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For anyone who is interested in following Jesus as his disciple. This podcast will be conversational, talking together about topics of prayer, sharing our faith with others, making disciples, our relationship with the word of God, forming groups and multi

Dave Lawton


    • Jun 23, 2026 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekly NEW EPISODES
    • 32m AVG DURATION
    • 205 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Conversations as you Go

    205. Aila Tasse – Model a Lifestyle of a Movement Leader #3

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2026 28:48


    In this episode, Aila continues exploring the lifestyle of a movement leader. Through the inspiring story of Roba, a person of peace in a remote African village whose influence has now extended through more than 14 generations of disciple-makers and churches, Aila shares why movement leaders must develop every disciple into a leader. Key Takeaways Faithful disciples pass on what they have learned to others who will do the same (2 Timothy 2:2). Ministry gifts are not positions, but are given to movement leaders to equip and develop others for the work of ministry.(Ephesians 4:11–12). Effective equipping develops the head, heart, and hands. Healthy leaders release others to become fruitful leaders themselves. Disciple-making movements grow through observing, obeying, modelling, and multiplying. “A seed does not grow on a tree. It grows away from the tree to become another tree—and eventually a forest.” Scriptures 2 Timothy 2:2 1 Thessalonians 1:6–8 1 Thessalonians 2 Ephesians 4:11–12

    204. Aila Tasse – Model a Lifestyle of a Movement Leader #2

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2026 52:19


    In this episode, Aila Tasse continues to unpack the importance of modelling as a disciple-maker and movement leader. Drawing from Scripture, movement experience, and his own story, Aila begins to explore the three critical stages of Disciple Making Movements: starting movements, multiplying movements, and sustaining movements. At the heart of each stage is leadership development, and Aila emphasises the importance of learning to model the DNA at each of these stages. He reminds us that movements are not built primarily through programs, tools, or information, but through lives that model obedience, faithfulness, service, and dependence on God. What we model is what we multiply, and what we multiply is what we sustain. Through powerful stories of disciple-making, servant leadership, and sharing life with others, Aila encourages us to move beyond merely teaching principles and instead invite people into a lifestyle of following Jesus. Key question: How are we modelling the life we want others to reproduce?

    203. Aila Tasse – Model a Lifestyle of a Movement Leader

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2026 50:18


    Aila Tasse unpacks 1 Thessalonians 2:1–13 as a foundation for modelling a lifestyle of a movement leader, drawing from both Paul's example and his own journey in disciple-making movements. He challenges us to identify the obstacles that hinder this lifestyle and to ask how they can be overcome. He calls us to respond to Jesus' Great Commission through a daily rhythm of listening, obeying, applying, and multiplying. Key Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:1–13 [1] You know, brothers and sisters, that our visit to you was not without results. [2] We had previously suffered and been treated outrageously in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in the face of strong opposition. [3] For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. [4] On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts. [5] You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness. [6] We were not looking for praise from people, not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles of Christ we could have asserted our authority. [7] Instead, we were like young children among you.Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, [8] so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well. [9] Surely you remember, brothers and sisters, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you. [10] You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed. [11] For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, [12] encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory. [13] And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is—the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe. Three Key Questions Aila Raises How do we model a lifestyle of a movement leader?Paul shows this through “how we lived among you”—a shared life, not just words. What obstacles stop us from modelling this lifestyle?Aila highlights that most barriers are internal—unbelief, disobedience, and cultural or religious systems that resist biblical disciple-making. How can we overcome these obstacles?Through honesty, accountability, patience, and obedience. Growth comes through faithfulness over time, trusting God to produce fruit. Closing Reflection Aila calls us to respond personally: “What are the obstacles that stop us from modelling a lifestyle of a movement leader and how can we overcome these?” 

    202. Aila Tasse – Multiply Yourself into the Lives of Others

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2026 27:41


    We continue our series with Aila Tasse as we explore the heart of movements: multiplying our lives into the lives of others. Aila moves beyond methods and strategies and calls us back to the deeper lifestyle of a movement catalyst. Drawing from Acts 20, Philippians 3, and the life of Jesus, Aila reminds us that movements are not built through impressive resumes or polished presentations, but through authentic lives poured out into others. “God doesn't want to do things in other people's lives that He has not done in our lives.” Aila reflects on Paul's words in Acts 20:18: “You know how I lived the whole time I was with you…” The credibility of the message comes not merely from what we tell people, but from the life we live. People are not looking for something fake. They are looking for reality. A woman’s question Aila shares a story of visiting a remote village while delivering relief food. After sharing the gospel with around 300 people gathered under a tree, the entire village responded to Jesus. But as Aila prepared to leave, a woman stopped him and asked a question that would shape the rest of his ministry: “Who is going to remain behind and teach us about this God who loves us?” That question broke Aila's heart. He realised that evangelism alone was not enough. People did not only need to hear about Jesus; they needed someone to remain, disciple, and multiply their lives into others. That night, Aila sensed God speak clearly: “Multiply yourself into the lives of others.” Years later, Aila returned to that same village and witnessed a thriving church meeting under the very same tree — now led by a seventh-generation leader from Aila’s own training. The movement is now spreading beyond this area into other tribes and communities because leaders had continued to multiply leaders. Aila reminds us that Jesus Himself spent most of His ministry investing deeply into a few ordinary, broken, and even doubting people (Matthew 28:17). Yet through them, the gospel spread across the world. Examining our own lives as movement leaders This episode also challenges us to consider the internal obstacles that hinder movement. Often the greatest barriers are not external opposition, but the “self” within us — perhaps our fears, unbelief, experiences, pride, or comfort. Aila leaves us with a powerful question: What is there in my lifestyle that can hinder God's movement? May this episode encourage us to examine our lives and ask how we can intentionally pour ourselves into others so that disciples, leaders, and movements continue far beyond us.

    201. Aila Tasse – Start, Multiply and Sustain 

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2026 40:02


    What does it take not only to start a disciple-making movement, but to see it multiply and remain for generations to come? In this episode, Aila Tasse calls us back to the heart of disciple-making: becoming before doing. Drawing again from John 15, Acts 20 and decades of experience training thousands of leaders across the nations, Aila shares why sustainable movements are ultimately “God stories” — born through abiding in Jesus, shaped by obedience, and carried forward through everyday disciples who model the life of Christ. Aila unpacks three essential stages of movement: Starting Multiplying Sustaining He explains why the DNA present at the beginning of a movement determines what it will become generations later. “The way you start is the way you finish,” he says. If movements are not started with multiplication and sustainability in mind, they will struggle to endure. The conversation explores: Why every disciple is a leader in movements How leaders are developed through modelling a lifestyle of a disciple The danger of movements losing their DNA across generations Why sustainability must be built in from the very beginning The importance of preparing now for the people God will send in the future Aila also reflects on Paul's farewell to the Ephesian elders in Acts 20, reminding us that movements survive not because of one charismatic leader, but because healthy leaders are raised, developed and released. “If you don't have a movement, soon God will give you one,” Aila says. “It has already been started.” This episode is a timely challenge for anyone longing to see disciple-making movements that not only begin well — but continue multiplying for generations to come. People sharing from a time of waiting on God in the room before Aila shared: Luke 11:23 — “He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters.” A call to gather with Jesus rather than scatter. A challenge to keep asking God, “What shall I do with my gift or talent Lord?” rather than looking first to worldly solutions. 1 Kings 19:9-13 — Elijah encounters God not in the wind, earthquake or fire, but in the gentle whisper.

    200. Aila Tasse – The Lifestyle of Abiding

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2026 38:00


    We're celebrating our 200th episode of Conversations As You Go! Thank you for being part of this journey. With more than 30,000 listens from people all around the world, we're grateful for the way this podcast continues to encourage and equip people to go and make disciples. In this milestone episode, we once again hear from Aila Tasse as he shares about abiding in the Vine from John 15:1-16. This message gets to the very heart of what it means to become truly fruitful. Don't skim past this episode or think, “I've heard this before.” Instead, take time to listen carefully to what Aila is sharing and what God wants to speak to you. As we learn to abide in Jesus, we discover that lasting fruitfulness does not come through our own effort, but through the life of Jesus flowing through us. Our prayer is that this, our 200th episode, will help us become people who are found abiding in Christ, so that the fruit we bear will be the result of His life at work in and through us. Key questions Aila asks: Discovery questions from John 15:1-16 What do we learn about disciple making? What principles of Kingdom movement do we learn? (How can we apply these?) Principles Aila identifies are: Remain: abiding (with Jesus) Bear fruit: starting (with the DNA you want to multiply) Bear much fruit: multiplying Bearing fruit that will last: sustaining Final challenge from Aila: ‘If God expects fruit, then what am I doing to see fruit in my life?’ What does God want to prune in my life so I can bear more fruit? What areas of my own personal life does He want me to grow in so I can abide more in Him? What are the prayer items He wants me to take to Him so I can bear more fruit?

    199. Aila Tasse – Thinking Like a Movement Leader #2

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2026 38:56


    In this second episode with Aila Tasse, the conversation goes deeper into the mindset and character of a movement leader. Drawing mainly from Acts 20:17–32 and the early chapters of Acts, Aila reflects on dependence on God, obedience, Kingdom vision, leadership multiplication, and modelling the life of Jesus. At the heart of the episode is the conviction that disciple-making movements are sustained through developing obedient, reproducing leaders. Key Takeaways 1. Dependancy on God John 15: “Remain in me” — movement leadership begins with dependence on God, continual prayer, and following the Holy Spirit. Acts 1:8 gave the early church a roadmap beyond Jerusalem, but growth and internal needs distracted them from Kingdom expansion. Acts 8:1 shows how persecution pushed the church into Judea and Samaria — God will often move His people toward obedience and mission. 2. Having a Kingdom Mindset Keep the focus on the Kingdom of God, not methods, brands, or labels like “DMM” or “T4T”. Kingdom leaders seek collaboration rather than tribalism or competition between ministries. The vision is disciples making disciples until the whole world hears and follows Jesus. 3. Motivation for Movement Habakkuk 2:14 reminds us that God desires the earth to be filled with His glory. Movement is motivated by the Father's heart for lost sons and daughters (Luke 15 – the prodigal son). The mission is ultimately about God's love for the lost, not building our own ministries. 4. Teaching Obedience Focus on teaching obedience to Scripture, not just increasing knowledge. Transformation comes through practicing what Jesus taught, not simply knowing more. God often uses ordinary, obedient believers powerfully, regardless of education or status. 5. Downloading Ourselves into Others Paul modelled transferring spiritual DNA and leadership into others (Acts 20). “Disciple-making movement = leader development. No leaders, no movement.” Every disciple should be developed into a reproducing disciple-maker and leader. 6. Taking Care of Ourselves Acts 20:28: “Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock” — leaders must care for themselves as well as others. Many movement leaders burn out because they neglect rest, sabbath, and spiritual renewal. Healthy and sustainable movements require healthy leaders. 7. Other Characteristics of Movement Leaders Movement leaders stay teachable: willing to listen, learn, obey, and grow. They invest deeply in others, modelling the life of a disciple rather than simply teaching principles. Collaboration and Kingdom partnership are essential for long-term multiplication. 8. Final Encouragement 1 Peter 5:2–3: shepherd God's people by being an example. 1 Thessalonians 2:7–8: Paul shared not only the gospel, but his very life. Movement leadership is about modelling humility, grace, weakness, and faithful obedience to Jesus.

