The Disciple Maker‘s Podcast

Overcoming Pride in Ministry

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Today’s episode will help us recognize the subtle dangers of pride in ministry, embrace humility, and refocus our efforts on pointing people to Jesus, not ourselves.
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Overcoming Pride in Ministry | Disciple Makers Podcast
In this episode of the Disciple Makers Podcast, join hosts Jason and Josh as they tackle the insidious pitfalls of pride and ego in ministry. Sharing personal stories of struggles and revelations, they explore the dangers of becoming self-reliant and the importance of maintaining a humble spirit. With insights from scripture and their own experiences, they emphasize the necessity of lifting up Jesus rather than ourselves, making Him the focal point of our mission. This episode is a must-listen for anyone dedicated to being a true disciple of Christ, striving to avoid the traps of pride while faithfully serving God's kingdom.
 
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Key Takeaways 
00:00 Introduction and Clickbait Confession
00:19 Discussing Pitfalls in Ministry
01:31 The Dangers of Pride and Ego
04:02 Personal Stories of Humility
06:29 Lessons from Early Ministry Experiences
09:55 The Importance of Humility in Ministry
13:52 Balancing Ambition and Calling
19:45 Preaching Christ Despite Challenges
20:08 Economic Hardships and Church Reflections
21:10 Serving the Bride of Christ
23:01 The Importance of Humility in Ministry
25:13 Personal Struggles and Divine Realizations
30:28 The Call to Make Jesus the Big Deal
36:45 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
 
Check out our Blogs: https://discipleship.org/blog/ 
 
Join us for our 2026 National Disciple Making Forum: https://discipleship.org/2026-national-disciple-making-forum/ 
See Below for a longer description:
In this episode of the Disciple Makers Podcast, Josh and Jason dive into one of the most dangerous traps in ministry—pride—and why humility is essential for every disciple of Jesus. It kicks off with a lighthearted bit about clickbait but quickly shifts into a deep, honest conversation about how pride creeps in and distorts our calling.
Starting Real
Josh jokingly suggests they confess their worst sins, which opens the door for a vulnerable talk about their personal struggles with pride. They both share how easy it is to be deceived by pride—especially in ministry—because it often shows up looking like confidence or competence, but slowly shifts us away from dependence on God.
The Deceptive Power of Pride
They reflect on how pride convinces us we don’t need God. Josh quotes James 4:6: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble,” and they agree that pride distorts reality, making us think we’re doing God’s work when we’re really just building our own platforms. Josh points to John the Baptist’s words—“He must increase, I must decrease”—as a powerful reminder of the posture God desires.
Learning the Hard Way
Josh shares a story from his early ministry days when success went to his head—until a disastrous sermon reminded him he needed God's presence, not just his own talent. Since then, he’s adopted a practice of taking off his shoes before preaching as a symbolic reminder of holy ground and humility.
Jason shares his own wake-up call—realizing that ambition disguised as vision had become about personal achievement. Pastoring a small church taught him that impact isn’t measured in numbers but in faithfulness.
Humility in Action
Later in the episode, they talk about what true humility looks like in ministry. Josh says the goal isn’t to make followers of ourselves—it’s to point people to Jesus. Jason emphasizes that when Jesus is the center, the Gospel stays front and center too.
They also reflect on grace—not just as an idea, but as the active presence of God that flows through the humble. Jason notes that God works through those who get low, not those who chase applause.
Practical Wisdom
To wrap things up, they offer practical ways to fight pride: stay rooted in Scripture, don’t chase originality for the sake of ego, and constantly boast in Christ, not self. It's not about being clever—it’s about being faithful.
Final Thoughts
Josh closes by reminding listeners that pride makes ministry about you, but real discipleship is about making much of Jesus. They encourage everyone to stay humble, stay centered on Christ, and check out more resources at discipleship.org.

