The Disciple Maker‘s Podcast

Practical Tools for Microgroups (feat. Bart Shaw)

Creating a Disciple-Making Culture with Bart Shaw | Disciple Makers Podcast
In this episode of the Disciple Makers Podcast, host Josh Howard speaks with special guest Bart Shaw, disciple-making strategist and campus pastor at Traders Point Christian Church. Bart Shaw shares his journey and insights into cultivating a disciple-making culture in the church through innovative methods like micro groups. These small, high-accountability groups focus on deep, intentional scripture study and practical obedience to God's word. Bart discusses the importance of multiplication, building relationships, and the need for accountability to foster genuine spiritual growth. He also highlights the significance of personal commitment to disciple-making for church leaders. Tune in to discover valuable principles and practical steps that can help you and your church create a thriving disciple-making environment.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:09 Bart Shaw's Background and Journey02:00 Micro Groups: Concept and Implementation04:18 Impact and Success Stories of Micro Groups07:55 Challenges and Accountability in Micro Groups11:03 Personal Journey and Influences15:40 The Role of Obedience in Movement16:25 Challenges in Implementing Discipleship Programs18:16 Lessons from Martial Arts for Discipleship19:57 Duckling Discipleship: A Simple Yet Effective Approach21:51 Principles for Effective Micro Groups26:48 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

How to Multiply Disciples Alongside Your Sunday Service

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Empowering Disciple-Making Movements: A Game-Changer for Churches
Join Bobby Harrington and Josh Howard in an enlightening webinar designed to shift the paradigm of disciple-making within churches. Bringing 16 years of hands-on experience from India, Josh proposes a 'parallel track' methodology that synergizes with existing church programs. This approach aims to cultivate intentional disciple-makers without dismantling the established structure. Delve into actionable insights on fostering rapid multiplication of disciples, addressing the disconnect in modern church culture, and creating a sustainable disciple-making model. Essential for pastors, church leaders, and anyone committed to Jesus-style discipleship, this episode unpacks a strategic pathway to meet the Great Commission in today's context.
00:00 Welcome and Introduction01:53 Josh Howard's Background and Experience04:28 Defining Disciple Making Movements06:58 Core Definitions of Discipleship13:02 The Biblical Basis for Disciple Making15:24 Challenges in Modern Church Discipleship18:18 The Parallel Track Approach26:36 Implementing the Parallel Track36:08 Q&A and Final Thoughts
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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/
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Disciple Making Q&A

Q&A: Addressing Challenges in Disciple Making | Disciple Makers Podcast
In this episode of the Disciple Makers Podcast, we return from a brief break to address listener questions about disciple making. Tune in Josh Howard navigates various topics, including the role of the Big C Church in the USA, handling discouragement, incorporating disciple making into busy lifestyles, and the importance of the supernatural in the disciple making process. Discover practical advice, biblical insights, and encouragement to help you on your journey to becoming a disciple who makes disciples.
00:00 Introduction and Podcast Update01:23 Q&A Session Begins01:34 Is the US Church Behind in Disciple Making?05:38 Dealing with Discouragement in Disciple Making11:49 Following Jesus' Style in a Busy World19:07 The Role of the Supernatural in Disciple Making24:26 Integrating Disciple Making into Daily Life28:47 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Leading Great House Churches | 2025 National Disciple Making Forum (Jason Shepperd)

Get access to all of our 2025 National Disciple Making Forum Content: https://disciplemakerspodcast.supercast.com/
 
Join us for the 2026 National Disciple Making Forum: https://discipleship.org/2026-national-disciple-making-forum/ 
 
Track Session 4: Leading Great House ChurchesA Church of House Churches thrives from the health of great House Churches. Learn our expectations of great House Church gatherings, as well as how House Churches are strategically used to help people grow in their spiritual journey to be fully devoted disciples of Jesus.
 
