The Disciple Maker‘s Podcast

Discipleship: Building a Culture, Not a Curriculum Bonhoeffer Project (feat. Dan Leitz)

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Building a Disciple-Making Culture with Dan Lights | Discipleship Insights
Have questions like how to develop a discipleship culture in your church? Well then this episode is for you. 
Join Matt Dabbs from Discipleship.org as he sits down with Dan Lights, CEO of The Bonhoeffer Project, to delve into the transformative journey of creating a disciple-making culture. Dan shares his personal experiences and challenges in shifting from a curriculum-based approach to fostering a robust, intentional church environment that prioritizes disciple-making. Learn the importance of examining your church's soil, the stages of change, and practical steps for defining and implementing a disciple-making strategy. Whether you're a pastor or a church member, this conversation offers valuable insights for anyone committed to nurturing a thriving community of disciples.
Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/ 
Check out Discipleship.org Audio Books: https://discipleship.org/resources/ebooks/ 
Key Takeaways
00:00 Introduction to Discipleship Culture
05:15 Examining and Cultivating Church Soil
07:51 The Role of Patience in Discipleship
15:01 Navigating Change in Church Culture
17:23 Adapting to New Normals
21:50 Understanding the Process of Change in Churches
28:04 Handling Resistance and Cultural Change
36:00 The Bonhoeffer Project and Its Impact
42:44 Encouragement for Leaders and Church Members
 
Resources on Disciple Making Culture 
Disciple Making Culture Visual Introduction
Cultivating a Disciple-Making Culture at Your Church
Disciple-Making Culture
See below for a longer description: 
In this episode of the Bonhoeffer Project, Matt from Discipleship.org interviews Dan Leitz, the CEO of the Bonhoeffer Project. Dan shares his insights into how discipleship should be viewed not merely as a curriculum but as a culture that requires intentionality and time to foster. He begins by explaining his journey from being a task-driven individual who once believed that having a robust curriculum would be enough for disciple-making. Dan learned that while curriculum is important, it is not the core of discipleship; developing a culture of discipleship within the church is crucial.
Drawing inspiration from the parable of the sower in Matthew 13:3-9, Dan emphasizes that the soil represents the culture of the heart and the church. For effective discipleship, the church's culture—like the soil—must be examined, developed, and nurtured to be fertile for growth. He recounts his experience of attending the Disciple Making Forum in 2019 and realizing that a solid curriculum alone would not suffice without a supportive culture.
Dan elaborates on the time-consuming nature of building a disciple-making culture, stating that while programs and curriculums might offer quick fixes, they do not address underlying cultural issues. He talks about the four stages of change—panic, adaptation, new normal, and a state where people wouldn't go back—that people and churches undergo during a cultural shift.
He highlights practical steps to foster a disciple-making culture, such as defining terms clearly to ensure everyone in the church understands what is meant by discipleship, and living out the change you want to see. Dan stresses the importance of leadership having a kingdom mentality, focusing not on quick success but long-term faithfulness and fruitfulness.
Dan also discusses the Bonhoeffer Project's 10-month cohort model, which helps pastors and ministry leaders develop a disciple-making plan by re-examining the gospel, understanding Jesus's methods, and crafting a personalized strategy. This process involves collaboration with other leaders to mitigate pitfalls and share best practices. The program has been broken into three modules to offer flexibility, allowing participants to complete it according to their schedules.
Furthermore, Dan advises that not everyone will initially support or stick with the cultural changes. Leaders must be prepared for resistance and attrition but should remain committed to the long-term goals. He encourages leaders to get their congregational leaders and members on board and emphasizes the value of patience and perseverance in cultural transformation.
The episode concludes with Dan encouraging pastors and church members to press into the challenge of cultural change and support their leaders, emphasizing that discipleship needs to be a central focus in today's church environment. He stresses the necessity for prayer, support, and affirmation from church members to help leaders feel less isolated and more empowered in their mission.
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Stuck in a Stalemate ( feat. Shawna Murlin)

What are your thoughts on family Discipleship.. 
Click here to view Awana: https://www.awana.org/ 
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Check out our latest eBook on Family Discipleship: https://discipleship.org/shop/family-discipleship-blueprint-a-year-by-year-guide-to-family-discipleship/ 
 