Finding Light in Darkness

Today’s episode will help us face discouragement and depression with honesty, discover hope through faith, and find practical steps toward healing and spiritual resilience.
Join Discipleship.org at one of our fall events:
The Deeper Walk Experience | Franklin, TN | Aug. 15-16, 2025: https://deeperwalk.com/sp/dw-experience-franklin/ 
Discipling Men | Dallas, TX | Sept. 11, 2025: https://discipleship.org/one-day-events/dallas-2025-regional/
The Discipleship Gospel | Oceanside, CA | Oct. 9, 2025: https://discipleship.org/one-day-events/2025-west-coast-conference/ 
 
Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/ 
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Navigating Discouragement and Finding Hope in Jesus | Disciple Maker's Podcast
In this episode of the Disciple Maker's Podcast, the hosts dive deep into the challenges of dealing with discouragement, depression, and anxiety. Through personal anecdotes and biblical examples, they discuss the importance of lifting one's eyes towards Jesus during tough seasons. They share practical tips for overcoming these struggles, including the power of speaking life, the importance of community, and the positive impact of medication. The hosts also highlight the transformative power of hope, as illustrated through the stories of Elijah, the Israelites, and Jesus. Join us for an encouraging conversation on finding hope and strength in the midst of trials.
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Key Takeaways 
00:00 Introduction and Voice Confusion
01:09 Discussing Success and Discouragement
01:57 Biblical Examples of Discouragement
02:54 Personal Stories of Struggle
04:06 A Poem of Despair and Hope
07:58 Encouragement and Hope in Difficult Times
11:25 Resurrecting Hope Through Biblical Imagery
20:12 Finding Hope in Times of Discouragement
20:43 Personal Testimony of Overcoming Depression
21:21 The Impact of Our Struggles on Loved Ones
31:10 Encouragement and Practical Tips
36:21 Final Words of Encouragement and Resources
 
Check out our Blogs: https://discipleship.org/blog/
Join us for our 2026 National Disciple Making Forum: https://discipleship.org/2026-national-disciple-making-forum/ 
 
See Below for a longer description:
They reflect on how this experience isn’t new—pointing to Elijah, who crashed emotionally right after his greatest spiritual victory. They also draw from Jesus' time in the desert, showing how even the hardest seasons can be a setup for deeper spiritual power and clarity.
One of the most moving moments is when Josh reads a poem he wrote at 2 AM during one of his lowest points, titled My Soul in the Town of Bethany. It’s raw, honest, and full of longing—and yet, it ends with hope, echoing the resurrection theme so central to the Gospel.
Josh shares the steps he took to find healing: daily affirmations, professional counseling, medication, and leaning into community—even when he didn’t feel like it. He also reads a touching letter from his wife, shedding light on how depression affects not just individuals but entire families.
Throughout the episode, Josh and Jason emphasize that it's okay to not be okay—and that God often does His deepest work in our darkest hours. They encourage listeners to stay connected, seek help, and hold on to hope, because the desert isn’t the end of the story.
Bottom Line: This episode is for anyone who's ever felt spiritually drained, emotionally stuck, or just plain worn out. Josh and Jason don’t sugarcoat the struggle, but they point to a God who meets us in the middle of it—and leads us out with purpose.

Be A Living Sacrifice for Today's Church

Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/ 
Today’s episode will help us move from self-reliance to Spirit-empowered living by embracing daily surrender and rediscovering the power of the Holy Spirit in our walk with Jesus.
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Empowering Every Believer: Activating the Priesthood of All Believers - Disciple Maker's Podcast Ep. 7
 
Unlocking the Power of the Holy Spirit: A Call to Bold Witness and Total Surrender
 
In this impactful episode, Josh Howard and Jason dive deep into the significance of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer. They discuss the challenges modern Christians face, including the startling statistic that 98% of Christians in America never share their faith outside of their immediate families. They highlight two main problems: the lack of witnessing and the often forgotten role of the Holy Spirit in many churches. Through scriptural examples, particularly from the Book of Acts, they showcase the transformative power of the Holy Spirit and the necessity of full surrender and consecration to experience true spiritual empowerment. They argue that without daily dying to oneself and being filled afresh with the Spirit, believers cannot effectively witness or make disciples. The conversation underscores the critical need for revival and a personal challenge to be a true burnt offering for God’s glory. Join them in a heartfelt prayer of surrender, and take the first steps toward becoming a vessel for the Spirit’s power in your life.
 
