The Disciple Maker‘s Podcast

Born to Reproduce. Made to Multiply

Get the Free eBook Becoming a Disciple Maker: https://discipleship.org/shop/becoming-a-disciple-maker/ 
 
Today’s episode will help us tackle the three main barriers to spiritual reproduction—immaturity, sin, and lack of intimacy with Jesus—while learning to bloom where we are planted and passionately engage in disciple-making.
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Born to Reproduce: The Call to Spiritual Multiplication
 
Join Jason Ishmael and Josh Howard in this episode of the Disciple Maker's Podcast as they delve into the transformative power of disciple-making. Josh shares his journey, inspired by a powerful sermon from Dawson Troutman, the founder of the Navigators, titled 'Born to Reproduce.' The conversation focuses on the importance of spiritual maturity, overcoming sin, and fostering intimacy with Jesus to effectively reproduce disciples. They encourage listeners to take immediate action, bloom where they're planted, and embrace the mission with joy and commitment. Tune in to be inspired and challenged to become a disciple who makes disciples, no matter your current season or circumstances.
 
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Key Takeaways 
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:22 The Disciple Maker's Box
01:09 The First Sermon That Changed Everything
03:38 Three Reasons for Spiritual Infertility
09:33 The Longing for Spiritual Reproduction
14:14 The Cost of Discipleship
15:00 The Struggles and Persistence of Success
15:30 Growing Where You're Planted
17:01 The Story of the Sunflower
20:16 Encouragement to Bloom in Unlikely Places
24:03 Invitation to Join Jesus' Mission
26:32 Final Words 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:
Welcome back, everyone! Today we're diving into the heart of disciple-making. In this episode, Josh shares how a sermon by Dawson Trotman called "Born to Reproduce" changed his life. His mentor, Coach Dave Craft, introduced him to this impactful message, which highlights three main hurdles to spiritual reproduction: immaturity, sin, and lack of intimacy with Jesus.
First, immaturity. Sometimes we think we're mature, but if we're not reproducing disciples, we need to grow more spiritually. Second, sin. Disobedience acts like a spiritual disease, hindering us from making disciples. Lastly, lack of intimacy. Without a close relationship with Jesus, we can't bear spiritual fruit.
Josh realized these barriers were holding him back and addressed them head-on, encouraging all of us to do the same. Jason chimed in, comparing the longing to make disciples to the deep desire couples have for children, urging us to be just as passionate.
The discussion shifted to the idea of blooming where you're planted. No need to wait for perfect conditions! Josh shared an inspiring story about a sunflower thriving in an unlikely spot, emphasizing that we can flourish spiritually anywhere.
Jason shared a story about his friend Tim Palmer, who started a business despite obstacles, illustrating that we should stay faithful and trust God's timing. The episode wraps with a call to action: say 'yes' to Jesus now and join Him in the mission. Let His joy and guidance lead you to make a real impact right where you are. Check out discipleship.org for more resources, and let’s get to work making disciples! Bless you guys!

Revival and Disciple Making

Get the free eBook – Revival Starts Here: https://discipleship.org/shop/revival-starts-here-primer/ 
Today’s episode will help us recognize the historical patterns of revival, awaken a deeper hunger for God, and take practical steps to spiritually prepare for a movement of disciple-making in our time.
Join Discipleship.org at one of our fall events:
https://discipleship.org/one-day-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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The Next Great Revival: How to Prepare for God's Powerful Move
In this episode of The Disciple Maker Podcast, hosts Josh and Jason dive deep into the topic of revival. They explore historical revivals in America, discuss the cyclical pattern of these spiritual awakenings every 50 years, and dream about the possibility of a new revival in 2025. Through lively discussion and passionate storytelling, they emphasize the importance of prayer, fasting, and repentance as essential preparations for a mighty move of God. Join them as they call believers to wage war on lukewarm Christianity and become disciples who make disciples in anticipation of a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
Get Discipleship.org's premium Podcast Feed: https://disciplemakerspodcast.supercast.com/ 
Key Takeaways 
00:00 Welcome Back, Disciple Makers!
00:45 Introduction to Revival
01:56 Historical Revivals in America
04:44 The Pattern of Revival
06:38 Preparing for the Next Revival
07:21 Skepticism and Faith
10:11 Current Signs of Revival
11:19 Revival Ready: A Call to Action
15:00 The Power of Persistent Prayer
15:57 The Role of the Pastor in Revival
16:28 Stories of Revival and Conviction
19:07 Practical Steps for Church Leaders
20:13 Counting the Cost of Revival
25:14 The Importance of Repentance
26:34 Waging War on Lukewarm Christianity
31:24 A Call to Action for Revival
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, Josh H and Jason I dive into revival—what it means, where we've seen it in history, and what it could look like today. Josh kicks things off by noting that listeners had asked for this topic, and he’s eager to unpack it.
They trace the major revival movements in American history, starting with the First Great Awakening around 300 years ago, led by Jonathan Edwards. They walk through the Second Great Awakening with Charles Finney and his intercessor Nash, and the revivals led by D.L. Moody and Billy Graham, all of which were marked by repentance and spiritual renewal. They land on the 1970s Jesus Revolution, which they say might be the last nationwide revival—exactly 50 years ago.
Josh and Jason suggest this 50-year pattern may signal another wave is coming. While not predicting anything specific, they urge listeners to stay spiritually alert and ready. They share powerful stories, like two elderly sisters who prayed revival into their community during the Hebrides Revival—where even ships passing by felt the weight of God’s presence.
Jason emphasizes the need to be structurally and spiritually prepared for revival, drawing from Jesus’ teaching about counting the cost before building. Both hosts agree: revival won't come without prayer, repentance, fasting, and a willingness to sacrifice.
They also stress that revival must lead to disciple-making—not just emotional experiences, but long-term transformation. True revival, they argue, involves everyone, not just a few leaders.
The episode ends with a challenge: join the growing movement of prayer and fasting through Discipleship.org and prepare your heart and community for what God might do next.