Empowering Child Discipleship: Practical Steps for Church Leaders and Parents
In this episode, Shawna Murlin from Awana shares a valuable resource for leaders and parents dedicated to raising children within the Christian faith. She discusses the focus on safety and security, featuring insights from Julie Lowe's book 'Safeguards'. The episode emphasizes the necessity for churches and homes to collaborate in child discipleship. Key resources and conversation guides, like the Friday family email, are showcased. The importance of prayer, meaningful adult relationships, and building a culture of discipleship in both church and home settings are highlighted. We conclude with a heartfelt prayer and a call to action for training and equipping parents and church leaders in the crucial work of child discipleship.
Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/ 
Check out Discipleship.org Audio Books: https://discipleship.org/resources/ebooks/ 
Key Takeaways
00:00 Introduction and Resources
05:21 The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
09:40 Understanding Stalemates in Ministry
11:37 The Role of Home and Church in Child Discipleship
28:34 Building a Vision for Child Discipleship in the Church
33:41 Challenges in Family Discipleship
39:20 Creating a Formational Home
49:33 The Power of Spiritual Conversations
56:15 Conclusion and Resources
Resources on Family Discipleship
Family Discipleship: The Present and Future State of Family Discipleship
Family Discipleship: Present and Future Trends
Family Discipleship: Jason Houser
Real Life Theology Conversations 
See below for a longer description: 
This episode of the podcast focuses on a comprehensive overview of valuable resources for child discipleship, both for leaders and parents within church communities. The episode begins with the speaker highlighting the importance of sharing practical resources and introduces the Awana website, childdiscipleship.com, as a hub for such tools, including podcasts, printable materials, and safety and security information for parents. 
One of the highlighted resources includes 14 questions to ask potential babysitters, inspired by Julie Lowe's book "Safeguards." The speaker underscores the book's message about the importance of safeguarding children from individuals they know, not just strangers. Another valuable tool mentioned is the Friday Family Email, a resource sent out weekly, featuring biblically-based conversation guides, activities, and memory verses for families to engage with their children.
Videos from the Child Discipleship Forum are also recommended, particularly a powerful message by John Tyson on the importance of prayer and fasting in family discipleship. Various books, including "The Anxious Generation" by Jonathan Haidt, are suggested for their insightful views on community and faith, despite the author not being a Christian.
The speaker transitions to a discussion on the responsibility of child discipleship, emphasizing the current stalemate between churches and parents. While 95% of children's ministry leaders believe discipleship should occur at home, only 51% of parents agree, highlighting a significant disconnect. This stalemate sees both parties pointing fingers at each other for the lack of effective discipleship.
The episode delves into resolving this issue by advocating for a model where church leaders train and equip parents to disciple their children effectively. This involves casting a compelling vision for child discipleship within church communities, creating dedicated times and places for training parents, and fostering language that emphasizes the integration of faith into daily conversations.
A key strategy discussed is the importance of building meaningful adult relationships within the church community for every child. Research demonstrates that children with such relationships are significantly more engaged and likely to integrate biblical principles into their lives. The speaker suggests surrounding each child with five adult mentors to provide a robust support system.
The speaker shares personal anecdotes to illustrate the transformative power of regular, meaningful conversations and community support, emphasizing the need for intentional planning and vision in both church and home settings. Resources recommended for implementing this approach include "Children’s Ministry in a New Reality," "Transforming Children into Spiritual Champions," "Beautiful Resistance," "Habits of the Household," and "Sticky Faith."
The episode concludes with practical steps for church leaders to create a supportive environment for family discipleship, including establishing clear visions, identifying training times during already existing church activities, promoting language that integrates faith into daily life, and building a community of believers who actively support and engage with the children.
Listeners are encouraged to visit the Awana website and explore the recommended resources further. The episode ends with a prayer for strength and guidance in the mission of disciple-making, urging listeners to persist in this critical and challenging work.
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Vocational Disciple Making Through Your Church (feat. Dave Buehring and Joe Mansfield)

What are some ways or stories that you have of making Disciples in your vocation? Let us know in the comments below! 
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Making Disciples in Every Vocation | Dave Buehring
Transforming Society Through Vocational Disciple Making
In this episode, Dave Buehring of LionShare discusses the concept of vocational disciple-making, emphasizing its relevance in impacting various spheres of society. Drawing from his personal experiences with Youth With A Mission (YWAM) and stories of individuals like John, a cardiologist, and Mandisa, a former American Idol contestant, Dave illustrates how integrating discipleship into vocations can transform lives and communities. He challenges pastors and church leaders to support their congregants in their professional fields, fostering spiritual growth and societal impact. Practical steps and considerations for fostering a disciple-making culture within churches are also explored.
Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/ 
Check out Discipleship.org Audio Books: https://discipleship.org/resources/ebooks/ 
Key Takeaways:
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
02:50 Illustrating Discipleship in Various Fields
04:31 Challenges and Opportunities in Discipleship
06:20 Encouraging Servanthood and Transformation
08:18 Equipping Leaders for Kingdom Impact
09:55 Balancing Church and Marketplace Leadership
13:51 Vocational Disciple Making in Practice
15:05 Creating a Disciple Making Culture
29:38 Commissioning Vocational Leaders
33:28 Mandisa's Story
43:59 Assessing Church Impact
46:56 Healthy and Fruitful Church Characteristics
50:07 Practical Applications for Vocational Discipleship
55:10 Encouraging and Supporting Vocational Leaders
 