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Key Takeaways 
 
00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage
00:52 The Role of the Holy Spirit in the Church
03:01 The Power of Witnessing and the Holy Spirit
05:57 Daily Surrender and Empowerment
12:18 Living Sacrifice and Community Support
22:35 The Demands of Discipleship
23:14 The Reasonableness of Total Surrender
24:27 Living as a Burnt Offering
30:02 The Power of the Holy Spirit
32:17 A Call to Radical Transformation
37:42 Prayer of Surrender
45:00 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
 
Check out our Blogs: https://discipleship.org/blog/ 
See Below for a longer description:
Podcast Recap: S3 Ep. 2 – Life in the Spirit
In this episode, Jason and Josh dive into a real, honest conversation about what it means to live a life empowered by the Holy Spirit. They go back and forth between light-hearted banter and weighty truths, creating a natural rhythm that feels both grounded and inspiring.
They kick things off with a laugh, joking about how hard it can be to start episodes smoothly—before easing into the heart of the conversation.
The big focus? The Church’s need to make more room for the Holy Spirit—not just in Sunday services, but in everyday life. Jason shares how some churches unintentionally sideline the Spirit, joking about the tendency to worship “God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Bible.” Josh jumps in to remind us that real power—boldness, witness, and transformation—comes from the Holy Spirit.
They unpack Acts 1:8, where Jesus tells His followers they’ll receive power when the Holy Spirit comes. Josh points out a sobering stat: 98% of American Christians never share their faith outside their family. The answer isn’t trying harder—it’s surrendering deeper.
Josh describes how the disciples went from hiding in fear to boldly preaching the gospel after being filled with the Spirit. He draws from Romans to say the same power that raised Jesus now lives in us—meaning we’re equipped for far more than we realize.
A key theme in the episode is daily surrender. Josh shares a vivid metaphor: believers “leak,” so we need to keep coming back for a fresh filling. They talk about how true revival starts when we lay ourselves down—day after day—like living sacrifices.
They also explore the idea that you can’t have Pentecost without Calvary. In other words, the power of the Spirit comes through death to self. Drawing on Old Testament sacrifices, they paint a picture of what it means to live fully surrendered—acknowledging our tendency, like a goat, to crawl off the altar.
Community plays a big role here too. Josh emphasizes how we need each other to keep living that surrendered life—through encouragement, accountability, and prayer.
Toward the end, they call out how the Western Church often gets caught up in debates and performance, losing sight of the simple, powerful truth: Jesus rose, and His Spirit lives in us. They warn against letting the flesh take the lead again and call for a return to Spirit-led living.
The episode wraps with lyrics from a Casting Crowns song that challenge superficial faith and call for genuine heart change. It’s a fitting close to a conversation all about real transformation—from the inside out.
Jason and Josh finish with a heartfelt prayer, asking for the Spirit’s guidance, power, and presence to shape every part of our lives.
Bottom line: If you’re hungry for deeper discipleship and lasting impact, it all starts with surrender—and the Holy Spirit is ready to lead the way.

Training and Equipping Disciples

Reviving the Region
In this episode of the Disciple Maker's Podcast, we explore Acts Chapter 19, drawing modern parallels from Paul's ministry in Ephesus. Hosts discuss the concept of a 'Hall of Tyrannus' in the contemporary church, where believers are trained and equipped for radical discipleship and city-wide gospel saturation. Tune in for a powerful vision on how to create movement engines alongside traditional church models to achieve regional revival and reach the nations with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
00:00 Introduction and Opening Remarks01:34 Discussing Acts Chapter 1902:17 Paul's Ministry in Ephesus11:10 Modern Parallels to Paul's Ministry21:56 The Power of Parallel Tracks in Church Growth23:09 Embracing Control vs. Movement of God23:37 The Role of Doctrine and Fear in Church Leadership25:04 The Importance of Multiplication and Discipleship29:40 Encouragement for Aspiring Disciple Makers35:27 The Vision for a Modern Hall of Tyrannus
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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 Discipleshiphttps://discipleship.org/shop/family-discipleship-blueprint-a-year-by-year-guide-to-family-discipleship/
-- Becoming a Disciple Makerhttps://discipleship.org/shop/becoming-a-disciple-maker/
-- National Study: The State of Disciple Making Churches: A 10 Minute Visual Guidehttps://discipleship.org/shop/national-study-the-state-of-disciple-making-churches-a-10-minute-visual-guide/
-- Reaching & Discipling Women: A Guide to Women’s Ministry in Your Churchhttps://discipleship.org/shop/reaching-discipling-women-a-guide-to-womens-ministry-in-your-church/
Check out the following Books from Discipleship.org:
-- The Discipleship Gospelhttps://himpublications.com/product/the-discipleship-gospel/?utm_source=discipleship-org&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=books-page
-- Disciple-Making Culturehttps://himpublications.com/product/disciple-making-culture/
-- Recreated to Be like God: Making Disciples in the Image of Jesushttps://a.co/d/6DDvUrC
-- King Jesus and the Beauty of Obedience-Based Discipleshiphttps://a.co/d/7d85z6T
-- The Disciple Maker's Handbook: Seven Elements of a Discipleship Lifestylehttps://a.co/d/4ZHIbQz
Take the FREE Disciple Maker Assessment:https://church-multiplication.com/disciplemaker/
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Celebrating Discipleship: The Unseen Scorecard

