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 May 22, 2024
Wednesday May 22, 2024
David Hunzicker emphasizes the crucial role of parents in the spiritual discipleship of their children. He lays out a compelling case for why family discipleship should be the primary responsibility for parents today, as well as gives us practical tips and resources to help engage our children in meaningful Bible studies at home. It concludes with actionable ideas and community-building tips to motivate and equip parents and caregivers in their spiritual journey with their children.
Key Takeaways
00:00 Opening Prayer and Embracing Family Discipleship
02:00 The Inspiring Story of Jim Elliot: A Call to Action for Parents
05:18 Addressing the Crisis of Faith in Young Evangelicals
06:46 Empowering Parents: The Heart of Discipleship at Home
16:32 Introducing Real Life Theology Conversations: A Resource for Families
25:42 Practical Tips and Strategies for Effective Family Discipleship
35:01 Closing Thoughts: The Vision for Future Family Discipleship
Visit our website discipleship.org for blogs, videos, and free resources to fuel disciple making.
Click this link for the Digital Access Pass: https://discipleship.org/shop/2024-forum-digital-access-pass/?mc_cid=2b27e8013a&mc_eid=a00a4f11e7
Resources on Family Discipleship
Check out Discipleship.org Free Ebook on Family Discipleship:
Family Discipleship: The Present and Future State of Family Discipleship
Check out the Real Life Theology Conversations Website on Family Discipleship: https://renew.org/RLTC/
Monday May 20, 2024
Monday May 20, 2024
“Parents are meant to be the primary discipler of their children.”
Jay Austin is preaching his mantra in this episode: the church's role is equipping parents to be the primary spiritual leaders in their children's lives. He encourages us with personal experiences and strategies, focusing on milestones, mentoring, and moments to guide children from birth to adulthood. Learn practical steps to integrate faith into everyday life, and be empowered to foster a loving relationship with God and navigate modern challenges such as technology and identity with biblical wisdom.
Check out the Real Life Theology Conversations Website on Family Discipleship: https://renew.org/RLTC/
Key Takeaways
00:00 Opening Remarks on Family Discipleship
01:29 Introducing the Three Key Areas: Milestones, Mentoring, and Moments
05:18 The Biblical Foundation for Family Discipleship
10:53 Implementing Milestones in Family Discipleship
17:23 The Power of Mentors in Shaping Children's Lives
23:29 The Role of the Church in Supporting Families
25:36 Moments That Matter: Applying Atomic Habits
30:42 Navigating Conversations on Sexuality and Identity
36:25 Prioritizing Children's Well-being and Mental Health
37:28 Transformative Rhythms for Discipling Children
Resources on Family Discipleship
Check out Discipleship.org Free Ebook on Family Discipleship
Family Discipleship: The Present and Future State of Family Discipleship
Check out the Real Life Theology Conversations Website on Family Discipleship: https://renew.org/RLTC/
Blog by Jay Austin on How Churches Can Engage in Family Discipleship
Wednesday May 15, 2024
Wednesday May 15, 2024
Renee Sproles (renew.org) talks about what it means to be a man and what it means to be a woman according to principles we find in God’s word. This episode challenges the view that gender roles are secondary issues, arguing they have significant consequences. Through analogies of government, education, and church choice, Renee Sproles illustrates the impact of these roles on society. She argues that gender roles are designed by God and have profound implications for individual behavior, family dynamics, and societal health. She advocates for a complementarian view, suggesting that men and women have distinct, complementary roles that contribute to marital happiness, effective parenting, and societal stability. It is a good thing to live in accordance with one's God-given gender identity.
Visit our website discipleship.org for blogs, videos, and free resources to fuel disciple making.
Click this link for the Digital Access Pass: https://discipleship.org/shop/2024-forum-digital-access-pass/?mc_cid=2b27e8013a&mc_eid=a00a4f11e7
Key Takeaways
00:00 Exploring Gender Roles in Religious Contexts
01:19 The Importance of Understanding Gender
05:39 Applying Biblical Evidence to Gender Roles
27:02 Sociological Insights on Masculinity and Family Dynamics
34:25 Embracing True Masculinity and Femininity
Monday May 13, 2024
Monday May 13, 2024
This final track session from SmallCircle focuses on utilizing the small circle mobile app for disciple making. This free app really helps with one-to-one engagement based on Jesus's methods. Highlighting the app's features, including customizable modules for spiritual growth, offline functionality for global accessibility, and a unique disciple tracking system, this episode aims to equip users for meaningful disciple making by leveraging technology. Additionally, Steve addresses the importance of personalization in spiritual guidance.
