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

"Today’s episode will help us understand how aligning our lifestyle with our God-given mission through discipline and integrity can lead to lasting spiritual impact and effective disciple-making."

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Living a Life Worthy of the Calling: The Manner of Life & Mission

In this episode of the Disciple Makers podcast, Josh and Jace delve into an obscure passage from the Book of Judges, connecting it to the concepts of disciple-making culture. They explore the challenging question raised by Manoah about what the manner of life and mission for his son Samson should be. The discussion highlights the importance of aligning one's lifestyle with the mission of being a disciple of Jesus. They critique the sacred-secular divide in modern life and emphasize how integral it is to integrate faith into every aspect of life. They illustrate their points with examples from high-impact Christians and athletes like Michael Phelps. The episode culminates in a call to consecrate oneself to God's mission, punctuated by a heartfelt prayer for transformation, commitment, and deeper intimacy with Jesus. Tune in to be inspired and challenged to live a life worthy of your calling.

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Key Takeaways 

00:00 Welcome to the Disciple Makers Podcast

00:58 Setting the Stage: The Story of Samson

02:00 Manoah's Question: Manner of Life and Mission

05:25 Connecting Faith and Daily Life

05:49 The Sacred-Secular Split

10:16 Living a Life Worthy of the Calling

18:13 The Hunger for Mission and Dedication

20:40 The Challenge of Reading the Gospel

21:54 A Life-Changing Experience

22:35 The Power of Consistent Scripture Reading

24:27 Living a Life Worthy of the Calling

26:53 The Cost of Anointing and Commitment

29:29 The Parable of the Hidden Treasure

31:03 A Call to Consecration and Sacrifice

32:26 Closing Prayer and Reflections

36:26 Final Thoughts and Resources

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

See Below for a longer description:

Episode 5: Mission and Lifestyle – A Deep Dive with Josh and Jason

In Episode 5 of the Disciple Makers Podcast, Josh Howard and Jason Ishmael explore the connection between mission, integrity, and lifestyle in disciple-making, using the story of Samson from the Book of Judges as their foundation.

The episode opens with a lighthearted exchange about Josh’s sporty appearance, setting an engaging tone before diving into the central message. Drawing from the moment when an angel of the Lord visits Manoah’s wife to prophesy Samson’s birth, Josh reflects on Manoah’s desire to understand the mission and the lifestyle required for his son. This sparks a larger conversation about how fulfilling our God-given mission demands a life aligned with that calling.

Josh and Jason critique the tendency, especially among church leaders, to prioritize mission over personal integrity. Jason highlights Nancy Pearcey’s concept of the "sacred-secular split," challenging Christians to integrate their faith into every aspect of life—whether as a teacher, mechanic, or any other profession. They stress that life and mission are inseparable, and embodying the character of Jesus is essential.

Using metaphors from sports, Josh references the discipline of athletes like Michael Phelps and Kobe Bryant, emphasizing how their rigorous training for temporal success mirrors the spiritual dedication needed for a life on mission. Spiritual growth, they argue, requires the same level of commitment through practices like prayer, scripture reading, and fasting.

Josh shares personal experiences, such as the transformative impact of reading the Gospel of Matthew in one sitting during Bible college, while Jason recounts a story of someone who read a gospel a day for 40 days, resulting in profound spiritual growth. They stress that scripture is foundational for sustaining both mission and spiritual integrity.

The hosts discuss how neglecting personal discipline can lead to burnout and moral failure, using Samson’s life as a cautionary tale. On the flip side, they highlight how spiritual practices anchor a mission-driven life, leading to lasting impact. Josh also reflects on church history, pointing to figures whose disciplined lives fueled revival and spiritual transformation.

The tone becomes reflective as Josh and Jason admit their own struggles with maintaining a lifestyle worthy of their calling. They share a heartfelt desire for greater intimacy with God and encourage listeners to examine their own lives, make sacrifices, and prioritize spiritual disciplines.

The episode concludes with Jason leading a prayer, asking for God’s help to align lives with His mission, cultivate deep love for Him, and bear spiritual fruit. Josh wraps up by inviting listeners to explore resources on discipleship.org and join the Disciple Makers community to pursue lives dedicated to making disciples.

This episode offers a powerful reminder of the cost of discipleship, urging Christians to embrace a lifestyle of integrity, discipline, and dedication to fulfill their God-given mission.