Reinventing the Scorecard: Principles for Effective Disciple Making
Welcome to the final episode of our series on the 10 principles of disciple making! In this episode, we celebrate your journey so far and dive into the crucial topic of reinventing the scorecard for disciple making. We discuss the traditional ways churches have measured success, such as attendance and donations, and why these metrics may not fully capture the essence of true disciple making. We explore the importance of tracking 'controllable' like sharing faith and prayer, versus 'uncontrollable' like conversions and baptisms. The conversation also delves into real-world examples from churches and movements worldwide, including impressive results from India. Whether you're looking to transform how success is measured in your church or seeking inspiration for personal disciple-making efforts, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice. Join us for an enlightening session that aims to help you and your community flourish in disciple making!
Key Takeaways 00:00 Introduction and Applause01:23 Recap of the 10 Principles Series01:49 Reinventing the Scorecard02:13 Traditional Metrics in Churches03:38 The Importance of Tracking Disciple Making05:39 Examples of Effective Scorecards08:50 Generational Growth and Multiplication10:01 Celebrating the Right Metrics11:32 Personal Experiences and Observations14:22 Apprenticeship and Measuring Success14:52 Controllable vs. Uncontrollable Metrics16:15 Personal Responsibility in Faith20:05 Creating a Movement Maker Factory23:02 Evaluating Church Success26:16 Generosity and Accountability in Discipleship27:36 Reaching the Unchurched29:16 Final Thoughts and Resources
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 Discipleshiphttps://discipleship.org/shop/family-discipleship-blueprint-a-year-by-year-guide-to-family-discipleship/
-- Becoming a Disciple Makerhttps://discipleship.org/shop/becoming-a-disciple-maker/
-- National Study: The State of Disciple Making Churches: A 10 Minute Visual Guidehttps://discipleship.org/shop/national-study-the-state-of-disciple-making-churches-a-10-minute-visual-guide/
-- Reaching & Discipling Women: A Guide to Women’s Ministry in Your Churchhttps://discipleship.org/shop/reaching-discipling-women-a-guide-to-womens-ministry-in-your-church/
Check out the following Books from Discipleship.org:
-- The Discipleship Gospelhttps://himpublications.com/product/the-discipleship-gospel/?utm_source=discipleship-org&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=books-page
-- Disciple-Making Culturehttps://himpublications.com/product/disciple-making-culture/
-- Recreated to Be like God: Making Disciples in the Image of Jesushttps://a.co/d/6DDvUrC
-- King Jesus and the Beauty of Obedience-Based Discipleshiphttps://a.co/d/7d85z6T
-- The Disciple Maker's Handbook: Seven Elements of a Discipleship Lifestylehttps://a.co/d/4ZHIbQz
Take the FREE Disciple Maker Assessment:https://church-multiplication.com/disciplemaker/
Come to the The National Disciple Making Forum: https://discipleship.org/national-disciple-making-forum/
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Listen - Disciple Maker's Podcast: https://discipleship.org/resources/podcast/

