:35 | |
Join Matt Dabbs from discipleship.org as he engages in a conversation with David Roadcup, the professor of discipleship at TCM and partner ministry with discipleship.org. David shares his deep passion for discipleship and spiritual disciplines, highlighting foundational aspects for effective ministry and personal growth. He emphasizes the importance of a strong spiritual foundation, nurtured through practices like prayer, fasting, and solitude. David also recommends key books on spiritual disciplines and expounds on essential priorities for a Christian's daily walk. Together, they discuss the critical nature of a relationship with Jesus, God's immense love, and the need for intentionality in spiritual formation. This enriching discussion is filled with practical wisdom and heartfelt encouragement for anyone seeking to deepen their spiritual journey.
Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/
Key Takeaways 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:55 The Importance of a Strong Foundation 03:42 The Role of Spiritual Disciplines 06:25 Recommended Books on Spiritual Disciplines 07:41 Developing a Singular Focus Priority 15:16 God's Call for Growth 26:11 Breaking Free from Legalism 26:47 God's Love and Relationship with Us 28:38 Building and Maintaining Relationships 29:32 Mental and Emotional Commitment to God 30:10 The Intimacy of God's Love 31:12 The Promise of Eternal Union with God 32:57 Overcoming Guilt and Embracing God's Love 34:06 Practical Steps for Spiritual Growth 36:13 The Power of Biblical Meditation 46:13 Intentionality in Spiritual Formation 49:26 Final Thoughts on Grace and Gratitude
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Check out our Blogs: https://discipleship.org/blog/ | |||
| Discipleship and the Demonic (feat. Shodankeh Johnson) | 13 nov. 2024 | 01:03:24 | |
Click here to view RENEW.org – https://renew.org/ Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr Understanding Spiritual Warfare: Equipping Disciples for Battle In this session, we dive into the reality of spiritual warfare, a critical but often overlooked aspect of the Christian journey. Emphasizing its biblical foundation, the speaker discusses the necessity of acknowledging and addressing spiritual battles in disciple-making. The session covers profound insights into the nature of spiritual warfare, the importance of prayer and fasting, and the use of God-given spiritual weapons. Personal anecdotes highlight the challenges and triumphs faced, providing encouragement and practical advice for believers and disciple-makers. The speaker calls for a deeper understanding of spiritual warfare to strengthen faith and foster resilience against the enemy's attacks. 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 Prayer 02:01 Understanding Spiritual Warfare 04:14 The Reality of Spiritual Battles 05:01 The Importance of Coaching Disciples 10:09 The Power of Prayer and Worship 11:11 Personal Testimony of Loss and Faith 20:39 Practical Insights on Spiritual Warfare 28:37 Divine Weapons and Spiritual Armor 32:23 Morning Prayer and Armor of God 33:44 Understanding Satan's Activities 34:32 Accusations and Deception by Satan 35:58 The Power of Resurrection 41:00 Territorial and Ideological Strongholds 44:38 Personal Strongholds and Overcoming Fear 51:02 Spiritual Weapons and Stronghold Warfare 55:03 Questions and Practical Advice 01:00:43 Concluding Prayer and Blessings 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
In this episode we dive into the reality of spiritual warfare in the context of discipleship. Shodankeh Johnson starts by asking everyone to pray for insight and understanding, stressing that acknowledging spiritual warfare is crucial despite its often-avoided nature. He emphasizes that spiritual warfare, as described in both the Old and New Testaments, is a constant battle between good and evil, mirroring Jesus' own encounters with the enemy. The episode highlights that neglecting spiritual warfare makes disciples vulnerable to fear and ignorance. The speaker insists that belief in spiritual warfare is as fundamental as gravity—it's real whether or not we believe in it. He stresses that the focus should be on teaching the relevance of God’s word rather than proving it. Through personal stories, the speaker illustrates the impact of spiritual warfare. He shares how the unexpected death of his son, initially seen as a defeat, ultimately strengthened many people’s faith and attracted new believers. Another story involves a life-threatening incident that was averted through divine insight. Practical steps for engaging in spiritual warfare are discussed, including the power of prayer and worship as vital tools. Ephesians 6:12 is referenced to remind us that the true battle is spiritual, not physical. The speaker outlines the essential aspects of spiritual warfare: recognizing ongoing battles, understanding the nature of the conflict, and using God’s armor effectively. He identifies five key activities of Satan—afflicting, accusing, instigating, deceiving, and causing fruitlessness—and describes three types of strongholds—territorial, ideological, and personal. Strategies to break these strongholds include using Scripture, relying on the Holy Spirit, and engaging in prayer and fasting. The episode wraps up with a Q&A session, addressing practical concerns about handling church opposition and encouraging new believers to adopt spiritual practices. Follow us at Discipleship.org! | |||
| Discipling People in Identity (feat. Anthony Walker) | 11 nov. 2024 | 01:00:28 | |
Click here to view RENEW.org – https://renew.org/ Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr Today’s episode will help us understand the importance of anchoring our identity in Christ amidst societal pressures and external labels, drawing on personal stories, biblical examples, and practical resources for deepening our understanding of Christian identity.
In this session Anthony Walker talked with us about discipling people in identity, specifically focusing on one's identity in Christ. Originating from their shared experiences and collaborations, including a book on the subject, he dives into scriptural teachings and personal anecdotes to emphasize the importance of knowing who you are in Christ. Anthony outlines how understanding one's identity in Christ can bring clarity, purpose, and resilience in an ever-changing world that often imposes its own identities on individuals. 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 Purpose 00:06 Understanding Identity in Christ 03:39 Personal Story: Overcoming Identity Struggles 08:37 Biblical Examples of Identity 13:36 Modern Identity Challenges 15:15 Practical Applications and Book Overview 28:57 Interactive Discussion on Personal Struggles 29:49 The Woman with the Issue of Blood 32:11 Unity in Christ Beyond Identity 34:28 Personal Story: Unauthorized Charges 36:24 No Condemnation in Christ 37:54 Youth Struggles with Identity 40:04 Political and Religious Identities 44:46 Ministry Titles and True Service 48:36 Empowering the Younger Generation 53:57 People Pleasing and True Identity 57:20 Final Thoughts and Resources 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
In this episode of "RENEW Track Session 3," the speaker, starting with gratitude and humility, emphasizes the vital role of understanding our identity in Christ. He shares how Bobby and Michelle's collaboration led to their co-authored book on Christian identity. The discussion highlights a key moment in Matthew 16, where Jesus questions his disciples about his identity, drawing a parallel to how knowing Christ is crucial for understanding our own identity. The speaker recounts his personal experience of losing his father and facing family and societal challenges, showing how faith and his grandmother’s teachings about identity in Christ kept him grounded. Using Moses’ story, he illustrates the importance of a unified identity in Christ, free from the confusion of societal labels and roles. He also addresses how our identities can be swayed by societal expectations, gender issues, and roles, urging listeners to root their identities in Christ. The session includes practical advice on using their book for personal and group study, with interactive Q&A addressing concerns about identity, ministry roles, and societal pressures. The episode wraps up with practical resources and a call to anchor our identity in Christ despite external pressures and labels, using scripture and personal stories to underscore this transformative message.
