Conversations as you Go

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.

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”

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.

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.

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!”

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).

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.”

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.

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.

In this episode, Dave once again shares at our Launch 25 gathering, this time focusing on the ‘soil' from which God births movements—the importance of movement values and our personal calling from God.  Vision - where movements always start To begin, reflecting on movements seen in hard-to-reach areas, Dave invites an 81-year-old seasoned movement leader (unnamed for security reasons) to share his powerful experience of seeing over 40,000 churches planted across unreached regions of India. This unnamed movement leader highlights the first key characteristic of movement - a clear God-given vision. This vision begins with a personal encounter with God and the recognition that every aspect of life must be viewed from a kingdom perspective. Other movement values Dave then dives into the DNA of movements, such as rapid multiplication, leadership development, and the central role of prayer. Dave reflects on the example of David Watson in India, where movements started in historically unreached states, and how the Discovery Bible Study became a tool for leaders to explore God's word together. • Calling: Movements start with a personal call from God, as seen in the story of a leader in India who, after a deep personal encounter with God, saw over 100,000 churches planted through a group of men in a slum. • Team: Movements thrive when they work in teams, emphasising collaboration over individual leadership. • Multiplication: Rapid multiplication is key at all levels—churches, disciples, and leaders. • Prayer: Passionate, abundant prayer is foundational. Movements in India didn't break through until 100,000 people were praying for them. • Obedience-Driven Discipleship: Movements emphasise obedience to God's Word, which leads to personal and collective transformation. • Gift-Based Leadership: Leadership is function-based, not positional, empowering everyone to contribute according to their gifts. • Access Ministries: Creative approaches are used to access communities and meet needs in meaningful ways. The Three Worlds of Mission Dave breaks down the three primary worlds where mission takes place: 1. The Unreached World: Places like India, China, and Muslim regions where movements are taking root. 2. The Christian World: Countries like Uganda, PNG, and Russia, where resistance often comes from established church systems. 3. The Post-Christian World: Western nations (e.g. Europe, Australia), where mission work is harder due to secularism and cultural shifts. Three fundamental core values of movements  1. The Spirit: Movements are works of the Holy Spirit. We can't take credit for movements. It's all the Spirit turning up and working in people's lives. 2. The Word of God: The Word is number one. It isn't a commodity and we can't slice and dice it. Jesus himself is the Word and He spoke about it being planted in us (Parable of the Sower). We are transformed if we respond in obedience to God's Word. 3. Mission: If you follow Jesus, you're on mission. Jesus is God's mission and we find ourselves following him to the lost and broken.  The DMM Wheel Dave shares about Pray, Go, Disciple and Multiply - what he calls the ‘DMM Wheel' which has been a helpful framework for walking out the essential values of movement.  Personal Challenge Dave encourages us to examine our own hearts and consider the soil of our lives. How is God calling you, and what are the obstacles or distractions that may prevent you from following His call? The episode ends with a challenge to persevere in the race God has set before us, emphasising the importance of mentorship and being shaped by God's heart through prayer and obedience. May this talk encourage you to reflect on the deeper aspects of your heart as God invites us to join Him in bringing movements to life!

As we continue our Launch 25 series, this episode highlights four inspiring electives from four passionate disciple-makers. We begin with Brian, who reflects on two of Jesus' parables and what they mean for us as disciple-makers. Hannah then shares how she has seen prayer multiply in her journey with Afghans. Next, Sally introduces a creative way to engage people through Discovery Dinners. Finally, Roger introduces us to Sam who takes us to New Zealand, where groups are forming among Maori communities! Elective 1: Brian – What Would I Give Everything Up For? Brian explores what it means to be treasure hunters in the Kingdom, reflecting on Jesus' parables of the pearl of great price and the hidden treasure (Matt 13:44-46). He challenges us to consider what we are willing to give up for the sake of making disciples and reminds us that the greatest treasure is seeing lost people transformed by Jesus. “We have the opportunity to learn to love people we have never met, rather than just loving the people we've already met.” – Brian Elective 2: Hannah – Multiplying Prayer Hannah shares her journey of multiplying prayer while reaching Afghans. She encourages us in three key areas: 1. Team: Pray with others who share your heart. After joining a prayer-filled disciple-making community in Melbourne, Hannah developed a lifestyle of prayer. “If we are going to multiply prayer, we first need a lifestyle of prayer ourselves.” – Hannah 2. Prayer Partners: Have a support network backing you in prayer. Hannah built a team of intercessors to stand with her in prayer. 3. Mobilizing Prayer: Take practical steps to multiply prayer in your context. This could be prayer walking, committing to regular prayer times, or forming new prayer partnerships. Hannah's journey led her to pray on (or near) location for Afghanistan and later for the Afghan diaspora worldwide. Pray4Afghans Hannah also shares how her Pray4Afghans prayer initiative was birthed from this prayer: “What's it going to take to reach Afghans?”. God responded: “A people on their knees and an army of workers.” This initiative began with a three-day global prayer and fasting effort and has now grown into a monthly 24-hour prayer network, mobilising more people to step into intercession. Elective 3: Sally – Discovery Dinners Sally highlights to us the importance of identifying brokenness in our communities. “Address the brokenness before you address the lostness.” – Sally For her, in Sydney's Northern Beaches, it was a sense of purposelessness. She and her husband, Michael, started hosting what they call 'Discovery Dinners' —gatherings where people explore their life purpose through their own stories and the stories of Jesus. These dinners serve as a practical tool for both self-discovery and introducing people to Jesus, helping them connect their purpose with Him. Listen in to learn how Discovery Dinners work and click here to access some Discovery Dinner Resources to get you started. Elective 4: Roger & Sam – Starting Groups in the Harvest We hear firsthand stories from New Zealand, where groups are forming among Maori gangs. After a training led by Roger, Sam was stirred by a divine dissatisfaction. Inspired by a prophetic vision of a global disciple-making movement, Sam searched for a model that could scale. When he encountered Discovery Bible Study (DBS) through Roger's training, he knew he had found the answer. Sam started with his existing men's group, and soon DBS spread throughout the church, leading to multiplication. Over time, social change began to emerge—what Sam sees as an indicator of true movement. “Who is in your sphere of influence? Stay in that community and start a discovery group!” - Sam For more insights, check out Sam's website. “Plug into a wider DMM community. We thought we were alone, but of course, we weren't!” - Sam Listen in for practical wisdom and inspiring stories from these four elec...

