The Disciple Maker‘s Podcast

Discipleship and the Demonic (feat. Shodankeh Johnson)

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Understanding Spiritual Warfare: Equipping Disciples for Battle
In this session, we dive into the reality of spiritual warfare, a critical but often overlooked aspect of the Christian journey. Emphasizing its biblical foundation, the speaker discusses the necessity of acknowledging and addressing spiritual battles in disciple-making. The session covers profound insights into the nature of spiritual warfare, the importance of prayer and fasting, and the use of God-given spiritual weapons. Personal anecdotes highlight the challenges and triumphs faced, providing encouragement and practical advice for believers and disciple-makers. The speaker calls for a deeper understanding of spiritual warfare to strengthen faith and foster resilience against the enemy's attacks.
Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/ 
Check out Discipleship.org Audio Books: https://discipleship.org/resources/ebooks/ 
Key Takeaways
00:00 Introduction and Opening Prayer
02:01 Understanding Spiritual Warfare
04:14 The Reality of Spiritual Battles
05:01 The Importance of Coaching Disciples
10:09 The Power of Prayer and Worship
11:11 Personal Testimony of Loss and Faith
20:39 Practical Insights on Spiritual Warfare
28:37 Divine Weapons and Spiritual Armor
32:23 Morning Prayer and Armor of God
33:44 Understanding Satan's Activities
34:32 Accusations and Deception by Satan
35:58 The Power of Resurrection
41:00 Territorial and Ideological Strongholds
44:38 Personal Strongholds and Overcoming Fear
51:02 Spiritual Weapons and Stronghold Warfare
55:03 Questions and Practical Advice
01:00:43 Concluding Prayer and Blessings
Resources on Discipleship  
Reaching & Discipling Women: A Guide to Women’s Ministry in Your Church
What Is Church? And How Important Is It?
 
Family Discipleship Blueprint: A Year-by-Year Guide to Family Discipleship
 
Becoming a Disciple Maker
In this episode we dive into the reality of spiritual warfare in the context of discipleship. Shodankeh Johnson starts by asking everyone to pray for insight and understanding, stressing that acknowledging spiritual warfare is crucial despite its often-avoided nature. He emphasizes that spiritual warfare, as described in both the Old and New Testaments, is a constant battle between good and evil, mirroring Jesus' own encounters with the enemy.
The episode highlights that neglecting spiritual warfare makes disciples vulnerable to fear and ignorance. The speaker insists that belief in spiritual warfare is as fundamental as gravity—it's real whether or not we believe in it. He stresses that the focus should be on teaching the relevance of God’s word rather than proving it.
Through personal stories, the speaker illustrates the impact of spiritual warfare. He shares how the unexpected death of his son, initially seen as a defeat, ultimately strengthened many people’s faith and attracted new believers. Another story involves a life-threatening incident that was averted through divine insight.
Practical steps for engaging in spiritual warfare are discussed, including the power of prayer and worship as vital tools. Ephesians 6:12 is referenced to remind us that the true battle is spiritual, not physical. The speaker outlines the essential aspects of spiritual warfare: recognizing ongoing battles, understanding the nature of the conflict, and using God’s armor effectively.
He identifies five key activities of Satan—afflicting, accusing, instigating, deceiving, and causing fruitlessness—and describes three types of strongholds—territorial, ideological, and personal. Strategies to break these strongholds include using Scripture, relying on the Holy Spirit, and engaging in prayer and fasting.
The episode wraps up with a Q&A session, addressing practical concerns about handling church opposition and encouraging new believers to adopt spiritual practices.
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Discipling People in Identity (feat. Anthony Walker)

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Today’s episode will help us understand the importance of anchoring our identity in Christ amidst societal pressures and external labels, drawing on personal stories, biblical examples, and practical resources for deepening our understanding of Christian identity.
 
