The Disciple Makers Podcast exists to tell stories about disciples of Jesus who make disciples. Discipleship.org, who sponsors the podcast, exists to Champion Jesus‘ way of disciple making. Episodes are published in thematic seasons. To learn more, visit www.discipleship.org or email us at info@discipleship.org.
Site
RSS
Apple
Data updated on 04/07/2026
Recent rankings
Latest chart positions across Apple Podcasts and Spotify rankings.
Shared links between episodes and podcasts
Links found in episode descriptions and other podcasts that share them.
Discover shows related to The Disciple Maker‘s Podcast, based on actual content similarities. Explore podcasts with similar topics, themes, and formats, backed by real data.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
"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."
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.
"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."
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.
“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.”
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.
"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.
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.
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.
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
In this episode, Josh Howard and Jason Ishmael tackle a common misconception: that disciple making is better suited for extroverts. They break down how both extroverts and introverts bring unique strengths to the mission.
Extroverts are often seen as natural disciple makers because they thrive in social settings, while introverts may feel they don’t fit the mold. But Josh and Jason challenge this idea, showing that disciple making isn't just about reaching many—it’s about going deep.
Josh, an extrovert, shares how easily he connects with people but admits he struggles to build deep relationships. Introverts, on the other hand, tend to invest deeply in a few people—something just as crucial for disciple making. Jason highlights how introverts’ strength in prayer and studying the Word plays an essential role, balancing the energy extroverts bring to outreach.
Looking at Jesus’ ministry, they note how He focused on a small group of disciples, proving that deep, intentional relationships drive lasting impact. They also share the story of Curtis Sargent, a highly introverted leader who has influenced millions, showing that introverts can be just as effective in ministry.
Instead of working solo, Josh and Jason encourage a team approach, where extroverts and introverts complement each other—whether it’s an extrovert helping an introvert meet new people or an introvert modeling spiritual depth.
Their message? No matter your personality, you have a role in disciple making. God designed you uniquely, and your strengths—whether in connecting widely or investing deeply—are essential to His mission.
19:47 The Ultimate Sacrifice: Following Jesus to the Cross
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.
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.
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.
00:00 Introduction to Part Two: Disciple Making Movements
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.
In episode 3 of the Disciple Makers Podcast, hosts Josh Howard and Jason Ishmael dive into an engaging and heartfelt discussion about the challenges and opportunities for disciple-making movements, particularly in North America. They explore why these movements have thrived in regions like South Asia but remain slower to gain traction in North America.
Josh shares how movements in South Asia have seen remarkable success, citing examples like 75,000 conversions in nine months. He contrasts this with the slower growth in North America, attributing it less to cultural factors and more to deeper spiritual and heart-level issues.
Two Key Success Factors
The hosts identify two game-changing practices driving movements overseas:
Radical Prayer and Fasting: South Asian leaders dedicate hours daily to prayer and frequently fast, practices less common in North American churches. Josh emphasizes that these spiritual disciplines create the foundation for breakthroughs.
Personal Evangelism: Leaders overseas are bold and persistent in sharing the gospel, sowing “seeds” widely. The hosts argue that more sharing leads to a greater harvest, encouraging listeners to adopt this “crazy farmer” mindset.
North American Barriers
The conversation shifts to the unique obstacles in North America, including:
Busyness and Self-Sufficiency: The fast-paced, self-reliant culture leaves little space for spiritual disciplines like prayer and fasting.
Comfort Zones: A lack of desperation for spiritual renewal often hinders a deeper dependence on Jesus.
Practical Steps for Listeners
Josh and Jason offer actionable advice:
Start small with prayer and fasting, even just with a friend or small group for accountability.
Pray intentionally for revival and specific individuals by name.
Focus on strategic, mission-oriented prayers rather than only personal needs.
Stories and Encouragement
Josh shares powerful examples from South Asia, illustrating how focused prayer and fasting have sparked spiritual awakenings. He encourages listeners to expect God to move when they step out in faith.
Reframing Evangelism
The hosts address common misconceptions about evangelism:
Words Matter: They debunk the idea of “preach the gospel, use words if necessary,” stressing the need for both proclamation and a gospel-aligned lifestyle.
Positive Message: Sharing the beauty and grace of Jesus is more effective than relying on fear or condemnation.
A Vision for Revival
Josh and Jason end on a hopeful note, envisioning a future where North American Christians embrace prayer, fasting, and bold evangelism to spark widespread spiritual renewal.
Call to Action
Listeners are encouraged to reflect on the episode's themes and take small, actionable steps toward deeper spiritual practices. Josh hints at more in-depth discussions in upcoming episodes and directs listeners to resources on discipleship.org for support.
This episode is packed with practical insights and inspiring stories, urging believers to lean into prayer, fasting, and evangelism to reignite disciple-making movements.
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.
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.