    198. Aila Tasse – Thinking Like a Movement Leader #1

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2026 32:15


    In this episode, Aila reflects on a DBS on Acts 20:17–32 (last episode) and what it means to think like a movement leader. At the core is the heart: movements belong to God, not us. As we follow Jesus' example, we're called to faithful stewardship—trusting that God is the one who begins, sustains, and multiplies. 1. Movements Belong to God  Like Paul, leaders prepare others even if they won't “see the results” We don't own or control movements—God does Parable of the Tenants (Matt 21:33–46): we are stewards, not owners Holding onto what isn't ours can lead to it being “taken away” God can spark movement anywhere—even where it seems impossible 2. Humility & Self-Emptying (Acts 20:18–19) “I served the Lord with great humility and with tears…” (v.19) Pride quietly kills movements—humility sustains them Follow Jesus' model: daily surrender and self-emptying Be catalysts—point to God, not ourselves Leave no trail of personal glory; make disciples of Jesus, not of us 3. Focus on the Task (Acts 20:24) “My only aim is to finish the race and complete the task…” (v.24) This is a marathon, not a sprint—perseverance matters Stay focused despite pressure, praise, or hardship Don't chase numbers or outcomes—trust God for fruit Depend on God daily: fruit grows naturally, not by force “I've never seen a tree that forces itself to bear fruit. Trees bear fruit naturally. But there are things that you have to do with the tree so they can bear fruit.”

    197: The Catalyst's Farewell – Aila Tassie

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2026 20:48


    In this recording, Aila Tassie isn’t just speaking; he is leading a room of Australian movement leaders through a Discovery Bible Study (DBS) on the final words of the Apostle Paul. It is a raw, interactive session where the “expert” intentionally steps back to let the community discover what it truly means to lead a movement. What does a movement leader leave behind when they know they will never see their people again? You'll hear a diverse group of practitioners grappling with the “mind shift” required to move from being a professional manager of a church to an “ordinary catalyst” of a movement. It's a conversation about tears, severe testing, and the terrifying yet beautiful act of entrusting a mission entirely to the Holy Spirit. “Paul says, ‘You saw my life. I don’t have to tell you about my life.’ As a catalyst, I lived among you… and he was not ashamed to tell them that.” — Aila Tassie What if the greatest threat to your mission isn’t the world outside, but the ego within? We explore: The Power of Tears: Why humility and vulnerability are the primary currencies of a movement. The “Stay or Go” Tension: How to know when you've done enough to hand the reins over to the Spirit. The Australian Context: Real talk from local leaders on overcoming the fear of reputation and the lure of the “Comfort Zone.” If you've ever wondered if your leadership is building an institution or a movement, the answer lies in how you handle your exit.

    196: Aila Tassie – The art of ‘come and follow me’

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2026 35:24


    Before God calls anyone to “go,” He first calls them to “follow.” We often focus on the results of leadership—the numbers, the movements, and the strategies. But what if the most powerful thing a leader can do is simply unlearn everything they thought they knew? In this episode, we dive into a deep, vulnerable conversation from the Movement Leaders Weekend in Melbourne. You’ll hear from Aila Tassie, a movement leader who has seen the Gospel multiply across nearly 180 unreached people groups, alongside Roy Moran and Dave Lawton. Together, they explore the radical “mind shift” required to move away from professionalized, knowledge-based ministry toward an intimate, ordinary walk with Jesus.

    195. Roy Moran – What does Meeting together look like?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2026 46:04


    What does it mean to truly gather as a movement church today? In this episode, Roy Moran challenges the traditional “Sunday morning” legacy model, asking a vital question: what does a gathering look like that brings life but doesn’t breed dependency? Drawing from his experience transitioning a traditional congregation into a “hybrid church” strategy, Roy unpacks the gritty realities of planting multiplying, biblically flourishing communities. Whether you are wrestling with the limitations of consumer-driven religion or looking for ways to spark true disciple-making movements that reach people far from God, this conversation will push you to deeply rethink how, where, and why we meet.

    194. Roy Moran – Intro to Leaders Weekend

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2026 25:19


    Roy Moran kicks off a leaders weekend in City (last year in October 2025) with a powerful recap and vision for disciple-making movements. He shares key insights from global movements, including: What defines a movement (100+ churches across 4 generations) The scale of impact through New Generations (3M+ people, 177,000 groups) Why the gospel must not just grow—but scale Key Themes The Father's Heart: God is building a family—He is a lovesick Father pursuing His children Generators > Generations: Focus on forming people who multiply Movement Dynamics: The gospel spreads virally through relationships, not programs Western Challenge: Many need to rediscover God's heart—not just forgiveness, but family and mission Simple Obedience: Real multiplication happens when people engage Scripture and obey. Key Insight Roy shares real stories of multiplication—from college campuses to families—showing that what's happening globally is beginning to take root in the West. “God has chosen to need you… to pour His truth through your life.” Also Covered Diffusion of innovation (20/80 principle) Communicating without “church language” Practical tools (including an AI DMM coach: Put this WhatsApp Number to the test: +1 816 284 8470) Prayer Roy closes with a prayer, calling us back to the joy of the Father's family—and the invitation to join the family business of finding those not yet home. Final Reflection: If the gospel is meant to multiply, what would it look like in your life to see it move virally through your relationships, networks, and culture?

    193. Roy Moran – Having the Right Attitude When Helping Others with DMM

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2026 20:55


    Introduction In this final episode with Roy Moran from his time with us in the Dandenong Ranges (Melbourne, 2025), we explore how to help local churches embrace Disciple Making Movements (DMM). Roy challenges our posture—calling us to humility, service, and a true Kingdom heart as we seek to empower others rather than bring ready-made solutions. Managing the Tension Between Traditional Church and DMM Come with humility, not superiority Don't approach as someone who has “figured it out.” Come with questions, not answers (e.g. “What do you dream for in this community?”) Discover what drives people before offering anything. Discern shared vision If there's no shared goal, it's okay to move on. Most church leaders are not ill-intentioned—they genuinely want God's Kingdom to come but often feel constrained by existing systems. Asking them to change everything can feel like asking them to “commit suicide” within their context—so empathy is essential. Start Personally, Not Institutionally Infusion of innovation diagram Don't wait for permission or structures—begin disciple-making in your own life. Reach out to the lost, experiment, and live it out before trying to implement it in a church system. Focus on function over form. Understanding the Innovation Gap Early adopters respond to vision; the majority responds to story and social proof. Don't try to replace a church's “complete system” with your “pieces and parts.” Instead, humbly offer what you have and let it grow. A Posture That Opens Doors Ask: “How can I help?” Avoid pushing solutions until invited. When asked, respond gently as one without all the answers. Plant a garden, don't force growth Share stories. Offer small, relevant resources. Look for hunger and respond to it. Don't overwhelm—don't feed a baby with a firehose! Honour always Affirm the work already done. Never tear down—build up. Creating Space: “Building a Wall” Help churches create separation between traditional structures and DMM efforts. Encourage them to release people to make disciples. Keep things informal and low-key—avoid over-structuring. Start small with a committed group focused on reaching the lost. Strategy: Quiet, Humble, Relational Go under the radar—don't self-promote. Stay low, honour others, and avoid drawing attention. Under-promise and over-deliver. If people start promoting you—step back. Key Quote “The gap between vision and multiplying reality is closed by one simple thing – people and connection.” Real movement leadership is relational, messy, and slow. It requires vulnerability, patience, and deep investment in people—not just strategies or systems. Final Prayer (Summary) Roy closes by praying for: God's power beyond our human understanding Fruitfulness and Kingdom multiplication Divine appointments with people ready for transformation Courage to pursue “impossible” Kingdom dreams Humility—even through refining and difficulty A deep awareness of our identity as children of God Final Encouragement As we conclude this series with Roy: Reflect on what you've heard across these episodes Ask: How is God speaking to me? What is my response? Take the next step—simply, humbly, and with others.

    192. Roy Moran – Form and Function and Importantly – Money

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2026 36:13


    What role should organisation play in disciple-making movements? In this episode, Roy Moran explores how structure, function, and money can either fuel or hinder movements. “The question is not the presence of structure, the question is whether the structure is being served or serving.” — Roy Moran Form and Function in Movements Movements are often described as organic, but every living organism has structure. Because we are created in the image of a triune God who exists in community, forming tribes, teams, and simple structures is part of our nature. The issue is not whether movements have structure, but what the structure serves. Healthy movements keep structures lightweight and low-maintenance, designed to support disciple-making rather than replace it. Roy highlights a key principle: Form always follows function. Movements begin with making disciples. As disciples multiply, forms of church and leadership naturally emerge. But when people try to create the form first and then add disciple-making later, the result often struggles. Video (played in the podcast – audio only): Roy references Buurtzorg, a healthcare organisation in the Netherlands that shows how a large organisation can operate with lightweight structures, strong values, and decentralised decision-making that empowers local teams — watch here. The Role of Money Money can also derail movements if it creates dependency. “If money causes dependency, then money kills movement.” Healthy movements emphasise local generosity and stewardship, where resources serve real needs—caring for community, enabling mission, and supporting training—without creating unhealthy dependence. Questions to Reflect On Are the structures around us allowing form to follow function, or are we trying to force the function to fit the form? When it comes to money, are we strengthening mission—or unintentionally creating dependency that could stall the movement?

    191. Roy Moran: Helpful Hints, DBS and Not Being a Bottleneck

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2026 10:12


    In this short episode, Roy Moran shares practical insights on facilitating Discovery Bible Studies (DBS) without becoming a bottleneck. He encourages leaders to be ruthless about empowering others to facilitate, allowing people to “fail forward” as they learn. Roy explains that the simple DBS process is built around three core values: helping people hear from God, respond in obedience, and share with others. The seven DBS questions function like a simple liturgy—repeatable, memorable, and designed to keep the focus on Scripture rather than the facilitator's teaching. He also challenges listeners to develop deep self-awareness. Our habits from traditional church can unintentionally get in the way, so ongoing reflection and “ruthless inventory” are needed to keep giving the process away. Reflect: How can I step back and avoid becoming a bottleneck when new Discovery Groups begin?

