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.

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Episodes

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

Join us for the 2026 National Disciple Making Forum: https://discipleship.org/2026-national-disciple-making-forum/ 
Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr
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

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

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

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

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/

Francis Chan and the Bible

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

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/

Wednesday Oct 29, 2025

Get Discipleship.org's premium Podcast Feed: https://disciplemakerspodcast.supercast.com/
Rediscovering the True Gospel: A Deep Dive into Discipleship
In this video Bill Hull examines the fundamental role of Jesus in discipleship and the essence of the gospel. Reflecting on the disparity between contemporary evangelism and the holistic message of the Bible, the discussion highlights the importance of viewing salvation as a transformative journey rather than a mere decision. By exploring historical figures and the impact of American theology, the session aims to challenge and inspire a return to a fuller, more integrated understanding of the gospel and true discipleship.
Check out Discipleship.org ebooks: https://discipleship.org/resources/ebooks/
Key Takeaways 00:00 Introduction to the Session on Jesus00:32 The Fundamental Topic: Jesus and Discipleship02:07 A Personal Anecdote on Preaching the Gospel04:08 The Evolution of Evangelism and the Gospel in America06:48 Challenges of Modern Discipleship and Evangelism09:21 Redefining the Gospel for Authentic Discipleship12:10 Defending the Legacy of Evangelical Leaders14:38 The Impact of Evangelism Beyond the Decision Moment17:46 Revisiting the Essence of the Gospel and Discipleship29:33 The Role of the Holy Spirit in True Transformation36:52 Concluding Reflections and Personal Testimony
See below for a longer description: 
This video featuring Bill Hull, Francis Chan, Jim Putman and more is a profound discussion on the essence of discipleship, centered around the figure of Jesus. The conversation goes into the core elements of discipleship, emphasizing the importance of aligning beliefs with actions and living out the principles of Jesus' teachings. The speakers reflect on their personal experiences and observations over the years, shedding light on the evolution of gospel presentation and the shift in focus from mere evangelism to comprehensive discipleship. They discuss the challenges of maintaining the purity of the gospel message and the significance of understanding the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in one's life.The dialogue transcends geographical boundaries, touching on the global impact of Americanized interpretations of the gospel and the need for a return to a Christ-centered understanding of faith. The speakers highlight the crucial role of the Holy Spirit in the process of spiritual transformation, emphasizing the importance of genuine heart change rather than superficial adherence to religious practices. The video provides a thought-provoking exploration of the intricacies of faith, challenging viewers to reevaluate their perception of discipleship and the true meaning of following Christ.
Stay informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr
Listen - Disciple Maker's Podcast: https://discipleship.org/resources/po...

Monday Oct 27, 2025

Reigniting Biblical Manhood: Disciples Making Disciples ft. Tim Brown
In this powerful episode of the Disciple Makers Podcast, host Josh engages in a deep conversation with Tim Brown from re-Up, an organization focused on discipling men in the church to become disciples who make disciples. Tim shares his personal journey, the importance of discipling men, and the current resurgence of male spiritual leadership in the church. They discuss key principles of biblical manhood, emphasizing identity in Christ, living by His life, and viewing life from God's perspective. Tim also talks about the impact of mentorship and the need for spiritual fathers. Tune in for inspiring insights on how men can step into their God-given roles and lead purposeful lives.
Check out ReUp Men's Movement here: https://www.reupmen.com/
Key Takeaways 
00:00 Introduction and Excitement for Today's Topic01:08 Meet Tim Brown: Discipleship and Ministry01:49 Tim's Personal Journey and New Book02:42 The Importance of Biblical Male Leadership05:32 Challenges and Opportunities in Men's Discipleship08:03 Intergenerational Discipleship13:35 Defining a Biblical Man20:39 Three Truths of Biblical Manhood22:06 Understanding Identity in Christ22:15 Living by the Life of Jesus23:26 Viewing Life from God's Perspective25:03 The Importance of Daily Scripture and Prayer26:37 Challenges in Discipleship28:25 The Role of Identity and Purpose35:08 Encouragement and Final Thoughts

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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.

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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.

 

Listen to conversations from these individduals Shodankeh, Jason Shepperd,Sean McDowell and others as we dive into this vital conversation at the Discipleship.org 2024 National Disciple Making Forum.

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Dive Deeper with more Disciple Making Culture Resources:

Click the images below to learn more:

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