In this episode, we hear from Klaus Lehtimaki and Peter Nicholes at our Launch 25 gathering, where they share insights on the vital DMM (Disciple-Making Movement) principles, referred to as “Raising The Seven Sails.” These principles are based on the teachings of movement leader and author, Chris Galanos. (If you missed it, check out our previous podcast series with Chris: Megachurch to Multiplication). While we cannot create a movement on our own—since it's ultimately the work of God—raising the sails makes space for His Spirit to fill and empower the work. Listen and be inspired and encouraged to raise your own sails for movement with others. Watch the video of this talk here. Questions for Reflection: As you listen or watch, reflect on the principles Klaus and Peter discuss, either individually or in a group, by considering these questions related to each of the Seven Sails: 1. Focus on God's Word "Honour God by being obedient to his Word or dishonour God by being disobedient." What steps are you or your team taking to engage with and learn from Scripture? How are you progressing in obeying what you discover in the Word? 2. Multiply Extraordinary Prayer "Desperate prayer occurs when the vision is bigger than what we can do ourselves." How are you increasing the intensity or depth of your prayer life? What steps are you taking to multiply prayer efforts for movements? "God does nothing except through prayer." 3. Cast Vision "It's not a one person dingy, it's not a two person boat, it's a ship. You need a team to get this done." What are two ways you've effectively cast vision? How are you finding believers (individuals, groups, leaders, or churches) to cast vision with? "There are 'believers of peace' who are dissatisfied in our churches but they don't know the pathway." 4. Train Believers "Vision is not enough. You have to give new disciples an avenue to be trained." What key principles and simple skills are you training others in? How are you inviting people to join in training? Can you share a recent experience where you trained believers to go out and disciple others? "It's a decluttering of the old to embrace the new." 5. Go Out Among the Lost “We become truly comfortable among the lost only when we spend time with them.” Who are you praying for or engaging with in your community? How are you intentionally relating to lost people in your everyday life? What time are you dedicating to your GOAL (Going Out Among the Lost)? Can you share an example of a spiritual conversation or a time you shared the gospel? 6. See Groups Start "In order to see a group start, we have to be among the lost to find the persons of peace." How do you encourage people to start a group? What core principles guide your discovery groups? What practices have helped sustain groups and guide them toward becoming churches? 7. Ongoing Coaching "Training isn't enough. If you don't stay in the game by getting coached, it all dies." What coaching do you have for your own growth? How do you coach others? Who might you invite into a coaching relationship (either in a group or one-on-one)? "We have elite athletes, but where are our elite Christians?" Equip Yourself to Raise the Sails: As you apply these essential practices, you'll be better equipped to catch the movement of God's Spirit and navigate challenges effectively.

We continue our series from the Launch 25 gathering. This episode we hear from DMM practitioner, Jim Britts again on the four habits of a disciple-maker. This is a condensed version of four 5 minute talks by Jim that he made for us at Launch. Jim's 4 habits are in line with our values of Pray, Go, Disciple and Multiply.  As you listen, you might want to pause after each habit and look at how you can apply what Jim is sharing. You can also engage with some questions and resources below after you listen to each habit.  Habit #1 - Prayer (Tool #1: Prayer Calendar)  What is the difference between discipleship and disciple-making? What could we do differently when it comes to prayer?  What could happen if we developed regular prayer habits focused on disciple-making? Tool #1 - Prayer Calendar: Fill in a 30 day prayer calendar with names of those who you want to pray for. What will I do in response? (What is my “I will…” statement/s?) Habit #2 - Engage (Tool #2: Four Quadrants)  Where is God leading me to engage with lostness and pain? What's stopping me from engaging with lost people? What do I need to do to have more space to engage with lost people?  Tool #2 - Four Quadrants: Write the names of those you are having Casual, Meaningful, Spiritual or Discovery conversations with.  What's my “I will…” statement/s? Habit #3 - Discovery Bible Study (DBS) (Tool #3 - DBS) Jim talked about a Person of Peace. What's a Person of Peace look like? Is there anyone in my context who might be a Person of Peace?  How do I do discovery in my world?  What do I need to change in the way I make disciples?  Tool #3 - DBS: Questions and tips to facilitate a DBS What's my “I will…” statement/s? Habit #4 - Plant (Tool #4 - Stories) Where am I in the process of forming disciple-making relationships and communities?  What are the next steps I need to take?  Reflect on the last four sessions, what skills do I need to develop so I can connect with people and start discovery groups?  Tool #4 - Stories: Which Bible stories have impacted me that I can be ready to share? What's my “I will…” statement/s?' Be equipped to become a disciple-maker by responding with practical steps from this episode. You could also listen or watch Jim's videos here with others on your team or in your community.   Get your copy of Jim Britt's book - 21 Days To Becoming A Disciple Maker.

In this episode, we kick off a series featuring talks from our Launch 25 gathering in Melbourne. We begin with Dave Lawton, sharing how God led him and Colleen from observing movements in India to being called to see the same happen in the Western world. Be inspired as we pray together: God—do it here! Observing Movements in India Dave recounts how he and Colleen witnessed movements sparking in India. They saw firsthand how catalytic leaders helped movements emerge—one example being a group of young Hindu men who, through simple obedience to Jesus, saw demons cast out and lives transformed. The Call to the West Just as movements were exploding in India, God called the Lawtons back to Australia. Though they longed to return to where they saw God moving, His answer was clear: No. “Just as North India was once called the ‘graveyard of missions,' today we see the Western church in decline—a graveyard that can become a fruitful vineyard.” “What God is doing over there [in places like India], He wants to do here [in the West].” How Will Movement Happen in the West? Not through big personalities, big budgets, or big buildings. Movement will happen as the Spirit of God comes, empowering ordinary people to obey His Word and step into the harvest. Right now, tens of millions are entering the Kingdom in some of the most challenging places on earth. And God wants to do the same in our Western context. The Story of Joseph from India After Joseph and a group of Indian disciples prayed, God moved powerfully. The result? 50,000 churches planted and thousands of new believers baptised every year. When Dave and the team visited Joseph a few years ago, Joseph asked: “What's the population of Australia? 23 million? You can do that! Go and take Australia!” What's God Doing Across the Planet Today? “Acts has not finished.” God is moving today as He did in Acts 2, and He is calling us to pray and ask for the ‘God difference'—for His Spirit to move and send us out. Our role is to hear His voice and respond with obedience. What Will It Take? Seeing movement isn't about theory—it requires real surrender. It will take: 1. Passionate, obedient, ordinary disciples willing to lay down their lives and go. 2. Breaking traditional structures so the gospel can multiply freely. The Tide Is Turning Last year, as we prayed, God spoke: “The tide is turning.” And now, we are beginning to see it—not just through us, but around us. When the tide turns, all the boats rise. But this shift will shake us. It will bring resistance, even persecution. “We have to go through what those in places like India have gone through.” Prayer (from John 20:21-22) “Jesus, when You walk into the room, we hand over the keys. We step aside and let You take charge. We don't have what it takes—we need You to move, just as You did with Your disciples. Make us into passionate, multiplying people, ready to be sent by You. Let us feel Your breath on our face and hear You whisper, ‘As the Father sent Me, I send you. Now go!'” Listen in and be stirred to pray, God—do it here!

In this episode, we hear from ‘Steve,' a DMM social media catalyst and practitioner who shared at the 2024 Nairobi Conference. Steve gives us insight into how social media can be used to find people of peace and transition from online engagement to real-life disciple-making. Steve's journey highlights both the potential and limitations of digital disciple-making. He emphasises the importance of on-the-ground disciple-makers. His message is clear: we should use media wisely—to catalyse movements, not replace real-life discipleship. Steve's Story & Lessons Learned “The faster that they can meet face to face, the more likely they are to multiply.” While caring for his terminally ill wife, Steve turned to social media to continue making disciples. He initially tried online Discovery Bible Studies (DBS) but soon realised that true disciple-making requires face-to-face relationships. This led him to experiment with running ads to connect with seekers and find persons of peace. One of the stories he shares is about Madonna, a young Muslim woman drawn to Jesus. However, she ultimately lacked a local disciple-maker to walk with her, underscoring the critical need for on-the-ground believers. Challenges in Using Social Media for Disciple-Making • Media doesn't make disciples—only disciples make disciples. “It's easier to teach a disciple-maker how to use social media than it is to teach a social media person how to make disciples.” • Broadcasting faith content isn't enough; engagement and relationship-building are key. • Online seekers need local, Spirit-filled believers to walk with them. How Social Media to Movement Works (Finding People of Peace Online) “Yes, social media is a dark place, but we need to be shining the light of Jesus into this darkness.” 1. Attracting Seekers – Media is used to attract spiritual seekers who are already on a spiritual journey. 2. Identifying Seekers – When engaging with people online, the goal isn't to convince them but to identify those who are genuinely seeking. 3. Filtering Responses – Digital filterers help discern legitimate seekers through relational engagement rather than debate. 4. Connecting to Face-to-Face Discipleship – Once seekers are identified, they should be connected with local disciple-makers as quickly as possible. The faster they meet in person, the more likely they are to multiply. Observations from the Most Fruitful Fields • Disciple-making happens face-to-face, not online. • Digital filterers should have bridge-building spiritual gifts. They focus on relational engagement rather than debating or convincing people. • Effective disciple-makers prioritise starting groups within existing networks of seekers. • Local, experienced, and proven disciple-makers are best suited for filtering seekers. • The focus should be on disciple-makers, not just hiring people for online or offline engagement. This is spiritual work—social media is only an access ministry. We are not making disciples online. • The most fruit often comes from the hardest places. Steve's Vision & Next Steps Steve's vision is to create systems, processes, and tools that anyone can use to find persons of peace online. The goal is to test, refine, and replicate these processes to train disciple-makers in DMM. The hope is to develop scalable systems that can be freely shared across the Kingdom of God. What We Need to Use Social Media for Disciple-Making • At least two committed disciple-making movement workers • Access to laptops, computers, reliable phones, and internet • A network of disciple-makers who can meet face-to-face with seekers Steve's Final Encouragement “Let's go and take everything we have learned to the ends of the earth.” This episode challenges us to see social media not as the end goal but as a tool—one that can help find seekers and connect them with real-life disciple-makers.

