The Disciple Maker‘s Podcast
The Disciple Makers Podcast exists to tell stories about disciples of Jesus who make disciples. Discipleship.org, who sponsors the podcast, exists to Champion Jesus‘ way of disciple making. Episodes are published in thematic seasons. To learn more, visit www.discipleship.org or email us at info@discipleship.org.
Episodes

Wednesday Dec 03, 2025
Wednesday Dec 03, 2025
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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See below for a longer description:
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.
Check out our Blogs: https://discipleship.org/blog/

Monday Dec 01, 2025
Monday Dec 01, 2025
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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See below for a longer description:
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.
We would be honored if you would share this video, to grow our mission of equipping the church to make disciples. Please comment like and subscribe to this video for more tools on disciple making.
Check out our Blogs: https://discipleship.org/blog/

Wednesday Nov 26, 2025
Wednesday Nov 26, 2025
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

Monday Nov 24, 2025
Monday Nov 24, 2025
Join us for the 2026 National Disciple Making Forum: https://discipleship.org/2026-national-disciple-making-forum/
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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

Wednesday Nov 19, 2025
Wednesday Nov 19, 2025
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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Monday Nov 17, 2025
Monday Nov 17, 2025
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

Wednesday Nov 12, 2025
Wednesday Nov 12, 2025
Join us for the 2026 National Disciple Making Forum: https://discipleship.org/2026-national-disciple-making-forum/
Check out the book Discipleship: https://discipleship.org/resources/discipleshift-the-book/
Redefining Spiritual Maturity: A Journey of Love, Repentance, and Family
In this discussion, a group of pastors and spiritual leaders explore the true beginning of the Christian journey. The conversation critiques the misconception that getting 'saved' is the end goal and emphasizes the ongoing process of growing in spiritual maturity. The discussion goes into the importance of repentance, heartfelt humility, and understanding our broken nature. They highlight the role of the Holy Spirit in giving believers a new heart and spiritual DNA, illustrating the growth from spiritual infancy to maturity. Emphasizing relational discipleship over mere knowledge and obedience, they argue that true spiritual maturity is rooted in genuine love for God and others. The panel reflects on the pitfalls of modern discipleship methods, the need for a redefined understanding of love, and the importance of familial relationships within the church community. Ultimately, the end goal is to mirror the love and humility of Jesus Christ, urging leaders and believers to foster deep, loving relationships as the foundation of genuine discipleship.
Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/
Key Takeaways 00:00 The Journey Begins: Understanding True Spiritual Growth03:46 The Essence of Spiritual Maturity: Beyond Knowledge and Obedience07:14 The Heart of Maturity: Love as the Ultimate Measure15:21 Challenges in Modern Discipleship: Addressing Misconceptions17:05 Revolutionizing Love in Discipleship: A Call for Radical Surrender32:01 The Role of Pastors and Leaders in Fostering True Discipleship37:39 Concluding Thoughts on Love, Repentance, and Discipleship