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| Discipling Same Sex Attractions (feat. Guy Hammond) | 06 nov. 2024 | 00:59:16 | |
Click here to view RENEW.org – https://renew.org/ Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr Today’s episode will help us navigate the intersection of LGBTQ issues and Christian faith through Guy Hammond’s personal journey and ministry insights, offering guidance on how to engage with LGBTQ individuals compassionately while remaining faithful to Biblical teachings. In this episode, executive director of Strength in Weakness Ministries, Guy Hammond, shares his personal journey from recognizing his homosexuality at a young age to becoming a devoted Christian. Guy discusses the motivations behind founding his ministry, which aims to help Christians engage with LGBTQ individuals and support LGBTQ Christians within the church. He delves into his own struggles, his concerns with pro-gay theology, and the importance of hospitality in sharing the gospel with LGBTQ individuals. Additionally, Guy touches on his views regarding the intersection of transgenderism and Christian orthodoxy. The video concludes with a Q&A session addressing complex questions about faith, sexuality, and the importance of creating a loving, welcoming church environment. 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 Personal Background 00:17 Founding Strength in Weakness Ministries 02:57 Struggles with Homosexuality 07:05 Journey to Faith and Conversion 11:47 Marriage and Family Life 15:44 Controversial Views on Homosexuality and Christianity 32:10 Timeless Sexual Ethics 32:51 Stereotypes and Realities of LGBTQ People 34:16 Sharing Jesus with LGBTQ Friends 35:00 The Power of Hospitality 39:04 Acceptance vs. Approval 40:47 Messages for LGBTQ People 43:38 Q&A Session 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
In the episode, Guy Hammond, executive director of Strength in Weakness Ministries, shares his personal journey and insights on LGBTQ issues within Christianity. He starts by explaining how he founded his ministry to help churches engage with LGBTQ individuals and facilitate conversations about faith. Hammond recounts his own experiences from recognizing his same-sex attractions at 12, living a promiscuous gay life, and eventually finding faith in a supportive church community. Despite his Christian commitment, he still experiences these attractions but relies on God's grace to live a holy life. Hammond also discusses his ministry’s support for Christians with same-sex attractions and their families, and his own personal life, including his marriages, which were grounded in emotional connection and Christian values rather than sexual attraction. He addresses the theological debates on homosexuality, arguing that traditional Biblical teachings are consistent and challenges modern pro-gay theology. He advocates for churches to be welcoming spaces for LGBTQ individuals to explore faith without judgment, stressing the difference between acceptance and approval. Hammond answers audience questions with practical advice on handling complex situations, such as counseling LGBTQ couples and addressing transgender issues, always emphasizing empathy while upholding Biblical teachings. Overall, Hammond’s session offers a compassionate, theologically informed perspective on LGBTQ issues, illustrating how Christians can support and engage with LGBTQ individuals while staying true to their faith.
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| Discipling People in a Unified Mission (feat. Jason Ishmael and Daniel McCoy) | 04 nov. 2024 | 00:59:57 | |
Click here to view RENEW.org – https://renew.org/ Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr Today’s episode will help us address church disunity, especially during politically charged times, by focusing on mission-driven unity and practical strategies for fostering deeper, Christ-centered relationships.
In this session, Daniel McCoy and Jason Ishmeal explore the divisive issues causing disunity within the church, particularly during election years. They identify two problematic types of individuals: the 'Heresy Hunter' and the 'Tower Toppler,' who exacerbate conflicts by aggressively seeking out perceived errors and attacking different viewpoints. The speakers discuss practical approaches to fostering unity, emphasizing the importance of keeping the faith front and center, understanding perspectives, and contextualizing the gospel to different audiences. They advocate for transforming traditional church activities into opportunities for discipleship, engaging both extroverts and introverts in meaningful ways. The session concludes with an emphasis on the significance of unifying around the mission of making disciples, seeing every church activity as an occasion for discipleship, and inspiring church members to lift up Jesus as the ultimate model of humanity. 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 Context Setting 01:51 Addressing Political Disunity 03:23 Types of Disruptive Individuals 07:39 Unity Through Mission 12:18 Challenges in Discipleship 18:33 Tools for Promoting Unity 31:11 Balancing Grace and Truth 31:39 The Fragrance of Christ 34:04 The Resurrection and Discipleship 35:29 Historical Context and Gnosticism 36:42 Discipleship in Modern Context 40:24 Reevaluating Church Ministries 42:57 Practical Steps for Discipleship 49:12 Empowering the Church Community 52:40 Q&A Session 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
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| High Tech, High Touch ... Featuring the SmallCircle App (feat. Steve McCoy) | 30 oct. 2024 | 00:59:58 | |
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 how to effectively use the Small Circle mobile app to enhance relational disciple-making, streamline church activities, and track spiritual growth with advanced features and practical insights. Join Steve McCoy as he presents the final session for Small Circle at the Discipleship.org National Forum. In this session, Steve explores the intersection of technology and relational discipleship, focusing on a mobile app designed to enhance disciple-making. Learn how the app's features—such as pre-session information sharing, customized relational tools, and secure functionalities—can streamline and deepen the discipleship process. Also, discover the app's global impact, with multiple language support and special features for use in persecuted regions. Practical insights on engaging youth and managing church-wide discipleship metrics are also shared. Perfect for pastors, discipleship leaders, and tech-savvy followers looking to elevate their approach to disciple-making. 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 Welcome and Introduction 10:10 Customizing Your Discipleship Experience 24:51 Pairing and Metrics: Enhancing Discipleship Accountability 32:55 Tracking Discipleship Progress with the Mobile App 40:55 Q&A: Using the App for Discipleship 43:40 Q&A: Theological Background and Youth Ministry 51:55 Q&A: Practical Tips and Final 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
In this episode, Steve McCoy kicks things off by welcoming everyone and setting the stage for the Small Circle session at the discipleship.org national forum. Steve, lead pastor from Sarasota, Florida, emphasizes the vision of integrating disciple-making into all church activities and introduces the focus of this session: using technology to enhance disciple-making. He starts with a prayer for guidance and creativity. Steve dives into the role of technology in modern disciple-making, featuring a session by Daniel M. called "High Tech High Touch," which highlights the relational benefits of tech in discipleship and dispels myths about technology being impersonal. He then introduces the Small Circle mobile app, designed to make disciple-making more relational and efficient. The app helps users streamline their time by handling information before meetings, so gatherings can focus on interaction. The Meeting Hub is highlighted as a new feature for tracking notes, prayer points, action steps, and gospel moves. Another feature, pairing, lets users share progress and notes, making meetings more efficient. Steve emphasizes the importance of tracking metrics to monitor disciple-making success and identify areas needing support. The app’s security features are also discussed, including an emergency mode for high-risk areas and an offline version for places with limited internet access. The episode wraps up with a Q&A session addressing practical usage, suitability for different church settings, and technical details. Steve and Chris, the IT expert behind the app, provide clear answers and guidance. Overall, this episode is a practical guide to leveraging the Small Circle app for effective disciple-making, showcasing its features and benefits for diverse ministry needs. Follow us at Discipleship.org! | |||
| Getting Beyond Information Transfer When Using Tools (feat. Steve McCoy) | 28 oct. 2024 | 01:03:17 | |
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 how to deepen disciple-making by integrating small, intimate relationships with practical tools and experiential learning, following Jesus’ model of relational dynamics. Join Steve McCoy, lead pastor and church planter from Sarasota, Florida, as he dives deep into the art of disciple making. In this session, Steve shares the core principles and innovative techniques that drive their small circles sessions, equipping attendees with unique strategies, including their mobile app and practical labs. Learn how to balance information, transformation, and observation to foster intimate, transformative relationships, much like Jesus did. Discover the importance of personalized engagement, immersive experiences, and the significance of tailored tools in creating meaningful discipleship. Perfect for pastors, church leaders, and anyone passionate about disciple making. 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 Welcome and Introduction 04:21 The Small Circle Concept 07:30 The Role of Information and Transformation 27:16 The Power of Personal Experience 39:18 Personalizing Faith: The Impact of Individual Stories 52:15 Unconditional Love: A Heartfelt Exercise 57:19 Final Thoughts and Reflections 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
Follow us at Discipleship.org! | |||
| To Create a Disciple-Making Culture, We’ve Got to Get Everyday People in the Game ... and Here’s How (feat. Steve McCoy) | 23 oct. 2024 | 01:00:47 | |
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
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! | |||
| Why We Are Scientifically Wired to Get Beyond the Group Setting (feat. Steve McCoy) | 21 oct. 2024 | 00:59:26 | |
Click here to view Small Circle: https://www.smallcircle.com/ Get The Disciple Makers Podcast Premium Feed: https://disciplemakerspodcast.supercast.com/
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
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.