In this episode, our friend and movement author Steve Addison shares powerful stories from his global travels as he researches how God is at work. One of the most remarkable movements he has encountered is happening inside maximum security prisons in Houston, Texas, where disciple-making is transforming ‘death row' into ‘life row.' God's Glory on ‘Death Row' In six of the fourteen prison sections, 80 out of 168 prisoners have turned to Christ, forming multiplying disciple-making groups and churches. Over the past three years, 24 men have been executed, and 20 of them were disciples of Jesus—a powerful testimony of transformation behind bars. Prisoners are putting it this way: “This isn't death row for us—it's life row because we have found Jesus.” So What Can We Learn? The movement in these prisons challenges us with key lessons: • Raising the Bar of Discipleship – Only those serious about change are invested in. • Baptism = Commissioning – Like Jesus' baptism, every believer is ordained to make disciples. • Simple, Reproducible Methods – Disciple-making training and equipping at its core. • Deep Love and Generosity – A community marked by sincere love. • Partnership – Working with prison authorities to see transformation. Movement in the West God is starting movements in prisons, what about us on the world outside? These same principles can bring transformation anywhere. Steve's Encouragement for Us Are we practicing simple, reproducible disciple-making like Jesus and the early church? Our identity isn't in the results—trust God for the fruit and stay faithful in the basics of discipleship. Let's take what's happening in prisons as a challenge: If it can happen there, it can happen anywhere.

In this episode, Dave Coles joins us to share insights from his new book, 'Living Fire'. This book tells the powerful story of Aychi and how God is sparking movements in some of the hardest places on earth. You will be inspired as you listen that God is at work in extraordinary ways. Are we willing to be part of it? 'Living Fire: Advancing God's Kingdom in Challenging Places' Get the book on Amazon Key highlights from the book: • The spread of the gospel in high-security regions, particularly among Muslim communities in Africa. “We are going everywhere except hell to share the gospel.” (Aychi summing up their mission) • The incredible fruitfulness of disciple-making movements (DMMs) in places where, just decades ago, the idea of such breakthroughs seemed impossible. How Are These Movements Growing? The book explores 22 key factors that ignite, accelerate and sustain these movements. Some Dave mention include: • A Healthy Dissatisfaction – A deep urgency to see the gospel spread. • Extraordinary Prayer – More than regular prayer, it's serious, informed, and strategic. • Focusing on Relationship, Not Religion – Critical for ministry among Muslims but also relevant in post-Christian cultures. • Access Ministry – Identifying and serving the practical needs of different communities. • Showing Jesus' Radical Love – Genuine, sacrificial love opens doors and hearts. • Holy Boldness Amidst Hardship – Persevering despite challenges to find people of peace. • Person of Peace – Finding those open to the message (and messenger) and willing to share it. • Discovery Bible Study (DBS) – Helping people discover God's Word for themselves. The Power of ‘Hot Coals' A standout principle from the book is ‘Hot Coals'—the idea that movements grow best when those who are already living as radical disciples are sent to ignite new fires elsewhere. Aychi explains: “In our rural areas, we take a hot coal from one neighbor's fire and bring it to another neighbor to restart a fire.” How Can We Join In? With God, all things are possible—but not always easy. The book challenges us to examine our own disciple-making journey by asking: • “How am I doing with these movement factors (principles)?” • “God, what are the practical steps I can take as I make disciples?” God delights in using His children for His mission. Whether in high-security places or our local communities, these principles apply. The call is clear: every believer is a disciple, and every disciple can make disciples. Further Reading from Dave Coles: • Bhojpuri Breakthrough – A look at one of the world's most remarkable disciple-making movements. • Cabbages in the Desert – Stories of kingdom impact in unlikely places.

Dave speaks with Aila Tasse, author of Cabbages in the Desert, at the Nairobi DMM leaders gathering. Aila shares practical steps for catalysing movements in even the most challenging contexts. Key Highlights: • Movements are thriving globally through ordinary people living with simple faith and obedience. • In the West, Christianity is often intellectualized and individualistic, hindering relational, God-dependent disciple-making. Steps to Catalyse a Movement: 1. Engage – Use spiritual mapping and prayer. 2. Raise Awareness – Cast vision and train locals. 3. Build & Train Teams – Equip those attempting first steps of DMM. 4. Coach & Network – Connect practitioners to share insights. 5. Develop Leaders – Identify and develop leaders. 6. Multiply Catalysts – Equip leaders to catalyse movements. Networking (Learning and Seeing): Aila emphasises the importance of making disciples for Jesus, not organisations. Movements thrive when leaders embrace a posture of learning, depend on God, and prioritise the DNA of disciple-making over branding. Aila isn't just learning—he's seeing movements emerge. Out of his vision for 150 movements, he has already witnessed 69 movements take root. By sharing resources freely and focusing on empowering others, Aila has seen God's work multiply beyond organizational boundaries. Final Encouragement: • Trust God's timing and keep sowing seeds with simple faith and simple obedience.  • Stay connected in networks and cultivate perseverance—it's the fruit of the Spirit. • Keep going until the Lord comes back; His didn't tell us to come, but his call remains, it is “Go.”

Dave chats with Roy Moran from New Generations in a cafe in Nairobi about the growing global impact of DMM. • Global Growth: DMM is thriving in hundreds of places, proving it can happen anywhere. • A Gospel of Life: Moving beyond forgiveness to a Gospel that generates life, helping people flourish and follow Jesus with allegiance and transformation. • Adapting Locally: Western contexts need patience and relational connection, focusing on the 'why' behind DMM practices, not just importing methods (the 'what'). • Perseverance: Building trust and allowing small steps of obedience over time are essential to see breakthrough and multiplication. Roy finishes by encouraging us in the West to focus on micro-movements and measuring their “R number” (like during COVID) to assess how effectively our disciples are multiplying. If we help give and focus on people with an infection rate above 1 enough time, we will see phenomenal impact.   June 2025 Global Catalyst Camp (Nairobi): Learn more and register here.