Visit our website discipleship.org for blogs, videos, and free resources to fuel disciple making.
Click this link for the Digital Access Pass: https://discipleship.org/shop/2024-forum-digital-access-pass/?mc_cid=2b27e8013a&mc_eid=a00a4f11e7
Key Takeaways
00:00 Introduction to the Final Session of SmallCircle
00:18 Understanding SmallCircle's Approach to Discipleship
02:55 Exploring the Mobile App: A Comprehensive Guide
04:30 Navigating the SmallCircle Web App and Its Features
05:03 The Power of Personalized Discipleship Through the App
28:51 Exploring Mix: A Companion Tool for Discipleship
32:34 Closing Thoughts and Prayer
Check out these Free Ebooks:
Disciple Making Culture 10 Minute E-Book
Disciple Shift Ebook
Discipleship That Fits Ebook
Disciple Making Culture Visual Guide
Interested in Audio books? Here are a couple of great options:
Audio Book Becoming a Disciple Maker
Audio Book National Study on Disciple Making
Wednesday May 08, 2024
Wednesday May 08, 2024
For more information about Small Circle, visit their website: https://www.smallcircle.com/
This episode dives into innovative and effective strategies for discipleship, with a strong emphasis on the practice of creating deeply personal and transformative relationships within various group sizes, inspired by the model of Jesus. The "circles" Steve talks about represent different levels of fellowship and teaching, from large worship services to intimate one-to-one mentorships. Customized content and relational depth at each level is super important. These activities aim to personalize and deepen the understanding and practice of biblical principles, culminating in the ultimate goal of disciples making disciples. We need to use personal stories, experiential learning, and creative engagement methods to facilitate deep, lasting spiritual growth and prepare disciples for effective ministry and multiplication.
Visit our website discipleship.org for blogs, videos, and free resources to fuel disciple making.
Click this link for the Digital Access Pass: https://discipleship.org/shop/2024-forum-digital-access-pass/?mc_cid=2b27e8013a&mc_eid=a00a4f11e7
Key Takeaways
00:00 Welcome and Introduction to Discipleship
00:31 Exploring the Circles of Discipleship: Crowds, Groups, and One-to-One
01:58 The Distinctive Relationships and Content in Discipleship
02:14 Deep Dive into One-to-One Discipleship Dynamics
05:38 Strategies for Effective Discipleship and Multiplication
07:51 Addressing Challenges and Questions in Discipleship
15:03 Leveraging Information for Transformation in Discipleship
17:05 The Experience Age: Enhancing Discipleship with Experiential Learning
25:25 Breaking Down Barriers and Building Trust in Discipleship
27:07 The Power of Relational Discipleship
27:30 Introducing Discipleship Labs: A New Approach
29:03 Personalizing Discipleship Through Unique Experiences
31:49 Deep Dive into Personal Stories: The Impact of Discipleship
34:52 Expanding the Discipleship Experience with Mobile Apps
37:03 Creative Labs and Their Impact Across Cultures
37:52 The Unforgettable Lab: Letters of Unconditional Love
43:12 The Essence of Personalized Disciple Making
46:30 Closing Thoughts and Prayer
Check out these Free Ebooks:
Disciple Making Culture 10 Minute E-Book
Disciple Shift Ebook
Discipleship That Fits Ebook
Disciple Making Culture Visual Guide
Interested in Audio books? Here are a couple of great options:
Audio Book Becoming a Disciple Maker
Audio Book National Study on Disciple Making
Monday May 06, 2024
Monday May 06, 2024
This is the Q&A session from Rob Sweet and Rob Rogers, so if you haven’t listened to the previous two episodes, please skip back and do that before going any further. The Robs talk with Bobby Harrington about their collective focus on leading people to faith in Jesus and fostering lifelong discipleship within their churches.
Visit our website discipleship.org for blogs, videos, and free resources to fuel disciple making.