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| Discipling Truth in a Complicated World (feat. Matt Wilson) | 16 oct. 2024 | 00:47:42 | |
Click here to view Relational Discipleship Network: https://rdn.org/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw8MG1BhCoARIsAHxSiQmiFG0czO2HClUqBDVxT9NZHAYaOm_Jrf0WGacBvXTl_ihES3joJ6kaAu_UEALw_wcB Get The Disciple Makers Podcast Premium Feed: https://disciplemakerspodcast.supercast.com/
“Today’s episode will help us understand how to navigate cultural shifts with steadfast faith, integrate scientific and biblical perspectives, and build a supportive community grounded in authentic discipleship.”
Perseverance, Truth, and the Science of Discipleship: Navigating Modern Challenges In this session we feature Matt Wilson who emphasizes the importance of living life with others, understanding scripture in its context, and not wavering in the face of cultural pressures. He shares personal experiences and biblical passages, particularly from Hebrews 10 and Genesis 1, to illustrate the scientific basis of creation and the unwavering truth of God's word. The discussion also touches on the challenges posed by contemporary issues like gender identity and societal changes, urging believers to remain steadfast, united, and well-studied in their faith. This is a powerful message for anyone in the trenches of making disciples and standing for truth. 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 Honoring the Audience 01:28 Facing Challenges in Discipleship 03:03 Perseverance and Faith 04:38 The Importance of Context and Truth 06:44 Modern Cultural Conflicts 12:16 The Role of Discipleship in Today's World 19:35 Judgment and Salvation 24:29 Jesus' Struggle and Overcoming Sorrow 25:04 Preaching with Love and Consequence 26:03 The Reality and Pain of Hell 28:33 The Cost of Salvation 29:49 Enduring Suffering and Discipleship 32:54 Unity and Answering Questions with the Bible 35:01 Scientific Foundations in Genesis 39:48 System of Dependency in Creation 44:15 The Importance of Fellowship and Study 45:32 Closing Thoughts on Truth and Unity 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
Today’s episode features Matt Wilson who discusses this topic of Discipling truth in a complicated world. He acknowledges the difficulty of upholding biblical truth in a constantly shifting culture, especially when faced with opposition from former allies. This conflict is often intensified by accusations that the steadfast individual has changed, not the opposing side. The speaker then explores passages from Hebrews 10 and Genesis 1, highlighting their messages of perseverance and staying true to biblical truth. He points out that while today's generation may not hold the Bible in the same regard as before, God’s promises are fulfilled through genuine effort and faith, not just inherited traditions. He addresses modern challenges like gender transitions and ideological shifts, urging that discipleship must engage with these issues through biblical context rather than outdated stances. The speaker stresses the importance of enduring hardship for the sake of biblical truth and cites both historical and contemporary examples of perseverance. Further, he discusses the need to stand firm on the Word of God, even as logic and science are often twisted for personal or political ends. Using Genesis 1 as an example, he shows how the biblical creation account aligns with scientific principles, reinforcing the Bible’s authority. As he digs deeper into Genesis 1, he explains how each creation step builds on the previous one, aligning with scientific understanding. He emphasizes that the Bible’s creation narrative supports scientific principles, enhancing its credibility. Towards the end, the speaker underscores the need for discipleship to correct misconceptions promoted by secular perspectives. He encourages Christians to make disciples who understand and articulate the scientific and historical basis of the Bible to effectively address contemporary issues. The episode wraps up with a call for communal learning and support, comparing the discipleship journey to the trials faced by biblical figures like Daniel. The speaker highlights the need for Christians to confront personal and cultural challenges with unwavering faith and continuous learning. He calls for unity and collaboration among Christians, urging them to engage in love and truth while standing firm in biblical doctrine. Follow us at Discipleship.org! | |||
| Discipleship Defeats Deconstruction: The Power of Discipleship in Navigating Doubt and Trials (feat. Jared Scholz, Brandon Bowers, and Mark "Moose" Bright) | 14 oct. 2024 | 00:21:18 | |
Click here to view Relational Discipleship Network: https://rdn.org/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw8MG1BhCoARIsAHxSiQmiFG0czO2HClUqBDVxT9NZHAYaOm_Jrf0WGacBvXTl_ihES3joJ6kaAu_UEALw_wcB Get The Disciple Makers Podcast Premium Feed: https://disciplemakerspodcast.supercast.com/ “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 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! | |||
| Intentional: Eight Principles of Disciple Making (feat. Brandon Guindon and Brandon Werner) | 09 oct. 2024 | 00:50:04 | |
Subscribe to our newsletter: https://discipleship.us6.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=9412fe1205b5bd8cce6374e3b&id=7366f16bcb Click here to view Relational Discipleship Network: https://rdn.org/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw8MG1BhCoARIsAHxSiQmiFG0czO2HClUqBDVxT9NZHAYaOm_Jrf0WGacBvXTl_ihES3joJ6kaAu_UEALw_wcB Get The Disciple Makers Podcast Premium Feed: https://disciplemakerspodcast.supercast.com/ Today’s episode will help us master the principles of effective disciple-making through personal engagement, resilience, and intentional leadership. In this session, Moose, director of the Relational Discipleship Network, introduces the Disciple Shift—a two-day experiential journey that trains church leaders in disciple-making. Through a poignant personal story, Brandon Guindon recounts his daughter's miraculous recovery from a severe car accident and how it transformed his perspective on church leadership. He emphasizes the importance of being intentional in disciple-making, sharing eight core principles from his book 'Intentional.' Guest speaker highlights how these principles—like listening to understand, seeking the Holy Spirit, developing potential, and being interruptible—have personally impacted his life and ministry. Tune in to discover how embracing these principles can profoundly change your approach to discipleship and leadership. 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 Welcome and Introduction 00:14 The Power of Disciple Shift 02:13 A Life-Changing Event 06:51 The Road to Recovery 11:16 The Four Stages of Competence 13:05 The Call to Make Disciples 20:05 Introducing the Eight Principles 24:16 Introduction to the Eight Principles 25:39 Principle 1: Listen to Understand 30:21 Principle 2: Seek the Holy Spirit 33:51 Principle 3: Develop Potential in People 38:03 Principle 4: Take Someone with You 40:20 Principle 5: Be Interruptible 42:49 Principles 6 and 7: Speak Truth and Stand Firm 46:10 Principle 8: Release Them to Go 48:01 Conclusion: Living Out the Principles 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
In this episode of the Relational Discipleship Network (RDN), Moose, the director, welcomes attendees and introduces the "Disciple Shift," a two-day event that helps church leaders master disciple-making. He notes how these events often lead to deeper connections among participants than they've had in years. The episode features a powerful testimony from Moose's friend, who shares his story of tragedy and resilience. On October 28, 2016, his daughters were in a severe car accident. His elder daughter, Olivia, had life-threatening injuries and a 3% chance of survival. Through intensive rehab, she defied the odds, regaining basic functions. This story highlights the emotional toll on his family and church, underscoring that a church’s foundation is its collective mission, not individual personalities. He urges church leaders to evaluate their competence in disciple-making, noting that many feel ill-equipped. Brandon Warner, senior pastor at Together Church, addresses the emotional overwhelm of conferences and introduces key principles from Brandon Gindin’s book, “Intentional,” which guide becoming an "unconscious competent" disciple-maker: The episode concludes with a call to action, urging listeners to rely on the Holy Follow us at Discipleship.org!