    Episode 190. Roy Moran – Explaining Movements for Everyone

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2026 17:17


    In this short episode, we continue our series with Roy Moran as he explains disciple-making movements in simple, everyday language. Starting with the question, “What does God want?” Roy describes how he would explain movements on the back of a napkin—beginning with who God is and His relational heart for people. Rather than starting with jargon like “DMM,” Roy shows how movements are simply the natural outcome of God at work as disciples multiply and a culture of replication takes shape. Reflect: How would you explain disciple-making movements in everyday language?

    189. Roy Moran – Developing a Healthy Lifestyle for Disciple-Makers

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2026 42:57


    In this episode, we continue our series with Roy Moran, focusing on how to develop a healthy, sustainable lifestyle as a disciple-maker. Jesus said, “I have come that you might have life and have it to the full” (John 10:10). Abundant life is meant to be the fruit of following and being transformed by Him — yet many of us feel tired, overextended, and constantly busy. Indian movement leaders often say, “Busyness is the enemy of movements.” They say that being BUSY can stand for Being Under Satan's Yoke. When we are always busy, we lose space for the most important people and the most fruitful work. Prioritising our time is not optional — it is essential. Rethinking Productivity: The 80/20 Principle Roy explores the Pareto Principle — the idea that roughly 80% of our results come from 20% of our activity. The challenge is not simply to do more, but to identify what is truly fruitful. Roy invites us to “objectify” our time — to get it out of our heads and onto paper. When we list everything we are doing and evaluate where the real fruit lies, we often discover that some activities carry disproportionate impact. The goal is not to run faster, but to remove what is ineffective and intentionally focus on what produces lasting fruit. This is about life management that fits the spirit of movement — doing things intentionally, not accidentally. What we require is intentional systems — because systems sustain what goals alone cannot. Whole-Life Health The conversation extends beyond ministry strategy into holistic living: marriage, singleness, emotional health, finances, and long-term sustainability. Roy asks, “What is the irreducible minimum in your world to be healthy and whole — so that what you are replicating is worthy of being replicated?”. Finances: Financial health, especially for supported workers, is part of running the race well. At the same time, we will not see the Great Commission fulfilled without disciple-making in the marketplace.  Marriage, Singleness & Support: Roy and others in the room share candid reflections on navigating calling as couples and singles. Whether married or single, sustainable disciple-making requires relationships that keep us grounded and honest. Reflection questions from this episode:  What would it look like to create a life plan that prioritises what truly matters? What needs to shift so you can run this race with endurance for decades to come? How can you build regular, intentional systems of reflection and assessment to maintain your long-term health, focus, and effectiveness? Resource In this episode, Roy references Designing Your Life by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans — a playbook for applying design thinking to your own life.

    188. Roy Moran: Measuring Momentum Before Movement

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2026 48:07


    In this episode, we continue listening to Roy Moran's 2025 training with us as Praxeis leaders, exploring a critical idea: momentum comes before movement. Roy grounds the conversation in Proverbs 27:23: “Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds.” Movements can easily be treated like machines — measured by outputs, numbers, and generations. But disciple-making movements are not factories. They are about inner transformation. Jesus changes people first; multiplication follows. Momentum Before Movement One of Roy's key insights: “There is a period of momentum before there is a period of movement… We are immature in measuring momentum.” We often try to measure movement — new groups, multiplication, generations. But in the early stages, there's very little visible fruit. Instead of measuring outcomes, we need to measure health and obedience. What does momentum look like? People living with an “I will…” posture toward Jesus Regular listening and responding to God Obedience becoming a lifestyle Spiritual conversations flowing naturally Slowing down enough to hear God clearly Before someone becomes a multiplying disciple-maker, they must first learn to simply be a disciple. Managing the Tension There's an ongoing tension between: Systematic measurement (growth, numbers), and Organic care (knowing the condition of people's hearts). Roy reminds us this tension isn't a problem to solve but a tension to manage. Healthy leadership means accepting we'll never have everything covered. It requires walking in the Spirit, not striving for perfect balance. People Are Not Objects When we overemphasize metrics, people can subtly become numbers. Roy urges us to remember: people are subjects, not objects. The goal is not activity but transformation. Especially in church contexts, building momentum can take time. Tradition can slow things down. That's why we must prioritise depth before speed. As David Watson said: “Go slow to go fast.” Build quality in disciples — and the generations will come. Key Takeaway Push movement metrics to the side in the early phase.Learn to recognise and celebrate momentum in the internal life — Word, Spirit, obedience, passion. Movement flows from transformation. ‘What signs of spiritual transformation might indicate that real momentum is already forming in me and in those I'm walking with — even if visible movement hasn't appeared yet?'

    187. Starting Apostolic Teams and Collaborating Across Our City, Nation, and Nations

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 12, 2026 30:53


    In this episode, Roy continues sharing from our time together about starting apostolic teams and navigating the real challenges of collaboration. Starting Apostolic Teams This builds on Roy's previous insights about forming teams made up of different roles — including movement catalysers, DMM strategists, prayer mobilisers, learning designers, coaching cultivators, apostolic pioneers, and disciple-makers. He describes these as different “swim lanes” — distinct expressions of gifting that allow people to run in their grace and calling while contributing to a shared mission. Roy observes that many people from Christian backgrounds tend to be permission-seeking, whereas harvest-field people often are not. As leaders, we need to intentionally give churched believers permission — again and again — to step into and express the gifting they carry in our contexts. Multiplying prayer  Roy then shares from his Kansas City context about cultivating replicating prayer: “It's not about the volume but the distinctiveness of prayer [that's focused on lostness].” – RoyRather than simply increasing activity, the focus is on prayer that is harvest-focused and easily reproducible. Collaboration Roy also explores how to build teams through meaningful collaboration. He references five conditions for collective impact drawn from research out of Stanford University: Common Agenda – A shared understanding of the problem and a shared vision for change.Shared Measurement for Success – One of the biggest challenges in Christianity, especially when we assume we are doing the same thing but measure differently.Mutually Reinforcing Activities – Training and mobilisation are difficult if they are not aligned with a common agenda and shared measures.Continuous Communication – Learning to communicate consistently, not just when we are face-to-face. Creating a “campfire” platform (online) where stories and resources can be shared.A Backbone Structure – A brand-light (or brand-bashful) organisation that exists to support and strengthen leaders rather than promote itself. Roy concludes: “We need to define who we are so we can defend who we are. But this allows us to collaborate more, not less… We can create tables for anybody to come. We can create tools that anybody can use. But when we create tracks for people to run on, they are very distinct.” – Roy Be Encouraged Be provoked and encouraged as you listen to this episode — and consider what it might look like to start apostolic teams and cultivate collaboration across your city, your nation, and even the nations.

    186. Birthing Teams for Movements

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2026 32:00


    In this episode, we continue on with Roy Moran's teaching as we look at the different roles in movements as we birth teams. It’s important to know that we cannot do it alone. Our first question after God gives us a vision is always “who?” as we seek to replicate leadership in teams. Constant sharpening and failing in movement teams is crucial. If we don't take risks, then there's no need for faith.  So at the start of this year as we seek to hear from God and commit to stepping out what he is saying, we begin by listening to Roy share how we can birth teams filled with different roles.  Do we something feel like this? (Image Provided by Thinkstock. Lisa F. Young) Different roles in movements Movement Catalyst  DMM Strategist  Prayer Mobiliser Learning Designers  Coaching Cultivator  Apostolic Pioneer  Disciple Maker Culture But we also hear Roy share about culture. Even though we need to train a lot, training itself is not the answer. Instead culture is what is needed to move forward. It’s not a training problem that we have. Instead it's a culture that we need to create.  “Culture eats strategy for breakfast.” (Peter Drucker)  “Culture is built by language and ritual” (Roy). These are the habits that people replicate. We can't just take the training on DBS, program it and plant it in the soil of a different type of culture and then somehow expect to see movements start.  3 ways to to plant a movement culture Plant disciple making inside the good soil of an existing church culture. This requires spaces where people are already completely bent towards lostness. “Everyone has a heart for disciple making. Only few have a stomach for it” (Roy). This is because it will cost church leaders their people and their money. Plant it alongside an existing church culture. Needs to be encouraged and fostered.  Plant it apart from an existing church culture. Release the radicals by supporting and encouraging them.  Questions to think about at the end of this episode Are you creating team by bringing people around you?  Are these people becoming replicators? 

    184. Roy Moran – How Much Are You Worth?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2025 21:54


    As we race toward the end of 2025 and look ahead to 2026, many of us find ourselves taking stock — of our year, our ministry, and even our own sense of worth. How are you feeling right now? Encouraged? Tired? Discouraged? In this our episode for the year, Roy Moran brings a timely and deeply pastoral word that calls us back to what we are truly worth — not based on our activity, outcomes, or perceived success, but on what God has already declared and paid for. Roy encourages us to reflects on Romans 8:15–39. Dave will read the full passage at the end of the episode, creating space for you to reflect, pray, and give thanks as we approach Christmas. We often don't need more information — we need reminding. As Patrick Henry famously said, “People need to be reminded more than they need to be informed.” Too often, our sense of worth is quietly shaped by our activity. We compare ourselves to others in the room — those with larger platforms, greater influence, or more visible disciple-making fruit — and we begin to measure ourselves accordingly. Roy names this for what it is: a deeply destructive way of living. The gospel proclaims something radically different. Every human being is worth the blood of Jesus. The most significant relationship in all eternity — the relationship between the Father and the Son — was put into question so that we could be brought into God's family. That is the value the Father places on us. Even if we experience extraordinary success in ministry or movement outcomes, our worth never increases. We are worth exactly what was paid on the cross — nothing more, nothing less. Roy also challenges our learning and leadership cultures. If confession and repentance are absent — especially repentance from idols like ministry numbers, performance, or operating out of the flesh — we subtly drift back into a works-based mindset. Peace and freedom come when we remember that our worth is never on trial. It is not dependent on our effort, outcomes, or legacy. Our identity is secure:I am a child of the Most High.I am precious to Him.He will never leave me or forsake me. Whether or not we ever see a disciple-making movement, God's invitation remains the same: to live as beloved and faithful sons and daughters. Romans 8:15–39 – questions for reflection What identity does Paul highlight in Romans 8?Spend some time in quiet contemplation before God.Is there anything the Spirit is inviting you to confess or repent of? May this episode help you end the year grounded in grace, identity, and the unshakeable love of the Father.

