The Disciple Maker‘s Podcast

Track Session 2: How We Make Disciples in Our Network

Ed will explain the strategy of one of the nations top Disciple Making Churches.
Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/ 
Join us at the 2026 National Disciple Making Forum: https://discipleship.org/2026-national-disciple-making-forum/ 

Building a Multiplying Church in 2026

Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/ 
Join us at the 2026 National Disciple Making Forum: https://discipleship.org/2026-national-disciple-making-forum/ 
Building a Disciple-Making Plan for 2026 | Disciple Maker's Podcast
Join us for the first Disciple Maker's Podcast episode of 2026, where we dive into creating an effective disciple-making plan for your church. We'll explore the importance of focusing on multiplication over mere church growth, setting clear visions and goals, and designing intentional pathways to help your congregation follow Jesus and make disciples who make disciples. Learn how to define success, choose the right vehicles for disciple-making, create impactful rhythms, and invest in key multipliers within your church. Embark on a year-long journey to transform your church's approach to discipleship and witness significant Kingdom impact. For more resources, visit discipleship.org.
00:00 Introduction and Vision for 202600:42 The Importance of Multiplication Over Growth02:18 Defining the Destination: What Kind of Disciples?06:54 Choosing the Right Vehicles for Disciple Making10:25 Reality Check: Assessing Your Current Disciple Making15:20 Hijacking Church Programs for Disciple Making17:16 Building a 2026 Disciple Making Plan22:50 Creating Multiplication Rhythms26:14 Identifying and Investing in Multipliers27:48 Embedding Prayer and Fasting28:52 Simplifying the Pathway for New Believers30:15 Conclusion and Call to Action

Track Session 1: How We Make Disciples at Elevate City

Joey will explain the strategy of one of the nations top Disciple Making Churches.
Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/ 
Join us at the 2026 National Disciple Making Forum: https://discipleship.org/2026-national-disciple-making-forum/ 

10 Most Common Mistakes when Shifting to Multiplication

Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/ 
Join us at the 2026 National Disciple Making Forum: https://discipleship.org/2026-national-disciple-making-forum/ 
Avoiding the Top 10 Mistakes in Disciple Making Movements
In this episode of the Disciple Makers Podcast, host Josh Howard discusses the essential shifts needed to transition from addition to multiplication in disciple making. He focuses on the top 10 common mistakes that leaders and churches make when pursuing disciple-making movements, such as prioritizing models over missions, innovating before imitating, and treating disciple-making as a side hustle. Josh provides practical principles and corrective actions to help leaders avoid these pitfalls, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness, adaptability, and deep leadership development. Ideal for church leaders and anyone passionate about multiplying disciples effectively.
00:00 Introduction and Recap01:10 Top 10 Mistakes in Disciple Making Movements03:02 Mistake 1: Falling in Love with the Model07:51 Mistake 2: Innovating Before Imitating11:59 Mistake 3: Doing the Work for People14:36 Mistake 4: Spreading Too Thin17:45 Mistake 5: Ignoring Structures21:26 Mistake 6: Treating Movement as a Side Hustle23:13 Mistake 7: Expecting Microwave Speed25:55 Mistake 8: Fearing Mistakes28:54 Mistake 9: Confusing Language with Culture31:11 Mistake 10: Quitting Too Soon33:39 Conclusion and Encouragement