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| Discipleship Culture: Leadership Strategies Everyone Can Use (feat. Mark "Moose" Bright) | 07 oct. 2024 | 01:02:05 | |
Click here to view Relational Discipleship Network: https://rdn.org/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw8MG1BhCoARIsAHxSiQmiFG0czO2HClUqBDVxT9NZHAYaOm_Jrf0WGacBvXTl_ihES3joJ6kaAu_UEALw_wcB RSVP for our Disciple Making Sunday event in Marion, IA – https://discipleship.org/one-day-events/ “Today’s episode will help us understand the importance of active leadership involvement, personal engagement, and maintaining a healthy culture for effective discipleship within churches.” Get The Disciple Makers Podcast Premium Feed: https://disciplemakerspodcast.supercast.com/
Building a Discipleship Culture: Insights from the Relational Discipleship Network Join Moose, the director of the Relational Discipleship Network, as he discusses the importance of building a culture of discipleship within churches. In this session, Moose emphasizes the role of leaders in embodying and modeling discipleship, grounded in the teachings and methodologies of Jesus. He explains the significance of integrating a discipleship culture that includes coaching, collaborative effort, and maintaining strong relational values. The session also includes practical advice on managing and assessing church culture, with real-life examples and strategies for fostering a supportive, accountable, and engaging church environment. Special guests and coaches share their experiences in transforming church cultures, highlighting the imperative of relational and intentional discipling for effective ministry. 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 Purpose 00:08 The Importance of Culture in Discipleship 00:46 The Role of Leadership in Shaping Culture 01:14 Understanding and Experiencing Discipleship 01:51 The Dangers of Isolation 04:12 Personal Reflections on Leadership and Family 07:39 Defining and Managing Culture 17:39 Jesus' Approach to Discipleship 27:02 Celebrating Successes and Building a Positive Culture 28:07 Embracing Failures in Staff Meetings 29:00 Addressing Cultural Tolerances in Church 30:53 Shifting Church Culture: A Personal Journey 33:04 The Importance of Culture in Ministry 36:18 Building Trust and Humility in Leadership 41:20 Prioritizing Relationships Over Tasks 42:58 Learning from Leadership Mistakes 45:35 Maintaining a Healthy Church Culture 52:17 The Role of Fun and Collaboration 54:23 The Value of Short, Memorable Core Values 56:05 The Journey to Effective Discipleship 59:17 Upcoming Sessions and Final 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 Follow us at Discipleship.org! | |||
| A Super Successful Disciple Making Culture (feat. Doug Burrier) | 02 oct. 2024 | 00:41:51 | |
Click here to view Sustainable Discipleship: https://www.sustainable-discipleship.com/ Discipleship.org upcoming One-Days https://discipleship.org/one-day-events/
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Creating a Culture of Disciple Making: Beyond High Chairs and Teen Pregnancy “Today’s episode will help us understand the importance of fostering spiritual maturity in discipleship, addressing systemic issues in church culture, and ensuring that believers are prepared before they make disciples.” This episode dives into the concept of 'Super Successful Disciple Making Culture' by exploring unconventional metaphors such as high chairs, teen pregnancy, and barrenness. Doug critiques the current church culture of spoon-feeding and retaining followers, arguing for the need to raise mature and independent disciples who can fulfill the Great Commission. By discussing personal parenting experiences and church dynamics, the speaker emphasizes the importance of releasing well-prepared and confident disciples. The episode wraps up with data on the necessity of scalable disciple-making strategies and a call to action for viewers to proactively disciple six people. 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: Super Successful Disciple in Making Culture 00:24 High Chairs and Disciple Making 01:26 Challenges in Church Culture 04:42 Personal Parenting Philosophy 09:13 Defining Disciple Making 15:13 Teen Pregnancy and Disciple Making 19:25 The Importance of Maturity in Leadership 19:42 Challenges in Disciple Making 20:06 The Need for Patience and Growth 21:47 Encouragement and Solutions 22:41 Understanding Barrenness in Disciple Making 24:32 The Reality of Discipleship in Modern Churches 26:43 Data-Driven Insights on Discipleship 33:36 Call to Action: Making Disciples 36:44 Rediscovering the Joy of Discipleship Follow us at Discipleship.org! | |||
| How to Go All In and Win When It Comes to Culture (feat. Doug Burrier) | 30 sept. 2024 | 00:33:10 | |
Click here to view Sustainable Discipleship: https://www.sustainable-discipleship.com/ Get The Disciple Makers Podcast Premium Feed: https://disciplemakerspodcast.supercast.com/ “Today’s episode will help us understand the commitment and strategic insights needed for effective disciple-making, using Texas Hold'em poker as a metaphor to illustrate practical, data-informed, and biblical approaches.” In this episode, we explore when and how to go 'all in' with disciple making, paralleling the approach to Texas Hold'em poker. Understanding the importance of calculated risks, reading the room, and the significance of building a strategy are key components discussed. The speaker emphasizes building a disciple-making culture within the church, underscoring the necessity to adapt strategies based on God's Word, foster genuine relationships, and take bold steps to ensure enduring impact. Learn the 'rules' of disciple making, believe in them, and implement them effectively to transform lives and communities. 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: When to Go All In 07:58 The Urgency of Going All In 11:11 God's Way of Making Disciples 15:40 Struggles with Health and Diet 22:16 Building a Strategy for Discipleship 25:52 Executing the Strategy and Embracing Change 30:52 Concluding Thoughts and Q&A Follow us at Discipleship.org! | |||
| 5 Intentional Steps to a Disciple Making Culture (feat. Doug Burrier) | 25 sept. 2024 | 00:41:20 | |
Click here to view Discipleship.org One Day Events: https://discipleship.org/one-day-events/ “Today’s episode will help us rethink traditional disciple-making methods, emphasizing transformative relationships over numerical growth and guiding us through practical, data-informed, and biblical approaches to sustainable discipleship.” Get The Disciple Makers Podcast Premium Feed: https://disciplemakerspodcast.supercast.com/ In this session, Doug tackles the topic of church growth and disciple making. Drawing comparisons with Jesus's ministry and statistical data, he emphasizes the importance of individual transformation over mere numerical growth. The discussion covers the idea that real disciple making often leads to temporary 'shrinkage' before genuine growth, and outlines practical methods for sustaining and nurturing disciples. Topics include addressing resistance in leadership, the importance of commitment, and effective strategies for implementing a successful disciple making program. 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: What Does Shrinkage Have to Do with Disciple Making? 13:04 Stages of Disciple Making 18:45 The Cell Stage: Conviction and Change 29:49 Rescue Techniques for Struggling Disciples 32:10 The Repertory Stage: Fixing the Church 36:47 The Shrinkage Stage: Accountability and Loss 38:24 Seeking Stage: Embracing Evangelism Doug's blend of humor and conviction compels listeners to rethink conventional disciple-making methods, emphasizing quality over quantity and resilience in the pursuit of authentic transformation. The episode provides a comprehensive exploration of sustainable discipleship, bridging scriptural wisdom with practical application. Follow us at Discipleship.org! | |||
| Culture Is Not Taught, Bought, or Caught; It’s Adopted (feat. Doug Burrier) | 23 sept. 2024 | 00:52:14 | |
Click here to view Sustainable Discipleship: https://www.sustainable-discipleship.com/ Get The Disciple Makers Podcast Premium Feed: https://disciplemakerspodcast.supercast.com/ “Today’s episode will help us understand the importance of practical, Scripture-based discipleship methods that focus on transformation, intentionality, and long-term independence in making disciples.” Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr
In this episode we feature Doug Burrier from Sustainable Discipleship. He emphasizes the importance of practicality, passion, and personal transformation in creating a successful disciple-making culture. Through humorous anecdotes and powerful examples, he outlines a simple yet effective methodology for making disciples who are prepared, confident, and skilled. The speaker also addresses common challenges, such as leadership resistance, and highlights the necessity of adopting a genuine disciple-making model for long-term impact. Join this session to discover actionable insights and proven strategies for transforming lives and fostering a thriving disciple-making community. Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/ Check out Discipleship.org Audio Books: https://discipleship.org/resources/ebooks/ 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 Follow us at Discipleship.org! | |||
| The State of Manhood: Faith, Family, and Work (feat. Dr. Chris Harper and Kent Evans) | 18 sept. 2024 | 00:56:30 | |
Click here to view BetterMan: https://betterman.com/ Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr
