The Disciple Maker‘s Podcast

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
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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
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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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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/ 

Why Women Should Become Disciple Makers | Trillia Newbell

Empowering Women in Discipleship: A Call to Action
This video emphasizes the vital role of women in discipleship, exploring biblical examples and the importance of support from church communities. The discussion covers practical ways women, both single and married, can engage in disciple-making despite busy lives. Real-life examples and personal stories highlight the essential nature of women's involvement in ministry, offering encouragement and strategies for pastors and church leaders to foster inclusive discipleship environments.
Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/ 
Key Takeaways 00:00 Introduction: The Importance of Gender Equality04:56 Four Key Points on Discipleship14:11 Challenges in Women's Discipleship18:07 Men's Role in Supporting Women's Discipleship26:46 Panel Discussion: Insights on Discipleship41:56 Empowering Single Moms52:14 Balancing Discipleship and Busy Lives01:01:21 Encouragement for the Weary
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In this insightful videoo titled "Why Women Should Become Disciple Makers | Trillia Newbell," various speakers converge to elaborate on the importance of women taking active roles in discipleship within the church. The discussion is introduced by Trillia Newbell, who emphasizes gender equality in the mission of disciple-making. The initial conversation covers logistical challenges and underscores the need for family support and good will from one’s community.
The dialogue transitions, to a penal where Bobby presents an earnest reflection on why women should be heavily involved in disciple-making. For a moment, listeners are asked to visualize a church devoid of women's contributions. This exercise serves to underline the essential roles women have historically played in biblical narratives—from Ruth to Mary, and further extending to modern-day church settings.
Trillia Newbell also emphasizes the theological basis for women in discipleship, citing scriptures like Psalm 8 and the Great Commission. She introduces four key points to support her argument that all people, including women, are created to serve. The session continues as she elaborates on how societal constraints and gender wars often hinder women from fulfilling this divine calling. Yet, she reassures that God's design includes women actively participating in disciple-making.
Further adding depth to the discussion, other speakers contribute their own experiences and observations. Arriana Rimson, shares her journey emphasizing the importance of having spiritual leaders and mentors who encourage and affirm women's roles in the church. She talks about the significance of creating space for women to use their gifts, drawing on examples from her own life including support from her local church and male colleagues.
Other panel speakers recount their challenges and growth as a single mother and highlights the untapped potential within single moms for evangelism and discipleship. Both stress the importance of addressing the practical needs of single mothers as a form of holistic disciple-making.
The episode’s focus shifts to practical advice, as the speakers provide actionable insights on integrating discipleship into daily routines. For mothers juggling numerous responsibilities, the speakers propose inviting others into their existing activities to foster natural and organic discipling relationships. By sharing personal stories and pragmatic suggestions, they demonstrate that disciple-making can be woven into the fabric of everyday life rather than being perceived as an added burden.
Towards the end of the episode, the conversation becomes deeply personal. The speakers open up about the weariness that many—especially women—feel as they strive to fulfill their callings amidst life's demands. They offer encouragement and remind listeners of the grace and help that God provides. They also underscore the importance of communal and familial support in realizing these discipleship missions.
In conclusion, the speakers reiterate that every woman, whether single, married, a mother, or a professional, has an intrinsic calling and a special place in the mission of disciple-making. They advocate for church leaders, especially male pastors, to recognize, encourage, and equip women in their congregations, creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for spiritual growth.
This episode is a profound call to action, serving as both an inspirational message and a practical guide for women to embrace their roles as disciple-makers. It reassures listeners that by leaning on God's grace, they can overcome societal barriers and fulfill their divine mission within the church.
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Small Circles, Big Impact | Steve McCoy

Intentional Discipleship – Small Circles, Big Impact | Steve McCoy
To view Small Circles Resources visit: https://www.smallcircle.com/ 
The recipe for a culture of discipleship requires some indispensable ingredients and among the essentials are two primary components: intentional strategy and tools. Without these, a culture is rarely developed and disciple making is left to random chance and this is a predicament that smallcircle aims to resolve by providing tools designed to catalyze a one-to-one disciple-making culture within local churches. Join Bobby Harrington (Discipleship.org Founder and Executive Director) as he interacts with Steve McCoy who is a senior pastor and the visionary behind small circle.
Key Takeaways Discipleship in Three Circles | Steve McCoy
00:00 Introduction and Background of Steve McCoy00:27 The 360 Church and Its Discipleship Philosophy04:27 Intentional Strategy for Disciple Making05:07 The Importance of Relational Depth in Small Groups08:24 Introducing the Small Circle Tool08:33 The Why Behind the Tool11:38 Developing Confidence in Everyday Disciple Makers17:58 Structuring the Discipleship Tools29:59 The Flexibility of One-to-One Discipleship30:23 Tools for the Disciple Maker30:53 Journaling and Scripture Memory31:36 Additional Resources and Reading33:36 Purchasing and Costs of Discipleship Materials34:21 Introduction to the Small Circle App37:32 Navigating the App and Its Features44:42 Global Reach and Language Translations52:56 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/ 
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In this insightful video, Steve McCoy, lead pastor at 360 Church, shares his unique approach to disciple-making that originates from Jesus' methods. McCoy discusses his journey from church planting to leading a thriving congregation that emphasizes intentional discipleship. Central to this approach is the concept of the '360 Church,' represented by three circles: large weekend worship gatherings, mid-sized small groups, and intimate one-on-one or micro-group discipleship settings. This method aims to replicate Jesus' relational disciple-making style, fostering deeper connections and spiritual growth among church members.
McCoy outlines the various levels of discipleship at 360 Church, such as congregational worship, deeper discussions in small groups, and highly personalized one-on-one discipleship relationships. He also introduces a discipleship tool called 'Small Circle,' which is available for free on mobile apps and features a range of resources structured to ease everyday people into disciple-making roles. The tool includes detailed lesson plans, scripture, memory verses, and methods for fostering a strong relational depth.
The discussion further goes into the importance of practical tools in empowering individuals like 'truck driver Ted' to become effective disciple-makers. Steve McCoy emphasizes the necessity of providing everyday church members with the confidence and resources to engage in discipleship, thereby creating a movement within the church community. Today's video promotes the logical use of discipleship tools that go beyond mere information transfer to achieve life transformation and relational depth.
This video is a must-watch for church leaders, pastors, and anyone interested in practical disciple-making strategies. Tune in to learn how intentional and relational discipleship can transform both individuals and entire church communities.
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Cultivating Christ-like Community | Jeff Vanderstelt