Submitting to God in Discipling Relationships | Shodankeh Johnson

Check out the 12 Days of Disciple Making: https://days-of-disciple-making.lovable.app/
Submitting to God: Discipleship, Fasting, and Prayer | Shodankeh Johnson
In this video, Shodankeh Johnson, from Sierra Leone, shares how God uses ordinary people to achieve extraordinary outcomes. Emphasizing that the key difference between the ordinary and extraordinary is God's divine touch, Johnson discusses the critical importance of discipleship, fasting, and prayer. He underscores Jesus' ultimate act of submission in the Garden of Gethsemane and how followers are called to be like Jesus in saying, 'Thy will be done.' Johnson cautions against 'pick and mix religion,' urging believers to fully align with God's word to see divine power manifest in their lives.
Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/ 
Key Takeaways 00:00 Introduction and Greetings07:48 Prayer and Fasting Practices12:28 Testimonies of Transformation19:56 The Power of Persistent Prayer28:12 Praying for the Nation32:37 Introducing Dave and Mandisa37:59 The Importance of Fasting and Prayer49:27 Dave's Journey to a Praying Church56:36 Encouragement for Church Leaders
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Other Videos about Shodankeh Johnson:
Why Radical Obedience Is Necessary for Discipleship https://youtu.be/VGq_EfdCCSY?feature=shared
A Powerful Prayer For The Movement of God in America https://youtu.be/EdZIlDnRrT8?feature=shared 
What the North American Church Largely Missed on the Holy Spirit!https://youtu.be/a8FdA69TwUY?feature=shared 
A Disciple Making Movement In West Africa: https://youtu.be/xx3Kr79-kos?feature=shared 
Discipleship Principles for North American Churches https://youtu.be/wOaMm2OB0YU?feature=shared 
How to Raise Up Movement Leaders in Christianity : https://youtu.be/aJssQ6JdQD8?feature=shared 
Discovery Bible Study: https://youtu.be/TC12QGzQvZk?feature=shared 
Summary:In this powerful video, spiritual leaders gather to discuss the significance of prayer, fasting, and disciple-making in contemporary Christianity. The video opens with Shodankeh Johnson, a renowned Christian leader from Sierra Leone, Africa, sharing extraordinary testimonies about the transformative power of prayer and fasting. Shodankeh emphasizes that these spiritual disciplines can turn ordinary people into extraordinary individuals who can accomplish God's work.
Shodankeh illustrates his points by sharing compelling stories from his own life and ministry. He explains how submission to God through prayer and fasting can open doors for disciple-making and transforming communities. His stories include instances where prayer and fasting led to miraculous conversions, including a confrontation with a militant leader who eventually became a Christian and now serves as part of Shodankeh's ministry.
Shodankeh argues that disciple-making involves three levels of submission to God: the disciple-maker, the lost, and the spirits. He highlights how prayer and fasting are active ingredients that empower these stages. Through fasting and prayer, ordinary men and women have become powerful instruments for God's work in Sierra Leone, leading to entire villages and tribes coming to know Jesus.
As Shodankeh's session concludes, Dave Clayton and Mandisa join the conversation. Dave Clayton, a pastor from the Nashville area, shares his journey of integrating prayer and fasting into his church's practice. He narrates their struggles and triumphs, emphasizing how persistent prayer and fasting have begun to catalyze a spiritual shift within their community. Dave explains his vision to mobilize churches across Nashville to pray and fast over every name, neighborhood, and nation represented in the city. His goal is to spark a broader movement of prayer and fasting throughout America.
Mandisa, known for her work in the Discipleship First Tribe and her music career, talks about her realization of the need for desperation in prayer. She compares her experiences in American churches with those she observed during international tours, noting a stark contrast in the desperate fervor for prayer and fasting. She is moved to challenge herself and others to cultivate a similar level of spiritual desperation.
Throughout the video, the speakers discuss cultural differences and the challenges faced by the American church in adopting these spiritual disciplines. Shodankeh explains that fasting and prayer are disruptive, yet necessary for true disciple-making. The leaders highlight the importance of humility, learning from the global church, and bringing a disruptive disciple-making mindset to North America.
In conclusion, this video is a stirring reminder of the power of prayer and fasting in disciple-making. It challenges viewers to reconsider their spiritual practices and embrace a deeper, more committed walk with God for the sake of personal transformation and broader community impact.
Check out our Blogs: https://discipleship.org/blog/ 
#DiscipleMaking

45 Degrees Part 2

Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/ 
Join us at the 2026 National Disciple Making Forum: https://discipleship.org/2026-national-disciple-making-forum/ 
45 Degree Shifts: From Addition to Multiplication in Church Growth - Part 2
In this episode of the Disciple Makers Podcast, host Josh Howard delves into four additional key shifts that churches need to make to move from addition to multiplication. Josh explores the transition from creating consumers to forming missionaries, empowering the priesthood of all believers, focusing on controllables over uncontrollables in metrics, and shifting from a church growth mindset to kingdom expansion. Using principles, stories, and practical examples, this episode is a must-listen for those looking to make a lasting impact for the Kingdom. Tune in to learn how small 45 degree shifts can lead to exponential growth and transformation.
00:00 Introduction and Recap01:49 Shift 5: From Consumers to Missionaries06:56 Shift 6: From Professionals to the Priesthood of All Believers12:27 Shift 7: From Tracking Uncontrollables to Controllables19:09 Shift 8: From Church Growth to Kingdom Expansion22:29 Conclusion and Call to Action