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This insightful discussion tackles the significant religious shift in North America, highlighting the alarming decline in male church attendance and engagement. With references to Jim Davis's 'The Great Dechurching,' the speaker emphasizes the critical role of men in the church and society. Addressing how societal views have vilified men, the script suggests a shift from shame-based to affirmational methods to encourage men's return to church. It underscores the importance of wisdom, strong familial structures, and the pivotal role fathers play in mending homes, churches, and communities. The discussion also explores practical steps for church leaders and fathers to nurture a spiritually strong and knowledgeable generation. 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 The Role of Men in the Church 07:25 The Importance of Fathers 18:51 Wisdom and Fatherhood 29:12 Chick-fil-A Obsession 35:44 Challenges of Modern Manhood 37:23 The Role of Fathers in Discipleship 44:58 Effective Communication 49:58 The Power of Asking Questions 53:45 Closing Thoughts and Prayer 54:24 Q&A Session Resources on Manhood Discipleship in the Modern Church: Empowering Men | Chris Harper How to Disciple Men Q&A | Anthony Walker, Chris Harper & Bobby Harrington How to Disciple Men | Chris Harper Breakout Forum 4: How Discipling Men Changes Everything (2016 Nat'l Forum) In this episode we dive into the pressing issue of men withdrawing from both the church and society, exploring the deep-rooted cultural and family problems behind this trend. The discussion highlights a troubling fact from Jim Davis's book, "The Great Dechurching": nearly 45 million people in North America have stopped attending church over the past two decades. The episode reveals a significant gender gap in church attendance, with congregations typically being 61% female and 39% male. This disparity reflects a broader societal issue where men are undervalued and underrepresented. The lack of male engagement with faith is seen as a barrier to their spiritual growth and leadership in their families and communities. Oxford researcher Jim McNamara points out that mass media often portrays men negatively, which erodes their self-worth and further decreases their involvement in religious settings. Rather than shaming men into returning to church, the episode advocates for affirming and encouraging them. It stresses the need to educate and mentor men, helping them understand their roles and responsibilities rather than reprimanding them. Kent Evans, founder of Manhood Journey, is introduced as a key advocate for revitalizing the family as the cornerstone of society. His focus is on equipping fathers to raise godly men, which strengthens families and churches. Evans shares personal stories and insights on fatherhood, highlighting the importance of wisdom, communication, and aligning actions with God's teachings. He also addresses common challenges fathers face, such as time management and communication, and offers practical advice on improving these areas. The episode concludes with an interactive segment where Evans discusses wisdom through the book of Proverbs, urging fathers to lead by example and be open to feedback.
In summary, "BetterMan 4" calls for a reevaluation of how the church engages with men, promoting a supportive and empowering approach that encourages men to embrace their roles as leaders in their families and communities. Follow us at Discipleship.org! | |||
| Men Need the Word of God: Courageously Following God's Word (feat. DeLario Bolton) | 16 sept. 2024 | 01:03:08 | |
Click here to view BetterMan: https://betterman.com/ Get The Disciple Makers Podcast Premium Feed: https://disciplemakerspodcast.supercast.com/
Join us in this session of BetterMan as we dive deep into the importance of men engaging with the word of God. Chris Harper and Delario Bolton discuss the foundation of Better Man, emphasizing God's word and community. Learn why loneliness and isolation are significant threats to men's lives today and how Better Man addresses these issues. Delario shares a touching personal story and highlights the core beliefs of Better Man centered on loving, protecting, and serving. Chris Harper provides practical steps on how men can understand and apply the Bible in their daily lives, drawing insights from profound biblical lessons. Engage with a Q&A that covers various aspects of male involvement in faith communities, strategies to attract men to church activities, and the vital role of women in supporting this mission. Don't miss out on these timeless lessons and inspirational stories aimed at transforming lives. 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 Session Overview 06:58 The Story of Jephthah 11:09 Lessons from Jephthah's Vow 13:28 The Importance of Knowing God's Word 20:11 Practical Ways to Engage with the Bible 35:39 Renewal of the Mind 40:09 Practical Advice for Bible Reading 46:47 Encouraging Men to Engage 54:17 The Role of Women in Supporting Men 58:18 Closing Prayer and Final Thoughts Resources on Manhood Discipleship in the Modern Church: Empowering Men | Chris Harper How to Disciple Men Q&A | Anthony Walker, Chris Harper & Bobby Harrington How to Disciple Men | Chris Harper Breakout Forum 4: How Discipling Men Changes Everything (2016 Nat'l Forum) Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr This episode dives into the theme of godly manhood, emphasizing its roots in the word of God and community, as taught by the Better Man program. Right from the start, the speakers stress the importance of beginning the day with spiritual engagement, grounding daily activities in God's teachings. They outline key topics like complementarianism and manhood, highlighting the need for men to engage with the word of God in these areas. One speaker shares a personal story about giving an invocation at a nonprofit event for abused women. Despite advice to avoid mentioning Jesus, he insisted on doing so, demonstrating that true manhood follows Jesus's example. The narrative highlights Better Man's pillars: God's word and community, citing a U.S. Surgeon General’s statistic that loneliness and isolation are top killers of men. Better Man combats this by offering God's word and community. Introducing Delario Bolton, Better Man's National Launch Director, the session discusses men's current relationship with God's word and necessary actions. Delario outlines Better Man's four core beliefs: following God's word, loving and serving God's woman, improving God's world, and leading with biblical courage. Delario uses anecdotes, like his grandmother’s frequent Proverbs citations, to stress wisdom and scriptural foundations. He also shares American Bible Society statistics showing older Southern Black women as the biggest Bible readers, while 18 to 40-year-old males from the Northeast are the least engaged—a significant concern. The lesson delves into the biblical story of Jephthah from Judges 11, highlighting the dangers of ignorance of God’s word. Delario emphasizes that men should read the Bible as sons gaining wisdom, brothers sharpening each other, and fathers imparting knowledge. Men are encouraged to use a Bible reading methodology with five key questions: What does this passage say about God? About me? Is there a principle to apply? A promise to cling to? A sin to avoid? This practice helps build personal biblical understanding and reduces dependence on external interpretations. A humorous anecdote about a drone mishap underscores the importance of engaging with the Bible, likening it to an instruction manual for life. The speakers address the issue of biblical illiteracy despite easy access to scriptures, arguing that knowing God's word is crucial for leading families and communities. In the Q&A session, practical questions arise, such as how to get men into Bible study groups. The response suggests engaging approaches rooted in real needs. Another question on men and women’s spiritual relationships highlights the positive impact women can have in encouraging men’s faith. The episode concludes by reiterating Better Man's core principles: deep Bible engagement, strong community bonds, and transforming lives through God's teachings. The speakers challenge men to be torchbearers of faith, biblical truth, and godly manhood, as exemplified by Jesus Christ. Follow us at Discipleship.org! | |||
| Discipling Men: Who, How, When, and Why (feat. Dr. Chris Harper) | 11 sept. 2024 | 01:01:34 | |
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Click here to view BetterMan: https://betterman.com/ Join Chris Harper from Better Man at Discipleship.org as he passionately discusses the crucial need for genuine discipleship in men's ministries. With over 30 years of history evolving from Men's Fraternity to Authentic Manhood, and now Better Man, Harper emphasizes the substantial gap in men's ministries and the pressing need to reclaim authentic manhood. He explores causes like the 'curse of modernity,' historical church movements, and the feminization of the church, offering a comprehensive, clear path to restoration. Through personal anecdotes and concrete steps, Harper illustrates how returning to multi-generational, gender-based discipleship can vitalize the church and cultivate real transformation in men's lives. 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 Background 13:18 The Importance of Multigenerational Discipleship 28:13 The Path to Winning Men Back to Church 30:54 The Concept of Better Man 36:23 The Father's Blessing 57:11 Closing Remarks and Prayer Resources on Manhood Discipleship in the Modern Church: Empowering Men | Chris Harper How to Disciple Men Q&A | Anthony Walker, Chris Harper & Bobby Harrington How to Disciple Men | Chris Harper Breakout Forum 4: How Discipling Men Changes Everything (2016 Nat'l Forum)
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In this episode, Chris from Better Man leads a discussion about men's discipleship. Better Man, which builds on 30 years of men's fraternity and manhood initiatives, now focuses on Millennials, Gen Z, and Gen Alpha. Chris points out the urgent need for men to be guided spiritually, noting that while 80% of Western churches have functional women's ministries, fewer than 7% have similar programs for men. He critiques superficial men's ministries that only offer occasional gatherings. Chris introduces Better Man's two-year program designed to create effective men's ministries. Instead of reinventing manhood, the program aims to restore it, modeled after Jesus Christ as the ultimate example. Using anecdotes like his conversation with his son about a classic car's lack of Bluetooth, Chris emphasizes restoring rather than modernizing, aligning this idea with Ephesians 2:8-10, which describes men as God's masterpieces meant to be restored to their original value. Chris highlights a masculinity crisis, noting that 41% of men now grow up in fatherless homes, compared to 4% in 1960. He links this to a generational disconnect in values, similar to the biblical Judges 2 scenario where a new generation lacked knowledge of the Lord. He attributes today's issues in men's discipleship to three historical shifts: Curse of Modernity: This era, as discussed by Anthony Gideons, saw men shift their spiritual responsibilities to church leaders, turning pastors into potential celebrities and distancing men from active church roles. Church Growth Missteps: Based on Donald McGavran’s 1970 book, churches focused on attracting children and women, which feminized many congregations and led to male disengagement, with women outnumbering men in church activities. Shift to Communal Spaces: From the 1980s, church education moved to age-segregated life groups, which stifled multi-generational discipleship. Chris advocates for a return to mentoring models where older men guide younger ones. Chris also addresses the "masculinity fog," where confusion about manhood leads to flawed types of men: Uninitiated Men: Passively follow their wives, lacking direction. Self-Initiated Men: Pursue accolades at the expense of their personal and professional lives. Peer Initiated Men: Engage in prolonged adolescence without real growth. Culture-Initiated Men: Follow societal trends due to weak foundational principles. In contrast, Chris calls for "Spirit-Initiated Men," like Caleb from the Bible, who have the courage and spirit to follow God’s path.