Resources on Discipleship
Becoming a Disciple Maker
Disciple Making Culture: 10 Minute eBook
National Study on Disciple Making in USA Churches
DiscipleShift: 5 Minute eBook
 
In this episode, Dave Buehring discusses the mission and approach of LionShare—an organization focused on vocational disciple making and the importance of applying discipleship in various spheres of society. Buehring starts by introducing himself and thanking the participants, mentioning his background with Youth with a Mission (YWAM) and being discipled by its founder, Lauren Cunningham. He emphasizes the connection between disciple making and societal impact, outlining his early realization that discipleship extends beyond personal spiritual growth to influencing different vocations such as media, government, and business.
Buehring presents his belief that a significant part of the United States' current issues stems from ignoring Jesus’s commission to make disciples, particularly in key sectors like media and government. He suggests that society's transformation occurs not through yelling or solely praying but through influencing these sectors with godly principles.
 
He shares several stories of individuals he's discipled, highlighting the changes in their personal and professional lives. For instance, he talks about John, a cardiologist who learned to balance his immense professional skill with relational sensitivity. Another story involves Darren, who worked in the White House and learned to integrate the fear of the Lord into his operations, avoiding manipulation. Similarly, Sarah, an emerging artist, learned the value of servanthood in her music career.
Buehring contrasts two mentalities within churches: convening (building-centric, program-oriented) versus mobilizing (impacting the community, relationship-oriented). He urges churches to adopt a culture of equipping and releasing members to serve in their vocations. Additionally, he provides a model for understanding discipleship stages, ranging from foundational discipling for new believers to vocational and leadership discipling for those influencing their respective fields.
A significant part of his message is about integrating vocational disciple-making into church culture. This includes practical steps such as initiating conversations with vocational leaders in the church, creating vocational teams, and using Sunday sermons to discuss vocational applications of discipleship.
Buehring also addresses the importance of redefining the metrics of church health beyond 'nickels and noses' (attendance and giving). Instead, he suggests evaluating the presence of God, community, disciple-making, and outreach within the church.
He concludes by emphasizing the necessity of recognizing and supporting the unique callings of individuals within the church. This includes commissioning them into their vocational roles and ensuring the church is making a tangible impact on its community.
Through various anecdotes and practical advice, Buehring underscores the pivotal role of discipleship in transforming both individual lives and broader societal structures. He encourages church leaders to view their congregants’ vocational callings as integral to their ministry, thus fostering a more holistic approach to disciple-making.
 
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Transformational Disciple Making (feat. Dave Buehring and Joe Mansfield)

Transformative Power of Discipleship: Insights and Practical Tips
Click here to view Lionshare: https://lionshare.org/ 
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In this episode, we explore how discipleship transforms both the church and society at large. We discuss the importance of following God's guidance, cultivating a Godly atmosphere in churches, and spreading discipleship through meaningful relationships across various professions. Personal stories highlight effective discipleship programs, focusing on developing godly character, understanding our identity in Christ, and practical strategies for everyday discipleship. The conversation also shares practical insights into applying these principles, seeking divine direction, and nurturing a Christ-centered culture in both workplaces and congregations. This episode is an invaluable resource for anyone eager to deepen their understanding and application of discipleship principles.
Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/ 
 
Check out Discipleship.org Audio Books: https://discipleship.org/resources/ebooks/ 
 
Key Takeaways:
00:00 Introduction to Transformation
08:28 Character and Relationships in Discipleship
15:55 Identity and Character Development
27:05 The Role of the Holy Spirit in Discipleship
28:05 Transformation Through Revelation and Obedience
36:00 The Importance of Obedience in Discipleship
42:23 Discipleship Tools and Opportunities
 