In this session Anthony Walker talked with us about discipling people in identity, specifically focusing on one's identity in Christ. Originating from their shared experiences and collaborations, including a book on the subject, he dives into scriptural teachings and personal anecdotes to emphasize the importance of knowing who you are in Christ. Anthony outlines how understanding one's identity in Christ can bring clarity, purpose, and resilience in an ever-changing world that often imposes its own identities on individuals.
Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/ 
Check out Discipleship.org Audio Books: https://discipleship.org/resources/ebooks/ 
Key Takeaways
00:00 Introduction and Purpose
00:06 Understanding Identity in Christ
03:39 Personal Story: Overcoming Identity Struggles
08:37 Biblical Examples of Identity
13:36 Modern Identity Challenges
15:15 Practical Applications and Book Overview
28:57 Interactive Discussion on Personal Struggles
29:49 The Woman with the Issue of Blood
32:11 Unity in Christ Beyond Identity
34:28 Personal Story: Unauthorized Charges
36:24 No Condemnation in Christ
37:54 Youth Struggles with Identity
40:04 Political and Religious Identities
44:46 Ministry Titles and True Service
48:36 Empowering the Younger Generation
53:57 People Pleasing and True Identity
57:20 Final Thoughts and Resources
Resources on Discipleship  
Reaching & Discipling Women: A Guide to Women’s Ministry in Your Church
What Is Church? And How Important Is It?
 
Family Discipleship Blueprint: A Year-by-Year Guide to Family Discipleship
 
Becoming a Disciple Maker
In this episode of "RENEW Track Session 3," the speaker, starting with gratitude and humility, emphasizes the vital role of understanding our identity in Christ. He shares how Bobby and Michelle's collaboration led to their co-authored book on Christian identity. The discussion highlights a key moment in Matthew 16, where Jesus questions his disciples about his identity, drawing a parallel to how knowing Christ is crucial for understanding our own identity.
The speaker recounts his personal experience of losing his father and facing family and societal challenges, showing how faith and his grandmother’s teachings about identity in Christ kept him grounded. Using Moses’ story, he illustrates the importance of a unified identity in Christ, free from the confusion of societal labels and roles.
He also addresses how our identities can be swayed by societal expectations, gender issues, and roles, urging listeners to root their identities in Christ. The session includes practical advice on using their book for personal and group study, with interactive Q&A addressing concerns about identity, ministry roles, and societal pressures.
The episode wraps up with practical resources and a call to anchor our identity in Christ despite external pressures and labels, using scripture and personal stories to underscore this transformative message.
 
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Discipling Same Sex Attractions (feat. Guy Hammond)

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Today’s episode will help us navigate the intersection of LGBTQ issues and Christian faith through Guy Hammond’s personal journey and ministry insights, offering guidance on how to engage with LGBTQ individuals compassionately while remaining faithful to Biblical teachings.
In this episode, executive director of Strength in Weakness Ministries, Guy Hammond, shares his personal journey from recognizing his homosexuality at a young age to becoming a devoted Christian. Guy discusses the motivations behind founding his ministry, which aims to help Christians engage with LGBTQ individuals and support LGBTQ Christians within the church. He delves into his own struggles, his concerns with pro-gay theology, and the importance of hospitality in sharing the gospel with LGBTQ individuals. Additionally, Guy touches on his views regarding the intersection of transgenderism and Christian orthodoxy. The video concludes with a Q&A session addressing complex questions about faith, sexuality, and the importance of creating a loving, welcoming church environment.
Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/ 
Check out Discipleship.org Audio Books: https://discipleship.org/resources/ebooks/ 
Key Takeaways
00:00 Introduction and Personal Background
00:17 Founding Strength in Weakness Ministries
02:57 Struggles with Homosexuality
07:05 Journey to Faith and Conversion
11:47 Marriage and Family Life
15:44 Controversial Views on Homosexuality and Christianity
32:10 Timeless Sexual Ethics
32:51 Stereotypes and Realities of LGBTQ People
34:16 Sharing Jesus with LGBTQ Friends
35:00 The Power of Hospitality
39:04 Acceptance vs. Approval
40:47 Messages for LGBTQ People
43:38 Q&A Session
Resources on Discipleship  
Reaching & Discipling Women: A Guide to Women’s Ministry in Your Church
What Is Church? And How Important Is It?
 