Simple, Effective, and Reproducible Disciple Making Practices

Simple, Effective, and Reproducible: Core Disciple Making Tools & Laser Focus | Disciple Maker's Podcast
Join us on the Disciple Maker's Podcast as we dive deep into two essential principles for fostering disciple-making cultures: utilizing simple, effective, and reproducible tools and maintaining laser focus on the mission of making disciples who make disciples. Hosts Jason Ishmael and Josh explore the significance of these principles, share practical examples, and discuss a pathway for training others. They also touch on the broader impact of disciple-making and how it can transform communities. Whether you're a church leader or a passionate disciple, this episode offers valuable insights to boost your disciple-making efforts. Don't miss out!
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Key Takeaways 
00:00 Introduction and Welcome01:12 Series Overview: 10 Core Disciple Making Principles01:49 Principle 8: Simple, Effective, and Reproducible Tools02:42 Importance of Simplicity in Disciple Making05:35 Practical Examples and Tools08:59 The Apprenticeship Pathway13:22 Effective Training and Reproducibility17:05 Overcoming Fear in Discipleship17:20 The Seven Commands of Christ18:01 Evaluating and Using Effective Tools18:43 Laser Focus in Disciple Making21:25 Training the Saved and Saving the Lost27:52 Leveraging Ministries for Disciple Making30:13 The Kingdom Impact of Disciple Making33:21 Avoiding Distractions and Staying Focused36:35 Conclusion and Resources
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 Discipleshiphttps://discipleship.org/shop/family-discipleship-blueprint-a-year-by-year-guide-to-family-discipleship/
-- Becoming a Disciple Makerhttps://discipleship.org/shop/becoming-a-disciple-maker/
-- National Study: The State of Disciple Making Churches: A 10 Minute Visual Guidehttps://discipleship.org/shop/national-study-the-state-of-disciple-making-churches-a-10-minute-visual-guide/
-- Reaching & Discipling Women: A Guide to Women’s Ministry in Your Churchhttps://discipleship.org/shop/reaching-discipling-women-a-guide-to-womens-ministry-in-your-church/
Check out the following Books from Discipleship.org:
-- The Discipleship Gospelhttps://himpublications.com/product/the-discipleship-gospel/?utm_source=discipleship-org&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=books-page
-- Disciple-Making Culturehttps://himpublications.com/product/disciple-making-culture/
-- Recreated to Be like God: Making Disciples in the Image of Jesushttps://a.co/d/6DDvUrC
-- King Jesus and the Beauty of Obedience-Based Discipleshiphttps://a.co/d/7d85z6T
-- The Disciple Maker's Handbook: Seven Elements of a Discipleship Lifestylehttps://a.co/d/4ZHIbQz
Take the FREE Disciple Maker Assessment:https://church-multiplication.com/disciplemaker/
Come to the The National Disciple Making Forum: https://discipleship.org/national-disciple-making-forum/
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Listen - Disciple Maker's Podcast: https://discipleship.org/resources/podcast/

Equip and Release the Priesthood of All Believers

Join us at the 2025 National Disciple Making Forum: https://discipleship.org/national-disciple-making-forum/ 
 
Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/ 
 
Today’s episode will help us understand how to activate the priesthood of all believers and empower everyday people to step into their God-given calling.
 
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Empowering Every Believer: Activating the Priesthood of All Believers - Disciple Maker's Podcast Ep. 7
 
In this episode of the Disciple Maker's Podcast, hosts dive into the seventh principle of disciple making – the equipping and releasing of the priesthood of all believers. Drawing from studies by Bobby Harrington and insights from Ephesians 4, they emphasize the importance of lowering the bar for entry into ministry while increasing support and accountability. The discussion highlights the need to break down the professional laity divide, allowing everyone to participate fully in God's work. Personal anecdotes illustrate how ordinary individuals, regardless of their backgrounds or roles, can be used powerfully by God. The episode closes with a call to action for both church leaders and individual believers to embrace their roles in the Kingdom and equip others to do the same.
 
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Key Takeaways 
 
00:00 Welcome Back to The Disciple Maker's Podcast
00:36 Introduction to Disciple Making Principles
01:12 Principle #7: Equipping and Releasing the Priesthood
01:51 The Shift from Old Covenant to New
02:46 Breaking Down Professional Ministry
04:35 Practical Steps for Church Leaders
06:12 Encouraging and Empowering Believers
06:37 Personal Testimonies and Experiences
11:32 The Importance of Speaking Life into Others
12:20 Early Preaching Experiences
13:58 The Rat Trap Illustration
14:25 Early Preaching Experiences
14:57 Mentorship and Opportunities
15:49 Equipping and Releasing the Priesthood
18:11 Lowering the Bar of Entry
18:21 Personal Responsibility in Ministry
19:31 Empowering Individuals for Ministry
24:33 The Power of God in Everyone
26:41 Encouraging Initiative in Ministry
29:34 Conclusion and Resources
 