In this episode, Dave speaks with Patrick, a leader overseeing over 90 churches across 16 districts in Sierra Leone, who shares insights on developing a strategy for abundant prayer. Patrick, a disciple of Shodankeh (featured in Engage Africa videos), highlights how prayer fuels discipleship and movement growth. Building a Culture of Abundant Prayer Patrick outlines practical steps for creating a prayer-focused movement: 1. Extend Daily Prayer Times: Begin with the time you are currently praying and increase gradually (e.g. 15-30 minutes). 2. Weekly Intercessors Prayer: Designate intercessors for every group to pray daily. 3. ‘Upper Room' Prayer Days: Dedicate full days of uninterrupted waiting on God. 4. Weekly Prayer and Fasting: Set a consistent day (e.g., Wednesday) for fasting and prayer. Start small and grow to longer durations.  “Jesus told us to survive without Him, and prayer is how we do it—we move the movement through abundant prayer.” Key Elements of the Prayer Strategy Start with intercessors Prayer: Every group has intercessors connected to a regional prayer team.  Regional Prayer Hubs: Weekly gatherings for intercessors to pray together. Monthly ‘Prayer Quakes': Intense, three-day spiritual warfare prayers, inspired by Acts 4:31. • Example: Patrick is calling a “Altars Against Altars” Prayer Quake in October, calling for personal and communal fire through the Holy Spirit. Finally, Prayer Mobilisation: Calling and teaching those in the wider community (inside or outside the church) to gather and pray. Prayers Focused on Movement Goals 1. Spiritual Breakthroughs: For those being discipled and their communities. 2. Open Hearts: Praying for access to the people and places God has prepared for the Gospel. 3. Transformation of minds: Asking God to empower us to see change and transformation through His Word and Spirit. 4. More Disciple-Making Leaders: Inviting others to witness and participate in God's transformative work. The Power of Modeling Prayer Patrick and Dave emphasise teaching prayer through example, saying, “The heart of discipleship is to model prayer.” Encouragement for the West Patrick shares from 1 John 5:14-15, reminding listeners to have confidence in God hearing our prayers and answering us when we pray according to his will. We know DMM is God's will. He explains how upper room prayer unlocks God's fire and empowerment: Luke 10:19: “Behold, I give unto you power…” Luke 24:49 “Do not leave Jerusalem” Acts 1:8 “…you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you.” Final Words Patrick challenges listeners: “God never calls us without backing us up. His backing comes through prayer. Mobilise people, create prayer hubs, and make prayer attractive. When you depend on God in prayer, you will never be disappointed.” This episode is a compelling reminder of the transformative power of prayer in disciple-making movements. Prayer is paramount, and prayer is powerful.

Dave is still in Kenya, continuing with a third discussion in this series with movement leaders gathering in Nairobi. This episode Dave speaks with Pyry Winter, a Finnish movement leader about his vision for DMM and the importance of reaching and forming community amongst affinity groups in our urban Western contexts. His insights from Europe resonate with challenges many of us face in places like Australia and New Zealand.  • Pyry's Story and DMM Journey • Being a former Lutheran pastor, Pyry was inspired by leaders like David Broodryk (248 Training) and Bill Hodgson (My Friends Training). • Pyry began discipling Christians in what he calls a church affinity group, encouraging them to grow connections with people from the harvest. He focused on equipping this group to make disciples through intentional training (My Friends) and rhythms. “Because we have freely received, freely we want to give away.” (Referring to Jesus' words as he sent out the twelve in Matthew 10:8) • God has formed a vision for Finland in Pyry's heart as he yearns to see his nation play a key role in fulfilling the Great Commission, contributing to God's work across Europe. • Challenges of our urban culture in the West • Pyry addresses the reality of isolation, individualism, and the need for genuine community in our urban settings. We hear how we can't presume that deep relationships already exist within affinity groups. There is a need to intentionally form what he calls ‘pre-church communities' where people can belong and engage, even with their busy schedules.  • Example of engaging angry young conspiracy theorists in Finland • Pyry shares an example of one of his teams engaging angry young conspiracy theorist men in Finland. He highlights how they engaged this group of outcast, broken men by:  Identifying their brokenness (loneliness and lack of purpose). Recognising the lies they are believing as well as their strengths (truth-seeking). Responding by building ‘pre-church communities' (where these young men felt like they belonged and started to be transformed by Jesus).  • Word of Encouragement “Jesus is doing a new thing in the Western urban environment. He is creating new wineskins and building His church as we make disciples. A new day is coming for the West, for Finland, and Europe—for the glory of God!”

In this episode, Dave connects with Rich Robinson, leader of the Movement Leaders Collective, during his time in Nairobi, Kenya. Rich brings profound insights into pioneering leadership in Western contexts, emphasizing biblical faithfulness and cultural adaptability. His reflections inspire movement leaders to take risks and embrace new paradigms for making disciples in a rapidly changing world. Key Themes & Takeaways: • New Paradigms for Ekklesia (Church): People often resist alternative forms of church that fit today's mission context. Rich unpacks how these “vehicles” can serve the Kingdom. • Insights from Rich's Book, All Change: Rooted in the Gospel of Luke, Rich outlines four phases of Jesus as a leader who pioneered a movement: 1. Dream (Luke 1–5): Envision a future guided by kingdom imagination. 2. Discover (Luke 6–11): Coaching small groups and building discipleship. 3. Design (Luke 12–22): Teaching Kingdom principles that can be contextualized. 4. Deploy (Luke 22–24): Mobilizing disciples for mission. Rich's book provides language for pioneering leaders to articulate the vision God has placed on their hearts.

We reconnect with Jim Britts, author of 21 Days to Becoming a Disciple Maker, whilst both he and Dave gather in Africa with other DMM leaders. In this episode, we get an update from Jim from the States of some of the highlights happening around him with both his own community and collaborating with others. Highlights such as doing a 'push week'. Push Week A push week is when people come together from different places and focus on the harvest for a few days. Finding and then following up people of peace for the remainder of the week is what this 'push' is all about. The week can be covered in 'live prayer' through, for example, group messaging. This is a great way to get 'unstuck' for people who want to bring together a few others to engage a particular harvest field together. Coaching - a key learn for Jim Be in community for accountability, prayer and celebration. Be a coach and get coached. Coaching can happen better in smaller groups where each person commits to focusing on a few others to coach each week. Coaching needs to include a deep relationship that asks 'fathering' questions which leads people into fruitfulness. Remember as a coach, don't tell but lead people to the answer. "Breakthrough happens through coaching - when someone helps you walk through doors that they have already walked through" The phrase 'you are who you hang with' is true in DMM. So if we want to grow in disciple-making, we need to be in relationship with those who are behind, alongside and ahead of me. We can be encouraged that movements are God's work that are happening through ordinary yet humble people just like us. Word of encouragement Choosing this journey of making disciple is choosing a journey of rejection. Discouragement can come with this. Jim then asked us this question: 'Will you do disciple making only if others are doing it with you or if God brings the fruit? Or are you doing disciple-making for the rest of your life? Instead of an 'only if', we need to have an 'even if' mentality. Even if our dreams aren't met or even if everyone else walks away.