    184. Roy Moran – Growth in Movements

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2025 63:50


    In this episode, we continue our series drawing from our training with Roy Moran and Aila Tasse. In this conversation, Roy shares the importance of focusing on the generators in disciple-making movements and reflects on several key shifts in his thinking and practice. He begins by telling parts of his own story and how he became involved in movements around the world. Key Shifts in Roy's Thinking & Practice Conversion vs. Discovery & Disciple-MakingRoy highlights the difference between aiming for a moment of conversion versus facilitating discovery through disciple-making. He notes that the “line of faith” concept has shaped much of Western thinking, yet it's not something we actually see in the Gospels. Discovery Bible Studies—often led by those who aren't yet followers of Jesus—play a crucial role here. Faith in Function, Not FormInstead of focusing on structures or models, Roy urges us to trust the function of disciple-making. When we start with making disciples, ekklesia—church as Jesus intended—naturally emerges. Groups Over IndividualsMovements multiply through groups, not isolated individuals. Catalysts fuel multiplication, while what Roy calls “accidental diminishers” slow it down. Marketers vs. Terrorists (Revolutionaries)Roy draws a striking analogy: marketers are loud and central, while revolutionaries are subtle, quiet, and operate at the edges, identifying people who are already open to change. They are also needs-focused. He warns that our well-intended spirituality can sometimes get in the way of our humanness—and that curiosity, especially in the West, has become a lost art. Learning Designers vs. Content ProvidersRoy re-examines what we mean by the biblical gift of teaching. Is it merely telling? Research shows that questions, not statements, facilitate genuine learning. Movements thrive when we design ways for people to discover rather than receive information passively. Leading People Toward vs. Leading AwayCatalytic leaders create processes where “it can't happen without me, but it can't depend on me.” This becomes a litmus test for our methods:Can people do this themselves, and can they pass it on? Focus on the Generators, Not the Generations Roy emphasizes that one of our common mistakes is focusing on generations (how many steps down the line) instead of generators—the multipliers who spark ongoing reproduction. When we cultivate generators, the generations take care of themselves. He illustrates this with the pandemic's “R number,” which showed how quickly a virus could spread. Christianity, he suggests, can sometimes inoculate people from the very thing it's meant to spread—we become addicted to visible success and move on when things don't seem to be working. But movements don't emerge from quick wins.They are formed through long periods of small, consistent acts of obedience, which eventually become visible. Roy calls us back to staying faithful to the basics of disciple-making—and to keeping our eyes on the generators.

    183. Roy Moran – Knowing the Heart of the Father 

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2025 21:02


    After hearing from Roy Moran last week, in this podcast we start a series of receiving a training from Roy and Aila Tasse. Roy and Aila brought clarity and the heart of God the Father as we received their input in Melbourne recently over two weeks.  In this episode, Roy shares on not falling in love with the practice of DMM but with the heart of God. The Lovesick Father's Heart He asks us two questions to answer from Luke 15:20-24 (the returning of the prodigal son): What does this tell us about the heart of this earthly father in the story? What does this tell us about the heart of God? “And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.' And they began to celebrate.” Our core motivation for disciple making is this: We serve a lovesick Father who is desperate to regather his family. We need to fall in love with the problem not the solution: When we fall in love with disciple making tactics, we fail to realise that they are not what generates passion. Only a connection with the lovesick Father's heart for his lost children will bring people passion and motivation. Becoming part of the Father's business: Its not as simple as saying ‘prayer starts movements'. Instead, as we grow closer to the Father's heart for his children, we will become part of the family business.  God is generous: The reason the trinity created us is so that we could share in the life and community that they have. God is desperate to see those who have fallen out of this community to be pulled back into it. Roy and his wife Candy, and a group of four others started Shoal Creek Community Church in 1992.

    182. Roy Moran in Australia!

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 28, 2025 27:15


    Dave speaks with Roy Moran about fresh opportunities for disciple-making and movements in Western contexts like Australia and New Zealand. Roy reflects on several key shifts that shaped his own journey: Key Shifts Roy Made From belief to obedience.Jesus' invitation “follow me” and His final command to “obey everything I have commanded you” show that disciple-making is about getting people in front of God's Word and helping them obey and share it. Re-gospelling.Forgiveness is part of the gospel—but not the whole. The fuller gospel shapes how we love people as humans first, before trying to be spiritually impressive. Seeing the gospel move away from us.Jesus sent His disciples out. We need to make the shift of seeing the gospel move away from us rather than attracting people towards us. Confidence in the Word and Spirit alone.God's Word ahas power without our explanations—especially when paired with obedience and sharing. The Spirit enables people to obey and to also share their story, not just their “faith.” Not persuading but loving.Disciple-making in the West requires listening, connecting, and understanding others. Then if people give God's Word and Spirit access, He works in their lives. Final Word of Encouragement from Roy Moran “Jesus had a dream of bringing heaven to earth…What would it be like if we were to learn from [where movements are exploding] and begin to implement some of the strategies of multiplying disciples? I think it is possible!…I'm seeing it in my own world right now… I know it can happen here and I know it can happen with you!”

    181. Shodankeh Johnson from Sierra Leone

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2025 7:48


    In this episode, Dave catches up with Shodankeh Johnson, an apostolic leader from Sierra Leone, well known from the Engage Africa videos. Shodankeh has seen disciples in his nation grow from just a handful to half a million. During a recent conference in America, Dave asked Shodankeh to share a word of encouragement and greeting, focusing on the need to see the passion, power, and fire of God flow through us—not just relying on the right methods. This, Shodankeh reminds us, is key for breakthrough in the West, where movements of multiplication are longed for. Shodankeh reminds us that God is always in us, and that His reward is sure. “Yes, it can be tough, but it can be done. With God, all things are possible. He is the impossibility specialist.” He emphasizes the importance of prayer: “Pray as if everything depends on you, and pray as if everything depends on God. God will shake the foundation of the wicked one. A time is coming when we will see rapid multiplication of disciples, churches, leaders, and groups across the western world.” Shodankeh encourages us to be strong and courageous and never give up, quoting Hebrews 11:6: “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” He calls faith the currency of heaven, the foundation from which multiplication of disciples will come. This, he says, is the love language of a disciple-making movement. He shares a stirring call to pursue the fire of God: “In this generation, we need to pray that God will use us. The fire of God is very important. We will see this when we spend quality time in His presence. There is no rush hour with God. Be hungry for His Word and His presence. Cry out for it as you would for food and water. When you do, the fire of God will come upon your life. This is what makes the difference—not the strategies of disciple-making movements. The first disciples in Acts were ordinary people, but the presence of God and the fire in them made all the difference. Be hungry for that fire. It's not the size of the fire, but how many fires you can light.” Shodankeh closes by praying for the fire of God to come upon us and flow through us, empowering ordinary people to make an extraordinary impact for Christ.

    180. Commissioned

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 14, 2025 28:32


    This podcast we listen to a commissioning from movement leaders in third world contexts that will deeply encourage us as disciple makers and leaders. Jesus commissioned his disciples saying, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And behold I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20). This spoke deeply into the disciples' spirits as they started to obey his commission. It brought all of Jesus' ministry and teaching together. It had all come to this. The disciples knew that this was what they were called to do. In this episode you will hear a commissioning given by several movement leaders (who are remain nameless mainly due to security) from Africa and elsewhere in the world. These are the final statements from a powerful meeting of movement leaders encouraging one another. They cover: What is DMM (and what it is not): How movement is the multiplication of disciples and churches. The call to go into difficult places and even suffer for Jesus. The encouragement that we should never be satisfied: To go for the highest - nothing less than God wants to accomplish. How the call that is for ordinary people. The need to collaborate and network. As you listen to each leader share and pray, be deeply encouraged and empowered in your spirit. Let these prayers become your prayers.

    179. The Power of the Ordinary

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2025 32:47


    In this episode, Dave shares a recent message he gave to the Crossway Online Church community, reflecting on Luke 10 and the surprising power of ordinary people in God's mission. In Luke 10, Jesus sends out 72 others — because 12 were not enough. When the 72 return, full of joyful testimonies of God at work, Jesus Himself is described as “full of joy through the Holy Spirit.” “I praise you, Father… because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children… Blessed are the eyes that see what you see.” — Luke 10:21, 23–24 Dave reminds us that Jesus transferred the kingdom of God into the hands of ordinary disciples — people who pray, listen, obey, and go. Story 1 — Aisha in South East Asia Among a large unreached people groups, Aisha was a simple housewife trained in disciple-making. As she prayed, God gave her a heart to reach her community around her. With no previous experience, she simply started where she was — in the marketplace. Partnering with a street trader named Fani, they began selling a local delicacy — fried chicken heads — and the business grew rapidly. Immersed in the community, Misha began offering: • Micro-loans to struggling traders • Literacy classes for teenagers • Discovery Bible Studies (DBS) with new friends What began as prayerful availability has now become multiplying disciple-making groups. Jesus leaped for joy because God reveals His kingdom through the unexpected and overlooked — the “little children.” Story 2 — The Chicken Shop Disciple Maker In a region of South Asia experiencing high persecution, Dave describes how one of the teams has seen over 40,000 new disciples and 2,200+ churches planted. In the midst of this movement was a man who simply ran a local chicken shop. He learned to start Discovery Bible Studies with his neighbours. Disciple-making is simple and reproducible. Ordinary people. Everyday places. Story 3 — James in Africa James is seeing a movement among Muslim university lecturers, Muslim students, their families and the wider community. In the last 12 months alone: • 161 new Discovery Groups have been birthed • 99 new churches have been planted • 11 unreached people groups have been engaged • Groups are multiplying to the 4th generation and beyond There is real joy and freedom from darkness, with many baptisms among those previously far from Jesus. Photo: James' first house church Photo: Discovery Bible Group on an Islamic University campus Recent baptisms through James' ministry in Africa Response Key Characteristics of Ordinary Disciple Makers • The Power of the Ordinary — Don't compare yourself. • The Power of Availability — Simply be available to God. • The Power of Obedience — Listen and follow what God says. • Birth Everything in Prayer — Movements start on our knees. Dave ends with a call to: • Pray • Give to missions • Go and participate in the Great Commission Because the Gospel spreads not through the extraordinary, but through ordinary people who say ‘yes' to Jesus. You can watch Dave sharing at Crossway here

    178. God on the Move!

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 24, 2025 40:41


    Featuring: Dave Coles, author of God on the Move: Making Disciples Among the Nations

    177. Steps to Catalysing Movement

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 14, 2025 32:27


    We continue our series from the Thailand 25 Gathering, hearing from a leader from South East Asia who is catalysing disciple-making movements among a large unreached people group, and from Dave, who shares practical insights on how to catalyse movements with stories from Fiji and England. From the South East Asian Leader He shared about three key roles in disciple-making movements (DMM): 1. Disciple – doing DBS (Discovery Bible Study) together. 2. Facilitator – helping others become disciple-makers. 3. Catalyst – multiplying movement through others. He described his personal calling as that of a Catalyst—someone Jesus sends into new places to find people of peace, help them discover Jesus, and train others to do the same. Some key principles he highlighted: • Follow Jesus' plan to be sent into places where you know no one, trusting Him to lead you to people with open hearts. • Gather and train those who respond—equip them with simple tools and resources. • Model and multiply—invite those who have seen fruit to share at trainings and train others by example. • Form teams from those trained—pray together, stay together, and go back to Scripture and DBS regularly. • Coach and mentor ongoingly, repeating the process to see multiplication continue. From Dave: How to Catalyse Movements Dave shared how catalysing begins with our relationship with God—hearing His call and being led by the Spirit. He described five levels or roles in movement growth: 1. Disciple (groups of 2s and 3s) 2. Group leader (People of Peace, often church leaders) 3. Leader of groups and streams of churches that are multiplying 4. Regional leaders (those carrying a vision across nations or regions) 5. Catalysts who help multiple movements grow Key insights from Dave's experience: • Everything begins in prayer—listening to God and watching for new things He is doing. • Find catalytic leaders—local, Spirit-led people whom God is already using. • Serve others by asking, “What does this person need?” rather than pushing your own agenda. • Movement work is highly relational and Spirit-dependent, not just about strategy or training. Dave reminds us that God is the one who catalyses the work—and sometimes He turns the question back to us: “How much do you want?”