Why Become a Disciple Maker | Jim Putman

Why Become a Disciple Maker: Insights from Jim Putman, Dr. Coleman, and More
In this video, leaders in the disciple making movement participate in a forum to discuss the essential question: why become a disciple maker? Jim Putman opens with a deep dive into the motives behind disciple making and challenges the conventional view of tying disciple-making to church growth. Instead, he emphasizes the importance of a more profound, relational approach where the focus is on spiritual maturity and following Christ wholeheartedly, even when it might not lead to church growth. The discussion extends into practical insights on creating a culture of disciple-making, highlighting the significance of transparency and intentionality in relationships.
Prominent voices like Bill Hull, Dr. Robert Coleman, and Daniel Im contribute their perspectives. Bill Hull underscores the necessity of investing in the right people, while Dr. Coleman points out the simplicity of following Jesus' example. Ariana Rimsson shares her personal experiences and advice on how to take intentional steps to disciple others, even if one has never been discipled themselves. The forum also includes a celebration of disciple-making giants, with Bill Hull receiving the Robert Coleman Disciple Maker Award for his lifetime commitment to Jesus' methods.
Key themes covered include the importance of relational disciple-making, the challenges of being authentic and transparent, and the critical role of disciple-makers in a world increasingly obsessed with self. This video aims to inspire pastors and ministry leaders to embrace the call to make disciples deeply and authentically, replicating the life-on-life model exemplified by Jesus. 
Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/ 
Key Takeaways 00:00 Introduction: The Importance of Disciple Making07:40 The Great Commission and Making Disciples09:45 Personal Stories and Testimonies14:55 The Need for Relational Discipleship21:44 Practical Takeaways and Reflections36:43 The Heart of Jesus' Ministry37:25 Motives in Discipleship39:54 Creating a Culture of Disciple Making43:52 Life-on-Life Discipleship48:56 Honesty and Transparency in Discipleship53:23 The Disciple Maker Assessment01:11:07 Closing Remarks and Reflections
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Title: Why Become a Disciple Maker | Jim Putman
See below for a longer description:
In Jim Putman's enlightening speech, he delves deep into the essential question, "Why become a disciple maker?" He challenges the audience by reframing the question to "Why wouldn't you be a disciple maker?" Putman emphasizes that disciple making should not be viewed as merely a church growth strategy but as a profound spiritual calling rooted in the gospel of Jesus Christ. He addresses the popular misconception that disciple making guarantees church growth, clarifying that the true essence is spiritual maturity and obedience to Christ, which may not always align with numerical growth.
Putman underscores the reality that the gospel's message of self-denial and daily cross-bearing is often unpopular in American culture, leading to a potential decline in church attendance when it’s preached authentically. He cautions that many churchgoers might leave when confronted with the true demands of discipleship, particularly those who attend church for superficial reasons like seeking personal gain or social approval.
A significant portion of his talk focuses on the characteristics of a mature disciple. Putman describes a mature disciple as someone continually growing in obedience and being transformed to resemble Jesus Christ. This transformation involves loving God with all one’s heart, soul, mind, and strength, and loving one’s neighbor as oneself. He critiques the shallow understanding of discipleship that equates it to mere knowledge accumulation, explaining that true discipleship is relational and rooted in love.
Moreover, Putman discusses the importance of having a common language and definition within disciple making movements, referencing Jesus' invitation in Matthew 4:19 to "Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." He explains that disciple makers are those who follow Jesus, are changed by Jesus, and commit to Jesus' mission. This mission includes evangelizing, teaching, and nurturing new disciples to maturity so they, in turn, can make disciples.
Putman shares a personal anecdote about his son, illustrating the profound impact someone can make by reaching out to love and disciple others.
In conclusion, Putman appeals to the audience's sense of love and obedience to God as the primary motives for making disciples. He discards the notion of doing it for rewards or recognition, centering the practice in genuine care for others' spiritual well-being and growth in Christ.
Check out our Blogs: https://discipleship.org/blog/