Resources on Discipleship
Becoming a Disciple Maker
Disciple Making Culture: 10 Minute eBook
National Study on Disciple Making in USA Churches
DiscipleShift: 5 Minute eBook
See Below for a longer description of this episode:
This episode dives into the power of personal and spiritual growth through Christian discipleship.
The speaker begins by urging listeners to reflect on transformative moments in their lives, where overcoming challenges led to significant personal growth. For instance, one participant shares their experience with the Regeneration 12-step program, highlighting how it sparked spiritual renewal and ongoing growth.
The conversation explores how personal tragedies can also be catalysts for spiritual enlightenment. Another participant shares how the loss of their father prompted a reevaluation of priorities and deepened their faith, illustrating how profound personal loss can lead to transformative experiences.
The core of discipleship is then emphasized, focusing on facilitating continual change in others. The speaker challenges the idea that discipleship is solely about biblical knowledge, stressing that true transformation comes from applying Jesus' teachings. Referencing the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus stresses the importance of both hearing and doing His words, the speaker underscores the foundation for weathering life's challenges.
Critiquing the traditional church emphasis on scriptural knowledge without practical application, the speaker shares an anecdote about a Presbyterian pastor dismayed by his congregation's lack of transformation despite their extensive knowledge. This highlights the gap between knowledge and spiritual growth.
Character emerges as a crucial aspect of discipleship, with the speaker arguing that cultivating godly character—through practices like humility and mercy—is paramount. A personal story about Mandisa illustrates this, showing her proactive steps towards repentance and reconciliation as a model of spiritual principles in action.
Discipleship, the speaker insists, is not about completing a curriculum but integrating God's teachings into daily life. Another anecdote involving Mandisa illustrates how acts of humility and repentance shape genuine character development.
The episode concludes with a call to embrace a transformative journey rooted in revelation and obedience. Transformation begins with divine insight that goes beyond mere knowledge and requires obedient action. Noah's obedience during the ark's construction serves as an analogy, highlighting the transformative power of steadfast obedience despite uncertainty.
Ultimately, this episode underscores Christian discipleship as an ongoing journey of personal and spiritual growth. It stresses the importance of character development, practical application of biblical teachings, and nurturing mature, Christ-like relationships. The takeaway is clear: true discipleship involves living out Jesus' teachings daily, embodying authentic transformation grounded in godly character.
 
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Disciple Making Amongst Children (feat. Dave Buehring and Lauri Jarvis)

Disciple Making Amongst Children (feat. Dave Buehring and Lauri Jarvis) | Lionshare
 
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Join us in this episode as the LionShare team presents their unique approach to child and youth discipleship. We explore the creation and use of their Discipleship Journey tools for kids, teens, and young adults (LINK), sharing inspiring stories of how these resources are shaping young lives to follow God. Learn how children's ministries can shift from traditional teaching to impactful discipleship, and understand the importance of building strong relational connections between adults and the younger generation. Whether you're a parent, church leader, or mentor, discover strategies to nurture spiritual maturity in children and foster transformative conversations that leave a lasting impact.
Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/ 
Check out Discipleship.org Audio Books: https://discipleship.org/resources/ebooks/ 
 
Key Takeaways:
Transformative Approaches to Child and Youth Discipleship | LionShare
00:00 Welcome to LionShare: Our Mission and Focus
01:50 The Importance of Vocational Discipleship
08:26 Children's Ministry: Raising the Bar
10:17 The Critical Role of Children's Ministry
17:59 Challenges in Modern Discipleship
30:52 Discipleship and Personal Stories
38:46 Introducing ADJ Kids Program
48:21 Leadership Games and Conclusion
Help Us Find Effective Disciple Making Churches
RENEW.org and Discipleship.org are joining together—along with our many partner networks—to come up with a list of the top disciple-making churches in North America. 
 
In the future, we plan to publish the list so everyone can see—and learn from—the top disciple-making churches that we find.
 
Will you help us find these churches? You can recommend a church, even your own church, by emailing mason@discipleship.org
 
What should you look for? Here is a list of the ten character traits of a Reproducing Disciple Making church → https://discipleship.org/blog/help-us-find-effective-disciple-making-churches/?mc_cid=80eb747425&mc_eid=a00a4f11e7 
 