Key Takeaways
00:00 Opening Remarks and the Importance of Unity in Faith
00:53 Introductions and Initial Reactions
01:14 Discussing Misconceptions and Clarity in Ministry
02:03 The Challenge of Maintaining Mission Focus in Churches
07:23 The Pain and Reward of Making Hard Choices for Clarity
12:46 Exploring the Concept of Attractional Church and Its Challenges
18:01 The Role of Discipleship and Relationship in Church Growth
25:47 Closing Thoughts and Gratitude
Check out these Free Ebooks:
Disciple Making Culture 10 Minute E-Book
Disciple Shift Ebook
Discipleship That Fits Ebook
Disciple Making Culture Visual Guide
Interested in Audio books? Here are a couple of great options:
Audio Book Becoming a Disciple Maker
Audio Book National Study on Disciple Making
Wednesday May 01, 2024
Wednesday May 01, 2024
Rob Rogers shares his personal journey from addiction to pastoral ministry, highlighting the shift his church, Grace Chapel, made from a management-focused to a discipleship-centered approach.
Last day – Forum begins at 11AM – Registration for our upcoming event – National Disciple Making Forum (Disciple Making Culture).
Key Takeaways
00:00 Meet Rob Rogers: From Addiction to Ministry
01:13 The Shift from Managing Ministry to Cultivating Discipleship
03:04 Evaluating Outcomes: The Real Fruit of Ministry
07:10 Clarifying Vision and Culture for Effective Discipleship
12:49 Adjusting Systems for Sustainable Disciple Making
14:50 Implementing Core Values: Humble, Healthy, Hungry
19:15 Feedback and Accountability: The Path to Growth
Check out these Free Ebooks:
Disciple Making Culture 10 Minute E-Book
Disciple Shift Ebook
Discipleship That Fits Ebook
Disciple Making Culture Visual Guide
Interested in Audio books? Here are a couple of great options:
Audio Book Becoming a Disciple Maker
Audio Book National Study on Disciple Making
Visit our website discipleship.org for blogs, videos, and free resources to fuel disciple making.
Monday Apr 29, 2024
Monday Apr 29, 2024
Today's episode features lead pastor Rob Sweet from Fellowship Bible Church here in the Franklin, TN area. Since 2014, Rob has guided the church to reevaluate its mission statement to emphasize discipleship explicitly. They now prioritize becoming a community that follows Jesus wholeheartedly and assist others in doing the same.
Registration for our upcoming event – National Disciple Making Forum (Disciple Making Culture).
Key Takeaways
00:00 Opening Remarks: The Joy of Helping People Follow Jesus
00:42 The Journey of Fellowship Bible Church Towards Disciple Making
01:27 Redefining the Mission: Emphasizing Discipleship
03:25 The Challenge of Defining What It Means to Follow Jesus
04:45 Introducing Concrete Practices to Follow Jesus
08:09 Criteria for Selecting Core Practices of Following Jesus
09:22 Unveiling the Four Core Practices of a Follower of Jesus
14:37 The Impact of Implementing the Four Practices
Check out these Free Ebooks:
Disciple Making Culture 10 Minute E-Book
Disciple Shift Ebook
Discipleship That Fits Ebook
Disciple Making Culture Visual Guide
Interested in Audio books? Here are a couple of great options:
Audio Book Becoming a Disciple Maker
Audio Book National Study on Disciple Making
Visit our website discipleship.org for blogs, videos, and free resources to fuel disciple making.
Wednesday Apr 24, 2024
Wednesday Apr 24, 2024
In this episode, Chris from Betterman.com emphasizes the need for a clear path and purpose in the journey towards spiritual maturity when discipling men. He outlines a multifaceted approach that includes the Spirit of the Word, Spirit of the Body, Spirit of the Mind, and the Spirit of Service. The ultimate goal is to guide men to become like Christ, serving as gifts to their communities rather than burdens.
Registration for our upcoming event – National Disciple Making Forum (Disciple Making Culture).
For more information about BetterMan check out their website: https://betterman.com/
Key Takeaways
00:00 Introduction to Discipleship and the Path to Follow
00:30 The Shift in Discipleship Strategies and the Importance of a Structured Approach
01:19 Core Elements of Discipling Men: Spirit of the Word, Body, Mind, and Service
02:51 Understanding Gender Differences in Learning and Communication
05:49 Addressing the Delay in Maturation Among Men and Its Societal Impacts
08:55 Navigating Relational, Psychological, and Theological Changes in Discipleship
14:53 Theological Guidance and Encouraging Critical Thinking
24:04 Sociological Change: Inviting Men into a Larger Story
26:38 The Importance of Preaching the Full Gospel
27:09 A Cautionary Tale from Pastoral Experience
28:13 Challenging Easy Believism with Genuine Faith
28:49 The Three Essential Elements of Belief According to R.C. Sproul
30:00 John Piper's Addition to the Faith Discussion
30:58 The Parable of The Room: Desires vs. Reality
32:14 The Central Question of Discipleship: What Do You Desire?