 

Distributed Pastoral Leadership | 2025 National Disciple Making Forum (Jason Shepperd)

Get access to all of our 2025 National Disciple Making Forum Content: https://disciplemakerspodcast.supercast.com/
 
Church Project Track Session 3: Distributed Pastoral Leadership
Today, the word “pastor” conveys someone far more centralized and public than was used in the New Testament (often it means the public speaker on a stage). How did the Early Church identify, equip, and empower ‘ordinary’ individuals to function as pastors, and how could implementing this change the church today?
 
Effective Leadership and Distributed Model: Insights from Titus Chapter 1
Dive deep into the principles of effective church leadership as drawn from Titus Chapter 1. This episode outlines the importance of localized pastoral leadership and decentralized structure for fostering rapid gospel movement, referencing works by theologian Alan Hirsch. Learn about the history and evolution of house churches, the critical balance between centralized and light centrality, doctrinal training, and the intricate processes of raising new house church pastors. Gain practical insights into maintaining sound doctrine, facilitating diverse community growth, and the importance of continuous leadership development. The episode also covers the successful transition strategies for legacy churches, effective house church operation, and quantitative versus qualitative measurement of church health.
00:00 Introduction to Titus Chapter One00:13 The Role of Elders in the Early Church01:11 Centrality and Movement in the Church02:16 Distributed Leadership and Sound Doctrine03:46 House Church Origins and Growth05:12 Developing Doctrine and Duties07:56 Pastoring House Church Pastors14:23 Handling Diversity and Sanctification17:45 Sunday Gatherings vs. House Churches24:23 Reflections and Lessons Learned28:59 Connecting People in a Growing Community29:56 Leadership Turnover and Mobility33:13 One-on-One Discipleship Approach35:35 Challenges in Transitioning Legacy Churches41:35 Preaching and Teaching in House Churches45:49 Leadership Pipeline and Testing50:12 Measuring Success and Engagement57:46 Recruiting Initial House Church Pastors59:38 Final Q&A and Leadership Development
 
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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/
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Decentralized, Diverse Discipleship Communities | 2025 National Disciple Making Forum (Jason Shepperd)

Track Session 2: Decentralized, Diverse Discipleship Communities
Get access to all of our 2025 National Disciple Making Forum Content: https://disciplemakerspodcast.supercast.com/
While most churches’ group structures operate as homogeneous friend groups, the Early Church gathered in diverse, cross-generational communities operating as a spiritual family. Discover the need to return to this fullest expression of the church in House Churches.
Revisiting Ecclesiology: House Churches and the DNA of True Biblical Communities
In this insightful episode, Jason Shepherd, founder of Church Project, shares his journey of starting a church 15 years ago with a vision of creating authentic biblical communities. Without a designated church name, the project focuses on rediscovering Christ's original intent for the church. Shepherd discusses the key elements of ecclesiological DNA (EDNA), emphasizing distributed pastoral leadership, decentralized structures, and diverse discipleship communities. He explores the historical and biblical foundation of house churches, citing scripture to argue for their continued relevance. Shepherd also provides practical insights into the formation, growth, and management of house churches, and how they engage with benevolent activities and student ministries. This episode challenges conventional church models, advocating for smaller, mission-focused, relationally-rich communities.
Key Takeaways 00:00 Introduction and Speaker Background01:52 Understanding Ecclesiology03:15 The Concept of House Church05:24 House Church in Practice07:23 House Church Multiplication12:08 Small Groups vs. House Churches23:58 Qualities of a New Testament House Church28:43 Q&A Session32:41 Evaluating the Health of Your House Church34:32 The Importance of Hospitality35:47 Developing House Church Pastors37:14 Scheduling and Meeting Logistics39:56 Balancing Growth and Intimacy48:12 Handling Kids in House Church56:12 Financial Practices and Benevolence58:49 Connecting Newcomers to House Churches01:00:27 Final Q&A and Closing Remarks
 
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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/
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Re-Discovering E-DNA | 2025 National Disciple Making Forum (Jason Shepperd)