Today we have the privilege of hearing from Tom and Sophie Butler who have intentionally placed themselves in the multicultural suburb of Auburn in West Sydney. They have an awesome vision of seeing multiplying hubs established all across the city. Be blessed as you hear their heart and stories of how God has called them into DMM and how lost people around them in Sydney are being impacted by Jesus. Tom and Sophie's story Tom and Sophie have spent almost 5 years pursuing God's call to see disciple making movements birthed in Sydney. They share how exposure to DMM as late teenagers influenced them to follow God's lead and start Discovery Groups with old school friends and jump into Auburn for the last two years. Jesus' focus on discipling the lost and his unconditional love has captured their hearts to fully embrace God's vision for the nations in and beyond Sydney.  Stories from and a vision for Sydney These guys have been intentionally reaching out amongst the nations in Auburn, seeing Discovery Bible Studies start in places like a local Mosque and seeing people's lives transformed by Jesus. Tom shares a powerful story of seeing a young Nepalese man reconciled with his father after responding to one of Jesus' parables. Tom and Sophie are part of a team called ‘Fruitpickers' who carry a vision of seeing catalytic teams in every urban centre of Sydney and across Australia. They dream of seeing Discovery Groups grow into simple and organic churches amongst every people and affinity group of the city and into the nations.  Word of encouragement Tom reflects on Jesus' parable of the persistent widow (Luke 18:1-8): “Movement will take sustained effort for a long time. Jesus is asking us, ‘Will I find faith on earth when I come?' Will we maintain faith that a movement is not only possible but it is God's will and desire?" Sophie finishes the podcast by praying for us and says, “Don't let the fear of making mistakes get in the way of living out the call of God on your life!”  Before moving on from this podcast, allow Jesus to ask you, "Will I find faith on earth when I come?". Ask yourself, "Is fear of making mistakes creeping into my life as a disciple maker?". Pray for God to give you fresh faith to take risks in pursuing his heart for disciple making movements in your context.

In this podcast, we jump into a word of encouragement that Dave gave to the Thailand '24 gathering with some of our international leaders. As a group, we'd just done a Discovery Bible Study (DBS) from the story of Jesus crossing the lake with his disciples, encountering and stilling a great storm and then encountering another storm of spiritual warfare when confronting the demoniac upon arrival in the Decapolis. We explore the themes of fear and faith from the reflections of this DBS found in Mark 4:35-5:41.  The invitation to participate in the Great Commission God is in partnership with us and the whole of creation. He calls us out to "go" and be apostolic. To be 'sent ones'. However we will always confront fear as we respond to his call to "go", just like in this story.  Confronting fear Like the people in the story, we will face different fears as we join in God's work of kingdom advancement. We are called to respond with faith in Jesus who is power and authority.  This story is a story of taking new ground for the kingdom of God. The storm that this story is talking about is one that comes from a response to God's call to "go" and see the Kingdom of God advance in a new place.  Faith from Spirit birthed vision in prayer  ‘Faith is about prayer and hearing the voice of the Spirit and then obedience to God.' We are to listen to God's kingdom advance plan in the place of prayer. All apostolic advancement begins in prayer. As we pray, God speaks to ‘go'. Just as God must have spoken to Jesus about going into this new gentile region, God always speaks to us about not settling for where we are right now. Vision birthed by God is always bigger than what we can handle. This is because it is God's vision not ours. Faith is risky “Without the element of risk, there is no need for faith” (Hudson Taylor).  As we step into the boat, fear always comes up against faith. Fear can cause us to withdraw. However apostolic advancement happens through our obedience and faith in Jesus, knowing his presence in ‘our boat'. Faith in Jesus' authority When God calls us into new territories, we will run into spiritual powers and forces of darkness like in this story. But can put our faith in Jesus' presence that comes and surrounds us as we obediently go, responding to Jesus' words in the Great Commissions… “And surely I will am with you always” (Matthew 28:20) “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit”. (John 20:21-22) Final words of encouragement “Obey Jesus. Go where he is calling you. Let it be birthed by the Spirit. He will lead us into dark places. Don't compare yourself to others. You have ground God has called you to. It will require you to have faith in Jesus when fear confronts you. Go, take the land God is calling you to. Expect more than what you have right now!”

We continue listening to part 2 of Rey's case study from the Hong Kong team sharing at our Thailand 24 gathering. In this second episode Rey shares with us exciting stories of how multiplication is happening from Hong Kong back into his home country, all across the Philippines.  How to be a disciple maker Find a Person of Peace (Luke 10). Bring these people into a DOBS (Discovery Obedience Bible Study).  Baptise to be a disciple.  Continue being part of a DOBS.  Grow by being accountable in loving God  Scriptures to help disciples be accountable and multiply Matthew 28:19-20. The Great Commission keeps disciples focused on disciple making.  Matthew 22:39-40. Love God (by worshipping, praying, serving, obeying and giving their ‘three Ts': Time, Talents and Treasure). Love people (by their care, time and giving).  Acts 1:8. We need the power of the Holy Spirit.  2 Timothy 2:2. What we learn from someone, pass it onto others who pass it onto others.  If see the above in disciples, they will start to multiply as start DOBS.  The operating system of DMM Rey shares how DMM will only work if it is fully embraced. He finishes by sharing what he calls the head, heart and hands operating system of DMM:  Head: we lead people to learn and remember the Bible story.  Heart: we lead people to love the Lord, not the leader.  Hands: we lead people to obey God.  After listening to Rey, ask yourself this question: "How can the Gospel spread and multiply in my context?” *In the last episode, Rey calls a DBS a DOBS (Discovery Obedience Bible Study) since he says "there can only be movement if there is obedience".

We continue our Thailand 24 gathering series as we listen to case studies from around the world. In this episode, we listen to Ray from the Hong Kong team. In this first of two episodes, you'll hear how God prepares a person. This includes the tests that happen in the life of a leader as they seek to embrace God's vision for movements.  The test of ‘no evidence' We hear how God called Ray and his wife Ethel (both from the Philippines) to pioneer disciple making amongst filipino maids (foreign domestic workers) in Hong Kong. It began by being exposed to movements from around the world. However their church and community were not convinced about DMM with no obvious initial results.  DOBS in the park After stepping out of traditional church leadership, Ray shares how God said to him, “Work for me, don't work for money.” After praying and fasting, God told Ray, “If you want a church to do DMM with in Hong Kong, then why don't you start one?”. This led to Ray starting a new ‘DOBS' in a park. Ray calls DBS (Discovery Bible Study) a ‘DOBS' with the O standing for Obedience.  “We cannot have DMM without obedience.” Ray's disciple making methods: POP (People of People) hunting at least once a week (based on Luke 10).  DOBS as the DMM training.  Measure by baptisms: Ray's first baptism happened at the end of the the first month of doing DOBS in the park. (Since July 2022, his team's goal is to see baptisms by the end of each month with now 82 people being baptised.) 4 hubs or communities have now been established across Hong Kong for training, fellowship, prayer and 'disciple worship celebrations'. (Ray uses DOBS as the way of teaching and training.) Home groups are also starting in people's homes (including children participating in DOBS). Ray's vision "When foreign domestic workers in Hong Kong retire, everyone can bring DMM home." Ray and his team tells them, “First you are a missionary to Hong Kong. Then if you train well and master the DBS and DMM principles, you can go back and make disciples when you go home. And we will support you!” God's challenge to us, the listener There are many integrity tests God leads us through as he calls us. As you listen to this podcast, ask yourself this question: What's God's challenge to you as you hear Ray's story?

In this episode, you will hear a particular case study coming out of South Asia as one of the movement leaders to shares with us.  Bible based The podcast begins by encouraging us to keep things simple. Just share the Word and allow the Holy Spirit to help us apply the Bible in our lives. If we keep things simple, multiplication of disciples, leaders and churches can happen.  Authority releasing Leaders in DMM are intentional about seeking to make another leader. Ministry without leadership cannot stand. Jesus himself created leaders that multiplied. Multiplying church happens on the back of multiplying ordinary disciples and leaders.  Start with being a disciple There is no hierarchy in DMM, at the core, everyone is a disciple.  “If you are a good disciple, you are a good leader. If you are a good leader, you are a good pastor. If you are not a disciple, how can you be a good pastor and leader?” Case Study One of his leaders shares with us how he started with 12 traditional house groups but he soon caught the vision of DMM and started to implement some of the DNA.  “I used to think, 'I am the boss'. Now I know that God is pleased with our obedience not our knowledge. These days I am giving authority to local leaders and churches are multiplying as a result! Today we have 126 house groups with 70 leaders across 70 villages. Our vision is to reach all 700 villages in our district which consists of 1.6 million people.”  DMM methodology in India Prayer Sending out ordinary people  Adopting local culture  Empowering local leaders  Releasing authority to them  Multiply  He shares how his teams create short and long term Discovery Bible Study stories. They coach their leaders through their challenges after six months of DMM training.  “Just like human children, our leaders need to learn to eat by themselves after six months.”  Pray for South Asia The podcast finishes by urging us to pray: "We have 1.4 billion people. Official statistics say that 3% are Christian however we believe that it is more like 6%. Please keep praying for us!"