Family Discipleship Blueprint: A Year-by-Year Guide to Family Discipleship
 
Becoming a Disciple Maker
In the episode, Guy Hammond, executive director of Strength in Weakness Ministries, shares his personal journey and insights on LGBTQ issues within Christianity. He starts by explaining how he founded his ministry to help churches engage with LGBTQ individuals and facilitate conversations about faith. Hammond recounts his own experiences from recognizing his same-sex attractions at 12, living a promiscuous gay life, and eventually finding faith in a supportive church community. Despite his Christian commitment, he still experiences these attractions but relies on God's grace to live a holy life.
Hammond also discusses his ministry’s support for Christians with same-sex attractions and their families, and his own personal life, including his marriages, which were grounded in emotional connection and Christian values rather than sexual attraction. He addresses the theological debates on homosexuality, arguing that traditional Biblical teachings are consistent and challenges modern pro-gay theology.
He advocates for churches to be welcoming spaces for LGBTQ individuals to explore faith without judgment, stressing the difference between acceptance and approval. Hammond answers audience questions with practical advice on handling complex situations, such as counseling LGBTQ couples and addressing transgender issues, always emphasizing empathy while upholding Biblical teachings.
Overall, Hammond’s session offers a compassionate, theologically informed perspective on LGBTQ issues, illustrating how Christians can support and engage with LGBTQ individuals while staying true to their faith.
 
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Discipling People in a Unified Mission (feat. Jason Ishmael and Daniel McCoy)

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Today’s episode will help us address church disunity, especially during politically charged times, by focusing on mission-driven unity and practical strategies for fostering deeper, Christ-centered relationships.
 
In this session, Daniel McCoy and Jason Ishmeal explore the divisive issues causing disunity within the church, particularly during election years. They identify two problematic types of individuals: the 'Heresy Hunter' and the 'Tower Toppler,' who exacerbate conflicts by aggressively seeking out perceived errors and attacking different viewpoints. The speakers discuss practical approaches to fostering unity, emphasizing the importance of keeping the faith front and center, understanding perspectives, and contextualizing the gospel to different audiences. They advocate for transforming traditional church activities into opportunities for discipleship, engaging both extroverts and introverts in meaningful ways. The session concludes with an emphasis on the significance of unifying around the mission of making disciples, seeing every church activity as an occasion for discipleship, and inspiring church members to lift up Jesus as the ultimate model of humanity.
Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/ 
Check out Discipleship.org Audio Books: https://discipleship.org/resources/ebooks/ 
Key Takeaways
00:00 Introduction and Context Setting
01:51 Addressing Political Disunity
03:23 Types of Disruptive Individuals
07:39 Unity Through Mission
12:18 Challenges in Discipleship
18:33 Tools for Promoting Unity
31:11 Balancing Grace and Truth
31:39 The Fragrance of Christ
34:04 The Resurrection and Discipleship
35:29 Historical Context and Gnosticism
36:42 Discipleship in Modern Context
40:24 Reevaluating Church Ministries
42:57 Practical Steps for Discipleship
49:12 Empowering the Church Community
52:40 Q&A Session
Resources on Discipleship  
Reaching & Discipling Women: A Guide to Women’s Ministry in Your Church
What Is Church? And How Important Is It?
 
Family Discipleship Blueprint: A Year-by-Year Guide to Family Discipleship
 
Becoming a Disciple Maker
 
Follow us at Discipleship.org!