The Jesus Centered Church

Reclaiming the Church for Jesus: Redefining Worship, Mission, and Metrics
Join Josh Howard in this thought-provoking episode of the Disciple Makers Podcast as he challenges the modern church to reconsider who Sunday services are truly for. Dive into a passionate discussion on reshaping church practices to put Jesus at the center, focusing on worship, preaching, mission, and metrics. Discover how a Jesus-centered church can transform disciple-making, community, and spiritual growth. If you're ready to give Jesus His church back, this conversation is a must-listen.
00:00 Introduction and Burning Question01:10 People-Centered vs. Jesus-Centered Church04:31 Jesus-Centered Worship06:31 Scripture as Heaven's Word08:46 The Importance of the Altar11:56 Time Belongs to Jesus13:58 Sending People into Mission16:06 Changing Metrics of Success18:37 Jesus Gets the Room Back21:04 Conclusion and Call to Action

Women and Disciple Making | Joanne Kraft

Intentional Living: Joanne Kraft on Effective Women's Discipleship
What could it look like to see women in the church catch a vision for spiritual growth through discipleing relationships? Inspired by the mandate in Titus 2, Joanne Kraft, lead disciple-maker for Grace and Truth Living, speaks and writes to women across the nation on disciple making. Join Joanne and Discipleship.org’s Bobby Harrington for a conversation on the necessity of Jesus’ style of disciple making for women and the keys on developing this vision for women in your church.
Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/ 
If you would like to view Focus on the Family visit this link: https://www.focusonthefamily.com/ 
Key Takeaways 00:00 Introduction and Personal Background00:08 Journey into Discipleship03:22 The Importance of Relational Discipleship06:06 Starting Discipling Relationships09:39 Challenges and Practical Tips11:56 Women Discipling Women18:00 Upcoming National Disciple Making Forum20:57 Formalizing Discipling Relationships24:38 Sharing Spiritual Biographies26:03 Melissa Gray's Testimony28:49 Defining the Duration of Discipleship31:25 Serving Together and Leadership Transition39:42 Turbo Group Training and Multiplying Disciple Makers44:46 Building Relationships with Non-Believers47:22 Grace and Truth Living Ministry49:27 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Take the FREE Disciple Maker Assessment:https://church-multiplication.com/disciplemaker/
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See below for a longer description: 
In the video titled "Women and Disciple Making" Joanne Kraft, a mother of four and a writer, dives into her experiences and passion for discipleship, especially within the context of women's ministry. She starts by sharing a bit about her background, illustrating her journey as a writer of non-fiction, particularly parenting books, and how this gradually led her to realize her deep-seated passion for discipleship. She emphasizes that while broad speaking events and women's conferences are valuable, she believes in the power of smaller, more meaningful discipleship relationships to make a more substantial impact.
If you want to know more about Disciple Making visit: https://discipleship.org/ 
The conversation then transitions into a discussion about Joanne's books, which includes titles like "Too Busy: Taking Your Family on a Radical Sabbatical" and "The Mean Mom’s Guide to Raising Great Kids." Joanne explains how experiences from her career as a 911 dispatcher shaped her writing and mentoring, addressing common parenting challenges that resonated with many. She also highlights how her books have been utilized as discipleship tools across the country, demonstrating their relevance and effectiveness in real-world church settings.
Joanne underscores the importance of relational experiences in spiritual growth, recounting how her relationships with others have profoundly influenced her faith journey. She notes the significance of intentional, personal interactions over merely consuming content from books or sermons. Joanne stresses the necessity of being discipled, particularly how personal relationships can foster deeper understanding and spiritual maturity. Through these reflections, she reveals her realization that even long-time Christians can still need personal mentorship to grow their faith.
Discussing the structure of discipleship relationships, Joanne shares practical insights on how to initiate and maintain such connections. She advises starting with prayer to discern whom God is leading to be discipled and emphasizes the importance of seeking someone whose words have a strong influence on you. Joanne highlights the role of questions and active listening in building these relationships. She addresses common challenges, like dealing with resistance, and advocates for setting clear expectations through a signed covenant to ensure commitment and accountability from both parties involved.
Joanne’s approach also includes tailor-made strategies for discipling women, recognizing the unique needs and dynamics different from men. She explains how she organizes smaller and more intimate groups, drawing from Jesus’ example with his disciples. Joanne typically limits her discipleship groups to no more than three women, ensuring each member receives adequate attention and support. She highlights the need for grace, patience, and mutual understanding in these relationships.
Interested in books and blogs on Disciple Making visit: https://discipleship.org/resources/
For more conversation on Disciple Making check out our Podcast: The Disciple Makers Podcast -- https://disciplemakerspodcast.podbean.com/