We continue our Thailand gathering series and hear part one of a two part case study of what God is doing through Simon from India. Simon shares part of his journey into DMM and his current context which now sees over 2000 churches planted down to over 10 generations deep in India. Simon's journey into DMM We hear how the vision of ‘ordinary' people leading from the beginning captured Simon's heart as he stepped out of traditional church ministry. Simon share how he was attracted to DMM because of how it is centered on obedience to God's Word and multiplication. Simple training and facing persecution These days, Simon and his team meet people where they are at and train them in DMM. They keep things really simple so that anyone can easily apply and multiply what they learn. Persecution is an everyday challenge for Simon and his workers. Matthew 28:16-20 is what Simon uses to encourage his team when they are faced with persecution. Their response is to pray for endurance and courage since they know persecution will not stop but keep coming. “We are not praying that persecution will stop. No, it will come. The one thing matters to us is endurance and courage.” Challenges for DMM in India Finally, Simon gives us a brief insight into the challenges he and his leaders are facing to see DMM in the Indian context. Firstly, the cultural barriers of the diverse harvest fields of India. They are seeking to continue trying to contextualize the gospel when connecting with new peoples. Secondly, the traditional church is another barrier for them.

This is our first episode of a new series from our Thailand 24 gathering. This gathering saw fruitful movement leaders come together from 15 nations. This introduction from Dave is a call to collaborate with others as we build team. Dave draws us into a reflection on the resurrection of Christ and his triumphant procession. He hear how Jesus gave the gifts of people as an establishment of his movement.  Movement Methods and Strategy Movement methods or tactics are tools in our tool belts. They include: abundant prayer vision birthed by God  building teams harvest connection  groups started  churches formed  multiplication that leads to saturation The strategy applies the methods. It is the view of saturation of a region, people group, city or state. How do we create a momentum of leaders and workers that will ‘fill the area' with the teachings of Jesus? It includes a focus on building catalytic hubs of leaders, bound together by a common vision and strategy.  God's gifts are people When Christ ascended on high he led a host of captives (like a Roman Caesar), and he gave gifts to men (2 Corinthians 2:14-16, Psalms 68:18). The gift of God in the context of the resurrection are people. He gave gifts to men… he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers (Ephesians 4:7-12).  Word of encouragement  When God wants to start a movement, he gives gifts. His gifts are people. You are that gift. That's why you matter so much. But we are not enough. Our big task is to multiply workers. You can start … but 100 can create a saturation movement. God wants to multiply workers through you. Focus on building catalytic hubs of leaders, bound together by a common vision and strategy.  Image: Triunph(us) Caesaris (The triumph of Julius Caesar), plate 6. Andrea Andreani, fl. 1584-1610 - Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division. http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/cph.3g02830

We continue our conversation with Scott and hear him share about the kingdom of God and our participation in it as we simplify our walk with God in complex cities. What is the kingdom? “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” (Mark 1:15). Scott begins by giving us an overview of the kingdom of God from a biblical perspective. Drawing from Mark 1:15, Scott shares how the gospel is itself the kingdom. It is where we participate in God ruling over us. So how do we participate in the kingdom? Scott described the kingdom of God as an upside down triangle where everyone can listen and obey God, helping others do the same. Luke 10 gives us a glimpse of Jesus' excitement (and the disciples' astonishment!) of how the kingdom of God is for everyone, even the unlearned and ordinary. ‘At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children….Then he turned to his disciples and said privately, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. For I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.” (Luke 10:21,23-24) Culture and the kingdom Scott also shares an analogy of the kingdom being like poured out wine. We need to keep in mind that our Christian culture or 'wineskins' are not necessary the most helpful vessels of God's kingdom for some people. Engaging complex cities Some keys can include: Understanding the distinction between what is simple, complicated and complex. Cities are indeed complex systems where God wants to see his kingdom emerge. Christianity as an ‘empire', ruled from the centre, can easily breakdown in complex cities. However Jesus, the king of God's kingdom, can lead each of us with his amazing creativity. We need to stay flexible and adaptive to what can help serve us and those we lead as we all live out our relationship with God. Finally, since our king's character is predictable, tools like DBS (Discovery Bible Study) are helpful since they centre around the obedience to and sharing of God's Word. Resources to help us engage further Check out Scott's blog here. Check out the 'Two Four Eight' movement website here. Keeping it simple Scott finishes by encouraging us to keep our discipleship walk simple... “Simply ask, ‘Am I listening, trusting and obeying God? And am I helping others do the same?' This is all we need to do. God will guide us when we give him space…He wants sons and daughters who are living and sharing life with him. He will work the fruit out!”

We start a new series talking to disciple making leader and catalyst, Scott Crawley, as he shares on reaching cities.   Scott's story Scott first shares a little bit of his story including how, as a broken young adult, he encountered Jesus in a vision which radically transformed his life. He then moved to Asia and wrestled with the question, ‘what is the Gospel?' in a very different context to what he was used to in Australia. Over the next 20 years, Scott and his wife found themselves in different parts of central Asia, underprivileged parts of urban Australia and now the cities of Asia.  Vision for the cities of Asia Today Scott and his family are caught up in God's vision for the cities of Asia. He currently serves across five cities alongside locals who feel stuck with 'next steps' as they carry a vision for those who are not engaging with Jesus.  Why cities? Scott shares why focusing on cities is vital to seeing God's vision fulfilled: Most of the world's population is in cities (over 55%). Movement is happening in rural areas not urban areas. There is a clear gap when it comes to our cities.  Cities are one of the last giants to be taken down. (They are challenges since when you address one part of a city, there is so many more parts to focus on.) So where do we begin when we seek to reach complex cities? We hear Scott begin by saying it's always as simple as listening, trusting and obeying God. And empowering others to do the same.  He then shares to look out for people who have questions. Scott encourages us to engage with these locals by asking questions back to them! This is so we can understand how God is already working so we can partner with and serve God. "The Holy Spirit is a much better coordinator and leader than we are. As we listen and ask people questions, we see how we can strategically serve."Scott Three spheres of cities David Broodryk's three spheres of cities can help with asking questions to hungry people as we begin by helping them clarify who/where they are called to. Oikos groups  Affinity groups Whole cities Words encouragement Scott gives us a word of exhortation as he calls us to soak in God's vision as we read through scripture and realising that it's not God's wish list but his plan. Finally, he affirms us that each of us have a role to play in God's vision. We can all be free as God's sons and daughters as we learn to listen, trust and obey God and be part of seeing his Kingdom come.