Check out our Blogs: https://discipleship.org/blog/ 
See Below for a longer description:
The episode kicks off with Josh and Jason having some fun, channeling their inner newscasters as they introduce The Disciple Maker's Podcast. Right away, they hit on the heart of the conversation: the Church isn’t just for professionals — every believer is called and equipped to take part in the mission.
This episode dives into one of the ten core disciple-making principles: activating the priesthood of all believers, a concept drawn from Bobby Harrington and Discipleship.org. Josh and Jason unpack how the Church often sidelines most people, treating ministry like a spectator sport — a few “professionals” on the court, while the rest just watch from the stands. But Jesus calls everyone to get in the game, and the Holy Spirit gives us all what we need to play.
They explore the shift from the Old Covenant, where only priests (Levites) had access to God, to the New Covenant — where all believers are invited to serve and represent Him directly. It’s a powerful reminder that ministry isn’t reserved for a select few.
Josh also highlights the common “professional vs. laity” gap in churches and argues for lowering the barriers so anyone can step into ministry, with the right support and accountability along the way.
He shares his own story — starting as a nervous, underprepared teenager giving his first sermon with a makeshift object lesson — and how mentors spotted potential and gave him room to grow. That experience shaped his path and reinforced the power of empowering others before they feel “ready.”
Josh and Jason also push church leaders to create meaningful opportunities beyond simple Sunday roles like handing out bulletins. The goal? Equip people to share the gospel and make disciples, not just fill a slot.
One story really drives this home: Josh tells of a woman in his church who felt called to serve in nursing homes. When she asked if she needed permission, Josh simply told her to go for it — God had already called her.
They wrap up by encouraging leaders to remove obstacles, invest in people, and hold them accountable as they step into ministry — because when the Church unleashes the priesthood of all believers, lives change.
Josh closes with a reminder: the same Spirit that raised Jesus lives in every believer, so there’s no need to wait for permission. He invites listeners to check out resources at Discipleship.org and teases the next episode, where the conversation will continue
 

Scripture as the Curriculum

Join us at the 2025 National Disciple Making Forum: https://discipleship.org/national-disciple-making-forum/ 
Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/ 
Today’s episode will talk about scripture as the core of disciple-making by showing how simple obedience to God’s Word—guided by the Holy Spirit—can transform lives and communities.
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Disciple Maker's Podcast: The Power of Scripture in Disciple Making
Join us on the Disciple Maker's Podcast as we dive into the sixth principle of disciple making: making Scripture the central curriculum. Hosts Jason Ishmael and Josh Howard explore the significance of using the Bible as the primary source for disciple making, highlighting the transformative power of reading, studying, and obeying God's word. They discuss the simplicity and effectiveness of Discovery Bible Study, a method used globally to facilitate deeper understanding and application of Scripture. Packed with practical insights and heartfelt discussions, this episode challenges listeners to reassess the role of the Bible in their lives and ministries. Don't miss this deep dive into how Scripture can be a game changer in disciple making movements worldwide.
Get Discipleship.org's premium Podcast Feed: https://disciplemakerspodcast.supercast.com/ 
Key Takeaways 
00:00 Welcome to the Disciple Maker's Podcast01:09 Introduction to the 10 Principles of Disciple Making01:31 Scripture as the Core Curriculum02:44 The Power and Authority of Scripture03:29 Challenges in Modern Disciple Making04:26 The Importance of Obedience to Scripture05:19 Practical Applications in Disciple Making07:15 Reevaluating the Role of Scripture07:48 Personal Reflections and Experiences15:52 The Goal of Discipleship16:29 Introduction to Jim Dugan and Hacksaw16:41 Understanding the Text in First Corinthians17:08 The Power of Insight and the Holy Spirit19:35 Discovery Bible Study: A Simple and Effective Tool21:48 The Four Key Questions of Discovery Bible Study23:45 Global Impact and Importance of Scripture26:34 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
Check out our Blogs: https://discipleship.org/blog/ 
See Below for a longer description:
In this episode, Josh and Jason dig into the sixth key principle of disciple-making: using scripture as the primary curriculum. They argue that the Bible, guided by the Holy Spirit, is all we need to make disciples—and that real transformation happens when we don’t just study it, but actually obey it.
Scripture as the Curriculum:They challenge the idea that extra curriculum is necessary. Josh makes it clear: disciple-making movements around the world stick to scripture, and it works—because the Spirit is the true teacher.
Misuse and Misunderstanding:Jason calls out how people often twist scripture to back up their own opinions, rather than letting it speak for itself. He warns against treating the Bible like a suggestion box, a habit influenced by overly rational approaches from past centuries.
Obedience Matters:Reading the Bible isn’t the goal—living it out is. The hosts point to Jesus’ parable of the wise and foolish builders as a reminder that hearing without doing leads nowhere.
Keeping It Simple:Jason shares a story about leading a study in Colossians where he got caught up in sounding smart, but realized deep insights didn’t lead to actual discipleship. Sometimes, less is more.
Discovery Bible Study (DBS):They’re big fans of DBS—a simple, powerful tool used globally. Four questions guide the study:What does this teach us about God?What does it teach us about people?How can we obey it?Who can we share it with?
Practical Steps:The guys offer ideas for churches and individuals to make scripture central again—like doing regular, communal scripture studies using the DBS method.
A Global Perspective:Josh wraps up with stories of believers around the world who cling to scripture despite persecution. He challenges listeners to take the Word seriously—and live it out.
Resources:They close by pointing listeners to discipleship.org for tools and resources to help build scripture-centered discipleship practices.