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

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

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

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

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Key Takeaways 

00:00 Introduction to Part Two: Disciple Making Movements

01:43 Equipping and Releasing the Priesthood

02:12 Challenges in Traditional Church Settings

04:43 Empowering the Congregation

06:53 Jesus' Model of Discipleship

07:48 Sports Analogies and Ministry

10:45 The Problem with Professional Ministry

15:55 The Need for a Disciple Making Culture

17:57 The Potential of the Church

19:47 Leaning on Family and Faith

20:57 Surrendering Control for God's Movement

22:56 Confidence in the Gospel and Integrity

24:01 The Role of Leaders and Discipleship

27:33 Releasing Control and Empowering Others

33:58 The Importance of Influence Over Authority

39:10 Recap and Final Thoughts

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

See Below for a longer description:

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

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

Introduction: Picking Up Where We Left Off

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

The Priesthood of All Believers

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

Bridging the Church-Layperson Divide

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

Leadership as Coaches, Not Stars

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

Breaking Structural and Cultural Barriers

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

Surrendering Control

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

Practical Steps for Change

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

Vision for Multiplication

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

A Mindset Shift

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

Conclusion: A Call to Action

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Key Takeaways 

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

02:52 Heart Issues in Disciple Making

05:15 Radical Prayer and Fasting

07:11 The Power of Desperation and Prayer

10:12 The Role of Prayer in Revival

16:55 Crazy Farmers: The Parable of the Sower

18:28 The Parable of the Sower

18:52 Boldness in Sharing the Gospel

19:03 The Farming Analogy: Sowing and Reaping

20:31 Challenges in American Seed Sowing

22:05 The Importance of Personal Responsibility

23:07 The Domino Effect of Faith

26:34 The Power of Speaking Up

29:00 Living and Preaching the Gospel

34:25 Practical Steps for Prayer and Fasting

37:18 Conclusion and Next Steps

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

See Below for a longer description:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Practical Steps for Listeners
Josh and Jason offer actionable advice:

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

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

Reframing Evangelism
The hosts address common misconceptions about evangelism:

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

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

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

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

Check out Discipleship.org National Disciple Making Forum: https://discipleship.org/national-disciple-making-forum/

"Today’s episode will help us uncover the profound lessons of the Parable of the Talents, reflect on our God-given gifts, and learn how to use them faithfully and intentionally for His glory."

Maximizing Your Talents for God's Kingdom | Disciple Makers Podcast

In this enriching episode of the Disciple Makers Podcast, hosts Jason and Josh take a deep dive into the Parable of the Talents and how it relates to our daily lives. They explore the concepts of using our gifts, time, and resources for God's glory and discuss the motivations behind our actions. The episode emphasizes not wasting the opportunities and blessings given by God, but rather actively using them to further His Kingdom. Through personal anecdotes and scriptural insights, they touch on themes of joy, guilt, motivation, and the ultimate goal of sharing in the Master's happiness. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that challenges listeners to evaluate their own lives and take actionable steps toward being true disciples.

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Key Takeaways 
00:00 Welcome Back to the Disciple Makers Podcast

01:01 Discussing the Parable of the Talents

02:36 Understanding the Five Bagger

04:10 The Two Bagger's Hard Work

04:46 The One Bagger's Mistake

05:18 Reflecting on Time and Talents

09:40 The Danger of Wasting Time

17:44 Applying the Parable to Our Lives

19:42 The Motivation Behind Faithfulness

20:46 Craving Approval and Growth

22:35 Sharing in the Master's Happiness

23:51 Experiencing Joy Through Worship and Transformation

27:59 Joining in Jesus' Mission

34:23 Reflecting on Personal Motivations

38:17 Practical Steps for Discipleship

40:19 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

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

See Below for a longer description:

In this episode of the Disciple Makers podcast, co-hosts Josh Howard and Jason Ishmael take a deep dive into the Parable of the Talents from Matthew 25. They kick things off with lighthearted banter—Jason recalls their past conversations, and Josh humorously brings up the Tyson fight. This playful start eases into a thoughtful and relatable discussion on the parable's significance.

Josh introduces the Parable of the Talents, also known as “Bags of Gold,” and invites Jason to unpack its meaning. Jason explains how the master entrusted three servants with varying amounts of gold based on their abilities—five, two, and one—and draws parallels to modern life, even coining the term “five bagger,” likening it to bowling. Their playful humor adds accessibility to a serious topic.