Join us for the 2026 National Disciple Making Forum: https://discipleship.org/2026-national-disciple-making-forum/
Creating Authentic Disciples: Jeff Vanderstilt on Living Christ-Like Relationships
In this video, Jeff Vanderstilt, the visionary leader of the Soma family of churches, emphasizes living out the love that Jesus preached in relationships. Jeff elaborates on the need to rethink church structures to foster environments that effectively make disciples. He advocates for life-on-life, life-in-community, and life-on-mission discipleship, sharing personal experiences to illustrate the transformative power of close, intentional relationships. The discussion also touches on the challenge of balancing privacy and community in the pastoral role, the importance of trust, and the necessity for dedicated spiritual mentorship.
Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple making: https://discipleship.org/resources/ 
Key Takeaways 00:00 Introduction to Jeff Vanderstilt's Session on Relationships01:57 Redefining Church Structure for Effective Discipleship04:18 The Three Relational Environments Essential for Discipleship08:05 Life in Community: Building a Discipleship Culture11:45 Life on Mission: Discipleship in Action14:40 Challenging Traditional Church Models for Authentic Discipleship17:00 Embracing Kingdom Culture Over American Individualism26:04 The Importance of Trust and Accountability in Discipleship39:20 Closing Thoughts and Prayer

45 Degree Shifts: From Addition to Multiplication in Disciple Making

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Transforming Churches: 45-Degree Shifts from Addition to Multiplication - Disciple Maker's Podcast
Join Josh Howard in this solo episode of the Disciple Maker's Podcast as he discusses the essential '45-degree shifts' churches need to make to transition from addition to multiplication in discipleship. Josh outlines four key shifts: moving from knowledge-based to obedience-based discipleship, transforming churches from teaching centers to training centers, focusing on God's kingdom over personal church growth, and shifting from employing to deploying people. Drawing from his 16+ years of experience on the mission field in India, Josh offers practical insights for creating a disciple-making culture within churches. Reach out to Josh for further engagement and support in making these pivotal changes. Email: josh@discipleship.org.
00:00 Introduction and Overview00:24 Understanding the 45 Degree Shift03:05 Shift 1: Knowledge to Obedience05:23 Shift 2: Teaching Center to Training Center09:08 Shift 3: My Kingdom to God's Kingdom13:19 Shift 4: Employing to Deploying19:32 Conclusion and Call to Action

The Journey to Multiplication | K.P. Yohanna

Join us for the 2026 National Disciple Making Forum: https://discipleship.org/2026-national-disciple-making-forum/
The Power of True Discipleship and the Heart for the Lost
In this compelling discussion, KP Yohanna shares his journey of faith, touching on themes of true discipleship, the importance of a heart for the lost, and the transformative power of genuine Christianity. He recounts the profound impact of his mother's unwavering dedication and prayer life, the crisis of faith he experienced during his theological studies, and the vision behind Gospel for Asia. He challenges American Christians to reevaluate their priorities and commitment to spreading the Gospel, emphasizing that true belief in Christ must be accompanied by a deep concern for the salvation of others.
Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/ 
Key Takeaways 00:00 Introduction and Opening Thoughts00:57 The Concept of Multiplication03:53 Personal Testimony and Struggles05:58 A Renewed Passion for the Lost11:00 The Birth of the Gospel of Asia13:00 The Reality of Hell and True Discipleship22:48 A Mother's Influence and Sacrifice28:59 Call to Action and Final Reflections
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Simple Tools for Effective Disciple Making

Mastering the 15-Second Testimony: A Key Tool for Disciple Making
In this episode of the Disciple Makers Podcast, host Josh Howard explores the importance of simple, reproducible tools for making disciples. Josh introduces the '15-Second Testimony,' a powerful method for sharing personal stories of faith to open hearts to the gospel. He shares his own transformative experiences and offers practical tips for creating and using these quick testimonies effectively. Whether you're a seasoned Christian or new to disciple-making, this episode equips you with a valuable tool to confidently share your faith. Tune in and learn how to be a witness of Jesus in just 15 seconds.
Key Takeaways 
00:00 Introduction and Core Principles00:33 The Importance of Simple, Reproducible Tools02:27 Introducing the 15 Second Testimony04:16 Misconceptions About Testimonies09:14 Josh's Personal Testimony14:19 Creating Your Own 15 Second Testimony18:48 Encouragement and Final Thoughts