Facing Pitfalls in Disciple-Making

Today’s episode will help us face sin and temptation with honesty, accountability, and reliance on the Holy Spirit so we can grow as disciples and make disciples who walk in freedom.
 
Join Discipleship.org at one of our fall events:
https://discipleship.org/one-day-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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Overcoming Temptation in Discipleship: Strategies and Insights
 
In this episode of the Disciple Makers Podcast, hosts Josh Howard and Jason Ishmael delve into the common pitfalls in the journey of disciple making, with a focus on overcoming temptation and sin. They emphasize the importance of creating safe spaces for confession, addressing habitual sin early, and relying on the power of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. The episode highlights practical steps for fostering genuine, accountable discipleship relationships, and offers insights into how to empower disciples to conquer sin with divine help. Tune in for valuable strategies to strengthen your disciple-making efforts and personal faith journey.
 
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Key Takeaways 
00:00 Welcome and Introductions
00:37 Discussing Pitfalls in Disciple Making
01:43 Addressing Temptation and Sin
03:45 The Importance of Confession and Accountability
09:05 Creating Safe Spaces for Openness
13:27 The Baby Dragon Analogy
14:20 The Importance of Early Confession
15:14 The Enemy's Intent and Church Culture
16:39 Discipleship and Dragon Slaying
18:59 The Power of the Holy Spirit
19:50 Misinterpretation of Scripture
22:26 Heeding Warnings and God's Deliverance
25:24 The Role of the Holy Spirit in Conviction
28:49 Encouragement and Consistent Rhythms
30:16 Final Thoughts and Invitation
 
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, hosts Josh Howard and Jason Ishmael dive into a real and often overlooked challenge in disciple-making: dealing with sin and temptation. The episode kicks off with some light banter, but quickly shifts to a deep, honest conversation about the struggles that come with following Jesus—and helping others do the same.
Facing the Hard Stuff
Josh opens by naming the elephant in the room: temptation is part of life, even in ministry. While it’s tempting (no pun intended) to focus only on wins and high points, the guys make it clear—ignoring sin doesn’t make it go away. In fact, it makes things worse. Confronting it directly is key to personal integrity and faithful disciple-making.
Everyone Struggles—Even Jesus Was Tempted
Drawing from Hebrews, they remind us that even Jesus faced temptation. That truth doesn’t excuse sin—it encourages us. If He faced it and overcame, we can lean on Him in our fight too. Disciple-making isn’t about being perfect, but about staying honest and dependent on Jesus.
Don’t Go It Alone
Jason pushes back on the myth of solo Christianity. Isolation is dangerous, especially when struggling with sin. They paint a biblical picture of community—like the body, vine and branches, shepherd and sheep—where honest relationships offer support, accountability, and light in dark places.
Confession Brings Healing
Confession isn’t just a religious duty—it’s a path to healing (James 5). The hosts use a striking image: sins are like baby dragons. Small at first, but dangerous if fed and hidden. Naming them early—through confession and accountability—stops them from taking over.
Practical Tools for Disciple-Makers
Josh and Jason share some simple but powerful practices:
Safe Spaces: Create environments where people can share struggles without fear of judgment.
Early Confession: Address sin before it grows into something bigger.
Regular Reflection: Stay in step with God by confessing quickly and often.
Rely on the Holy Spirit and Scripture
They caution against white-knuckling your way through temptation. Instead, rely on the Holy Spirit and God’s Word. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 10, they remind listeners that God always provides a way out. Around the world, disciple-making movements thrive when Scripture is the foundation and the Spirit is the guide.
God's Word Transforms
They emphasize that lasting change comes from God—not effort alone. When we stay rooted in Scripture and invite the Spirit to search our hearts, He brings conviction and real transformation. The goal isn’t behavior management; it’s presence-driven change led by Jesus.
No Sin Too Small—or Too Big
When it comes to cultural issues like sexual sin, they caution against playing favorites with sins. All sin separates. The best approach? Get people into the presence of Jesus and let the Holy Spirit do the heavy lifting.
Encouragement to Apply
They close by encouraging listeners to keep it simple: read Scripture, listen to the Spirit, confess quickly, and stay connected. Disciple-making happens when people walk in honesty, grace, and dependence on God—together.
Takeaway: Sin and temptation are part of the journey—but they don’t have to derail it. Through confession, accountability, and the power of the Spirit, disciple-makers can walk in freedom and help others do the same.

Overcoming Pride in Ministry

Join Discipleship.org at one of our fall events:
https://discipleship.org/one-day-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/ 
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
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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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/
Stay informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr
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/
Stay informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr
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.
 
Get Discipleship.org's premium Podcast Feed: https://disciplemakerspodcast.supercast.com/ 
 
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