High Tech, High Touch ... Featuring the SmallCircle App (feat. Steve McCoy)

Click here to view Small Circle: https://www.smallcircle.com/ 
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Today’s episode will help us understand how to effectively use the Small Circle mobile app to enhance relational disciple-making, streamline church activities, and track spiritual growth with advanced features and practical insights.
Join Steve McCoy as he presents the final session for Small Circle at the Discipleship.org National Forum. In this session, Steve explores the intersection of technology and relational discipleship, focusing on a mobile app designed to enhance disciple-making. Learn how the app's features—such as pre-session information sharing, customized relational tools, and secure functionalities—can streamline and deepen the discipleship process. Also, discover the app's global impact, with multiple language support and special features for use in persecuted regions. Practical insights on engaging youth and managing church-wide discipleship metrics are also shared. Perfect for pastors, discipleship leaders, and tech-savvy followers looking to elevate their approach to disciple-making.
Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/ 
Check out Discipleship.org Audio Books: https://discipleship.org/resources/ebooks/ 
Key Takeaways
00:00 Welcome and Introduction
10:10 Customizing Your Discipleship Experience
24:51 Pairing and Metrics: Enhancing Discipleship Accountability
32:55 Tracking Discipleship Progress with the Mobile App
40:55 Q&A: Using the App for Discipleship
43:40 Q&A: Theological Background and Youth Ministry
51:55 Q&A: Practical Tips and Final Thoughts
Resources on Discipleship  
Reaching & Discipling Women: A Guide to Women’s Ministry in Your Church
What Is Church? And How Important Is It?
 
Family Discipleship Blueprint: A Year-by-Year Guide to Family Discipleship
 
Becoming a Disciple Maker
In this episode, Steve McCoy kicks things off by welcoming everyone and setting the stage for the Small Circle session at the discipleship.org national forum. Steve, lead pastor from Sarasota, Florida, emphasizes the vision of integrating disciple-making into all church activities and introduces the focus of this session: using technology to enhance disciple-making. He starts with a prayer for guidance and creativity.
Steve dives into the role of technology in modern disciple-making, featuring a session by Daniel M. called "High Tech High Touch," which highlights the relational benefits of tech in discipleship and dispels myths about technology being impersonal.
He then introduces the Small Circle mobile app, designed to make disciple-making more relational and efficient. The app helps users streamline their time by handling information before meetings, so gatherings can focus on interaction.
The Meeting Hub is highlighted as a new feature for tracking notes, prayer points, action steps, and gospel moves. Another feature, pairing, lets users share progress and notes, making meetings more efficient.
Steve emphasizes the importance of tracking metrics to monitor disciple-making success and identify areas needing support. The app’s security features are also discussed, including an emergency mode for high-risk areas and an offline version for places with limited internet access.
The episode wraps up with a Q&A session addressing practical usage, suitability for different church settings, and technical details. Steve and Chris, the IT expert behind the app, provide clear answers and guidance.
Overall, this episode is a practical guide to leveraging the Small Circle app for effective disciple-making, showcasing its features and benefits for diverse ministry needs.
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Getting Beyond Information Transfer When Using Tools (feat. Steve McCoy)

Click here to view Small Circle: https://www.smallcircle.com/ 
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Today’s episode will help us understand how to deepen disciple-making by integrating small, intimate relationships with practical tools and experiential learning, following Jesus’ model of relational dynamics.
Join Steve McCoy, lead pastor and church planter from Sarasota, Florida, as he dives deep into the art of disciple making. In this session, Steve shares the core principles and innovative techniques that drive their small circles sessions, equipping attendees with unique strategies, including their mobile app and practical labs. Learn how to balance information, transformation, and observation to foster intimate, transformative relationships, much like Jesus did. Discover the importance of personalized engagement, immersive experiences, and the significance of tailored tools in creating meaningful discipleship. Perfect for pastors, church leaders, and anyone passionate about disciple making.
Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/ 
Check out Discipleship.org Audio Books: https://discipleship.org/resources/ebooks/ 
Key Takeaways
00:00 Welcome and Introduction
04:21 The Small Circle Concept
07:30 The Role of Information and Transformation
27:16 The Power of Personal Experience
39:18 Personalizing Faith: The Impact of Individual Stories
52:15 Unconditional Love: A Heartfelt Exercise
57:19 Final Thoughts and Reflections
Resources on Discipleship  
Reaching & Discipling Women: A Guide to Women’s Ministry in Your Church
What Is Church? And How Important Is It?
 