Resources on Family Discipleship
Family Discipleship Blueprint: A Year-by-Year Guide to Family Discipleship (Audiobook)
Family Discipleship Blueprint: A Year-by-Year Guide to Family Discipleship
Family Discipleship: The Present and Future State of Family Discipleship
Family Discipleship: Jason Houser
Real Life Theology Conversations: A guide to Essential Questions and Answers for Family Discipleship
See Below for a longer description of this episode:
In this episode, we dive deep into LionShare's mission to disciple church members and leaders across various professional sectors, including government, arts, business, media, and education. The speaker warmly welcomes listeners and provides an overview of LionShare’s 23-year commitment to empowering both churches and societal leaders to live and lead by Christian principles.
Lionshare introduces the "Discipleship Journey," a tool guiding individuals in both personal spiritual growth and professional life. The speaker stresses the importance of recognizing church members' vocations and mobilizing marketplace leaders as effective disciple-makers. Using Nashville's healthcare and artist communities as examples, the discussion illustrates how churches can identify and disciple within these dominant professional fields.
Next, we meet Laurie Jarvis, the "Discipleship Journey Kids Coach." With a background as a children's pastor, school principal, and piano teacher from Akron, Ohio, Laurie works with children's ministry leaders, parents, and nonprofits to integrate discipleship into children's education. Laurie shares her insights on discipling children.
Today’s episode highlights key statistics on the importance of early ministry to children, noting that more than half of those who accept Jesus do so before age 12. The discussion then covers the significant role of screen time and digital media in discipling children in today's world.
Laurie answers questions about children's spiritual maturity, sharing stories that demonstrate how kids can grow spiritually and disciple one another. The conversation underscores the importance of strong relationships with children, emphasizing adults' pivotal role in effective discipleship.
Practical resources like the "Discipleship Journey Kids" program are introduced, offering tools for both adults and children to engage in discipleship together. These materials include animated series, take-home cards, and parent prompts to reinforce learning and application in daily life.
The episode also addresses the early exposure of young children to pornography and other adult content, stressing the critical role of parents and church leaders in guiding and protecting children's spiritual and moral development. The speaker shares a personal story about his grandson's inadvertent exposure to inappropriate content and how it was handled wisely.
Finally, the episode discusses "The Leadership Games," a program designed to help young adults in their 20s and 30s grow spiritually and vocationally. This initiative connects young leaders with experienced mentors for year-long discipleship relationships, incorporating real-life problem-solving through an imaginary city framework to tackle contemporary issues from a biblical perspective.
Overall, this episode provides an insightful look into LionShare’s approach to discipleship across all ages and vocations, emphasizing relational ministry and practical tools for spiritual growth.
 
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Following the Lead of the Holy Spirit (feat. Dave Buehring)