    176. Inner Life #2

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2025 28:04


    We continue our series from our international gathering in Thailand with part two of The Inner Life of a leader. In this episode, Graham (a pastor from New Zealand with over 50 years of ministry experience) and a leader from South Asia share how they nurture and sustain their inner lives as disciples and leaders. Part 1: Graham (New Zealand) – Dealing with our questions and thoughts “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” – Proverbs 4:23 Graham reflects on how leaders can deal with questions and negative thought patterns. He highlights the importance of bringing our questions honestly to the cross. He also shares the need for accountability in relationships and discerning God's voice by taking every thought captive. “We have to learn how to deal with the questions.” Part 2: South Asian Leader – The rhythms of a disciple in the midst of persecution “You have to face these things [persecution]. These things will come.” Speaking from his context of persecution, this fruitful leader describes how rhythms of prayer, Scripture, and fellowship sustain him. He emphasises that obedience to God's Word is central, since we can only share with others what we are living out ourselves. He explains the MAWL principle (Model, Assist, Watch, Launch) as the way he disciples others. Even in persecution, he testifies that the Word of God brings hope and courage. Since Jesus prepares us as his disciples for suffering from the beginning, the promise of eternal life gives hope and strength. For this leader, it is a deep source of joy to see the church multiplying under persecution—he shares that they have recently recorded 2,100 churches in their network. Final Encouragement Once again, we see how our inner lives are the most vital part of who we are as disciples and leaders. Be encouraged by these leaders' words to: Guard your heart and let God's truth shape your inner life. Live out rhythms of prayer, Scripture, and obedience that sustain faith—even in hardship. Graham has written a book called ‘Demon Speak: Recognising and Overcoming the Enemy Voices in Your Life'.

    175. Inner Life #1

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 23, 2025 29:09


    We continue our series from our international gathering in Thailand. What will take us out of the race as leaders in movements? Over the next two podcasts, we'll be hearing  from four practitioning leaders share from their perspective of what helps them go the distance as disciple makers and leaders. In this episode, we hear two powerful insights from two experienced practitioners about the inner life of a disciple and leader—the part of us that shapes everything we do. Be encouraged by the walk of others as we look at our own lives as disciples and leaders.  Part 1: Roger (New Zealand) – Personality and Leadership “Often we underestimate how much our personalities can influence our leadership.”  Roger shares how our soul or personalities and tendencies can both strengthen and slow us down as leaders. If we're not aware, our personality can even take us out of the race. Looking at the lives of Jesus' disciples, Roger highlights how their different temperaments shaped their strengths—and their struggles:  • Peter – impulsive, bold and ambitious.  • James & John – ambitious, strong leadership, destructive (controlling and angry) at times, but full of zeal (can lead to burnout for some).  • Thomas – skeptical, analytical, cautious (wise but can be paralysed by doubt and overthinking) yet also deeply loyal (slow to trust).  • Philip – practical, analytical, sometimes too pragmatic.  • Andrew – quiet and relational (but can be people pleasing and compromise with shallow connections rather than speaking the truth and lifting one another up).   • Judas – calculated, controlling, desiring power (the prestige of Jesus' movement), and ultimately led astray. Roger challenges us with Romans 12: are we functioning out of our true spiritual gifts—or just our personality? Many leaders let their personality take over, but God calls us to live and lead from the Spirit alongside others in community and teams.  Part 2: Gabi (Eastern Europe) – Testing: God Working in the Dark “The lack of trusting is actually the lack of love.”  Gabi speaks vulnerably about walking through valley seasons as a leader. Instead of asking “why me?” she encourages us to ask: “God, what are You doing in this situation?” Drawing from her journey, including seasons of suffering and difficulty, Gabi reminds us of Psalm 23. God meets us in the valley - in the dark. And he leads us through and encourages us to grow as people. She encourages leaders not to give in to bitterness or fear, but to embrace the Spirit of love, power, and a sound mind (2 Tim 1:7). Even in the darkest moments, God is at work shaping our hearts and preparing us to lead with greater depth. Takeaway Your inner life is the most important part of who you are as a leader. Be encouraged by Roger and Gabi's words to: • Pay attention to your personality and how it influences your leadership. • Allow God to meet you in the valleys, shaping your spirit rather than letting fear or bitterness take hold. This episode will help you grow deeper as a disciple and leader who leads from the inside out.

    174. From Hong Kong to the Nations

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2025 44:54


    As we continue our Thailand25 series, many of you will remember Rey from Hong Kong and how God used him to see movement among Filipina maids. In this episode, Rey continues to share the journey of seeing movement in and from Hong Kong. In July 2022, Rey pioneered Discovery Obedience Bible Studies (DOBS) in Hong Kong parks with Pilipino maids. What began as one small step of faith has now grown into multiplying disciple-making communities (DMCs) in Hong Kong, Macau, the Philippines, and even Japan. Rey's obedience to the Holy Spirit has opened the door to multiplication down to third and fourth generations of disciples. His passion is clear: “We are not in the business of making believers but disciples.” You'll be encouraged as Rey explains how God is using simple obedience, a clear disciple-making vision, and a commitment to multiplication to bring transformation from Hong Kong to the nations. Highlights from Rey's Journey Early Exposure to Movements Since 2016, Rey was exposed to disciple-making movements through experiences in Israel, India, and Myanmar, which grew into a deep passion and became the focus of his Master's thesis in Hong Kong. From Pastor to Movement Pioneer His church in Hong Kong adopted DMM principles—but only as a growth strategy, not a true disciple-making movement. The spark eventually faded. 2022: Rey resigned from traditional church ministry, rejecting offers from large churches.  During quarantine, while fasting and praying, God's answer surprised him: not to join another church, but to start doing DMM himself. July 2, 2022: Rey launched the first DOBS group in a Hong Kong park. Multiplication Across Nations Hong Kong: Now 110 active disciples. 3 DMCs (up to 4th generation). 201 baptisms over the last three years—monthly beach baptisms with new believers. 20 women in training to become “DMM pastors,” preparing to return to the Philippines. Macau: 1 group, 8 active disciples, 3 disciple-makers. Philippines: Communities in the north, central, and the Muslim south (Mindanao). Over 100 active disciples in multiple generations. Japan (Yokosuka, near Tokyo): Filipina women reaching out to bar owners and families. Baptisms and new groups forming into a multiplying community. Disciple-Making Process Rey uses DOBS (Discovery Obedience Bible Studies): Discover, Obey, Bible, Share. He has developed different levels of scripture sets: Seekers – discovering Jesus. Disciples – going deeper. Leaders – training for multiplication. Vision & Tools Rey always gives the vision upfront: everyone is called to be a disciple-maker. He even draws people a simple path: Seeker → Believer → Disciple → Disciple-Maker → Leader. Anchors everything in key Scriptures: Matthew 28:18-20 (Great Commission), Matthew 22:36-39 (Great Commandment), Acts 1:8 (Need for Holy Spirit to be witnesses) and 2 Timothy 2:2 (Multiplication of disciples). DBS format follows the 4Ws: Worship Watch (share stresses) Word (Head, Heart, Hands) Work (commitments & sharing). Why Listen? Rey's story is one of courage, obedience, and multiplication. From humble beginnings in a park in Hong Kong to movements multiplying in the Philippines and Japan, Rey's testimony challenges us to rethink church, embrace disciple-making, and trust God's Spirit to lead.

    173. Modelling What You Want to Multiply – Mike

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2025 21:47


    In this first episode from our Thailand25 gathering with movement leaders and teams from nine nations, we hear from Mike, who has seen hundreds of groups multiply in Hong Kong. He shares about modelling what you want to see multiply as a disciple maker. After all, we model what we love. 1. John 15:5–17 "This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples." (verse 8) How does modelling work in John 15?The Father models love → Jesus → disciples → others.That's four generations of reproduction—love expressed through obedience. “They will not follow and imitate what you know but what you love.” (Mike) 2. Mike asks AI Mike asks ChatGPT how to start a DMM that will flourish and spread. Chat gives a great answer—but will Chat's answer actually start a movement? No. Because ChatGPT doesn't love anything! “Movements are based on love that is modelled, observed, and imitated!” (Mike) We must learn to love God and love the lost. DMM isn't about strategies or ideas—it flows from love. And love is nurtured through prayer. Without prayer of sacrifice, there is no love for the lost. Prayer and modelling go hand in hand: modelling how much we love God and how much we love the lost. 3. Stories (Man in Wheelchair and Mike's daughters) Man in Wheelchair: Mike and Steve share Jesus with a man in a wheelchair. Soon the community around him begins to grow in faith. He invites his wider network to hear more about Jesus. Mike doesn't think he's doing DMM the “right way,” yet multiplication happens. One man begins a Discovery Bible Study with another new believer—and has a vision to see him become a disciple maker too. All of this starts simply because he observed and imitated Mike's love. Mike's daughters: Mike's extroverted daughter shares Jesus with someone using the beaded bracelet, just like her dad. She is imitating his love. Another time, Mike's extremely shy daughter tells him that a “little voice” in her head is urging her to go to the park to meet a family. She obeys, meets the family, and boldly shares about Jesus with her bracelet. Love reproduces through generations. 4. Final Encouragement “If we are going to multiply, we have to keep praying. We have to keep loving the lost. Our modelling is not just for the people we are modelling to—it's about them seeing how much we love God, how much we love the people around us, and how much we love sharing Jesus. They will see it. And they will not do what you know—they will do what they see you love.” (Mike)

