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.

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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.

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

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.

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.

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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.

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

“There is a huge difference between a church with discipleship and a disciple making church. A disciple making church, or a church with discipleship, usually sees discipleship as another program that they add on to everything else they're doing. And in disciple making church,  discipleship is a part of it. But disciple making is all we do, not just one thing we do. It's all we do. – Ken Adams”

In this enlightening podcast, Matt Dabbs from Discipleship.org is joined by Ken Adams of Crossroads Church and Impact Ministries, discussing how the implementation of discipleship in local churches can lead to an impactful and transformative journey, just as Jesus designed 2000 years ago. Adams also shares insights from his 35-year pastoral journey and explains the profound value of maintaining a focus on discipleship. Additionally, he talks about the services offered by Impact Discipleship Ministries to assist churches in developing strategies and implementing discipleship driving growth and fulfilling God's mission.

Check out The Disciple-Making Church Podcast: Click HERE

To Learn more about Impact Discipleship Ministries: Click HERE

Watch the Video 

Key Takeaways 

00:00 Introduction and Background

01:42 The Importance of Discipleship in Church Growth

04:21 The Impact of Longevity in Ministry

05:27 The Power of Discipleship in Church Multiplication

08:13 The Vision for a Disciple Making Church

17:50 The Challenges and Successes in Disciple Making

26:29 The Role of Impact Discipleship Ministries in Church Revitalization

29:53 Adapting Disciple Making to Different Church Styles

33:25 The Role of Assessment and Prescription in Disciple Making

36:22 The Implementation of Disciple Making and the Importance of Follow-up

37:11 Additional Services Offered for Churches

38:25 The Role of a Pastor in Disciple Making

39:49 The Importance of Implementing Disciple Making in Everyday Life

40:52 The Personal Experiences and Reflections on Disciple Making

Check out our Audio Book on Becoming a Disciple Maker

Interested in more great content check out our Nashville City Tour Videos. 

Highlight – “80% of all churches in North America have a functioning women’s ministry, less than 7 percent have a functioning men’s ministry.”

In this interview, Chris Harper of Betterman discusses the concept of 'Discipling Men' in our churches. He highlights the fact that a small group study can be tremendously beneficial for a man, offering opportunities to engage in meaningful conversations about Biblical manhood and masculinity, but also that a lot of guys simply wouldn’t choose this kind of community for themselves or even understand why they need it. Church leadership plays a big role in that. Chris talks about seeing a shift from academic spaces to communal spaces in our churches. We should feel an urgency to encourage multi-generational discipleship to prevent men from leaving the church and to build a stronger church community that can affect societal change.

Check out the BetterMan Podcast: Click HERE

To Learn more about BetterMan: Click HERE

Discipleship in the Modern Church: Empowering Men with Chris Harper

Watch the Video 

Key Takeaways 

00:00 Introduction and Prayer

05:38 The Four W's: Word, Woman, Work, World

06:39 The Impact of the Four W's

11:46 The Role of the Church in Men's Discipleship

14:59 The Importance of Small Group Discussions

22:28 The Shift in Church Culture and Its Impact on Men

28:58 The Media's Negative Portrayal of Men

29:50 Breaking Stereotypes: Redefining Masculinity

32:42 The Struggles of Church Leadership

35:21 The Need for Men's Ministry

37:34 The Power of Personal Testimony

39:32 The Urgency of Addressing Men's Issues

46:56 The Potential for Revival

Check out the Disciple Making Culture 10 Minute E-Book

Interested in more great content check out our Nashville City Tour Videos. 

Today’s episode is a follow-up conversation between Steve McCoy and Matt Dabbs. They continue their discussion on fostering a culture of discipleship by utilizing everyday people within the church. They wanna help ordinary people like me and you with accessible tools for sharing the Gospel and for making disciples. This episode serves as an encouragement and guide for us individuals listening and also for churches to foster a more intentional approach to disciple-making by utilizing the collective strength of their community.

Highlight – “If you want to have a disciple making culture within your organization, your ministry, or your church, it is absolutely 100 percent impossible unless everyday people are in the game – Steve McCoy”

Watch The Video

Key Takeaways 

00:00 Introduction to the Discipleship Talk

00:14 The Importance of Everyday People in Discipleship

01:15 The Challenges of Expert Culture in Churches

02:38 The Role of Discipleship.org in Empowering Everyday People

06:44 The Impact of Discipleship on Church Culture

06:47 The Effect of COVID-19 on Church Culture

14:43 The Importance of Relational Depth in Discipleship

27:16 The Impact of Discipleship on Church Growth and Leadership Development

29:14 Conclusion: The Excitement of Discipleship

To Learn more about Small Circle Click HERE

Check out the National Study on Disciple Making in USA Churches

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

“Fight to have that David, Jonathan, Jesus, John, Paul, Timothy Relationship. An Everyday person can pick up the tools and just move with it, an everyday person can become a disciple maker.” 