Following the Lead of the Holy Spirit in Disciple Making
Click here to view Lionshare: https://lionshare.org/ 
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In this episode, learn how to follow the Holy Spirit's lead through two powerful biblical stories and three key observations. Dave Buehring shares his journey from limited teaching on the Holy Spirit in a Lutheran upbringing to deeper understanding through Youth with a Mission (YWAM). He highlights the Holy Spirit's crucial role in discipleship for personal growth and teaching others. The discussion covers listening to the Holy Spirit in daily life and prayer, the importance of immediate obedience, and avoiding grieving or quenching the Spirit. Practical examples, like interactions with Mandisa, illustrate discipling in various vocations and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit.
Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/ 
Check out Discipleship.org Audio Books: https://discipleship.org/resources/ebooks/ 
Key Takeaways:
00:00 Introduction and Personal Background
02:41 LionShare's Mission and Impact
04:06 Biblical Foundations for Discipleship
08:06 Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch
11:16 Peter and Cornelius
13:19 Obedience and Transformation
19:13 Practical Examples of Listening to the Holy Spirit
28:28 The Importance of Immediate Obedience
35:27 Grieving and Quenching the Holy Spirit
42:17 Practical Insights on Hearing God's Voice
50:17 The Role of Timing in God's Direction
58:30 Encouragement and Final Thoughts
Resources on Discipleship
Becoming a Disciple Maker
Disciple Making Culture: 10 Minute eBook
National Study on Disciple Making in USA Churches
DiscipleShift: 5 Minute eBook
See below for a longer description: 
The episode explores the Holy Spirit's role in guiding and transforming disciples, focusing on how to follow His lead in disciple-making. Dave Buehring begins by sharing his journey from growing up Lutheran in Minnesota, where he received little teaching about the Holy Spirit, to joining Youth with a Mission (YWAM) and learning from its founder, Lauren Cunningham. This experience gave him a fresh understanding of the Holy Spirit as the third person of the Trinity.
Emphasizing the Holy Spirit's central role in his 40 years of disciple-making, Dave describes the Spirit as a partner and transformer in spiritual growth. He highlights the importance of helping people recognize the Holy Spirit's presence and follow His lead, especially when feeling stuck.
The speaker shares a story about guiding Mandisa, a disciple for 22 years, in learning to wait on the Lord and follow the Holy Spirit's guidance. He discusses the broader impact of discipleship, which extends beyond church walls to vocations like government, arts, business, media, and education, integrating faith into professional lives to make a societal impact.
Throughout today’s episode, practical aspects of discipling others by paying attention to the Holy Spirit's work are emphasized. Dave recounts two biblical stories:
Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch (Acts 8:26-40): An angel instructs Philip to go to a desert road where he meets an Ethiopian official reading Isaiah. Prompted by the Holy Spirit, Philip explains the Scriptures and baptizes the eunuch, highlighting the importance of being sensitive to the Spirit's guidance.
Peter and Cornelius (Acts 10): Peter receives a vision while praying, leading him to visit Cornelius, a Gentile centurion. Despite initial hesitation, Peter obeys the Holy Spirit, shares the Gospel, and Cornelius and his household convert, underscoring the importance of prayerful listening and immediate obedience.
The speaker draws three key observations from these stories:
Listening on the Way vs. Listening While Praying: Philip’s encounter shows the need to be attentive to the Holy Spirit during daily activities, while Peter’s experience highlights the importance of waiting on the Lord in prayer.
Immediate Obedience: Both Philip and Peter obey the Holy Spirit without hesitation, crucial for effective disciple-making.
God’s Knowledge of Our Gifts: The Holy Spirit knows each believer's gifts and positions them for Kingdom purposes.
The episode also discusses grieving and quenching the Holy Spirit:
Grieving the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30): This occurs when the Holy Spirit says "no," but we proceed to say "yes," causing grief. It’s often related to unloving conduct and relational sins.
Quenching the Holy Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:19-20): This happens when the Holy Spirit says "yes," but we say "no," stifling divine influence. It involves resisting promptings towards joy, prayer, thankfulness, and prophecy.
Dave gives practical advice for discerning the Holy Spirit's voice in disciple-making including asking clarifying questions and listening attentively to the person being discipled. Communal discernment and confirmation from spiritual leaders are also emphasized.
In conclusion, the episode calls for a balanced approach to disciple-making that integrates both the Word of God and the active leading of the Holy Spirit. The speaker encourages listeners to cultivate a life of continuous listening and immediate obedience, trusting that the Holy Spirit will lead both them and their disciples into deeper transformation and effective witness in their vocations and communities.
Overall, this episode offers a rich and practical exploration of partnering with the Holy Spirit in making disciples who are knowledgeable in Scripture and sensitive to the Spirit’s guidance in all areas of life.
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Kingdom Stewardship (feat. Josh Howard and David Kaufmann)

The Ts of Kingdom Stewardship
Click here to view E3 Partners: https://e3partners.org/ 
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In this episode, speakers from E3 Partners introduce the Five Ts of Stewardship—a framework for effective kingdom work. The Five Ts are Targets, Tools, Teaming, Training, and Tracking. They emphasize the importance of setting clear and measurable targets, like the 'five by five' approach, which focuses on five people groups and five geographic locations for evangelism.
The session highlights the need for strategic tools and continuous training to foster discipleship and organizational growth. They give practical advice on building and maintaining effective ministry teams, stressing the importance of regular rhythms and structures for sustainable success. Tracking and accountability are underscored as essential for ensuring productive and mission-aligned initiatives. Various tracking methods, such as church health tracking and generational mapping, are detailed to emphasize accurate stewardship and accountability.
The speakers also cover the significance of ongoing coaching and training to maintain momentum and adjust strategies. This session is a valuable guide for anyone looking to contribute meaningfully to kingdom stewardship, whether locally or globally.
Check out Discipleship.org for disciple-making resources: Discipleship.org Resources Check out Discipleship.org Audio Books: Discipleship.org Audio Books
 
Key Takeaways:
00:00 Introduction to Stewardship and the Five Ts
00:40 Defining Targets: The Five by Five Strategy
03:08 Tools for Success: Circles of Accountability
06:37 Building Effective Teams
08:47 The Importance of Rhythms in Teaming
11:03 Prioritizing Time for Kingdom Work
13:15 The Power of Modeling and Prayer Walking
15:10 Training for Multiplication
17:14 Building Rhythms in the Calendar
18:02 Encouragement for Shifting to Disciple-Making
18:38 The Importance of Training and Coaching
21:35 Tracking Progress and Stewardship
29:41 Generational Mapping and Church Health
31:32 Seven Phases of Movement
33:42 Strategic Focus for Global Gospel Saturation
 