Get access to all of our 2025 National Disciple Making Forum Content: https://disciplemakerspodcast.supercast.com/
Church Project Track Session 1: Re-Discovering E-DNA
Jesus started this beautiful thing called "church," not man. And, He and His followers led and modeled how he intended for church to be lived out. Rather than the latest church growth book or contextually-based model, it is time to return to the ways Jesus intended for His Church to be lived out as seen in the example of the Early Church.
Rethinking Church: From Traditional to Transformative - A Journey of Rediscovery
In this session, the speaker shares his 15-year journey of founding and developing Church Project. Growing up in a small fundamental Southern Baptist church in Tyler, Texas, he initially misunderstood the gospel's breadth. Through years of college, internships, and pastoral work, he grappled with his frustrations and God's calling. After leaving traditional church settings, he started Church Project with a mission to return to the church's original intent. The session dives into the importance of decentralizing from primary places and priests, distributing pastoral leadership, and fostering diverse discipleship communities. Through biblical references, especially Titus chapter one, the speaker explains the foundational elements needed to create effective and healthy church communities. Join this transformative discussion that challenges conventional ecclesiology and aims to shape a more inclusive, decentralized, and dynamic church model.
Key Takeaways 00:00 The Beginnings of Church Product00:45 Discovering the True Gospel00:54 From Pre-Med to Ministry01:46 A Frustrated Calling03:46 The Birth of Church Product04:29 Rethinking Church05:12 Understanding Ecclesiology05:59 Paul's Instructions to Titus18:22 Distributed Pastoral Leadership23:22 Diverse Discipleship Communities26:46 Q&A Session27:50 Introduction to the Sessions28:10 The Role of the Building29:11 Centralization vs. Decentralization29:53 Gathering Spaces and Their Use33:41 House Churches and Accountability38:16 Challenges and Solutions in House Churches49:43 The Importance of Corporate Gatherings57:18 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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/

Resting and Disciple Making

Today’s episode will help us understand the importance of rest and Sabbath in disciple-making, as well as the impact of burnout and how to counteract it through sustainable rhythms of life.
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The Deeper Walk Experience | Franklin, TN | Aug. 15-16, 2025: https://deeperwalk.com/sp/dw-experience-franklin/ 
Discipling Men | Dallas, TX | Sept. 11, 2025:
https://discipleship.org/one-day-events/dallas-2025-regional/ 
The Discipleship Gospel | Oceanside, CA | Oct. 9, 2025:
https://discipleship.org/one-day-events/2025-west-coast-conference/ 
Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/ 
 
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The Importance of Sabbath: Finding Rest in Disciple-Making
In this episode of the Disciple Maker Podcast, hosts Josh Howard and Jason Ishmael dive into a vital but often overlooked aspect of disciple-making: the practice of Sabbath. They share personal stories and insights on how incorporating rest and healthy rhythms into daily life can prevent burnout and lead to more sustainable ministry work. Drawing from both personal experiences and biblical principles, the hosts emphasize how taking regular Sabbaths can help maintain spiritual and mental health, foster deeper relationships, and ultimately strengthen one's ministry. Tune in to discover how to balance work and rest effectively and why this balance is crucial for a thriving disciple-making journey.
 
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Key Takeaways 
00:00 Introduction and Podcast Beginnings
01:03 The Importance of Sabbath in Ministry
03:00 Personal Testimony: Burnout and Recovery
06:12 Implementing Sabbath Practices
09:23 Cultural Rhythms and Work Ethics
11:31 Balancing Work and Rest in Ministry
14:39 Reflecting on Life Choices
15:24 The Unforced Rhythms of Grace
16:04 The Importance of Rest in Discipleship
17:03 Balancing Work and Rest
19:00 Sabbath as Resistance
19:52 Real-Life Examples of Sabbath
23:25 The Modern Pace of Life
26:12 Encouragement for Restful Living
 