In today's discussion, Matt Dabs talks with Steve McCoy, the founder and lead pastor of the 360 Church in Sarasota, and developer of the Small Circle App. The emphasis is on the importance of personal, one-to-one discipleship, using the methods Jesus exemplified in his ministry. They explore the value of both group settings and individual discipleship, explaining that larger group settings often don't facilitate the deep, transformative conversations that occur in more intimate settings. Steve stresses the importance of intentionality in choosing who to invest in for discipleship, urging listeners to aim to invest in those who will themselves invest in others. 

To Learn more about Small Circle Click HERE

Check out the new Disciple Making Culture Visual Guide

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

Watch the Video 

Key Takeaways 

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

02:33 The Unique Relationship Between Jesus and John

05:53 The Need for Deep, Intimate Relationships in Discipleship

07:06 The Impact of the Industrial Revolution on Discipleship

08:57 The Importance of Intentionality in Discipleship

17:24 How to Get Started with One-on-One Discipleship

19:01 The Role of Everyday People in Discipleship

21:00 The Challenges and Rewards of One-on-One Discipleship

25:23 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans

Highlight – “Everything Jesus did was Discipleship.” 

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

Watch the Video 

Key Takeaways 

00:00 Introduction and Prayer

07:09 The Concept of Distributed Pastoral Leadership

11:28 The Importance of Diverse Discipleship Communities

14:30 The Balance Between Large Gatherings and House Churches

19:18 Protecting Sound Doctrine in House Churches

20:30 The Role of House Church Pastors

23:56 The Health of House Churches

27:19 The Structure of House Church Gatherings

29:17 The Role of Children in House Churches

33:18 The Benefits of a Separate Sunday Gathering

36:59 The Church Project Network

Check out our popular ebook on Becoming a Disciple Maker

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

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

Today we continue the conversation between Bobby Harrington and Matt Dabbs looking into the book "Discipleship that Fits." They discuss the importance of different types of discipleship relationships, such as the divine space, public space, social space, personal space, and transparent space. They also mention the benefits of different church sizes and advocate for prioritizing the divine space and transparent space for leadership development. They discuss how different spaces can be used in various church contexts and how they can troubleshoot problems by understanding the purpose of each space. If you are interested in taking an assessment on your church click HERE.  For access to the book and a free tool check out the links below: 

Interested in a FREE TOOL related to this episode click HERE

For access to the complete book Discipleship that fits click HERE 

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Key Takeaways 

00:00 Exploring the Concept of Discipleship

02:59 The Importance of Personal Relationships in Discipleship

03:18 The Five Discipling Relationships

06:33 The Role of Church Size in Discipleship

08:19 The Importance of Personal Relationship with God in Discipleship

18:00 The Role of Church Leaders in Discipleship

24:27 Troubleshooting Problems in Discipleship

28:36 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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

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

For more information on the book Disciple Shift click HERE

For more information about Disciple Making Culture click HERE

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Episode Highlights:

00:00 The Importance of Disciple Making Culture

01:30 The State of Churches in Disciple Making

01:57 The Importance of Disciple Making Culture in Churches

02:53 The Consequences of Not Making Disciple Shifts

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

06:35 The Importance of Discipling Relationships in Churches

16:22 The Importance of Deploying Disciples into Communities

23:34 The Importance of Practicing Discipleship

Join us in this thought-provoking and inspirational conversation with Josh Howard, founder of Ignite and a worker with E3 Partners. Howard shares his experiences as a worker in South Asia, discussing the incredible results of 'crazy farming' -- the method of widely spreading the Gospel seeds. He highlights the importance of prayer and fasting, and outlines practical steps for intentional evangelism and discipleship. The conversation also includes comparisons between South Asian and American cultures and the application of these worker strategies in both contexts. Feel encouraged by real stories of God's work and be equipped with helpful resources for your own evangelism journey.