Family Discipleship Blueprint: A Year-by-Year Guide to Family Discipleship
 
Becoming a Disciple Maker
 
Follow us at Discipleship.org!

To Create a Disciple-Making Culture, We’ve Got to Get Everyday People in the Game ... and Here’s How (feat. Steve McCoy)

Click here to view Small Circle: https://www.smallcircle.com/ 
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“Today’s episode will help us understand the importance of personalized, small-circle disciple-making and practical strategies for fostering deep, transformative relationships within our church communities.”
In this session, Steve McCoy, Lead Pastor in Sarasota, Florida, goes deep into the principles and practices of disciple-making, emphasizing the importance of one-to-one relationships inspired by Jesus' ministry. This second session of Small Circle covers topics such as the Two Circle Operating System, engaging everyday people in disciple-making, and the significant role of customized, intimate conversations in facilitating life change. Pastor McCoy stresses the need for a paradigm shift in church culture to foster deeper, more personalized discipleship. The session includes interactive exercises, prayer, and practical strategies for building a sustainable disciple-making culture within the church.
Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/ 
Check out Discipleship.org Audio Books: https://discipleship.org/resources/ebooks/ 
Key Takeaways
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:43 Opening Prayer and Reflections
01:49 Recap of Previous Session
02:17 The Concept of Small Circle
03:12 Jesus' Ministry Model
04:37 The Importance of One-to-One Interactions
05:29 Challenges and Benefits of Customized Conversations
10:20 The Role of Everyday People in Disciple Making
13:15 The Need for Tools in Discipleship
23:12 Exercise: Identifying Comfortable Conversation Spaces
32:03 The Importance of Sharing in Church Groups
32:43 The Role of Trust and Transparency
33:09 Challenges Faced by Pastors
34:16 Secrets and Their Impact
35:24 The Power of the Holy Spirit and Tools
36:10 Engaging Everyday People in Discipleship
39:00 Building Strong Relationships
39:47 The Four Quadrants of Discipleship
48:15 Practical Discipleship Strategies
51:26 Balancing Church Activities and Discipleship
54:59 The Journey of Discipleship
59:44 Concluding Thoughts and Prayer
Resources on Discipleship  
Reaching & Discipling Women: A Guide to Women’s Ministry in Your Church
What Is Church? And How Important Is It?
 
Family Discipleship Blueprint: A Year-by-Year Guide to Family Discipleship
 
Becoming a Disciple Maker
In this episode, Steve McCoy, a lead pastor from Sarasota, Florida, talks about effective disciple-making strategies. He kicks things off by creating a relaxed atmosphere, inviting attendees to sit on the floor or counters if they prefer. After introducing himself and sharing his background in church planting and disciple-making, Steve dives into his Small Circle concept.
He explains their church's "two-circle operating system": a large circle for worship services and a mid-sized circle for smaller groups like home groups and Bible studies. He draws parallels to Jesus’ ministry, noting that profound changes often happen in those personal, one-on-one interactions, much like Jesus’ encounters with the woman at the well, Nicodemus, and Zacchaeus.
Steve highlights that intimate settings allow for deeper conversations that address individual needs, comparing it to using a fork for pie and a spoon for soup—each tool has its specific use. The episode includes a hands-on exercise where attendees discuss sensitive issues like job loss or marriage conflicts in small groups, showing that such conversations thrive in trusted, smaller circles.
He stresses that disciple-making should focus on both knowledge and transformation, not just transferring information. Steve introduces a four-quadrant framework for discipleship: building a strong foundation in the Word of God, living a sacrificial life for Christ, forming deep relationships, and encouraging multiplication.
Steve advocates for a slow, deliberate pace to build trust and transparency, which can take six months or more. He suggests balancing group meetings with intentional one-on-one interactions for a sustainable approach.
He wraps up by referencing Acts 1:8 and 8:1, highlighting that everyday believers played a crucial role in early church disciple-making. Steve calls on leaders to equip their congregations for this mission, emphasizing intentionality in fostering deep relationships and equipping all believers for effective disciple-making.
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Why We Are Scientifically Wired to Get Beyond the Group Setting (feat. Steve McCoy)