    172. Making Disciples with Harvey Bishop

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2025 36:02


    In this episode of the Praxeis Podcast, we talk with Harvey Bishop from Melbourne, who has spent decades helping people follow Jesus and multiply disciples. He challenges us to be intentional about making disciples who are filled with the Spirit and equipped to multiply. Harvey's StoryAt 21, Harvey cried out to God and experienced an instant transformation. Soon after, mentors showed him how to live as a disciple and make disciples. Harvey went on to serve 41 years in full-time ministry, with Power to Change and in disciple-making. Why Disciple-Making MattersHarvey saw many new believers fall away, which led him to focus on helping disciples grow strong and multiply. Influenced by 2 Timothy 2:2, he embraced Jesus' call to make disciples who make disciples, training young people and international students to do the same. How Harvey Makes DisciplesHarvey prays for people, shares his testimony, shows the cost of following Jesus, and uses Discovery Bible Studies to help people walk in the Spirit and form multiplying groups. He challenges us as disciples to be intentional, Spirit-filled, and accountable so we can pass on our faith effectively. "Being filled with the Spirit is living the Spirit filled life. It's about letting Jesus control everything I do." The Challenge“Every Spirit-filled Christian can make disciples if they're willing to be trained and let the Spirit guide them. There is nothing more meaningful than bringing glory to God by discipling others.” Websites and books referred to in the podcast: 'First Steps With God' website: https://firststepswithgod.com

    171. Journey of a Church Leader

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 18, 2025 36:12


    In this episode of the DMM Podcast, we hear from Sam Turner of Northland, New Zealand, as he shares at the DMM Connect gathering. Sam tells his story of moving from traditional church leadership to embracing Disciple Making Movements (DMM). His journey leads to a deep shift—from extracting people into church programs to empowering believers to reach their own communities. In the second half, two leaders from Sam's team, Roland and Jim, share how they are using Discovery Bible Study (DBS) in their own contexts to see multiplication. Sam's Journey into DMM When Sam arrived in New Zealand, he was struck by God's heart for a “fatherless nation.” While serving at a local church in Paparoa, Sam felt a deep dissatisfaction comparing the book of Acts with his church's reality. This led him to a year of daily prayer, seeking breakthrough. During this season, God gave Sam a vision of a match striking a box, igniting a fire that spread across New Zealand and beyond. The match represented a people who would stand unapologetically on God's Word and not limit the work of the Holy Spirit. This only deepened Sam's longing—until he encountered the DBS tool and the book Contagious Disciple Making (Dave and Paul Watson). Applying DBS first to a men's group, Sam saw it multiply quickly. Other groups followed, and soon the church was learning principles of simplicity, modeling, and multiplication. This marked the beginning of their transition from traditional church models to a disciple-making movement mindset. Rethinking Church and Leadership Over time, big questions emerged: How does DMM relate to church? What about teaching if no one person is “leading” a DBS? Sam shares that Jesus often taught through questions—over 300 in the Gospels. Their team learned to respond with Scripture and good questions rather than top-down answers. A major paradigm shift also occurred around evangelism. Rather than extracting people into church programs, Sam's team began empowering believers to go, serve, and invest in others. Like Jesus in John 13:3–5, leaders are called to wash feet—not gather followers to make them “like us,” but to release them to reach their own communities. Roland and Jim: Using DBS in Their Contexts Roland, from a Tuvaluan background, opened his home for Bible study. What started as two families soon grew to over 40 people—so many that everyone couldn't share. When his wife gave birth, the large meeting stopped, but what seemed like an ending actually multiplied. The big group naturally broke into 15 DBS groups meeting in homes across the community. Jim first encountered DBS in a men's group at Paparoa. He shares how the Holy Spirit became the true teacher, and how he wished he had this tool earlier while discipling at-risk youth with his wife. Now, Jim facilitates DBS among men, often through ManUp groups—a 10-week program for men dealing with family dysfunction, trauma, and addiction. Many of these men take DBS and pass it on to others, finding it far more effective than traditional street evangelism. Final Encouragement for Church Leaders Sam closes by urging church leaders to notice who God has placed on the hearts of the people they lead. For Roland, its forming communities that can multiply. For Jim, it's reaching men who are struggling. For others, it will look different. The role of leaders is to serve, empower, and call people to see God's bigger picture. Watch this episode as a video here: https://vimeo.com/1099328633?share=copy#t=2353.336

    170. Breakthrough Leadership #2

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 8, 2025 43:17


    Paradigm Shifts, the Power of the Holy Spirit, and How to Pray for Movements In this episode, we continue our conversation with Vijay, co-author of Bhojpuri Breakthrough. Vijay shares paradigm-shifting insights into what leadership looks like in the context of disciple-making movements—and how the Holy Spirit and obedience to God's Word are essential for genuine transformation in any cultural context, including the West.

    169. Breakthrough Leadership #1

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2025 40:56


    Guest: Vijay (Coauthor with Dave Coles of Bhojpuri Breakthrough and their new book Breakthrough Leadership. This is a highly commended leadership development book for us as movement leaders) In this first episode, Vijay shares his powerful journey from a traditional church mindset to becoming a catalyst for disciple-making movements across northern India. He unpacks key paradigm shifts and stories that have shaped his leadership and passion for transformation.

    168.  Global Movements Reshaping Christianity 

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 25, 2025 31:53


    God is doing something historic today. As Dave shares from New Zealand, we are seeing a surge of (disciple making) movements—rapid, indigenous, multiplying streams of disciples and churches—reshaping Christianity as we know it. What began decades ago with just a few movements is now exploding: over 115 million believers and 8.5 million new churches, with growth doubling every 3.5 years—impacting more than 1.4% of the world's population. These are not renewal movements within existing churches, but harvest movements among the unreached—especially in hard, persecuted places like North India, where thousands of churches now grow where there was once spiritual drought. Movements start when God calls catalytic teams, people hungry for more, willing to shift paradigms and obey Jesus fully. They embrace discovery-based discipleship, relational gatherings, and the multiplication of leaders across generations. This could be a tipping point in global missions—a generation that could complete the Great Commission. "And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come." — Matthew 24:14 Which generation will see this? Who will run the final lap?There is only one task we carry to the finish line: to make disciples of all nations. Let's live and lead like it depends on us!

    167. Mission at Home – Keith and Joy

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2025 41:07


    In this episode from the DMM Connect gathering in Northland, NZ, Keith and Joy share their journey from serving as missionaries in Thailand to how God called them to continue living on mission back home in New Zealand. They unpack how they have been able to live missionally in their own context using simple, reproducible tools. Learning to have Spiritual Conversations (Four Quadrants) A key turning point was learning how to have spiritual conversations using the Four Quadrants (casual → meaningful → spiritual → discovery). This changed how they connected with people in their local community. Joy reflects on John 4—Jesus' conversation with the woman at the well—and how He took this Samaritan woman on a spiritual journey as a person of peace to her community. Likewise, Keith and Joy have seen everyday people (like 'Ruth', a young woman from a local market) discover Jesus and share Him with others. Jesus' strategy when sending out his disciples Keith emphasises how engaging in the harvest as key to transformation—shifting from theory to practice, from "come" to "go." We listen in as the room explores these 4 scriptures where Jesus sends His disciples out: Mark 6:7–13 Luke 9:1–6 Matthew 9:36–10:16 Luke 10:1–11 These passages show that Jesus had compassion on the lost and taught His followers to beseech (or beg) God for workers—not for the harvest itself (which is already plentiful), but for more harvesters. It's a key strategy of prayer that Jesus gave twice in the gospels. We know the Lords Prayer but this is another prayer Jesus commanded his disciples to pray. Keith reflects on Matthew 9:35-38... “We've all prayed for the harvest. But in a way, this is the wrong way to pray. Jesus is telling us the harvest is already great. What we're imploring Him for is the workers. It's like Jesus is healing the sick and then steps back and looks at the large crowd and realises that a different approach is needed… Even Jesus realised that it couldn't be a one-man show. He needed a team to do what He did.” In the group discussion, we hear reflections on how traditional models often extract people from their communities to come to church. But Jesus modeled something different: staying with those who welcome you. Like the woman at the well, insiders can reach their whole communities more effectively than outsiders can. A final challenge "In a culture of ‘come,' we've made the lost person into the missionary (they have to leave their comfort zone to come to church). But ‘come' is the enemy of ‘go,' and addition is the enemy of multiplication.” – Raj (quoting those like Jim Britts)

    166. Discovery Bible Study – New Zealand 

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 11, 2025 40:25


    Welcome to episode 166 of the podcast. In this episode, we take you into Northland, New Zealand, where leaders like Dave, Graham, Sam, and others are wrestling with one central question: How can Discovery Bible Study (DBS) become more than a method—and instead spark a movement of disciple-making in our own context? You'll hear stories of breakthrough, honest questions about challenges, and the shift from teaching to facilitating—from knowledge to revelation. Whether it's with a Muslim family, a church congregation, or people in the harvest, DBS is opening hearts to the Word and multiplying impact. Let's move beyond theory and explore how DBS can be lived out—simply, reproducibly, and powerfully—wherever you are.

    165. Engaging Cities – Scott Crawley

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2025 43:31


    Learning from Disciple-Making Movements in Asia In this episode: Scott Crawley shares insights from his experience speaking at the Praxeis Hub in Melbourne. He reflects on what he's learning through his “classroom”—his on-the-ground experiences with teams across various cities in Asia—and how these learnings inform disciple-making and movement building in complex urban environments. Scott's Vision & Team Scott describes his team's pursuit of a bold vision: to see disciple-making movements emerge in 15 cities across Asia. His “classroom” is formed through real-time learning alongside others serving in diverse and often challenging urban contexts. Three Foundational Principles for Disciple-Making & Movement God has an End Goal: God is profoundly relational — He desires sons and daughters who trust Him and align their lives with His story. In some Asian cities Scott's team is working in (with millions of people), collaboration is essential. Our individual impact is small, but together we can join God's broader work across an entire city. It's not just about “my ministry,” but about contributing to God's greater purpose in the city. God Is Already at Work This is a liberating truth—God is present both in us and in the harvest. From Acts 17:26–27: Paul finds an altar to an “unknown god”—a reminder that God has already planted spiritual hunger in every culture. We're not arriving with all the answers; rather, we're joining a divine treasure hunt, discovering where God is already moving and responding with faith and curiosity. Cities Are Complex While disciple-making movements (DMMs) have often thrived in rural settings, cities present unique challenges and opportunities. Urban areas are dense, relationally fluid, and full of affinity groups (people connected by shared needs, interests, or causes) and urban villages (smaller, close-knit communities). God is working through “inside leaders”—people of peace already embedded in these groups. The key questions become: Where is God already at work? Where do we see hunger and openness? What is our specific role in the “village” or affinity group we're drawn to? Reflection Question What's the one big thing God is whispering to you from this podcast? Who can you share it with to help you take your next step in engaging your city or context?