For more information about E3 Partners Click HERE

For access to Josh Howards book Christian Extremism Click HERE

Watch the Video

Key Takeaways 

00:00 Discussing Cultural Differences and Evangelism

03:31 The Role of Prayer and Fasting in South Asian Christian Culture

06:30 The Importance of Contextualizing the Gospel

10:47 The Power of Prayer Walking and Personal Evangelism

17:00 The Power of Prayer and God's Timing in Evangelism

21:56 The Importance of Engaging in Evangelism

24:03 The Importance of Sowing Seeds

28:08 The Challenge of Preaching in the West

30:07 The Power of Personal Testimony

37:16 The Journey of a House Church Leader

38:17 Final Thoughts and Farewell

NEW!!!! Disciple Making Culture 10 Minute E-Book

Interested in the current state of Discipleship in North American Churches? Check out our free resource: National Study on Disciple Making in USA Churches

Interested in a free Ebook on Disciple Making Metrics: Disciple Making Metrics Ebook

Today Matt Dabbs is talking with Renee Sproles and throughout the discussion, they explore the importance of prayer, relationship, and actively involving women in discipleship. They also jump into the challenges of American cultural values versus what Scripture teaches us about discipleship. And as Renee shares her personal story with rigorous honesty, you’ll pick up on the significant role women have in discipleship and have some practical takeaways on how to start a disciple-making culture in your church. Let’s listen to this conversation between Matt Dabbs and Renee Sproles and be encouraged today.

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Key Takeaways 

00:00 Introducing the Guest and Topic

06:25 Identifying Potential Disciples and Building Relationships

09:19 The Role of Family and Church in Discipleship

14:49 The Importance of Making Space for Discipleship

16:44 The Influence of American Values on Discipleship

19:52 God's Stories: Miracles in Discipleship

21:41 Transformations through Discipleship

25:28 The Power of Prayer in Discipleship

30:18 The Importance of Celebrating Wins in Discipleship

33:16 The Power of Testimonies in Discipleship

34:29 The Importance of Intentionality in Discipleship

36:04 Closing Remarks and Future Plans

NEW!!!! Disciple Making Culture 10 Minute E-Book

Interested in taking a Disciple Maker Assessment? Check out our Individual Disciple Maker Assessment

“A disciple learns to follow, follows to learn, but never arrives.” Today on our series on Disciple Making culture Matt Dabbs and Anthony Walker delve into how discipline language and behavioral shifts can impact their ministry. They explore their past experiences, learning processes, and future aspirations concerning discipleship. They also discuss how people can adopt simple habits to enact discipleship more effectively. This script underscores the importance of following and learning from Christ consistently.

Interested in becoming a disciple maker: check out this resource: https://discipleship.org/shop/becoming-a-disciple-maker/?fbclid=IwAR2knNZym61NqhRxerlynH6Pz1KNdWkXDBCnGvVN5wSIoojlHKhCFu7Cud4 

Also you can take our individual disciple maker assessment: https://church-multiplication.com/disciplemaker/ 

Watch The Video 

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction and Guest Presentation

06:20 The Journey of Discipleship

08:23 The Role of Obedience in Discipleship

10:00 The Impact of Discipleship on Personal Life

16:58 The Challenge of Discipleship Among Adults

24:09 The Importance of Competency in Discipleship

25:41 The Role of Ordinary People in Spreading the Gospel

34:16 The Consequences of Ignoring Spiritual Promptings

40:04 The Need for Collaboration Between Church and Marketplace

44:21 The Journey of Discipleship

45:41 Closing Remarks and Future Plans

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

Becoming a Disciple Maker

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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:

1. **Theologically Grounded:** The importance of a clear theological foundation and faith statement to maintain accountability and doctrinal integrity.
2. **Disciple-Making Focus:** A commitment to fostering a disciple-making culture from the outset of a new church.
3. **Reproduction:** The expectation for new churches to engage in reproduction from day one, planting 'pregnant' with the mission to multiply.
4. **Healthy Support Systems:** Providing new churches with robust support including coaching, training, residency programs, and project management tools.
5. **Accountability:** Ensuring that new churches have temporary elder boards or management teams to guide them initially.
6. **Collaboration:** Encouraging churches to work together in planting efforts, pooling resources and expertise to overcome individual limitations.