Click here to view Small Circle: https://www.smallcircle.com/ 
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Discovering the Depth of Discipleship: Unpacking Intimacy in Ministry with Steve McCoy
Today’s episode will help us understand the transformative power of small, intimate discipleship relationships within church communities and inspire leaders to incorporate these personal connections into their ministry.
In this engaging session from our past National Disciple Making Forum, Steve McCoy dives deep into the essence of discipleship and relational ministry. Steve begins the talk with a prayer, inviting God to open minds and remove clutter. Steve, the lead pastor from Sarasota, Florida, uses engaging diagrams and questions to illustrate the unique way God created humans for intimate, relational connections. He emphasizes that while worship services and group studies are important, the greatest life changes occur in deeply intimate, customized, one-on-one interactions, modeled after Jesus' own relationships with his disciples. By combining scientific data with practical ministry experience, Steve closes by urging churches to adopt a more personalized approach to disciple-making, fostering deeper relationships. This talk is a call to action for leaders and pastors to rethink and possibly reframe their strategies for true spiritual growth and life transformation.
Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/ 
Check out Discipleship.org Audio Books: https://discipleship.org/resources/ebooks/ 
Key Takeaways
00:00 Introduction and Opening Remarks
00:56 The Importance of Deep Relationships
02:16 Understanding Our Creation in God's Image
05:21 The Role of Circles in Church Dynamics
10:49 Challenges in Church Practices
15:49 The Power of Personalized Interactions
27:01 The Impact of Technology on Relationships
30:34 Understanding Dyads and Relationships
31:13 Exploring Dunbar's Number
32:54 The Significance of the Number Five
34:20 Group Dynamics and Relationship Formulas
36:05 Personal Journey and Ministry Insights
42:14 The Importance of Customized and Confidential Conversations
54:09 Jesus' Prayer for Unity and Deep Relationships
57:13 Final Thoughts and Personal Stories
Resources on Discipleship  
Reaching & Discipling Women: A Guide to Women’s Ministry in Your Church
What Is Church? And How Important Is It?
 
Family Discipleship Blueprint: A Year-by-Year Guide to Family Discipleship
 
Becoming a Disciple Maker
In this episode, lead pastor Steve McCoy from Sarasota, Florida, discusses the power of personal connections in church communities.
He suggests a three-circle model for church activities: large gatherings for worship, mid-sized groups for Bible study, and small circles for deep, personal discipleship. McCoy uses Biblical examples of Jesus’s personal engagements with individuals like Nicodemus and Peter to emphasize this point.
Addressing the rise in loneliness and lack of deep friendships today, McCoy explains the concept of "dyads" (pairs of individuals) and how complex relationships become as group size increases. He reflects on his own transformative experience with one-on-one mentorship from a pastor named Titus, which he believes was crucial to his spiritual development.
McCoy calls on church leaders to integrate small circle discipleship into their ministries, sharing how such personal connections can lead to significant spiritual growth and support. His message is a compelling reminder of the need for intentional, deep relational interactions within church communities.
 