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Monday Nov 10, 2025
Monday Nov 10, 2025
Join us for the 2026 National Disciple Making Forum: https://discipleship.org/2026-national-disciple-making-forum/
Understanding Spiritual Warfare & Disciple Making with Dr. Marcus Warner
In this episode of the Disciple Makers Podcast, host Josh is joined by Dr. Marcus Warner from Deeper Walk to discuss the critical intersection of spiritual warfare and disciple making. Dr. Warner shares his journey from academic training to hands-on ministry, working with individuals experiencing deep spiritual struggles. The episode dives deep into identifying and combating spiritual warfare, the differences in dealing with non-Christians and Christians, and practical steps for achieving spiritual freedom. Key topics include the role of sin, occult practices, unforgiveness, lies, and lineage in spiritual bondage, and a methodical approach to breaking free. Whether you're already in ministry or looking to deepen your understanding of spiritual warfare, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable advice.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:13 Marcus Warner's Journey into Disciple Making02:15 Academic Background and Spiritual Warfare04:58 Evangelistic vs. Christian Spiritual Warfare08:01 Personal Experiences with Spiritual Warfare11:56 Theological Insights on Spiritual Warfare18:27 Practical Steps for Addressing Spiritual Warfare20:54 Unintentional Invitations to the Occult21:45 The Power of Forgiveness22:42 The Impact of Lies and Lineage24:35 A Personal Story of Fear27:03 The Four C's Process for Spiritual Warfare30:19 The Importance of Full Commitment to Jesus34:54 Final Thoughts and Resources
Get Discipleship.org's premium Podcast Feed: https://disciplemakerspodcast.supercast.com/
Check out the following eBooks from Discipleship.org:
-- What Is Church? And How Important Is It? https://discipleship.org/shop/what-is-church-and-how-important-is-it/
-- Family Discipleship Blueprint: A Year-by-Year Guide to Family Discipleshiphttps://discipleship.org/shop/family-discipleship-blueprint-a-year-by-year-guide-to-family-discipleship/
-- Becoming a Disciple Makerhttps://discipleship.org/shop/becoming-a-disciple-maker/
-- National Study: The State of Disciple Making Churches: A 10 Minute Visual Guidehttps://discipleship.org/shop/national-study-the-state-of-disciple-making-churches-a-10-minute-visual-guide/
-- Reaching & Discipling Women: A Guide to Women’s Ministry in Your Churchhttps://discipleship.org/shop/reaching-discipling-women-a-guide-to-womens-ministry-in-your-church/
Check out the following Books from Discipleship.org:
-- The Discipleship Gospelhttps://himpublications.com/product/the-discipleship-gospel/?utm_source=discipleship-org&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=books-page
-- Disciple-Making Culturehttps://himpublications.com/product/disciple-making-culture/
-- Recreated to Be like God: Making Disciples in the Image of Jesushttps://a.co/d/6DDvUrC
-- King Jesus and the Beauty of Obedience-Based Discipleshiphttps://a.co/d/7d85z6T
-- The Disciple Maker's Handbook: Seven Elements of a Discipleship Lifestylehttps://a.co/d/4ZHIbQz
Take the FREE Disciple Maker Assessment:https://church-multiplication.com/disciplemaker/
Come to the The National Disciple Making Forum: https://discipleship.org/national-disciple-making-forum/
Stay informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr
Listen - Disciple Maker's Podcast: https://discipleship.org/resources/podcast/