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/ 

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

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

Interested in an Ebook on Disciple Making click HERE

Watch the Video 

Key Takeaways

00:00 Discussing the Importance of Beliefs in Culture

06:08 Understanding the Role of Beliefs in the Church

11:41 The Role of Truth in Spiritual Warfare

13:05 The Importance of Relationships in Discipleship

14:18 The Power of Beliefs and Their Influence

16:26 The Importance of Core Values in Organizations

27:03 The Impact of Social Media on Discipleship

31:33 The Importance of Modeling Faith

34:07 Closing Remarks

In this in-depth discussion, Matt Dabbs interviews Brandon Guindon from Real Life Ministries in Texas. They dive into the principles of creating a disciple-making culture within the church body. Brandon shares his journey in ministry and how a focus on disciple-making, modeled by Jesus' example, transformed his approach and shaped the culture at Real Life Ministries. He provides insights into how he has successfully nurtured this in his own congregation and has imparted this approach to others, enabling them to raise more disciples. He emphasizes the importance of keeping the message simple, genuine discipleship as a lifestyle, and striving to make 'disciple-makers' rather than just 'disciples'. We have to have a personal, relationship-based approach to spreading the Gospel, echoing Jesus' methods, rather than relying on extensive theological knowledge or complex teachings.

Get Brandon Guindon's book on Disciple Making culture

Disciple Making Culture Visual Guide

National Study on Disciple Making in USA Churches

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Brandon's Journey to Discipleship

03:39 The Role of Small Groups in Discipleship

06:16 The Transition from Mentoring to Church Planting

09:09 Challenges and Misconceptions in Discipleship

18:10 Key Principles of Disciple Making Culture

21:38 Understanding Disciple Making

26:15 The Challenge of Disciple Making

31:36 The Culture of Disciple Making

37:44 The Power of Asking for Help in Disciple Making

39:17 Closing Thoughts and Encouragement

“Disciple Making Requires Discipline.” In this episode we feature a cultivating discussion between Shodankeh Johnson, Bobby Harrington, and Matt Dabbs on their respective roles and strategies in implementing a disciple-making culture in their lives and organizations. They discuss the importance of disciplined daily prayer, devotion, and deepening one's relationship with God to truly become a follower of Jesus Christ that will inspire others to do the same. They also highlight the importance of patience, wisdom, and perseverance in the face of challenges and setbacks.

Key Takeaways:

• 03:15 The Importance of Behaviors in Discipleship
• 03:46 The Core of a Disciple Making Church
• 09:11 The Impact of Discipleship on Communities
• 15:22 The Power of Devotion in Discipleship
• 19:38 The Importance of Starting the Day with God
• 20:31 The Role of God in Sending Laborers for Discipleship
• 21:17 Relieving Pressure by Trusting God
• 27:56 Creating a Disciple Making Culture
• 29:52 Setting Goals and Praying for Success
• 32:23 Encouragement for Disciple Makers

• National Study on Disciple Making in USA Churches
• Disciple Making Culture Assessment 
• Disciple Making Culture Visual Guide
• Register for the National Disciple Making Forum
• Featured Blog: Why is the culture of a disciple making church so important
• Watch the Nashville City Tour – FREE!

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

Watch the Video: 

Key Takeaways:

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

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

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

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

In this episode following Donnie Williams talk on Intentionality in Making Disciple Makers, Bobby Harrington engages Donne and Brandon Guindon on various topics such as the need for change, the importance of alignment in church culture, and practical ways to have a biblical worldview and disciple others.

In this episode, Donnie Williams (Lead Pastor of Lifepointe) discusses the importance of intentional discipleship and the need for a biblical worldview in today's culture. The bad news is only 6% of Christians have a biblical worldview, which means we have a desperate need to align discipleship with scripture and confront cultural lies by teaching God's word. Donnie gives us hope by encouraging us to start small, stay consistent, and keep pushing to multiply our disciple-making efforts.

Tina Wilson shares with us today how her church went through a period of growth and success, but then faced a bitter root of discord that threatened to divide the congregation. She says intentional relationships with other women in the church helped them navigate this challenging situation and ultimately strengthen their unity and support for one another.

I had a chance to catch up with our point leader, Bobby Harrington, and ask him some questions about how discipleship should work through the Christmas and New Year season. He shared some great pointers for all of us and encouraged us to use the Christmas spirit everyone is feeling right now to launch your discipleship plan for 2024. Merry Christmas, everyone!

In this episode, Chris Seidman (lead minister at The Branch Church) shares some personal anecdotes and stories to encourage us all to engage with spiritually lost people. He emphasizes the importance of being intentional and sharing the gospel with others. “The call to be about discipling is not so much a call to go to a certain location as it is to live with a certain intention.”

In this Episode Lori Arnold, shares with us the importance of intentionality in building relationships and seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit in navigating those challenging conversations. She concludes with a clear call to action for all of us to practice intentional discipleship and trust the sometimes long process of growth.