33:06 Understanding Salvation and Fighting Sin
33:46 The Misconception of Living However You Want After Salvation
34:03 The Journey Towards Holiness and Patience in Discipleship
36:51 Addressing the Challenges of Modern Manhood
44:47 Discipleship as a Path to True Manhood
Check out these Free Ebooks:
Disciple Making Culture 10 Minute E-Book
Disciple Shift Ebook
Discipleship That Fits Ebook
Disciple Making Culture Visual Guide
Interested in Audio books? Here are a couple of great options:
Audio Book Becoming a Disciple Maker
Audio Book National Study on Disciple Making
Visit our website discipleship.org for blogs, videos, and free resources to fuel disciple making.
Monday Apr 22, 2024
Monday Apr 22, 2024
Chris Harper dives into the theological concept Jesus as a prophet, a priest, and a king. These roles are mirrored in the responsibilities of fatherhood and leadership within a Christian family, and this episode is really about helping Christian fathers to reflect Christ in the family. Dads need to be leading but from a place of love, giving encouragement along with spiritual guidance, and the stewardship of the family's emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being. Men have a unique responsibility in the home to foster an environment that nurtures faith and aligns with Christian values.
Registration for our upcoming event – National Disciple Making Forum (Disciple Making Culture).
For more information about BetterMan check out their website: https://betterman.com/
Key Takeaways
00:00 Introduction to Discipleship and the Path to Follow
00:30 The Shift in Discipleship Strategies and the Importance of a Structured Approach
01:19 Core Elements of Discipling Men: Spirit of the Word, Body, Mind, and Service
02:51 Understanding Gender Differences in Learning and Communication
05:49 Addressing the Delay in Maturation Among Men and Its Societal Impacts
08:55 Navigating Relational, Psychological, and Theological Changes in Discipleship
14:53 Theological Guidance and Encouraging Critical Thinking
24:04 Sociological Change: Inviting Men into a Larger Story
26:38 The Importance of Preaching the Full Gospel
27:09 A Cautionary Tale from Pastoral Experience
28:13 Challenging Easy Believism with Genuine Faith
28:49 The Three Essential Elements of Belief According to R.C. Sproul
30:00 John Piper's Addition to the Faith Discussion
30:58 The Parable of The Room: Desires vs. Reality
32:14 The Central Question of Discipleship: What Do You Desire?
33:06 Understanding Salvation and Fighting Sin
33:46 The Misconception of Living However You Want After Salvation
34:03 The Journey Towards Holiness and Patience in Discipleship
36:51 Addressing the Challenges of Modern Manhood
44:47 Discipleship as a Path to True Manhood
Check out these Free Ebooks:
Disciple Making Culture 10 Minute E-Book
Disciple Shift Ebook
Discipleship That Fits Ebook
Disciple Making Culture Visual Guide
Interested in Audio books? Here are a couple of great options:
Audio Book Becoming a Disciple Maker
Audio Book National Study on Disciple Making
Visit our website discipleship.org for blogs, videos, and free resources to fuel disciple making.
New Resource on Disciple Making Culture!
A disciple making church culture is what your church actually does in disciple making; strategy is your plans on paper. Unfortunately, while we have good intentions to make disciples, our strategy and church culture do not always line up.
Read this 10 minute book – a visual summary – and share it with your leaders so everyone can better understand what it means to have a disciple making culture.
Watch the recordings from our most Recent National Disciple Making Forum
“Culture eats strategy for breakfast.”
The Harvard Business Review describes it this way: “The values, beliefs and behaviors practiced in an organization formed over time because they are rewarded or punished (i.e. by formal or informal rules, rituals, and behaviors.”
The McKinsey Institute put it more simply: “culture is how we do things around here …”
That statement, often attributed to the most influential management guru of our time, Peter Drucker. What Drucker meant by “culture eats strategy for breakfast” was that lasting change in an organization comes only when the culture of an organization changes. Applying this to church, if you do not change the culture of a church, the church will not change.
Many leaders fail to account for this reality.
This gets at the root of why our disciple making plans can so easily fail. We try great strategies—preaching on disciple making, small groups, D-Groups, etc. But our churches will not change—indeed cannot change—because “culture” easily defeats the strategies we adopt.
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