Wednesday Nov 05, 2025
Wednesday Nov 05, 2025
The Authority of Scripture: A Call to True Discipleship
In this powerful session, Francis Chan discusses the irreplaceable role of the Bible in true discipleship. Highlighting the importance of scripture as the guide and manual for living a God-honoring life, Chan calls for a return to trembling at God's Word. He emphasizes the necessity of obedience, moving beyond mere knowledge to living out the teachings of the Bible. Drawing insights from Isaiah 66:2 and the Great Commission, Chan and other leaders explore the challenges of contemporary discipleship, the vital connection between understanding and action, and the importance of community in obeying God's Word. This session is a call to deepen your reverence for scripture and allows it to transform both personal and communal life.
Check out Discipleship.org for free resources on disciple making: https://discipleship.org/resources/
Key Takeaways 00:00 Welcome to Francis Chan's Session on Scripture and Discipleship00:40 The Importance of Scripture in Discipleship01:14 Embracing Scripture's Authority01:52 Personal Transformation Through Scripture03:08 The Power of Biblical Resources in Modern Times03:31 Trembling at God's Word: A Call for Reverence06:33 Obedience Over Knowledge: The True Measure of Discipleship16:51 Embracing Suffering and Obedience in Following Christ22:26 Practical Steps Towards Biblical Obedience and Discipleship39:50 The Ultimate Goal: Becoming Like Christ Through Scripture
For more information about Discipleship.org. visit our website or reach out too us at info@discipleship.org
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Monday Nov 03, 2025
Monday Nov 03, 2025
Check out Discipleship.org: https://discipleship.org/
From Pressure Washing to Disciple Making: Joshua Brown's Inspiring Journey
In this powerful episode of the Disciple Makers Podcast, we welcome Joshua Brown, a dedicated disciple maker and entrepreneur. Joshua shares his incredible testimony, detailing his journey.' He talks about leveraging his business to create discipleship opportunities in Nashville and across the country. Joshua also discusses his new initiative, 'Dudes Without Dads,' which aims to address fatherlessness and mentor young men. Tune in to be inspired by Joshua's story and to learn practical ways to integrate disciple making into your daily life and business endeavors.
Key Takeaways 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction01:28 Joshua's Powerful Testimony03:59 Transition to Ministry and Business09:05 Disciple Making in the Business World13:56 Creating a Disciple-Making Business Model24:28 Dudes Without Dads Initiative28:55 Conclusion and Contact Information
Get Discipleship.org's premium Podcast Feed: https://disciplemakerspodcast.supercast.com/
Check out the following eBooks from Discipleship.org:
-- What Is Church? And How Important Is It? https://discipleship.org/shop/what-is-church-and-how-important-is-it/
-- Family Discipleship Blueprint: A Year-by-Year Guide to Family Discipleshiphttps://discipleship.org/shop/family-discipleship-blueprint-a-year-by-year-guide-to-family-discipleship/
-- Becoming a Disciple Makerhttps://discipleship.org/shop/becoming-a-disciple-maker/
-- National Study: The State of Disciple Making Churches: A 10 Minute Visual Guidehttps://discipleship.org/shop/national-study-the-state-of-disciple-making-churches-a-10-minute-visual-guide/
-- Reaching & Discipling Women: A Guide to Women’s Ministry in Your Churchhttps://discipleship.org/shop/reaching-discipling-women-a-guide-to-womens-ministry-in-your-church/
Check out the following Books from Discipleship.org:
-- The Discipleship Gospelhttps://himpublications.com/product/the-discipleship-gospel/?utm_source=discipleship-org&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=books-page
-- Disciple-Making Culturehttps://himpublications.com/product/disciple-making-culture/
-- Recreated to Be like God: Making Disciples in the Image of Jesushttps://a.co/d/6DDvUrC
-- King Jesus and the Beauty of Obedience-Based Discipleshiphttps://a.co/d/7d85z6T
-- The Disciple Maker's Handbook: Seven Elements of a Discipleship Lifestylehttps://a.co/d/4ZHIbQz
Take the FREE Disciple Maker Assessment:https://church-multiplication.com/disciplemaker/
Come to the The National Disciple Making Forum: https://discipleship.org/national-disciple-making-forum/
Stay informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr
Listen - Disciple Maker's Podcast: https://discipleship.org/resources/podcast/

New Resource on Disciple Making Culture!
A disciple making church culture is what your church actually does in disciple making; strategy is your plans on paper. Unfortunately, while we have good intentions to make disciples, our strategy and church culture do not always line up.
Read this 10 minute book – a visual summary – and share it with your leaders so everyone can better understand what it means to have a disciple making culture.

Watch the recordings from our most Recent National Disciple Making Forum
“Culture eats strategy for breakfast.”
The Harvard Business Review describes it this way: “The values, beliefs and behaviors practiced in an organization formed over time because they are rewarded or punished (i.e. by formal or informal rules, rituals, and behaviors.”
The McKinsey Institute put it more simply: “culture is how we do things around here …”
That statement, often attributed to the most influential management guru of our time, Peter Drucker. What Drucker meant by “culture eats strategy for breakfast” was that lasting change in an organization comes only when the culture of an organization changes. Applying this to church, if you do not change the culture of a church, the church will not change.
Many leaders fail to account for this reality.
This gets at the root of why our disciple making plans can so easily fail. We try great strategies—preaching on disciple making, small groups, D-Groups, etc. But our churches will not change—indeed cannot change—because “culture” easily defeats the strategies we adopt.