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

Becoming a Disciple Maker

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/ 

In today’s episode we feature a conversation between Bobby Harrington, Thom Rainer and Gabe Lyons. Their conversation discusses faith, evangelism, discipleship, church attendance, communication in religious practice, community engagement, and generational challenges in modern Christianity.

For more great content like this visit discipleship.org

In today’s episode, Gabe Lyons (founder and president of THINKQ Media)  shares his experience in engaging with thought leaders and his vision for creating a space where Christians can come together to think, talk, learn, collaborate, and challenge each other with the biggest questions facing the world and their own lives. He emphasizes the importance of cultural discernment and provides us with a formula for thinking well as a Christian, including understanding theology, history, nuance, and simply just asking better questions. Gabe believes that thought leaders, regardless of scholarly credentials, have the ability to influence others and shape their thinking towards Christ and kingdom truths in a world filled with deceptive teachings and cultural chaos.

In this episode Thom Rainer (former CEO of Lifeway) talks with us about the current state of the Evangelical Church. He gives us a sobering analysis of the declining state of the Evangelical Church, pointing out that up to three out of four churches are technically dying. Thom mentions several challenges faced by churches, such as clinging to the past, failing to recognize the impact of the pandemic, struggling with prayer and evangelism, and lacking a clear purpose. Despite the negative aspects, Thom ends on a hopeful note that through evangelism and obedience to the divine commission, revival is possible.

In this episode we wrap up the track sessions from Lionshare, where Dave Buehring talks about how to shape the next generation. Dave discussed the concept of vocational discipleship, emphasizing the need to educate young individuals not only about their job roles but also how to apply spiritual principles in these roles. Dave talks about helping young adults understand their callings in life and how to incorporate their callings into their work, highlighting the importance of building relationships, showing empathy, and valuing other people.

In this episode Dave Buehring (Lionshare) teaches us about spiritual warfare. He explains the different tactics our enemy uses (distortion, distraction, discouragement and deception) to deter or divert God’s people. Dave offers practical ways to counteract these tactics, including relying on scriptures and forming strong relationships.

In this episode Dave Buehring of Lionshare talks about the concept of discipline and spiritual growth. He emphasizes the importance of letting go of our personal rights and desires and embracing the teachings and the guidance of Jesus, and he compares this to a physical action of opening our palms to signify surrendering control. It’s important that we surrender control of our lives as a method of discipleship and as a way of trusting and obeying God.

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

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

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

In this episode, our point leader Bobby Harrington interviews Brandon Guindon and Renee Sproles in an in-depth round table discussion reflecting on aspects of discipleship. This is a part 3 of episodes 1 & 2 from this season. In this Q&A session, Bobby, Brandon, and Renee discuss the role of relationships in faith development, as well as the importance of addressing challenges and the inevitable messiness that comes with discipleship. As disciple makers, we need the ability to adapt well in dealing with these challenges and we may need a mindset change when dealing with personal incidences during the discipleship process.

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

Are you sick of just sitting by while your friends and family members spin out of control in their lives? Renee Sproles talks about feeling that way and the steps she took when she finally said “enough is enough” and began helping these precious people in her life. This episode is about the importance of intentional relational discipleship and building relationships to provide support to individuals in need. Renee says when you’re starting out with discipleship, an ounce of obedience is worth a pound of theory.

You can now get access to video content from the Discipleship.org city tour in Nashville, visit this link for more information: https://discipleship.org/shop/2023-nashville-city-tour/ 

In this first episode Brandon Guindon recounts a personal story of a tragic car accident and he reflects on the challenges they went through as a family and how it impacted their faith and understanding of disciple making. Brandon emphasizes the importance of following Jesus' methodology of disciple making and the transformative power it can have on individuals and communities when we follow his methods with grit and commitment.

You can now get access to video content from the Discipleship.org city tour in Nashville, visit this link for more information: https://discipleship.org/shop/2023-nashville-city-tour/ 

Visit RENEW.org: https://renew.org/ 

Effective Discipleship: Strategies and Frameworks

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

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

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

Key Takeaways 

00:00 Getting Started: Turning On and Off

00:48 Spills and Small Talk

02:40 Technical Troubles and Personal Updates

06:28 Morning Greetings and Introductions

07:49 Discipling Women: Initial Thoughts

11:05 Understanding Right Brain Attachment

14:44 Stories of Women in Discipleship

18:31 The Clogged Well: A Metaphor for Discipleship

21:19 Framework for Discipling Women

38:47 The Importance of Heart-Focused Community

39:21 Understanding Identity and Mission

40:59 Practical Discipleship Practices

46:13 The Power of Spiritual Biographies

50:14 Concluding Thoughts and Encouragement

55:59 Addressing Group Dynamics and Challenges

Resources on Discipleship  

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

What Is Church? And How Important Is It?