Follow us at Discipleship.org! | |||
| Impacting the Local Community through Disciple Making Networks (feat. Vicki Gatchell) | 09 sept. 2024 | 00:40:07 | |
Click here to view The Navigators Church Ministry: https://www.navigators.org/ Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr Creating a Disciple-Making Culture: Insights and Methods In this episode, Vicki Gatchell from Navigators Church Ministries discusses the importance of creating intentional disciple-making cultures within communities and churches. She shares personal stories, practical steps, and biblical foundations for building effective networks aimed at making disciples who make disciples. Key topics include forming networks, the importance of relational ministry, and engaging with the community through various strategies. Join in as Vicki and her team provide valuable lessons and inspiration for transforming communities through disciple-making. 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 01:32 Personal Background and Ministry Journey 03:52 Understanding and Building Disciple-Making Cultures 05:41 Community Impact and Cultural Stories 09:22 Strategies for Effective Disciple-Making 19:23 Networking and Collaboration 25:21 Scriptural Foundations and Examples 33:39 Practical Steps and Final Thoughts Resources on Disciple Making Culture Disciple Making Culture Visual Introduction Cultivating a Disciple-Making Culture at Your Church This episode features Vicki Gatchel from Navigators Church Ministries, based in the Greater Fort Wayne, Indiana area. The session begins with a warm acknowledgment of the beautiful weather, highlighting the importance of starting on time and expressing gratitude for everyone’s eagerness to participate and learn together. Vicki opens the session with a heartfelt prayer, seeking divine guidance and unity among the participants. She then shares her personal and professional journey, recounting her experience with Navigators Collegiate at Ohio State in the 1980s, which played a crucial role in her spiritual development. Vicki describes her transition from a successful career in physical therapy to full-time vocational ministry, emphasizing the fulfillment she finds in helping churches cultivate a culture of disciple-making. The session highlights the critical importance of developing a disciple-making culture within churches. Vicki reflects on themes introduced by previous speakers, such as intentionality and the significance of building core teams—groups of individuals united by a common vision, ownership, relational resilience, and endurance in their mission. Vicki shares personal anecdotes that illustrate how her family has influenced her ministry work, including the academic and professional pursuits of her daughters. She discusses her youngest daughter's experience of cultural transition after moving to Hicksville, Ohio, using this story to illustrate how different community values shape behaviors. This serves as a parallel to how intentional disciple-making can transform church cultures. To guide attendees in fostering intentional disciple-making, Vicki outlines a three-step model: "go to," "come to," and "do good." She emphasizes the importance of actively engaging with the community by building genuine relationships, participating in local organizations, and performing acts of kindness without expecting anything in return. The ultimate goal is to embody Christ-like love, creating a welcoming environment that naturally leads to spiritual conversations and discipleship opportunities. Throughout the session, Vicki supports her points with scriptural foundations, citing passages from Colossians that highlight how early Christians formed supportive communities. These biblical examples provide a blueprint for modern churches to collaborate and extend their impact beyond individual congregations. Vicki reinforces her message with practical examples from her work in Fort Wayne, discussing how local networks like "Love Fort Wayne" unite diverse church communities for coordinated efforts in prayer, service, and outreach. By building networks based on shared purposes and collaborative approaches, churches can mobilize resources and personnel more effectively, enhancing their collective impact. Her strategy for initiating these networks revolves around leveraging existing relationships. Vicki explains how she reaches out to key individuals within her church who are passionate about disciple-making, gradually expanding her network through personal referrals. This organic growth fosters a sense of mutual support and shared mission, enriching the church’s disciple-making efforts. The session also includes interactive elements, inviting participants to discuss their motivations for disciple-making, their reactions to the session, and the potential benefits of networking with other churches. This engaging approach encourages community-building among attendees and prompts them to consider actionable steps they can take in their own contexts. In closing, Vicki encourages participants to reflect on their local areas, identifying specific communities they wish to reach and potential allies who can support their disciple-making initiatives. She concludes with a powerful call to action, urging attendees to take concrete steps based on what they’ve learned and reflected upon during the session. Overall, this episode provides a rich exploration of how intentional disciple-making cultures can transform churches, emphasizing the need for genuine community engagement and the importance of building supportive networks. Follow us at Discipleship.org! | |||
| Developing a Church Culture of Disciple Making (feat. Cliff McDowell and Steve Tice) | 04 sept. 2024 | 00:52:52 | |
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 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! | |||
| The Foundation of a Disciple Making Culture (feat Justin Gravitt) | 02 sept. 2024 | 00:54:30 | |
Click here to view the Navigators Church Ministries: https://www.navigatorschurchministries.com/ Check out our eBooks: https://discipleship.org/resources/ebooks/
Building a Strong Foundation for Disciple Making Cultures - Workshop with Justin Gravitt In this workshop, Justin Gravitt from Navigators Church Ministries dives into the critical process of developing a sustainable disciple making culture within the church. Drawing on over a decade of experience, Justin explains the importance of having a strong foundation and shares actionable steps to grow and maintain it. He uses the analogy of a Jenga tower to illustrate how foundational weaknesses can cause a disciple making culture to collapse. Throughout the session, Justin emphasizes the importance of forming a core team and making disciple making a foundational part of church culture, not just an additional program. He also answers practical questions about how to start and sustain this initiative, ensuring that both leaders and participants are equipped to become effective disciple makers. 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 Workshop Overview 00:51 The Importance of Actionable Steps 01:49 Building a Foundation for Disciple Making 02:33 Jenga and Disciple Making Culture 04:14 Challenges in Disciple Making 11:32 Creating a Core Team 17:13 Common Vision and Team Dynamics 25:02 Relational Resilience in Teams 28:09 Navigating Team Conflict 28:37 The Importance of Relational Depth 29:08 Endurance in Team Building 32:55 Three Barriers to Culture Change 37:51 Starting Disciple Making in Your Church 40:21 Q&A: Practical Steps and Challenges 51:10 Concluding Thoughts and Resources Resources on Disciple Making Culture Disciple Making Culture Visual Introduction Cultivating a Disciple-Making Culture at Your Church Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr In this session, Justin Gravitt from Navigators Church Ministries in Dayton, Ohio, leads a workshop on creating an intentional disciple-making culture in churches. He starts by introducing himself as the director of innovation and advancement for Navigators. Justin focuses on developing a disciple-making culture, sharing insights from his ten years of experience. He highlights that the goal of the workshop is to equip participants with actionable strategies for effective discipleship in their communities. He shares a story about a conference attendee who found valuable insights but lacked specific steps to implement them. Justin agrees and aims for attendees to leave with practical strategies for building a disciple-making foundation. To illustrate the importance of a strong foundation, Justin compares it to a game of Jenga. He explains that just as removing key pieces from the bottom weakens the tower, neglecting foundational aspects of disciple-making can undermine a church's culture. Engaging the audience, he encourages them to see parallels between Jenga and disciple-making, emphasizing the need for strategic planning in complex environments. Justin warns against viewing disciple-making as an extra task rather than a core priority. He stresses that if it's not ingrained in the church's foundation, other activities will overshadow it, leading to ineffective efforts. Drawing from his experiences with various churches, Justin notes