In this episode, we have a conversation with Indian Praxeis catalyst, Rodger, exploring his story and hearing about what God is doing in northern India among the largest number of unreached people groups in the world. Rodger is engaged in church planting and community transformation efforts not only in his home state of Bihar but also across 15 other Indian states and beyond. Holistic Approach Rodger's approach involves a holistic transformation, focusing on more than just the spiritual lives of people. He uses the Bible and movements principles to help multiply the training of key leaders at state, regional, and village levels as they understand how to address their community's needs. The vision for Bihar In Bihar, the goal is to establish a church in each of the 45,000 villages. Progress has been made in 20,000 villages so far. Catalytic Impact Dave asks us as the listeners this key question during the converstion: "What does the Gospel look like in our context as disciple makers and catalysers?" Encouragement and Reflection 'For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.' Habakkuk 2:14. Rodger asks us, "Where do we stand? Are we living for ourselves or for God's vision?". Emphasising that taking one step, as Rodger did at the age of sixty, can lead to miracles and guide us into the next steps in fulfilling God's vision of Habakkuk 2:14.

In this third podcast with Floyd, we continue to be challenged to “finish well”. Floyd speaks this challenge to us from a well of experience and heart. Floyd's love for Jesus and his determination to be passionate to the end of his days speaks deeply to our hearts calling us to walk away from mediocrity and embrace our call, our God-given gifts and the opportunity to impact and influence many around us.  We are in a battle for passion. The world is out to capture your passions. Floyd begins this message by remembering his family and the impact that his parents had on his life particularly his father. His father was a man of humility, deep passion, led a long-life of serving the gospel and he finished well.  Floyd estimates that 80-85% of spiritual leaders do not finish the race well. But what does it mean to finish well? According to Floyd it is to: end with more passion that you began with be true to who you are and what God has put into you accomplish the assignment that God has for your life be fruitful and to pass on to others who pass onto others what God has given to you.  Drawing on Paul's final letter, 2 Timothy written whilst facing his own death, Floyd highlights some of the key parting words that Paul gave to Timothy. Australian society could be turned upside down if the 3-4% of the evangelical/protestant believers in this country just said, “I'm going to be on fire for Jesus and no one can take that away from me.” As you listen to Floyd, ask the Holy Spirit to help you to stir up the passion in your life. Ask God to show you if there is anything in your life that has taken the place of Jesus and caused you to become compromised.  Ask God to help you to live well so that you finish well. “ ...the issue isn't will we die but will we die well. 

Floyd McClung continues to share with us and in this episode he talks about what the Spirit is doing across the world and how we can respond by laying down our lives for Jesus. Following Jesus means giving up our rights “When we die, we know we can take our heart to heaven if we follow and love Jesus…But we can take one more thing. We can take other people with us to heaven too.” ‘For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you?' (1 Thessalonians 2:19).  The second reason to die for Jesus “The Spirit of God is moving in our planet in a most awesome and unusual way right now in our lifetime.” But Floyd challenges us by asking whether we will align our life to God's Spirit by choosing to reject our western materialism and be willing to allow God to turn our lives upside down?  Jesus (the Lamb of God) is worthy of our sacrifice Our motivation to obey the Great Commission is found in Revelation 5... “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honour and glory and praise!” (Rev 5:12). If we give our lives for the Lamb of God and for the sake of the Gospel, Jesus will meet us in our hour of need as we trust him. As Corrie Ten Boom once said, "In the moment I needed the grace of God, the grace of God was there for me." Floyd finishes by asking us whether we would be willing to say, "I will give my life because the Lamb is worthy".

Over the next three podcasts we will be delving back into the archives as we hear again from Floyd McClung who shared at Crossway Baptist Church on the motivation of our hearts as disciple makers.  In this first episode, Floyd focuses in on the Father heart of God. How we are to view people. This helps us view movement as not primarily a methodology but something of God's driving heartbeat for all humanity.  "God is a loving Father and he is anxiously longing and waiting for people to return".  Floyd describes how the father responds to his son in Jesus' commonly termed ‘Prodigal Son' story (Luke 15:11-32) with his prodigal or ‘extravagant' love.* This is God's heart for all creation. A Father who is waiting and longing for our world.  "God isn't storing up wrath, he is storing up love." Floyd shares that if we can connect with God's heart, we can then go to others as a lover of God who cares deeply for people's brokenness.  We hear precious and powerful stories of people encountering the Father's love from Floyd's mission experiences in places like Amsterdam's red light district and amongst the poor in South Africa. "So the reason we go into mission isn't out of guilt or obligation, but because the Father longs to receive people." Tim Kellor's book, 'The Prodigal God' that Floyd refers to can be found here

In this episode we hear from movement practitioner Steve Addison who has just returned from traveling overseas which included a book tour of his latest book, ‘Acts and the Movement of God'.  Emptying the tool bag Steve bravely shares with us how God wanted him to recently completely empty his ministry ‘tool bag' and then wait on God's lead to know what to put back in. Steve's podcast, turning his previous books into audiobooks and writing another book (filled with movement case studies) is what Steve is looking forward to running with as he moves forward.  God shapes us through trials  Steve reflects on his recent trips by highlighting the importance of disciple makers he met not only living out essential movement practices but allowing God to shape them internally.  “When you hit hard times, don't see it as a distraction. Lean into them. God uses these trials to shape us and position us where he wants us. Just like the Apostle Paul.” Going near and far Whilst observing movements in India recently, Steve kept hearing the same story time and time again of new disciples… Being intentionally engagement in prayer (accompanied by signs of wonders) Journeying through a slow discipleship process of going though the Scriptures (35 lessons from Creation to Christ).  Forming ekklesias or groups.  Multiplying the Gospel - going near and far Opportunity to give to the persecuted church in India  Dave encourages us to respond to an opportunity to give to the persecuted church in India via the Praxeis website. You can give by selecting ‘Persecuted Indian Church' in the drop down options under ‘Support a Project' here. Read the book of Acts! Steve urges us to go back and read the book of Acts again as disciple makers in the West. He challenges us to ground our practices in what Jesus himself did and what the apostles continued.  “Do it (disciple making practices) because it's right, not because it works. Go near and go far. Discover Christ in the harvest because he is there. We can't control and receptively of the western world, but we're still called to go!” Final words of encouragement Speaking on our response to times of trial and testing, feeling like we have nothing left, Steve encourages us to keep pressing into God. The outcome of our ministries he says is only through knowing Christ in our weakness. ‘But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.' (2 Corinthians 4:7) "As you engage in the harvest, take Jesus at his word and expect him to be with you. This is so that when the breakthroughs do come, your identify will no longer be dependant on your own ministry success.”

We join Dave as he catches up with Brian and Klaus around a campfire to the west of Canberra moments after a time of praying over the city together. Embracing DMM from the heart Brian shares a little of his journey towards DMM from being a legacy church leader in the sophisticated city of Canberra. “We previously never thought about multiplying evangelism. But then we learnt that to help somebody discover God is to help them multiply.”  Brian tells us the importance of having a ‘harvest is plentiful' perspective. God has a plan for so called ‘tough' cities like Canberra as we pray for harvest workers to be raised up (Luke 10:2). “Prayer has become so much more important than ever before since its about being inwardly transformed, not just learning a slick new method.” Renewing our minds as teams Klaus joins the conversation sharing how seeing disciple making teams form has been key. Switching from gathering in a hall to homes has allowed their church to become more loving, learning and joy filled discipling communities.  “I love the simplicity of how everyone in DMM can share God's stories. Jesus himself shared stories to connect with the hearts and minds of such a wide range of people.”  The willingness to ‘go slow to go far' as disciple makers, Klaus says, is vital. He says the biggest challenge is inside us as God calls us to renew of our minds to his truth. He describes how using Jim Britts' book (‘21 Days to Becoming a Disciple Maker') with the team is helping them embrace the habits of Pray, Go, Disciple, Multiply in a deeper way.  Multiplying everywhere through discipling hubs Brian describes their current challenge of continuing to form apostolic and multiplying hubs of disciple makers all across Canberra.  “Genuine leadership is leaders multiplying leaders. The multiplication of disciples needs to happen in every part of the operation. Catalytic leaders will multiply catalytic leaders. Movements will even multiply movements.”  Pray the edges! Before Klaus closes the podcast in prayer, Brian finishes up by emphasising the vital roles of what he calls evolving prayer by urging us to ‘pray the edges' as we continue to engage with the person of God's Word.  “Everything needs to come from heaven…Every time we have seen a pioneering movement, it has been sponsored by prayer and the Word.”