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

Becoming a Disciple Maker

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Anthony Walker (lead pastor at Hwy 231 Church of Christ) discussed his ministry work, including leading the men's ministry and organizing a men's retreat at his church. He emphasized his involvement with renew.org and shared his personal experiences and the importance of balance in managing multiple responsibilities. Hear more from Anthony on the podcasts Fearless with Jason Whitlock and Scripture in Black and White with discipleship.org's point leader Bobby Harrington.

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

Men don’t realize that NOW matters! In this episode Tim Brown from ReUp Men’s Movement discusses the importance of helping men realize that growing in their walk with Jesus matters today, right now.

In this episode, Aaron Brockett and Bart Shaw explore the history and mission of their church, Traders Point Christian Church, and highlight the importance of intentionally investing in the next generation and removing barriers to Jesus. Their church aims to equip parents as the primary disciple-makers in the lives of their children and they give us practical steps in disciple making and emphasize the role of prayer and fasting and total dependence on God.

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

In this episode, Shodankeh Johnson (New Generations) takes us through the significant role that prayer and fasting plays in disciple-making movements, stressing their importance in staying close to God. He encourages us to begin with small steps in incorporating prayer and fasting into our lives: starting with a few hours each week personally, prayer meetings, and special prayer-centric events. He ends with a resonating prayer for strengthening faith and a plea for the willingness to steadfastly embrace prayer and fasting practices.

Bobby Harrington, point leader of discipleship.org, spoke with us about disciple making movements and connecting it to the everyday people at everyday churches pouring into other. He contrasts the differences between these huge movements happening overseas and the things we’re lacking here in North America and brings to light the reasons why we don’t see those movements here in the States. Are we really taking this seriously? Do we really believe the Gospel? Do we really believe our lost neighbors are going to face Jesus when they die and find themselves not ready? We need a sense of urgency in order to see movements of discipleship break out in North America.

Do you know the evergreen principle? It creates self-sustaining traffic to websites. It closes sales without new effort. It uses small changes to avoid overwhelming clients. Doug Burrier (Sustainable Discipleship) teaches us how to apply the evergreen principle to disciple making. Attract, make, and release many disciples that make disciples with little long term effort. This is the stuff they just don’t teach in seminary!

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

What do dead pandas have to do with discipleship? This talk from Doug Burrier of Sustainable Discipleship helps us learn how to help disciples find great truths by answering the riddles in the Bible. Doug, who is a decision scientist, shares a simple method that always results in disciples consuming God’s word on their own.

Visit RENEW.org: https://renew.org/ 

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

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

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

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

Key Takeaways 

00:00 Introduction and Setup

00:28 Casual Conversations and Humor

08:21 Event and Speaker Introduction

11:04 Defining Discipleship

12:49 The Importance of Biblical Reading

15:55 Teaching and Testifying in Discipleship

25:18 Authenticity in Discipleship

32:28 Historical Lessons and Testimonies

35:07 Planting Ecclesia Christian Church

36:45 Lessons from Church Planting

37:33 Catalysts for Faith

38:15 Discipling the Next Generation

39:32 Psalm 78 and God's Faithfulness

41:07 Step into Scripture: A Bible Study Model

42:01 Implementing the Bible Reading Plan

49:55 Overcoming Challenges in Discipleship

59:25 Q&A: Effective Discipleship Strategies

Resources on Discipleship  

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

What Is Church? And How Important Is It?

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

Becoming a Disciple Maker

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Do you believe in yourself? Do you believe in those you make disciples? Better yet, do you believe in God? Doug Burrier of Sustainable Discipleship helps us answer those three questions and discover three people, three goals, and three strategies that always work in discipleship.

There are critical, biblical keys that every Discipling Group leader needs to know and understand to see serious transformation of life in his/her group’s members. In this episode, David Roadcup of TCM International discusses and illustratrates each of these keys and applies them to situations and circumstances each of us face as we begin and develop our Discipling Groups.

Lay leaders, both men and women, can very effectively lead formal discipling groups on their own. In this episode, David Roadcup of TCM International Institute explains how to prepare and motivate lay leaders to accept the challenge to lead life-changing groups themselves.