The conversation transitions into a deeper reflection on the parable’s lessons about accountability and faithfulness. Jason highlights how the first two servants doubled their gold and were praised for their diligence, while the third buried his out of fear, earning the master’s rebuke. He shares how fear or laziness can lead us to "bury our talents," offering examples from his own life.

Josh chimes in with personal anecdotes, including how distractions like video games once consumed his time until his wife’s observation convicted him to refocus on his family. Jason ties this to a Charles Spurgeon sermon titled “Gone, Utterly Gone,” which underscores the irretrievable loss of wasted time. He shares how the message moved him deeply, urging listeners to recognize the value of time and seize opportunities to serve God.

The hosts then explore practical takeaways, encouraging listeners to assess their motivations and align them with God’s purposes. Josh emphasizes the joy that comes from pleasing God, contrasting it with the fleeting satisfaction of human approval. He highlights the example of Jesus sending out the 72 disciples and rejoicing in their success, pointing to the joy God feels when His people faithfully engage in His mission.

Josh and Jason strike a balance between worship and active ministry, challenging listeners to wisely use their time, talents, and resources for God’s glory. The episode wraps up with a call to action: evaluate your God-given gifts, take intentional steps to use them, and seek accountability from trusted friends.

The hosts also mention an upcoming discipleship forum in Houston, Texas, and direct listeners to resources at discipleship.org. Josh signs off with a heartfelt message of encouragement, reminding listeners that they are supported on their journey to becoming faithful disciple-makers.

This episode blends humor, personal stories, and profound biblical insights with practical applications for living a productive and faithful Christian life.

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.

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

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Key Takeaways 

00:00 Introduction

02:41 The Challenge of True Discipleship

05:21 Living a Life of Overflow

10:54 Practical Steps to Being a Reproducible Disciple

15:02 A Prophetic Dream and Its Meaning

18:57 Joining the Father's Work

22:42 Imperfect Disciples

25:37 Total Surrender to Jesus

27:15 Lessons from Indian Believers

33:40 Challenge to Fully Surrender

37:19 Final Thoughts and Resources

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

See Below for a longer description:

Josh and Jason share their backstory, reflecting on their long friendship from college days. Josh humorously contrasts his ministry work with Jason’s role as a megachurch pastor, blending humor with humility as they transition into the heart of the discussion: being disciples who model a life others can follow.

Josh highlights a pivotal question that shaped his journey: “Are we disciples worth reproducing?” He explains how this question challenged him during his time in India and emphasizes the importance of living a life that’s worth replicating to spark true disciple-making movements.

Jason reflects on Matthew 28, pointing out how the call to make disciples goes beyond personal salvation to living out Jesus’ commands daily. He warns against reducing discipleship to intellectual belief and stresses the need for a life fully surrendered to Christ.

The conversation also explores the role of guilt in discipleship. Jason notes that guilt may motivate in the short term, but only a deep love for Jesus sustains true obedience. Drawing from the Gospel of Mark, he explains that Jesus’ worthiness is what compels people to follow Him, forming the foundation of authentic discipleship.

Josh shares a vivid spiritual dream from 2017, where he saw Jesus and the Holy Spirit dancing in a harvest field, inviting him to join them. This powerful image captures the joy of participating in God’s mission and highlights the relational, invitational nature of Jesus’ call.

Throughout the episode, both hosts stress the importance of living a life of overflow—being filled with the Spirit and letting that flow into every aspect of life, not just on Sundays. Jason compares this to being a funnel rather than a bucket: a funnel channels what it receives, symbolizing a life fully engaged with Jesus and His work.

Josh recounts his early experiences in India, admitting his understanding of discipleship was initially shallow. He underscores that true discipleship starts with personal transformation through Christ, leading others into that same journey—not just delivering sermons.

They also reflect on how God uses imperfect people for extraordinary purposes, emphasizing that it’s not about being flawless but about being obedient and dependent on Jesus.

Finally, the hosts invite listeners to reach out for resources and support as they grow as disciples who make disciples, promising encouragement and inspiration in future episodes.