    164. Steve and Mel – A Lost Dog

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2025 31:54


    In this episode, we listen in on a DMM (Disciple-Making Movement) training session in North Queensland with Steve and Mel Behrens. They share their journey into DMM and what drives them: a deep heart for the lost. The Behrens are practitioners and catalysts in Far North Queensland. They've seen fruit among Indigenous communities, everyday Aussies in various contexts, and returned soldiers. Enjoy listening as Steve and Mel share during their recent Cairns training.  A Lost Dog Steve shares how he was raised in the Western Province of PNG, later moving to Australia where he met and married Mel—who also carried a strong passion for the lost. They began as youth leaders and saw some fruit, but they were discontent when comparing it to what they read in the Book of Acts. Then something shifted.Mel tells a story about searching for their lost dog in a crocodile-breeding mangrove area. In that moment, God spoke to them:“You are willing to lay your lives down to find this lost dog but what about my lost children?”That moment marked a turning point. The call of God was clear: to seek the lost. But they began asking, “What's the best way to do this?”They soon realised that the mission wasn't just about making disciples, but making disciple-makers. This led them to movements. They began listening to what God was already doing and found themselves needing to let go of preconceived ideas and ‘baggage' in order to embrace DMM.Their vision now is to see movements birthed—lost people coming into the Kingdom across North Queensland, into PNG, and beyond to the nations. Passion Ignites Passion Steve explains that God's passion ignites passion in us. Often as Christians, we feel passionate but don't know what to do with it—and we settle. But our hearts must remain fertile. He challenges us with a reflection from the Parable of the Sower (Matthew 28:16-20):“Where is our heart at? Is it in good soil? Are we reproducing? We need to make sure the soil of our heart remains fertile…How do we make the soil [of our hearts] good again? We go to Jesus and surround ourselves with likeminded people. As a disciple-maker, this is our core.” (Steve) When Passion and Strategy Come Together Addition vs. Multiplication Mel shares the paradigm shift she and Steve underwent: moving from addition to multiplication of disciples. They illustrate this through a simple ‘build-up tiggy' tag game.“There are people in our lives that even the best evangelists or preachers can't reach. There are people in our networks who only we can ‘tag'.” (Mel)Mel explains how starting with 30 people each reaching 30 more over 30 years results in 900 people—addition. But beginning with just two people who each multiply yearly over 30 years could reach over 1 billion—multiplication.“So wherever you find yourself, maybe in a small country town or a big city, and you are lonely asking the question ‘where do I start?'… just grab someone else. Multiplication can start with two people.” (Mel) Current Reality in North Queensland In North Queensland, for every church that is planted, five are closing down. Steve and Mel highlight the urgency of recognising the spiritual climate. Yet Jesus didn't just add—he multiplied. He modelled this for his disciples and commissioned them in Matthew 28:16–20. Once again they draw attention to the final soil in the Parable of the Sower—the one that multiplies. That's the soil Jesus is calling us to be today. People of peace Luke 10:6 shows how Jesus sent out his disciples to find ‘people of peace'. These people are the ones we are called to pour into. They are spiritually open, hungry, and ready to share. They often become gateways to entire communities.Biblical examples of people of peace include:• The Woman at the Well (John 4:1–42)• The Demoniac (Mark 5:1–20)• The Philippian Jailer (Acts 16:16–36)• Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1–10)• Cornelius (Acts 10)• Lydia (Acts 16:11–15, 40)• Levi (Luke 5:27–32)• Nathanael (John 1:45–51)• Man w...

    163. What Actually Starts Movements? With Emanuel Prinz, Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2025 38:15


    In this second part of conversation with Emanuel Prinz—movement practitioner, researcher, and author of What Actually Starts Movements—we go deeper into what truly fuels lasting spiritual movements. While many focus on methods and tools, Emanuel invites us to look upstream—to the hearts and lives of the leaders God uses to spark and sustain movements. At the core of this episode are two key character traits Emanuel and his team have identified in effective movement catalysts: Hunger for God and Radical Learning. These two qualities, he argues, are not just common traits—they actually predict a leader's growth trajectory and long-term fruitfulness. 1. Hunger for God This is more than emotion—it's a daily, disciplined pursuit of knowing and loving God deeply, often expressed through rich spiritual practices. It's the foundation from which expectant faith, love, intercession, and boldness flow. 2. Radical Learning  This is a posture of humility and curiosity. Movement leaders actively seek feedback, embrace failure, and adapt. Their teachability enables continual growth in ministry competence and spiritual maturity—even through seasons of disappointment. Together, these traits mark a sharp contrast between catalytic leaders who continue to grow—and others who, though initially gifted, plateau or decline over time. We also explore: The depth of prayer vs. the duration of prayer—what really matters? How effective catalysts listen to God and pray with faith for fruit Why spiritual movements are possible in any society—even in the West The significance of the 2.5% who are spiritually open in every community The importance of forming small, agile catalytic teams with trust, clarity, and complementary gifting Learning to discern the few essential things God is calling us to each day—rather than being overwhelmed by busyness Emanuel reflects on the internal battles many leaders face and the need to give greater attention to the heart of the practitioner. Looking ahead: Emanuel shares his vision to equip 50,000 catalytic leaders to reach unreached people groups and his hope for the future—rooted in the patience of the Father and the promise that the Kingdom will reach all nations.

    162. What Actually Starts Movements? With Emanuel Prinz, Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2025 36:15


    In this two-part series, Dave sits down with Emanuel Prinz—movement researcher, author, and experienced practitioner who has witnessed God birth a disciple-making movement in a remote part of Sudan, resulting in thousands of new believers and hundreds of churches. Emanuel is not only a pioneer on the ground but also a global researcher, having studied 147 movements worldwide, analyzing over 32,000 data points to understand what God uses to spark multiplication. The findings are captured in his latest book, What Actually Starts Movements. In This Episode (Part 1): Emanuel's Journey to Movement Work From intellectual belief to his calling to an unengaged Muslim people group in Sudan. Learning through a 'reverse-engineering' of movements: discovering how to work with key influences and then learning the 'what' and 'how' to share. Discovery Through Obedience and Prayer Wrestling in prayer for clarity on God's heart for a resistant people group. A pivotal dream that directed him to a specific region in Sudan. Vital Practices for Movement Breakthrough Compassion ministry: Meeting felt needs and changing perceptions. Radiating spirituality: Story-based Bible discovery before Discovery Bible Study (DBS) even had a name. Focusing on oral learners and inductive questions that lead to personal discovery. The Importance of the Catalyst God uses many methods, but there is a surprising consistency in the type of person He uses. Emanuel's research shifts our focus from just methods to the qualities and competencies of catalytic leaders. Movements cannot be manufactured—but we can grow into the kind of people God delights to use. “God uses different methods to start movements. Methods do matter. But it's not just one method [that God uses]. God uses a particular kind of person”

    161. Sam Turner – A Vision for a New Zealand Wildfire

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2025 30:28


    In this episode, Dave reconnects with Sam Turner, a passionate disciple-maker from Northland, New Zealand. Sam shares his journey of faith, family, and a God-given vision to see New Zealand and the nations ignited for Jesus. From the UK to Western Australia Sam's move to Exmouth, WA, became a pivotal time of spiritual awakening (not to mention meeting his wife). He shares how a simple invitation to an Indigenous family for a meal blossomed into something deeply transformative. Sam met his German wife in WA. Married for just 3.5 years, they already had five children, including twins. Ministry isn't just Sam's calling—it's a family mission. A Prodigal's Return Throughout his young adults years, Sam sensed a persistent nudge from God, with a constant inner voice saying, “have more faith in me.” This quiet yet powerful prompting drew him back to Jesus. He immersed himself in Scripture—reading through the Bible multiple times in just a year—and was deeply moved by God's unwavering pursuit and faithfulness. The Move to New Zealand Sam's wife, passionate about permaculture, prompted the family's move to NZ. Arriving with a burdened heart for what they saw as a "fatherless nation," they connected with a local church, and Sam became a pastor. Vision of the Matchbox However a divine dissatisfaction stirred in Sam's heart. He had a vision: a match striking a box, igniting flames that spread across a map of New Zealand and onto other continents. God was calling him to not hinder the Spirit and to teach the Word unapologetically. Discovering DMM Through a testimony of the power of prayer in Africa and the appearance of a Discovery Bible Study (DBS) sheet, Sam discovered the potential of Disciple Making Movements (DMM). Reading Contagious Disciple Making (by David and Paul Watson) confirmed his direction, and a team began to form. “DMM is just a word we use to describe what God is doing.” – DMM Leader Shifting Paradigms Sam emphasises that DMM is not a method but Jesus' model which continued throughout the book of Acts. This led Sam to re-evaluate the Great Commission and how teaching must be centred on obedience to Jesus, including the making of disciple-makers. Transformation Stories From drug dealers becoming disciples to gang members walking away from crime, Sam shares powerful stories of transformation. Social change follows spiritual obedience with families not just individuals being reached. Sam also shares about his 12-year-old son who began a DBS with his friends. This sparked a new ministry—Kids for Kids—led by Sam's wife, where children are now discipling other children. Persistent Dissatisfaction Despite the fruit, Sam is still hungry for more. He sees DMM as a key to global transformation and longs to see a multiplying movement across New Zealand and beyond. “Culture has moved, but the church hasn't kept up.” Sam challenges the traditional mindset of church, calling for a return to the Spirit-led, disciple-making patterns of the New Testament. A Word of Encouragement Sam leaves us with a challenge and an encouragement: “We are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works which God prepared in advance for us to do.” – Ephesians 2:10 Reflective Questions: What desires has God placed on your heart? Who in your sphere of influence is He calling you to reach? God has prepared the works—He's simply looking for a willing heart to say "yes". Check out more of Sam's resources by visiting his website, disciplemakingmovement.com.