Check out our Blogs: https://discipleship.org/blog/ 
 
Join us for our 2026 National Disciple Making Forum: https://discipleship.org/2026-national-disciple-making-forum/ 
See Below for a longer description:
In this episode of the Disciple Maker Podcast, Josh Howard and Jason Ishmael humorously start off by discussing the challenges of kicking off the podcast seamlessly. They segue into an important discussion on Sabbath and rest. Josh shares his personal experience with burnout from a grueling work schedule in India, emphasizing the importance of regular rest to avoid mental, physical, and spiritual exhaustion. They highlight that Sabbath isn't just an Old Testament concept but essential for sustainable ministry and overall well-being. The need for ministry leaders and everyone to balance work and rest is underscored, promoting a lifestyle that counters societal pressures of constant busyness and productivity. By setting boundaries and maintaining healthy rhythms of life, Josh and Jason advocate for a balanced approach to ministry and personal life. The episode calls listeners to evaluate their own rest practices and integrate meaningful Sabbath practices to prevent burnout and enhance fulfillment and effectiveness in both life and ministry.

Discipling Our Children

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Today's episode will help us understand the importance of consistent, intentional time with our kids and how to model repentance and discipleship in everyday life.
Join Discipleship.org at one of our fall events:
https://discipleship.org/one-day-events/  
The Deeper Walk Experience | Franklin, TN | Aug. 15-16, 2025: https://deeperwalk.com/sp/dw-experience-franklin/ 
Discipling Men | Dallas, TX | Sept. 11, 2025:https://discipleship.org/one-day-events/dallas-2025-regional/  
The Discipleship Gospel | Oceanside, CA | Oct. 9, 2025:https://discipleship.org/one-day-events/2025-west-coast-conference/  
Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/ 
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The Importance of Discipling Our Children | Disciple Makers Podcast
In this episode of the Disciple Makers Podcast, hosts Josh Howard, Jason, and Ishmael dive into the crucial topic of discipling our children. They explore the significance of intentionality in parenting and how quality time equates to quantity time. The hosts share practical steps, such as setting up standing stones to remind children of God's works, as well as personal experiences and methods they use to disciple their own kids. They emphasize the importance of loving your spouse and confessing mistakes as key principles of discipleship. The episode concludes with an encouraging reminder that we are not alone in this journey—Jesus and the Holy Spirit are with us, helping us every step of the way.
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Key Takeaways 00:00 Introduction and Banter00:53 Discipling Our Kids02:56 The Importance of Intentionality06:08 Loving Our Spouses Well08:17 Confession and Repentance in Parenting12:02 Making Up for Lost Time13:18 Practical Tips for Intentional Parenting18:44 Intentional Family Time19:07 The Challenge of Consistency19:59 Memorizing Scripture with Kids20:56 The Importance of Saying Yes25:08 Encouragement for Parents26:10 Teaching Life Skills and Faith28:49 The Role of the Holy Spirit in Parenting30:58 Resources for Family Discipleship
Check out our Blogs: https://discipleship.org/blog/  
Join us for our 2026 National Disciple Making Forum: https://discipleship.org/2026-national-disciple-making-forum/  See Below for a longer description:
So, spending consistent quality time with your kids matters a lot. I take my kids out, one-on-one, every week. It doesn't have to be anything fancy—sometimes, it's just ice cream or a car wash run with my daughter. Over time, these moments build strong relationships and make way for deeper conversations. Plus, we try to do family devotions and prayer time before bed. We're not perfect, but it's a constant effort.
Absolutely. It's crucial to prioritize your kids and give them the best of you, not just what's left. Simple activities, like watching a favorite show together, can mean a lot. The key is to be present and make the most of these moments.
Right. And it's never too late to start. Even if you've missed opportunities before, you can always begin now. Whether it's with your own kids, grandkids, or kids at church, just be intentional. God's grace covers it all, and He’s more than willing to help us on this journey.