that initial successes in disciple multiplication can plateau without a solid foundation. This realization inspired him to contribute to an ebook on disciple-making culture. He outlines the workshop's structure, which includes two goals: transforming a group into a team with a shared mission and ensuring every member becomes an active disciple-maker. The workshop covers establishing a common vision, fostering ownership of disciple-making, building relational resilience, and ensuring endurance in the process, all crucial for a sustainable disciple-making culture. Justin emphasizes the importance of diversifying the team to reflect the church community, selecting members based on their faithfulness, availability, and teachability, rather than just experience. He differentiates between a team and a group, noting that teams share a mission and diverse skills, which promotes accountability and purpose. The leader plays a vital role in facilitating these changes. He also highlights the need for team members to embrace disciple-making as part of their identities, sharing fictional examples of common obstacles they might face, like feeling inadequate. The session addresses these obstacles, encouraging leaders to engage with team members to understand their struggles and foster genuine connections. Building relational resilience is key for support beyond surface-level interactions. To track progress and avoid burnout, Justin suggests practical exercises to evaluate relationship depth within the team and demonstrates healthy conflict resolution. He stresses the importance of ongoing support and engagement from leaders to keep the team motivated. Finally, Justin emphasizes the need for clear and consistent communication about disciple-making to prevent cultural drift. Leaders should regularly revisit foundational principles to maintain focus. He also discusses how to scale teams according to church size, ensuring effective coordination. Follow us at Discipleship.org! | |||
| Growing intentional Disciple Making Cultures (GIDC) Process (feat. Donnie Hoover) | 28 août 2024 | 00:36:30 | |
Click here to view the Navigators Church Ministries: https://www.navigatorschurchministries.com/ Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr Addressing the Church Culture Crisis: From Spectators to Disciple Makers In this session, we explore the critical problem facing many local churches today: a culture that produces spectators rather than disciple makers. This episode dives into understanding and managing church culture to foster intentionality and the know-how necessary for disciple making. Key concepts discussed include the results pyramid by Connors and Smith, the importance of cultural beliefs, and the role of leadership in managing culture. The goal is to shift from producing spectators to creating a disciple-making culture through intentional experiences and leadership modeling. 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: Identifying the Problem 02:04 The Importance of Culture 05:22 Understanding the Results Pyramid 08:33 Beliefs and Their Impact 10:24 Creating Inescapable Experiences 14:46 Assessing and Shifting Culture 17:29 The Role of Leadership 26:30 The GIDC Process 34:00 Conclusion and Next Steps Resources on Disciple Making Culture Disciple Making Culture Visual Introduction Cultivating a Disciple-Making Culture at Your Church This presentation addresses a critical issue faced by local churches: problematic church culture. It argues that many churches produce spectators rather than disciple-makers due to a lack of intentionality. The speaker emphasizes that healthy cultures yield better results and stresses the need to transform church culture to focus on disciple-making. Drawing from Connors and Smith's "Change the Culture, Change the Game," culture is defined by how people think and act collectively. The "new hire question" reflects this ethos: "How do things work around here?" To achieve desirable outcomes, the focus should be on foundational experiences and beliefs, as highlighted in the Results Pyramid model. The speaker notes that focusing solely on actions and results leads to short-term compliance rather than long-term commitment. Real change requires addressing the experiences that shape underlying beliefs. Creating “inescapable experiences” can challenge and shift these beliefs. An understanding of the current (C1) and desired culture (C2) is necessary for change. This involves assessing existing experiences (E1), beliefs (B1), actions (A1), and results. The Navigator Church Ministries’ process begins with clarity about the goal: producing disciple-makers. Essential elements for creating a disciple-making culture, summarized as the seven P's, include:
A clear, shared picture of a disciple-maker is crucial. Practitioners must embody the disciple-making lifestyle, with significant influence from senior pastors who should model discipleship actively. The presentation introduces the GIDC (Growing intentional Disciple-making Cultures ). This involves interconnected elements aimed at producing local disciple-makers. In summary, this presentation provides a comprehensive approach to transforming church culture to focus on disciple-making, emphasizing the importance of experiences and beliefs in achieving long-term, meaningful change. Check out the Navigators culture building visual: https://navigatorschurchministries.org/resource/growing-intentional-disciplemaking-cultures/ Follow us at Discipleship.org! | |||
| On Mission WITH Jesus: Listening Prayer & Spiritual Warfare in Disciple Making (feat. Marcus Warner, Dawn Whitestone, and Duane Sherman) | 26 août 2024 | 01:03:26 | |
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Mission with Jesus: Listening Prayer & Spiritual Warfare Basics In this fourth session of the 'Deeper Walk International' series, the focus is on the practice and principles of listening prayer and spiritual warfare basics. The session starts with an introduction from the vice president of strategic partnerships, followed by insights into the development of a new community center, the Joy Center. Dawn, the resident expert on listening prayer, leads the session with personal stories and practical applications, emphasizing the importance of hearing God's voice and recognizing spiritual warfare. The session includes interactive components like Q&A and a guided exercise on listening prayer through scripture. The session concludes with teachings on the significance of spiritual warfare, daily disciplines, and how to identify and address demonic influences and mental health challenges. 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 to Session Four: Mission with Jesus 01:36 Opening Prayer and Setting the Tone 03:11 Discerning God's Leading Through Listening Prayer 04:17 Personal Journey and Experiences with Listening Prayer 21:04 Levels of Prayer: Developing a Deeper Connection 27:07 Introduction to Spiritual Warfare Basics 32:08 Understanding Authority in Spiritual Warfare 33:00 Recognizing Permissions and Removing Them 35:53 The Four C's Method for Spiritual Warfare 37:53 Levels of Spiritual Warfare and Preparation 41:40 Real Prayer: A Model for Listening to God 45:45 Daily Spiritual Practices and Emotional Resilience 53:29 Team Approach and Differentiating Spiritual Warfare from Mental Disorders Resources on Disciple Making Culture Disciple Making Culture Visual Introduction Cultivating a Disciple-Making Culture at Your Church In this episode of The Disciple Makers Podcast the host welcomes the audience to the fourth session, "Mission with Jesus," focusing on listening prayer and spiritual warfare. The session includes practical exercises and a Q&A segment. Key speakers Dawn and Dwayne, recognized for their expertise, are introduced, with Dawn being highlighted as an expert in listening prayer. The agenda covers discerning God's guidance, understanding spiritual warfare basics, and troubleshooting disciple-making challenges. Dawn starts with a prayer for divine guidance and introduces the session's trail map. She shares her journey from a cessationist background to embracing listening prayer, influenced by the book "Experiencing God" by Henry Blackaby. Dawn explains the different levels of prayer engagement:
Dawn recounts how listening prayer transformed her life, leading to significant personal and professional changes. On spiritual warfare, Dawn discusses the misunderstood aspects and introduces the "Steps to Freedom in Christ" for addressing spiritual strongholds. She explains the SOUL framework (Sin, Occult involvement, Unforgiveness, Lies, Lineage) and the Four Cs method (Confess, Cancel, Command, Commit) for counteracting spiritual attacks. The session ends with a Q&A where participants ask about combining spiritual disciplines with listening prayer, maintaining daily spiritual protection, and differentiating between mental health issues and spiritual warfare. Marcus Warner provides practical insights on balanced emotional and spiritual health. Overall, "Deeper Walk 4" offers a guide to listening prayer, spiritual warfare, and resilience through spiritual disciplines, emphasizing prayer as a conversation, dismantling spiritual strongholds, and following God's guidance.