Biggest Challenges Facing Disciple Makers | Thom Rainer

Reaching and Discipling Millennials: Challenges and Opportunities
In this insightful discussion, various speakers explore the vital topic of how to effectively reach and disciple the millennial generation. The session begins with an introduction by Thom Rainer who shares personal anecdotes and sets the stage for the main focus: can we truly disciple millennials, and can they become disciple-makers themselves? The speaker highlights the complexity and clarity sometimes lacking within church communities, using both humor and personal stories to illustrate these points. Statistical data is presented to underscore the significant decline in generational Christian adherence, from the builder generation to the millennials, who only show roughly 15% followers of Christ. However, despite this decline, there is a notable receptivity among millennials, presenting a hopeful opportunity for the church. Key characteristics of millennials, such as their value for relationships and desire for authenticity, humility, transparency, and integrity, are discussed. Practical advice and strategies are given on how to engage millennials effectively, including the importance of personal relationships, leveraging older generations for mentorship, and ensuring corporate authenticity within the church community. The session also delves into specific, real-world examples and testimonies that illustrate how these principles can be applied successfully. Overall, this comprehensive dialogue provides valuable insights and actionable steps for anyone looking to engage with and disciple millennials in a meaningful way.
Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/ 
Key Takeaways 00:00 Introduction and Personal Anecdotes09:24 Millennials' Receptivity to the Gospel14:46 Building Relationships with Millennials19:02 Practical Steps for Churches29:47 Capitol Hill Prayer Group38:37 Authenticity in Discipleship48:39 Challenges in Modern Church Practices54:59 Practical Steps for Discipleship
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See below for a longer description: 
Rainer's primary thesis revolves around questioning whether millennials can be effectively discipled and turned into disciple-makers. He stresses the importance of understanding this generation's unique characteristics. According to Rainer, millennials are highly relational but often perceive church environments as unclear or hypocritical. He advocates for churches to pursue authenticity and integrity in their ministries.
Using statistical data, Rainer highlights the low percentage of millennials who identify as Christians compared to previous generations. He emphasizes that despite this, there is significant openness and receptivity among millennials toward the gospel, possibly more than seen in prior generations. The key is for churches to make intentional efforts in relationship-buildingand personal discipleship.
Various speakers at the forum further discuss strategies to effectively disciple millennials. Heather Zempel shares examples of relational discipleship occurring in Washington, D.C., pointing out that millennials are actively engaged in mission trips and small groups that prioritize hands-on, real-life applications of faith. Ariana Rimson highlights the need for millennials to align their relationships with God's word, focusing on authenticity and integrity.
Jim Putman stresses the importance of relational discipleship over mere church participation, reinforcing that millennials seek genuine connections and discipleship that integrate with their everyday lives. Rainer and other speakers argue that churches must move beyond traditional and superficial churchianity to embrace genuine Christianity characterized by personal relationships and community impact.
The panel collectively underscores the importance of meeting millennials where they are, both physically and culturally. They advocate for a church environment that prioritizes community engagement, social impact, and authentic relationships. The ultimate goal is to foster a generation of disciple-makers who are deeply rooted in their faith and committed to living out the teachings of Jesus in practical, transformative ways.
In summary, this video provides a thorough exploration of the challenges and opportunities in discipling millennials. It offers valuable insights and practical strategies for church leaders aiming to bridge generational gaps and cultivate meaningful, faith-driven relationships within their congregations. It stresses the need for churches to adapt, be authentic, and focus on relational and community-oriented ministry to effectively reach and disciple the millennial generation.
Check out our Blogs: https://discipleship.org/blog/