Overseeding the Gospel

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Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/ 
Today’s episode will help us understand the power of prayer and fasting, how to incorporate them into our daily lives, and why they are essential for personal and community transformation.
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The Power of Abundantly Sowing Gospel Seeds - Disciple Maker's Podcast
In this episode of the Disciple Maker's Podcast, hosts Jason Ishmael and Josh Howard dive into the fifth principle of disciple making: 'Overseeding the Gospel.' They discuss the importance of abundantly sowing seeds of the gospel, drawing on farming principles and illustrating how evangelism is about sharing the beauty and goodness of Jesus. They also highlight the need for gospel seed to be shared in its full form and challenge listeners to have Jesus regularly on their lips. The episode offers practical tools for evangelism and urges believers to engage in intentional gospel sharing to see a bountiful harvest.
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Key Takeaways 
00:00 Introduction and Drum Roll
00:26 Introducing the 10 Principles of Disciple Making
00:49 Principle 5: Overseeding the Gospel
02:02 The Importance of Abundant Gospel Sowing
04:04 Illustration: Evangelism and Relationships
05:15 Challenges in Modern Evangelism
07:52 Sowing Gospel Seeds in Today's Culture
11:59 The Full Gospel vs. Partial Gospel
16:51 A New Commandment: Love One Another
17:02 The Authority of Jesus Christ
17:21 Misconceptions About Salvation
19:31 The Importance of Unity in Mission
22:41 Abundant Seed Sowing and Harvest
27:41 Practical Tools for Evangelism
30:43 Encouragement and Final Thoughts
 
Check out our Blogs: https://discipleship.org/blog/ 
See Below for a longer description:
In this episode of the Disciple Maker’s Podcast, Josh Howard and Jason Ishmael break down the concept of “overseeding the gospel” — the fifth principle in their disciple-making series. Kicking things off with some lighthearted banter, they dive into why spreading the gospel abundantly is crucial for effective evangelism.
Josh explains that overseeding is like a farmer scattering seeds generously—more seeds mean a greater harvest. This principle fuels disciple-making movements worldwide, especially in places like India and China, where rapid growth happens because believers share the gospel frequently and widely.
A key takeaway? Repetition matters. In the West, gospel-sharing is often sporadic, but Josh emphasizes that the more we sow, the more we reap. Jason clears up a common misconception: good marketing isn’t the same as evangelism. True gospel sowing happens through personal, intentional conversations—not just inviting people to church.
Josh uses a relatable analogy: if he wanted to set his son up with Jason’s daughter, he wouldn’t start by criticizing her. Instead, he’d highlight his son’s best qualities. Evangelism should be the same—helping people see Jesus’ beauty, not just pointing out their flaws.
Jason brings up the parable of the sower, reminding us that we can’t control how people receive the gospel, but we’re called to plant seeds everywhere. The discussion then shifts to a major issue in modern Christianity: the watered-down “salvation-only” gospel. Josh and Jason push for a full gospel message—one that includes both forgiveness and submission to Jesus as King.
Josh warns against separating salvation from Jesus’ lordship, a mindset that has led to consumer-driven Christianity with little real transformation. He even describes a needed “second conversion,” where believers fully commit to Jesus’ authority. Jason paints a vivid picture: accepting Jesus’ sacrifice but refusing His leadership is like enjoying a lavish meal He paid for but not inviting Him to the table.
The episode also tackles the common debate over the “minimum entrance requirements” for heaven, arguing that this mindset misses the point. Instead of asking, “What’s the least I can do?” they encourage listeners to pursue full devotion to Jesus.
For practical application, Josh introduces tools like the "15-second testimony" and the "three circles gospel presentation," designed to help believers share their faith naturally in everyday conversations. The key? Talk about Jesus as easily as you’d recommend a great restaurant or movie.
They wrap up with a challenge: tell someone why following Jesus is good news, and ask if they’ve considered it. Many people are just waiting for someone to bring it up.
Bottom line? Evangelism isn’t about technique—it’s about loving Jesus so much that talking about Him becomes second nature. Sow seeds generously, trust God with the harvest, and watch what He does.