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

Check out the following eBooks from Discipleship.org:

-- What Is Church? And How Important Is It? 
https://discipleship.org/shop/what-is-church-and-how-important-is-it/

-- Family Discipleship Blueprint: A Year-by-Year Guide to Family Discipleship
https://discipleship.org/shop/family-discipleship-blueprint-a-year-by-year-guide-to-family-discipleship/

-- Becoming a Disciple Maker
https://discipleship.org/shop/becoming-a-disciple-maker/

-- National Study: The State of Disciple Making Churches: A 10 Minute Visual Guide
https://discipleship.org/shop/national-study-the-state-of-disciple-making-churches-a-10-minute-visual-guide/

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

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/ 

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/ 

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/ 

Visit RENEW.org: https://renew.org/ 

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

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

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

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

Key Takeaways 

00:00 Introduction and Setup

00:28 Casual Conversations and Humor

08:21 Event and Speaker Introduction

11:04 Defining Discipleship

12:49 The Importance of Biblical Reading

15:55 Teaching and Testifying in Discipleship

25:18 Authenticity in Discipleship

32:28 Historical Lessons and Testimonies

35:07 Planting Ecclesia Christian Church

36:45 Lessons from Church Planting

37:33 Catalysts for Faith

38:15 Discipling the Next Generation

39:32 Psalm 78 and God's Faithfulness

41:07 Step into Scripture: A Bible Study Model

42:01 Implementing the Bible Reading Plan

49:55 Overcoming Challenges in Discipleship

59:25 Q&A: Effective Discipleship Strategies

Resources on Discipleship  

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

What Is Church? And How Important Is It?

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

Becoming a Disciple Maker

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Intentional Christian Grandparenting: Overcoming Barriers and Building Relationships

Today's episode will help us understand how to be intentional Christian grandparents, using practical tips and biblical principles to overcome common barriers and leave a lasting spiritual legacy.

In this session, we explore the significance of intentional Christian grandparenting, emphasizing the need for grandparents to be involved in the spiritual lives of their grandchildren. The speaker discusses the challenges faced by grandparents, such as geographical and relational distances, and offers practical solutions to overcome these barriers. Highlighting biblical principles from Deuteronomy 4:9 and Psalm 71:18, the session encourages grandparents to forge strong, faith-driven relationships with their grandchildren. Through personal anecdotes and actionable advice, the speaker underscores the importance of being a forgiving, intentional, and proactive grandparent, aiming to leave a lasting spiritual legacy.

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

Key Takeaways 

00:00 Introduction to the Compass Illustration

06:00 The Importance of Biblical Grandparenting

12:39 Overcoming Grandparenting Barriers

19:05 Practical Tips for Geographical Distance

20:19 Building Relationships with Grandchildren

31:56 Creating Memories and Special Events

35:24 Responding to Relational and Spiritual Distance

35:53 Reflecting on Past Mistakes and Moving Forward

37:49 The Power of Humble Admission and Forgiveness

39:57 Reconciliation Steps and Biblical Guidance

42:53 Initiating Reconciliation with Adult Children

56:03 The Importance of Forgiveness in Relationships

01:02:40 Intentional Christian Grandparenting

01:06:33 Closing Remarks and Personal Stories

Resources on Discipleship  

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

What Is Church? And How Important Is It?

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

Becoming a Disciple Maker

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

In this episode of "Legacy Coalition 4," the speaker offers a practical guide on intentional Christian grandparenting. He starts with a story about using a compass to illustrate the unchanging word of God, setting the stage for discussing the vital role grandparents play in their grandchildren's spiritual growth.

Highlighting the lack of church ministries for grandparents, he shares how a sermon on Deuteronomy 4:9 transformed his understanding and led him to advocate for this cause. He recounts his journey from a music-focused career to pastoral care, despite losing his hearing, and discusses Bible verses like Psalms 71:18 and 103 that emphasize the blessings of grandparenting.

The speaker addresses common barriers to grandparenting, such as geographical distance, and suggests using technology like FaceTime and BeReal to stay connected. For relational distance caused by strained family relationships, he advises forgiveness, humility, and practical reconciliation steps. To tackle spiritual distance, he recommends patience and respect for parental boundaries while finding ways to influence grandchildren spiritually.

He offers practical tips like organizing family reunions and Cousin's Camps to create bonding opportunities. Emphasizing the benefits of forgiveness, he provides reflective questions and steps for reconciliation, sharing personal anecdotes and biblical principles to underscore its importance.

The session concludes with Larry Fowler's concept of "intentional Christian grandparenting," guiding grandchildren with grace, respecting parental roles, and exemplifying a Christ-centered life. The open Q&A allows participants to share experiences and seek further advice.

This episode highlights that intentional Christian grandparenting is about living a Christ-centered life and leaving a spiritual legacy, playing a crucial role in nurturing a vibrant faith in the next generation.

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