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Discipling Truth in a Complicated World (feat. Matt Wilson)

Click here to view Relational Discipleship Network: https://rdn.org/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw8MG1BhCoARIsAHxSiQmiFG0czO2HClUqBDVxT9NZHAYaOm_Jrf0WGacBvXTl_ihES3joJ6kaAu_UEALw_wcB 
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“Today’s episode will help us understand how to navigate cultural shifts with steadfast faith, integrate scientific and biblical perspectives, and build a supportive community grounded in authentic discipleship.”
 
Perseverance, Truth, and the Science of Discipleship: Navigating Modern Challenges
In this session we feature Matt Wilson who emphasizes the importance of living life with others, understanding scripture in its context, and not wavering in the face of cultural pressures. He shares personal experiences and biblical passages, particularly from Hebrews 10 and Genesis 1, to illustrate the scientific basis of creation and the unwavering truth of God's word. The discussion also touches on the challenges posed by contemporary issues like gender identity and societal changes, urging believers to remain steadfast, united, and well-studied in their faith. This is a powerful message for anyone in the trenches of making disciples and standing for truth.
Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/ 
Check out Discipleship.org Audio Books: https://discipleship.org/resources/ebooks/ 
Key Takeaways
00:00 Introduction and Honoring the Audience
01:28 Facing Challenges in Discipleship
03:03 Perseverance and Faith
04:38 The Importance of Context and Truth
06:44 Modern Cultural Conflicts
12:16 The Role of Discipleship in Today's World
19:35 Judgment and Salvation
24:29 Jesus' Struggle and Overcoming Sorrow
25:04 Preaching with Love and Consequence
26:03 The Reality and Pain of Hell
28:33 The Cost of Salvation
29:49 Enduring Suffering and Discipleship
32:54 Unity and Answering Questions with the Bible
35:01 Scientific Foundations in Genesis
39:48 System of Dependency in Creation
44:15 The Importance of Fellowship and Study
45:32 Closing Thoughts on Truth and Unity
Resources on Discipleship  
Reaching & Discipling Women: A Guide to Women’s Ministry in Your Church
What Is Church? And How Important Is It?
 
Family Discipleship Blueprint: A Year-by-Year Guide to Family Discipleship
 
Becoming a Disciple Maker
Today’s episode features Matt Wilson who discusses this topic of Discipling truth in a complicated world. 
He acknowledges the difficulty of upholding biblical truth in a constantly shifting culture, especially when faced with opposition from former allies. This conflict is often intensified by accusations that the steadfast individual has changed, not the opposing side.
The speaker then explores passages from Hebrews 10 and Genesis 1, highlighting their messages of perseverance and staying true to biblical truth. He points out that while today's generation may not hold the Bible in the same regard as before, God’s promises are fulfilled through genuine effort and faith, not just inherited traditions.
He addresses modern challenges like gender transitions and ideological shifts, urging that discipleship must engage with these issues through biblical context rather than outdated stances. The speaker stresses the importance of enduring hardship for the sake of biblical truth and cites both historical and contemporary examples of perseverance.
Further, he discusses the need to stand firm on the Word of God, even as logic and science are often twisted for personal or political ends. Using Genesis 1 as an example, he shows how the biblical creation account aligns with scientific principles, reinforcing the Bible’s authority.
As he digs deeper into Genesis 1, he explains how each creation step builds on the previous one, aligning with scientific understanding. He emphasizes that the Bible’s creation narrative supports scientific principles, enhancing its credibility.
Towards the end, the speaker underscores the need for discipleship to correct misconceptions promoted by secular perspectives. He encourages Christians to make disciples who understand and articulate the scientific and historical basis of the Bible to effectively address contemporary issues.
The episode wraps up with a call for communal learning and support, comparing the discipleship journey to the trials faced by biblical figures like Daniel. The speaker highlights the need for Christians to confront personal and cultural challenges with unwavering faith and continuous learning. He calls for unity and collaboration among Christians, urging them to engage in love and truth while standing firm in biblical doctrine.
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Discipleship Defeats Deconstruction: The Power of Discipleship in Navigating Doubt and Trials (feat. Jared Scholz, Brandon Bowers, and Mark "Moose" Bright)