The Foundation of Prayer and Fasting

Join us at the 2025 National Disciple Making Forum: https://discipleship.org/national-disciple-making-forum/ 
 
Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/ 
Today’s episode will help us understand the power of prayer and fasting, how to incorporate them into our daily lives, and why they are essential for personal and community transformation.
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Leading by Example: Principle #3 of Disciple Making
The Power of Radical Prayer and Fasting | Disciple Makers Podcast
Join Jason Ishmael and Josh Howard as they dive deep into the fourth core disciple-making principle: the significance of a radical prayer and fasting culture. This episode covers the impact of prayer and fasting on spiritual movements and personal transformation, backed by biblical insights and historical examples. Learn practical tips to incorporate these practices into your life and community to see profound spiritual breakthroughs. Perfect for anyone looking to deepen their spiritual journey and impact the world for Christ.
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Key Takeaways 
00:00 Introduction and Banter
03:09 Disciple Making Principles Overview
03:38 Principle 4: Radical Prayer and Fasting
04:18 Practical Applications of Prayer and Fasting
04:36 Biblical Foundation for Fasting
07:41 Personal Reflections and Encouragement
10:31 Tips for Starting Fasting
13:20 Examples of Fasting in Ministry
16:23 Practical Steps to Begin Fasting
17:46 Pressing into God's Presence
18:27 Physical Actions with Spiritual Implications
19:43 The Benefits of Fasting
20:52 Practical Tools for Prayer and Fasting
26:14 Evaluating and Adjusting Your Cravings
28:33 Intentionality in Prayer and Fasting
32:20 Conclusion and Call to Action
 
Check out our Blogs: https://discipleship.org/blog/ 
See Below for a longer description:
In this episode, hosts Josh Howard and Jason Ishmael dive into the power of prayer and fasting in a disciple’s life and their impact on spiritual movements. They break down the biblical foundation, historical examples, and practical ways to incorporate these practices into daily life and ministry.
The conversation kicks off with lighthearted banter before shifting to the episode’s core theme: cultivating a culture of radical prayer and fasting. Josh emphasizes that some of the most impactful church movements rely on these disciplines, citing historical revivals that began with a few dedicated people seeking God through prayer and fasting.
Referencing Matthew 6, the hosts discuss how Jesus taught about fasting—not for public recognition, but as a way to deepen one’s connection with God. Jason points out a common misunderstanding: fasting isn’t just about giving up food—it’s about creating space for God to work. He shares how his church’s 21-day prayer and fasting tradition before Easter fosters spiritual renewal.
Josh and Jason offer practical tips for getting started, urging listeners to begin with small steps—like skipping one meal a week to focus on prayer. They highlight the story of Charles Finney and Pastor Nash, who fasted and prayed before Finney’s revivals, underscoring how essential these practices were to their ministry’s success.
The hosts also touch on the scientific benefits of fasting, such as increased mental clarity and discipline. They introduce tools like Dick Eastman’s "prayer wheel" to help structure prayer time and emphasize the importance of silence in prayer—something Jason admits was a struggle for him initially.
As the episode wraps up, Josh challenges listeners to take action—whether by fasting a meal a week, dedicating focused prayer time, or involving their community in these spiritual disciplines. They encourage listeners to share their experiences and reach out for support, reinforcing the idea that prayer and fasting aren’t just personal practices but catalysts for transformation in families, churches, and beyond.