The Disciple Maker‘s Podcast

This Can’t Be It: A Call Back to New Testament Christianity

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/ 
In this episode of the Disciple Makers Podcast, host Josh Howard issues a prophetic call to Christians, especially leaders, urging a return to a New Testament style of Christianity. Josh identifies widespread dissatisfaction among believers and interprets this as the Holy Spirit's urging toward a deeper, more authentic faith. He emphasizes that Jesus called his followers to a life marked by boldness, power, holiness, and mission, not one of comfort or superficial religiosity. Josh critiques modern Christianity for straying from the practices and fervor of the early church, and outlines seven distinctives of New Testament Christianity: fostering an upper room mentality, practicing gospel boldness, expecting divine power, maintaining uncompromised holiness, living a Luke 10 lifestyle, committing to disciple-making multiplication, and embracing joyful abandonment. He calls on leaders to lead by example, fostering real transformations that align with Jesus' life and teachings. Josh closes by urging listeners to make a collective vow to reject status quo Christianity and fully commit to this Jesus-centered way of life.

Track Session 4: The First 5 Steps to Create a Disciple Making Church

Bobby will explain the first 5 steps every minister/pastor must make to transition a church to truly become a disciple Making Church.
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/ 

If I Were Starting From Scratch: How Jesus Builds Multiplying Movements

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 from Scratch - Disciple Makers Podcast
Join host Josh Shower in this insightful episode of the Disciple Makers Podcast as he explores the concept of starting from scratch to build a multiplying church by 2026. Dive deep into practical strategies rooted in prayer, fasting, and dependence on the Holy Spirit, and learn how to identify 'people of peace'. Discover how simplified gatherings and obedience-based discipleship can lead to exponential growth and a powerful movement. Perfect for church leaders and believers who are passionate about making disciples who make disciples. Tune in and be inspired to take bold steps in your faith journey!
00:00 Welcome and Introduction01:05 Starting from Scratch: A Radical Approach03:43 The Power of Prayer and Dependence07:56 Finding People of Peace12:27 Discipling a Few: Quality Over Quantity15:16 Building Simple, Reproducible Gatherings19:28 Refusing Complexity and Embracing Simplicity21:01 Normalizing Immediate Obedience22:36 Conclusion and Call to Action

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