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| How Neuroscience Transforms the Disciple Making Process (feat. Dr. Marcus Warner and Dawn Whitestone) | 21 août 2024 | 01:01:04 | |
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Understanding Emotional and Relational Maturity Through Neuroscience In this episode, we dive deep into the relationship between neuroscience and the stages of emotional and relational maturity, particularly in the context of disciple making. Key experts Marcus and Don Whitestone explain how brain science can guide effective discipleship, highlighting the four A's of emotional maturity, the brain's craving for joy, the dual operating systems of the brain, and the importance of mature identity centers. They also explore the five levels of maturity—infant, child, adult, parent, and elder—discussing the unique tasks and potential pitfalls at each stage. Through this comprehensive discussion, viewers gain insights on how to promote emotional and relational growth within faith communities. 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 to Neuroscience and Discipleship 00:41 Understanding Emotional Maturity 01:33 The Four A's of Emotional Maturity 02:21 Brain Science and Maturity 04:12 The Brain's Craving for Joy 07:40 Operating Systems of the Brain 11:47 Levels of Brain Function 18:10 Applying Neuroscience to Ministry 18:35 Stages of Maturity in Discipleship 30:03 Understanding Emotional Regulation 30:38 Child Level Maturity Explained 31:31 Challenges of Pseudo Maturity 33:43 Healthy Adult Maturity 36:04 Transactional Relationships in Adulthood 38:30 Parent Level Maturity 40:55 Elder Level Maturity 43:02 Bridging the Maturity Gap in Leadership 47:52 Q&A: Maturity and Personality Types 50:07 Q&A: Elder Roles in Churches 56:14 Q&A: Addressing Immature Elders Resources on Disciple Making Culture Disciple Making Culture Visual Introduction Cultivating a Disciple-Making Culture at Your Church In this episode the focus is on connecting neuroscience with prayer and fasting to enhance spiritual growth and maturity. The speaker, a knowledgeable professor, emphasizes disciple-making's goal of fostering maturity, as seen through Apostle Paul's objective: presenting everyone mature in Christ. The speaker uses the metaphor of an emotional infant versus an emotional adult to illustrate varying levels of emotional maturity, introducing the "four A's" of emotional immaturity: addiction, avoidance, anger, and anxiety. These traits often appear in those at the infant and child levels of maturity. Without overcoming these, individuals may continue to exhibit immature behaviors. He explains three key brain principles linking neuroscience and maturity. First, the brain craves joy as its primary fuel, defaulting to fear if joy is unattainable. The brain's joy center, behind the eyes, helps maintain emotional stability, with mature individuals having a well-developed identity center. Second, the brain operates with two systems: the right brain scans the environment for emotional responses, while the left brain focuses on problem-solving. Emotionally mature individuals balance these functions well. Third, the brain functions on four levels: attachment, assessment, attunement, and action. Proper development of these areas is crucial for handling emotional weight without losing composure or identity. Don Whitestone, leading the school of ministry, translates these concepts into practical applications for ministry and disciple-making. He discusses five maturity levels: infant, child, adult, parent, and elder, providing a framework for assessing and promoting growth. The episode includes practical examples and personal anecdotes, illustrating how quickly an emotional trigger can regress someone to a child-like state, emphasizing the need for emotional maturity. Follow us at Discipleship.org! | |||
| Discipleship on the Back of a Napkin (feat. Dr. Marcus Warner) | 19 août 2024 | 00:50:14 | |
Click here to view DeeperWalk: https://deeperwalk.com/ Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr 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 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! | |||
| Four Good Ideas that Neutralized Western Christianity (feat. Dr. Marcus Warner) | 14 août 2024 | 00:39:54 | |
Click here to view DeeperWalk: https://deeperwalk.com/ Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr Reviving Discipleship: The Power of Attachment in Spiritual Growth In this deeply insightful talk, the speaker introduces Deeper Walk International, a ministry aimed at enhancing spiritual growth through heart-focused discipleship. Starting from its foundation in spiritual warfare counseling by Dr. Mark Beubeck, the ministry has evolved to address the broader needs of the church community. The speaker examines how traditional approaches to discipleship, focused on truth, willpower, and power, have resulted in 'half-brained Christianity.' Emphasizing the importance of attachment and joy in spiritual development, the talk advocates for a holistic model where group discipleship plays a pivotal role. With references to thinkers like Jim Wilder, Alan Shore, and Nietzsche, the presentation challenges prevailing notions and sets the stage for a transformative approach to Christian 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 to Deeper Walk International 01:28 Heart Focused Discipleship 02:09 The Role of Trauma and Freedom Issues 02:40 Partnership with Jim Wilder and Neuroscience Insights 03:50 The Church as a Factory: Producing Disciples 04:37 Four Essential Elements of Change 05:25 The Enlightenment and the Shift to Truth 07:45 Attachment vs. Truth in Faith 13:14 The Will and Voluntarism in Theology 23:06 The Role of Power in Christianity 29:05 Postmodernism and Tolerance 32:08 Building a Disciple-Making Culture 38:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Resources on Disciple Making Culture Disciple Making Culture Visual Introduction Cultivating a Disciple-Making Culture at Your Church In this episode, we meet the speaker from Deeper Walk International, a ministry founded in 1988 in Sioux City, Iowa. Initially centered on spiritual warfare counseling by Dr. Mark Beubeck, author of "The Adversary," the ministry expanded under his influence from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Over time, it broadened its impact beyond counselors to missionaries and church members, highlighting the universal relevance of its teachings. The term "heart-focused discipleship" emerged as a key concept, emphasizing that many barriers to spiritual growth stem not from ignorance but from unresolved emotional wounds. Drawing on personal experiences as a senior pastor, the speaker observed how addressing these issues led to profound life changes among believers. Collaboration with Jim Wilder, director of a California counseling center, integrated spiritual warfare with neuroscience, particularly attachment theory. Their joint publications like "Rare Leadership" and "The Solution of Choice" blend theological insights with neuroscience to offer holistic models for personal and spiritual transformation. The episode explores four significant philosophical movements influencing Western Christianity:
The speaker advocates for a discipleship approach rooted in community dynamics. Like fertile soil nurturing plants, vibrant Christian communities foster personal growth and spiritual transformation. They critique individualistic discipleship models, advocating for group settings that provide diverse life experiences and maturity levels. Drawing from John 15, the speaker emphasizes the need to remain deeply connected to Jesus for spiritual fruitfulness. They argue that genuine transformation occurs within a supportive community centered on God's truth and relational depth—not solely on intellectualism or personal effort. Practical examples highlight the pitfalls of solo-driven spiritual warfare ministries and the benefits of team-based approaches for sustainable growth. The episode concludes with a call to embrace "Discipleship 2.0," prioritizing relational attachment and joyful community in church practices, ensuring holistic spiritual development rooted in meaningful relationships within the body of Christ. Follow us at Discipleship.org! | |||