Answering the Call to Make Disciples

Today’s episode will help us understand how to maintain our spiritual 'saltiness' and 'light' by keeping our hearts pure and living lives that genuinely reflect Jesus' teachings.
Join Discipleship.org at one of our fall events:
https://discipleship.org/one-day-events/ 
The Deeper Walk Experience | Franklin, TN | Aug. 15-16, 2025: https://deeperwalk.com/sp/dw-experience-franklin/ 
Discipling Men | Dallas, TX | Sept. 11, 2025:https://discipleship.org/one-day-events/dallas-2025-regional/  
The Discipleship Gospel | Oceanside, CA | Oct. 9, 2025:https://discipleship.org/one-day-events/2025-west-coast-conference/  
Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/  
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Get Lit, Stay Salty: The Power of Pure Discipleship
Join us for an engaging episode of the Disciple Maker's Podcast, where Jason and Josh dive deep into the teachings of Jesus, focusing on the enduring relevance of being the salt of the earth and the light of the world. They explore the profound message in Matthew 5 about maintaining purity of heart and how impure salt loses its saltiness. The conversation connects Jesus' teachings to the mission of disciple-making, emphasizing the importance of a heart that is guarded and devoted to Christ. The discussion also highlights the transformative power of authentic encounters with Jesus and how genuine discipleship can positively impact society. Tune in for insightful, humorous, and spiritually enriching dialogue.
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Key Takeaways 00:00 Welcome to the Disciple Maker's Podcast00:44 The Relevance of Jesus' Teachings Today00:58 Understanding 'Salt of the Earth'02:57 The Greek Phrase for 'Loses Its Saltiness'03:57 The Stability of Pure Salt07:04 Connecting Salt and Discipleship09:13 Guarding the Heart in Modern Times10:43 The Importance of Purity and Dependence on Jesus13:57 Recovery and Regeneration15:47 The Power of Confession and Regeneration18:31 The Classic 'Poop in the Brownies' Illustration21:50 Creating Thirst Through Saltiness28:50 The Challenge to Be Salty and Bright31:07 Final Blessing and Resources
Check out our Blogs: https://discipleship.org/blog/  
Join us for our 2026 National Disciple Making Forum: https://discipleship.org/2026-national-disciple-making-forum/  
See Below for a longer description:In this episode of the Disciple Maker's Podcast, Jason and Josh dive into what it means to be effective disciples of Jesus Christ, focusing on His powerful metaphors of being the salt of the earth and the light of the world. They start with a light-hearted banter that transitions into the deeper purpose of Christian living, stressing how Jesus' teachings from 2000 years ago are still relevant and necessary today.
 
These metaphors come from Matthew 5, where Jesus tells us, “You are the salt of the earth” and “You are the light of the world.” Jason explains that the Greek phrase for salt losing its saltiness literally means salt that “plays the fool” or loses its purpose. He delves into the science of pure salt (NACL), which doesn’t lose its saltiness unless mixed with impurities—similar to how a disciple loses their ‘flavor’ when their heart isn’t pure.They talk about keeping the heart pure, ensuring our impact remains strong. Josh adds humor by discussing the phrase “stay salty,” shifting to a serious note on how to maintain our ‘saltiness’ through purity.
Using the Dead Sea salt analogy, they stress that impurities can corrupt our faith. Josh highlights fears of losing our spiritual flavor and reassures listeners using Greek terminology to emphasize remaining undiluted.
The duo moves into genuine discipleship and the importance of ongoing self-assessment and transparency. Josh discusses Re:generation, a community for overcoming struggles like insecurity and pride, not just addiction, encouraging open sharing for spiritual growth.Jason quotes Romans 7, reminding listeners of our inherent need for Jesus and the weakness in our human nature. This converts to positive action: depending on Jesus to maintain our spiritual 'saltiness.'
Josh illustrates the necessity of keeping our hearts and daily activities pure by humorously describing a youth pastor’s lesson involving brownies with ‘a special ingredient,’ underscoring the impact of even minor impurities.Another key point is that salt produces thirst, and Christian living should evoke curiosity in others. They stress the need for Christians to stand out positively to create spiritual thirst in non-believers.
The conversation mentions concerning statistics about issues within the church, like divorce and addiction, indicating a need for Christians to live distinct lives that truly reflect Jesus.
Wrapping up, they challenge listeners to pray bold prayers, asking God to reveal and purify any impurities. They emphasize the importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit to maintain their impact on the world. The episode ends on a motivational note, calling for revival and active spread of Jesus' light and teachings.