Resources on Discipleship
Becoming a Disciple Maker
Disciple Making Culture: 10 Minute eBook
National Study on Disciple Making in USA Churches
DiscipleShift: 5 Minute eBook
See below for a more comprehensive summary of this episode:
In this episode, Josh Howard and David Kaufmann discuss effective stewardship and outreach through the "Five Ts": Targets, Teaming, Training, Tracking, and Tools.
Targets: They highlight the importance of clear targets, using the "five by five" strategy to identify five specific population segments and geographic locations for evangelism. This helps allocate resources effectively and focus on high-need areas. Methods like the "circle of accountability" ensure everyone hears the gospel.
Teaming: They stress the value of strong, collaborative teams with consistent schedules and practices. Team formation around specific targets improves organization and mutual encouragement.
Training: Various programs equip individuals with practical skills for their mission. Continuous training and coaching ensure ongoing development and problem resolution.
Tracking: Measuring progress and ensuring accountability through metrics like gospel shares, new believers, and group establishment is vital. Tools like generational maps help track church network development.
Tools: Providing tangible resources for evangelism, discipleship, and gathering is essential. Effective tools ensure everyone knows how to contribute efficiently.
Throughout the episode, the interconnectedness of the Five Ts is emphasized. Setting targets informs tracking, guiding training needs, supported by effective teaming and tools. This structured approach ensures a strategic mission and comprehensive outreach.
This episode dives into the organizational strategy behind successful ministry, highlighting the synergy between clear targets, effective teaming, comprehensive training, diligent tracking, and practical tools.
 
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A Culture of Ancient Pathways (feat. Josh Howard and Bryan King)

A Culture of Ancient Pathways 
Click here to view E3 Partners: https://e3partners.org/ 
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The session focuses on the concept of ancient pathways for disciple-making movements, challenging the notion that such methods are new or innovative. The speaker emphasizes the age-old practices of Jesus and his disciples, describing these strategies as 2,000-year-old 'vintage wine' that has improved with age. The key points include Jesus’ approach to disciple-making: entering new places, proclaiming the gospel, making disciples, forming communities, and raising leaders. Through personal anecdotes and biblical references, the speaker illustrates how these ancient strategies can be applied in modern contexts to create transformative disciple-making movements. Emphasizing the importance of prayer, fasting, and grassroots community engagement, the session provides practical insights and encourages attendees to adopt these ancient pathways to saturate their cities and nations with the gospel.
Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/ 
Check out Discipleship.org Audio Books: https://discipleship.org/resources/ebooks/ 
Key Takeaways:
00:00 Introduction and Session Overview
00:01 Ancient Pathways: Rediscovering Old Wine
01:40 WWJD vs. WDJD: A Better Question
02:33 Recap of Acts 19: Paul's Ministry in Ephesus
04:00 Brian King's Introduction and Personal Story
06:05 Journey to Mexico City: A Heart for Discipleship
07:08 Returning to Tulsa: Challenges and New Beginnings
09:16 Discovering Simple Tools for Discipleship
11:59 E3 Partners and the Vision for Asia
14:05 Practical Steps and Real-Life Stories
24:26 The Importance of Choosing the Right Pathway
29:33 Exploring Mark 1: Jesus' Ministry Patterns
31:06 The Baptism of Jesus
32:12 Jesus' Temptation in the Wilderness
32:51 Proclaiming the Gospel in Galilee
33:38 Calling the First Disciples
37:26 Teaching and Healing in Capernaum
46:21 Jesus' Ministry Pathway
 
Resources on Discipleship
Becoming a Disciple Maker
Disciple Making Culture: 10 Minute eBook
National Study on Disciple Making in USA Churches
DiscipleShift: 5 Minute eBook

A Culture of Big Vision (feat. Josh Howard and David Kaufmann)

Click here to view E3 Partners: https://e3partners.org/ 
Check out Discipleship.org Audio Books: https://discipleship.org/resources/ebooks/
Join Josh and Corey from E3 Partners as they kick off an episode designed to help us understand and align with God's heart and vision for discipleship and multiplicative movements. They seek to shift our perspective to allow us to see our lives as a part of God's grand vision for the nations. It's importance that we have a God-sized vision that can only be accomplished through divine intervention.
Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/ 
 
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Key Takeaways:
00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Study
04:36 The Importance of a God-Sized Vision
08:05 Interactive Study: Exploring Key Scriptures
19:51 Analyzing Lostness and Casting Vision
33:38 God's Vision and Our Role
39:18 The Call to Action: Training and Tools
44:32 Testimonies and Success Stories
50:48 Practical Tools for Ministry
52:52 Conclusion and Next Steps
 