    160. Mike Porteous – Keeping It Simple

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2025 17:48


    In this episode, Dave catches up with Mike Porteous while connecting with the Praxeis team and disciple-makers in New Zealand. Mike is a seasoned missions and church leader who has embraced a Disciple-Making Movement (DMM) paradigm—both locally and as far afield as Zambia. He shares his journey, key insights, and encouragement to keep disciple-making simple and Spirit-led. Mike's Journey From a farming background, Mike had a powerful encounter with God at 21 that launched him into decades of mission work—from the Philippines in the '70s to serving with groups including YWAM since 1980. In the early 1990s, while on staff at what is now Gracecity Church, Mike's hunger for real and lasting mission impact grew. Introduced to DMM through others and inspired by David and Paul Watson's book Contagious Disciple Making, Mike knew this was a path he needed to pursue. What's Happening Now? Mike's DMM work has expanded into Zambia through a connection with a Sri Lankan man working there. Though 90% of Zambians are churchgoers, transformation was lacking. But through simple DBS tools, real change is taking root. Today, three DBS streams are multiplying, and Mike continues coaching leaders to sustain and grow the movement. Back in New Zealand Despite initial slow traction, Mike's persistence in starting DBS groups has led to surprising breakthroughs. One key moment came during a Sunday night training north of Auckland—attended by Sam Turner, who's now seeing movement among gang communities. Multiplication is happening, and Sam is running far beyond what he could do himself.* Key Shifts in Mike's Thinking Discovery over Teaching – Moving from telling to facilitating, Mike has learned to trust God to reveal His Word through others. Simple Tools for Equipping – He's passionate about helping people uncover their God-given purpose and equipping them with tools that multiply through simplicity. Challenges Prayer – Building prayer teams and rhythms that moves people from a place of conviction in prayer to seeing transformation. Leadership Development – Particularly in Zambia, where structure is needed for lasting depth in an over-evangelised context. Discernment – In New Zealand, Mike is asking: Who is the Spirit highlighting to invest in? Final Encouragement Mike reminds us of two things: “The key people are probably already in your orbit....We tend to complicate things. Keep it super simple.” *Hear more of the stories of God moving amongst gang members in the north of New Zealand at the end of this podcast.

    159. The Tide is Turning – New Zealand with Roger Hayward

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2025 23:08


    In this episode, Dave catches up with Roger Hayward, our Praxeis New Zealand leader, while standing atop a stunning lookout in New Zealand's North Island. From this mountain perch, they gaze over the town of Ngaruawahia — home to one of the most significant marae in Aotearoa, Tūrangawaewae Marae — the royal residence of the Māori King and a symbolic heart of the Māori people. A shift is happening Together, they reflect on a wave of spiritual momentum and acceleration sweeping across New Zealand, particularly in regions like Northland. Roger shares powerful stories of movement — including within gang communities, where one leader is using Discovery Bible Studies (DBS) to help members break free from addiction and experience transformation. Cardinal Points Prayer and DMM Connect Their conversation also turns to the recent Cardinal Points Prayer and the upcoming DMM Connect gathering. The Cardinal Points Prayer saw the team travel to the north, south, east, and west of the nation, praying into what God is doing across the land. This weekend's DMM Connect will bring together people from a variety of contexts. Answer to long term prayer for universities One such person is a church leader from central Auckland with a heart for university students — a direct answer to long-standing prayers for the next generation. This leader has found fresh clarity through connecting with Praxeis workers and engaging with the '21 Days To Becoming a Disciple Maker' book by Jim Britts. God is stirring hearts with a call to simplicity and obedience. Catalytic leadership Dave reflects on the role of a catalyst leader like Roger — someone who doesn't try to do everything, but instead finds and releases workers in diverse contexts. Roger speaks honestly about the challenges in New Zealand: the need to embed deeply in local culture while also carrying the heart of Jesus into every sphere. He emphasises the importance of shared language and movement DNA across diverse teams — especially in a country like New Zealand, where over 40% of Auckland's 1.8 million residents were born overseas, with some suburbs reaching up to 80%. Roger poses the key question: how does the Gospel take root in such a mosaic of cultures? The answer lies in staying faithful to the DNA of Disciple-Making Movements — Word and Spirit. The expression may look different in prisons, among immigrants, or with students, but the foundation remains the same: the Word of God. It's not our idea — it's God's. And the journey requires time, faithfulness, and perseverance. Roger offers a powerful image of scaffolding: workers coming alongside to build and support until others can carry the vision forward in their own context. Then, the scaffolding comes down. “As the Father sent me, so I send you” (John 20:21) becomes a theme echoed throughout the episode. In the final minutes, Dave and Roger share their hearts for the nations — including Japan — and call listeners to pray bigger and be ready to step into what God is doing both globally and locally. Final word of encouragement from Rog “Keep going. This journey with DMM can be tough — like climbing a mountain — but there will be plateaus where we clearly see God at work. Our God is a good Father. As He sent Jesus, so He sends us. Don't compare yourself to others. Rest with the Father when you need to, and keep being obedient to Jesus. Comparison kills — but obedience brings life. Enjoy the journey!”

    158. What's God Doing in the Nations? | with Steve Addison

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2025 25:42


    In this episode, we catch up with Steve Addison, a key voice in the global disciple-making movement (DMM) space. Steve shares compelling stories from his recent travels across movement hotspots—from Lebanon to Laos, Indonesia, and beyond.  Stories from movements around the world: • Lebanon: The Story of Mohammed A violent man transformed by Jesus after a dream and a divine encounter with a faithful disciple-maker who barely spoke enough of the local language. His entire family and surrounding villages are now experiencing the gospel through his transformation. • Laos: A Widow's Obedience After her husband (a movement leader) was murdered, a widow hears God say, “His call is now yours.” She now leads teams planting movements across borders, showing deep faith despite grief and persecution. • Indonesia: Facebook & the Gospel Innovative use of Facebook to connect seekers to online Bible studies, eventually linking them to field workers. Many finish the course and begin meeting face-to-face—resulting in new groups and churches starting in hard-to-reach places. • Global Snapshot: With over 2,000+ known DMMs and more than 115 million people (1.4% of the global population) involved, movements are spreading globally—demonstrating that God is using ordinary people to bring extraordinary transformation. • Texas Death Row Story: Inmates, not expert chaplains, bring the gospel to fellow prisoners—like Tracy, a death row inmate who gave his life to Christ and died singing Amazing Grace. A powerful example of how disciple-making happens through everyday believers. • India–Australia Connection: Harry's Story A young Sikh-background believer from Melbourne now boldly shares his faith both locally and seeking to do the same with those back in India—another reminder that movements begin in the lives of transformed individuals. Key Principles: • God is moving globally through everyday people, not just professional leaders. • It's not just about multiplication—it's about transformation and obedience. • Movements thrive when ordinary believers faithfully love, share, and disciple others. • Focus on the next person God puts in front of you. We never graduate from disciple-making. What's Next for Steve? Steve is working on a new book documenting case studies from movements across the world (including his next trip to a nation in Central Asia). Let's pray for wisdom for Steve as he captures and communicates these stories like the biblical author Luke. Final Encouragement: Stay faithful to the call: make the next disciple. Jesus' invitation still stands—“Come, follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Resource Mentioned: • Steve Addison's book: “Acts and the Movement of God” — now available as an audiobook on Audible (and Spotify if you are a subscriber).

    157. Discovery by Practitioners #2

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2025 28:51


    In this second episode of our Discovery by Practitioners series, we hear from disciple-makers across West Africa, particularly from French-speaking contexts, as they share how the Discovery Bible Study (DBS) is catalysing movements of disciple-making. These leaders open up about the practical realities of applying DBS across cultures, languages, and contexts—always pointing back to simple obedience to the Word of God. Part One: DBS in West Africa – Leading and Multiplying with Purpose We first hear from a West African brother who unpacks how DBS is being used both for developing leaders and for outreach. Key Takeaways: Start with relationships – Discovery begins in the context of trusted relationships, often with families. Keep groups small – (e.g. No more than 15 people). Once the group grows, it multiplies by forming new groups. Two types of DBS: Leadership DBS: For existing believers, to go deeper in discipleship. Outreach DBS: For seekers or non-believers. These groups intentionally invite others to join each week, leading to organic multiplication. “This is how groups grow—first in size, then by multiplication.” Context matters – Cultural awareness is key. For example: In West Africa, people are open to gathering in homes—something the movement can take advantage of. Language matters! Words like “challenges” might be misunderstood in some countries to mean financial struggles, so facilitators adapt their questions accordingly. “Our questions might look different on the surface, but the heart and purpose remain the same.” Time awareness – Keep sessions within one hour. Adults often struggle to stay focused beyond that. But again—context is king. Part Two: DBS in French Speaking Africa Next, we hear from another African practitioner working in a French-speaking region. He shares how the DBS process begins after identifying a Person of Peace—someone open to God and connected in their community. Once this person is found, DBS often happens in their household or family, helping whole families discover God together. Principles of Effective DBS: Scripture is central – The Word of God is always the authority in the group. Facilitate, don't teach – The role is to guide discovery, not to lecture. Obedience is the goal – Each study leads to: An “I will…” statement – How each person will put God's Word into practice. A commitment to share what was learned with someone else. “If there's no obedience step or sharing, it's not a DBS—it's just another Bible study.” Building Group DNA: Start with gratitude – Ask what people are thankful for. Show care – Ask about personal needs and challenges. Value participation – Ensure everyone shares, bringing dignity and inclusion. Look outward – Ask: What are the challenges in our wider community? What can we do together to respond? “We don't just identify needs. We encourage the group itself to respond. That's how we bring dignity and ownership to the group.”

    156. Discovery by Practitioners #1

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2025 24:31


    In this first of two special episodes, we hear from disciple-makers in India and Africa who are using the Discovery Bible Study (DBS) to spark movements of obedience-based discipleship in their regions.

    155. Graham Wilson

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2025 15:20


    In this episode, we hear from Graham Wilson, one of our “fathers in the Lord” within Praxeis. As long-time pastoral leader, Graham carries the heart and DNA of movement. As a trusted voice of wisdom and accountability, he also serves on the Praxeis Board and is part of a wider group of elders in our midst. "Don't get anxious" At the conclusion of our Launch 25 gathering, Graham shared a powerful word — calling us to stay rooted in passion and trust, not weighed down by anxiety. Graham urges us to keep our hearts passionate for what God is calling us into and to resist the enemy's attempts to fill us with worry and anxiety, which only limit us from being the gift we are meant to be. “Don't get anxious. When you're confronted with what God is calling you to do, remember—it's His work.” Psalm 46 Graham draws our attention to Psalm 46. “We know when we've taken our eyes off God, our refuge and strength, because our joy starts to dissipate.” Psalm 46[1] ‘God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. [2] Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, [3] though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. [4] There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. [5] God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. [6] Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. [7] The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. [8] Come and see what the Lord has done, the desolations he has brought on the earth. [9] He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire. [10] He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” [11] The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.' Laying down any burdens of anxiety “As I was preparing this word, I felt like worry and anxiety has been one of those rocks or stones for some of you. Give your worries to God as He commissions you forward." And he reminds us of the simple, powerful call of disciple-making: “All we have to do is passionately go after God. We don't have to stress about the results. You can sum up DMM in one word: obey.” Let this word strengthen your heart. Keep your eyes on Jesus—both the Lion and the Lamb.

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