Click here to view Relational Discipleship Network: https://rdn.org/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw8MG1BhCoARIsAHxSiQmiFG0czO2HClUqBDVxT9NZHAYaOm_Jrf0WGacBvXTl_ihES3joJ6kaAu_UEALw_wcB 
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“Today’s episode will help us understand how relational discipleship provides practical support through challenges, fosters deep community connections, and emphasizes the role of parents in disciple-making.”
Creating Resilient Discipleship Communities: Real-Life Examples and Practical Insights
This episode stresses the importance of building supportive and nurturing discipleship communities within the church to help individuals face life's trials and challenges. By sharing personal experiences and examples from within their own church, the speaker illustrates how such an infrastructure can protect and foster growth among believers. Key stories include a couple's journey through the loss of their child and their subsequent creation of a nonprofit, as well as a former staff member's marital restoration after an affair. The episode emphasizes the necessity of relational discipleship and provides practical advice, including the concept of 'TikTok Apologetics' for engaging youth in critical thinking and faith discussions.
Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/ 
Check out Discipleship.org Audio Books: https://discipleship.org/resources/ebooks/ 
Key Takeaways
00:00 Introduction: The Challenge of Deconstruction
00:44 Personal Journey: From Mega Church to Church Planting
01:35 Building a Discipleship Community
02:03 Story of Evan and Krista: Faith Through Tragedy
04:56 Story of Tevin: Redemption and Restoration
08:25 Personal Struggles and the Importance of Community
12:17 Q&A: Engaging Youth in Discipleship
Resources on Discipleship  
Reaching & Discipling Women: A Guide to Women’s Ministry in Your ChurchWhat Is Church? And How Important Is It?
Family Discipleship Blueprint: A Year-by-Year Guide to Family Discipleship
Becoming a Disciple Maker
In this session, the speaker addresses the challenges believers face and the importance of a supportive community to help them through tough times. The message begins with the concept of "deconstruction" in Christian faith, where individuals question and reshape their beliefs. The speaker stresses the need for an environment where faith can thrive despite adversity, referencing Jesus's teachings about inevitable trials and tribulations.
He shares his personal journey, starting with his time at First Baptist Church of Spartanburg, South Carolina. Despite managing significant responsibilities like budgeting and preaching to thousands, he admits he didn’t truly understand disciple-making. This realization struck when he left to plant a church in Charleston, South Carolina, and was tasked with genuinely making disciples and reaching lost people.
He then talks about discovering Real Life Ministries and Jim Putman, which transformed his understanding of relational discipleship. This approach became the foundation of his church community, creating a nurturing environment for believers to grow and bear fruit, even in adversity.
The speaker shares two poignant stories to illustrate this. The first is about Evan and Krista West, a couple in the church who faced a devastating trial when their daughter, born prematurely, passed away. The church community, especially their small group, supported them through this difficult time. Despite their grief and questions about God’s goodness, the relational discipleship structure helped them persevere. Their small group's support inspired them to start "Keep Hope Alive," a nonprofit providing encouragement to families who have lost a child, turning their tragedy into a ministry of hope.
The second story is about Tevin, a friend and former campus pastor, who confessed to an affair. This led to his resignation, but Tevin and his wife Shelby chose to stay in the church community, seeking counseling and support from their small group. Their group leaders and members responded with compassion, helping them restore their marriage and faith. This story highlights the role of relational discipleship in fostering accountability and spiritual growth.
The core message is that relational discipleship is a practical lifeline, not just a theoretical approach. Leaders, especially, should practice it actively, even in tough times. This method, emphasizing close relationships and accountability, reflects how Jesus taught his followers to disciple others.
The speaker broadens the application, emphasizing that parents are the primary disciple-makers for their children, not the church. He shares his personal journey of walking away and the importance of reclaiming this responsibility.
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