Resources on Discipleship
Becoming a Disciple Maker
Disciple Making Culture: 10 Minute eBook
National Study on Disciple Making in USA Churches
DiscipleShift: 5 Minute eBook
 
See below for a longer description: 
This episode, focusing on "The Culture of Big Vision," dives into the foundational aspects of cultivating a God-sized vision within Christian ministry settings. The session is led by Josh and Corey, members of E3 partners, who outline the significance of aligning one’s personal and communal visions with God’s overarching will and mission for the world.
Josh kicks off the session with a candid introduction and an engaging explanation of the necessity to understand and embrace God's vision before attempting to fulfill individual or church missions. He emphasizes that seeking God's will for broader contexts, such as cities or nations, inherently shapes and answers personal mission questions. This framework challenges listeners to shift their focus from personal spiritual callings, often seen as "snowflake purposes," to a larger, kingdom-driven vision that God has for the world.
A significant part of the session includes Josh recounting a conversation with his mentor, which shifted his perspective from asking, "What is God's will for my life?" to, "What is God's will, period?" This refocusing serves as a call to prioritize God's broader mission over individual desires and dreams.
Throughout the episode, several biblical passages are cited to highlight the breadth and depth of God's vision. This includes references from Genesis, Psalms, Isaiah, Matthew, Acts, and Revelation, guiding participants to understand how God's intent to reach all nations and peoples is a continuous thread from Genesis to Revelation.
The episode also discusses practical steps and attitudes necessary for seeing God's vision realized. Josh underscores the importance of having "big" vision and faith that extends beyond what congregations or teams can accomplish alone, emphasizing the power of cooperation and reliance on God.
Furthermore, the teaching segment led by Corey includes interactive elements where participants are invited to read and reflect on scriptures, focusing on who God used and the extent of His glory in each passage. This exercise solidifies the understanding that God's vision is expansive and inclusive, aimed at reaching every person and nation.
Personal anecdotes and testimonies provide real-world context to the teachings. Josh shares experiences from his interactions with various global ministries and highlights a story from a friend in Kenya to exemplify having a vision so great it seems to make God 'sweat.' This inspires listeners to elevate their expectations and prayers beyond modest or "weak sauce" targets to truly transformative aspirations.
The session concludes with a series of next steps, urging participants to consider how they can inject this big vision into their local church cultures. They are encouraged to continuously cast, clarify, and reiterate this vision, ensuring it permeates their congregational life and mission efforts. Corey offers practical advice on devising strategies and creating actionable tools to facilitate this vision in their ministries.
Overall, the episode is a rousing call to adopt and integrate a God-sized vision into personal and communal faith journeys, emphasizing scriptural grounding, practical application, and collaborative effort to achieve substantial spiritual transformation in local contexts and beyond.
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The "LampPost Strategy" for Making Disciples (feat. Grant Edwards and Dr. Ron Braley)

What are some of your strategies to make Disciples? Or perhaps you are looking for ways to do so? 
Either way, this episode will be for you! 
Click here to view Discipleing Another: https://disciplinganother.com/
Check out the book Discipleship that works: https://disciplinganother.com/pages/discipleship-that-works#:~:text=Discipleship%20That%20Works%20provides%20practical,their%20faith%20within%2090%20days. 
 
In this episode, Grant and Dr. Ron introduce the 'LampPost Strategy' for making disciples, meaning one-on-one mentorship over group discipleship to build a sustainable disciple-making culture within our churches. The episode explains the Lamppost Strategy for disciple making, emphasizing one-to-one disciple making based on 2 Timothy 2:2. It critiques how traditional disciple-making methods are often ineffective in American church culture, which can be antagonistic towards the concept. The strategy focuses on developing third-generation disciple makers to shift from 80% walking away to 80% staying in faith. This process involves creating a robust culture of discipleship through 90-day cycles, emphasizing foundational content, developing the right culture, and ensuring effective organizational connections. The strategy also uses Benjamin Franklin’s invention of the lamppost as a metaphor for creating an attractive and sustainable disciple-making model within the church.
 
Key Takeaways:
00:00 Introduction and Overview
03:30 Implementing Third Generation Disciple Makers
09:35 The Importance of Foundational Discipleship
14:00 Content, Culture, and Connection
29:09 Balancing Discipleship Needs
32:50 90-Day Discipleship Cycles
36:32 Pre-Decision and Post-Decision Efforts
47:46 Third Generation Disciples: A Deeper Look
54:30 Q&A and Final Thoughts
 
Resources on Discipleship
The Definition of a Disciple
Becoming a Disciple Maker
https://church-multiplication.com/disciplemaker/