We continue hearing from Jim Britts (author of the book, 21 Days to Becoming a Disciple Maker) sharing with us in this last (of three) podcast on the habits of disciple making.  Obedience - Jesus' love language Jim shares how there is a big difference between learning something and obeying something. We reproduce who we are, not what we tell people to do. Proving our love for Jesus happens through putting his words into real practice, avoiding vagueness (an enemy of obedience).  Multiplication - pouring into less to reach more Instead of ‘extraction evangelism', we need to multiply the gospel through key insiders who'll impact their existing ‘oikos' (community). This means focusing more on those who are the spiritual sharers as Paul describes in 2 Timothy... 'And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others'. (2 Timothy 2:2) Church What does church actually look like for Jim? Coaching through story telling: this happens over food as people share what God is doing from everyone being intentional with prayer and spiritual conversations. The group then responds with a time of prayer. (This space also includes coaching people to take their next steps in engaging with lost people).  Discovery bible study: everyone is empowered to facilitate DBS. There's a focus on empowering children since it's worth the mess for the next generation.  7 Commands of Christ when becoming a church As groups come to Christ (and become a church), they are taken through ‘7 Commands of Christ'. Each week they look at different stories from the themes of Acts 2:37-47 (Repentance, Baptism, Loving one another, Prayer, Giving, Lord's Supper and the Great Commission). Final encouragement - be practitioners Jim finishes by sharing how the most important thing for us as disciple making leaders is that we are being practitioners amongst the lost ourselves. We will reproduce only who we are, not what we tell people to do. Our very souls need this.  Purchase your copy of Jim's book here.

We continue our conversation with movement catalyst Jim Britts (who has just released a new book, 21 Days to Becoming a Disciple Maker). Jim starts with some movement stories from the last few years that have come from him stepping into DMM. He shares his personal shifts to helping people come to Jesus through a disciple making process instead of starting with the sinners prayer. We hear of the next two habits of a disciple maker as Jim reminds us that we need to move from being results to habits orientated in our disciple making. Habit #3 - Discovery Leading people in starting DBS is vital. We need to move into disciple making relationships, walking alongside who Jim calls 'PPOP' (potential people of peace). By finding someone's 'pain point' through spiritual conversations, Jim encourages us to offer prayer and start sharing discovery style stories. "A message discovered is much better than a message delivered." Habit #4: Team Being in disciple making communities is so important for the ongoing encouragement of disciple makers. The core elements of these communities are always accountability, prayer and celebration. "The secret sauce to becoming a disciple maker is simply being with a group of other people who all want to make disciples as well." Final encouragement Jim finishes this episode encouraging us (from 2 Corinthians 5:17-20) that we all have been given the ministry and message of reconciliation as Jesus' ambassadors. Therefore, disciple making is not what we do, it is the essence of who we are. Purchase your copy of Jim's book here.

This episode, we begin our conversations with movement catalyst Jim Britts who has just released a new book, 21 Days to Becoming a Disciple Maker.  Jim's story In 2018, after serving as a pastor for 20 years, Jim had a middle-of-the-night encounter with God who said,  “Jim, I love the story of your church but you've missed the whole point. I called you to make disciples that make disciples and you're not.”  He started reading everything he could get his hands on about disciple making. This soon led Jim to discover what God was doing around the world through DMM.  He was rocked by one stat from a Gallup survey. It showed how the church in North America had shrunk by 23 percent from 1999 to 2019. This statistic was especially challenging to Jim since he had started full-time ministry in 1999.  He says, “So, on my watch 1 out of 4 people had left the church. Even though I was loving what was happening in my own ministry, I felt that the only thing that really mattered was seeing lostness being penetrated.”  In California, where Jim lives, he tells us how 65% of people are saying, “We are never going to church”.  Jim says, “In our culture, we have taught the non-Christian that they're the missionary. If they want to find God, they have to leave their comfort zone. But the game changer for me was when I realised that the Great Commission and Gospels teach us that we are the ones who are supposed to leave our comfort zones. We were to meet these people (the 65%) where they're at." “My life doesn't look like a harvest worker!” Jim resonated with Chris Galanos' similar discontentment and started going through his DMM training. He was struck, for example, by how he'd never made the obvious connection that Matthew 10 is a detailed description of what a harvest worker is who Jesus urges us to be praying for from the end of the previous chapter (Matthew 9:35-38). It dawned on him, “My life doesn't look like a harvest worker!”.  Over the last five years, as Jim learned to become a disciple maker himself, others joined him as almost everything in terms of ministry for him changed. These days, generation 1 churches and generation 2 groups are being birthed! Habits of a disciple maker Jim describes how the simplest way to cast vision for DMM has been to show people the Parable of the Sower (Matt 13:1-23). Despite everyone wanting to be the ‘good soil', nine out of ten Christians say they are in the ‘too busy soil' (amongst the thorns). Therefore, Jim encourages us that instead of focusing on the results of a disciple maker (that can easily bring discouragement), we can focus on the habits of a disciple maker. Jim describes how his church ask each other every week, “Tell me a story about intentional prayer and intentional conversations”… Habit #1: Intentional prayer Jim tells us how the gateway habit to disciple making is intentionally praying for others. And if we want to be catalysing disciple makers, we need to be spending our time not just praying but multiplying prayer. Some of the DMM tools for intentionally praying for others include:  The 30 day prayer calendar The PrayerMate App Phil Alessia's ‘Pray for 5' (Praying for 5 people, for 5 minutes, 5 times a week) Habit #2: Intentional conversations Jim encourages us to not just have conversations but always have intentionality when we're interacting with others.  A simple tool is Paul Watson's conversation quadrants where we move from Casual > Meaningful > Spiritual > Discovery conversations. Jim says people are waiting to share deeper things with us (Meaningful). From here, we are to seek opportunities to “drip God in” (Spiritual). And look to move into sharing stories, helping people discover truth about God together (Discovery). Final encouragement Jim finishes this episode encouraging us that there are People of Peace looking for us everywhere... When Jesus saw the crowds, he had compassion on them,

We hear from Mike Hey again who is introduced to us by one of our leaders Jerry, who along with his wife Katie and their family, are pioneering DMM in South Australia. They are connecting with local leaders like Mike from OM who shares with us what disciple making looks like for him in Adelaide. Sailing boats blown by the wind of the Spirit   Mike starts by encouraging us with a picture: We are all building teams of disciple-makers and seeking to see them sail as small boats, catching the wind of the Spirit. ‘Jungle Bible College' Mike and Ann were trained in what Mike calls an Indian ‘Jungle Bible College' through sacrificial prayer and key people like Victor John since the 1970s. After leaving and starting to hear of movements happening back in India, they have sought to catalyse work amongst the unreached ever since.  Adelaide, the city of the church Mike describes that church as ‘ekklesia', with all kinds of expressions, is at the heart of DMM. He has learnt how gathering disciples of Jesus is what brings a ‘disciple making momentum' towards a disciple making movement. Disciples are people who learn to ‘go, gather and grow' as they engage in prayer, the Word and being led by the Spirit. ‘Beautiful Feet' in Adelaide's north “We were making disciples but not multiplying disciple makers.” After returning to Adelaide, Mike shares how he and Ann started to pray and engage with others for Adelaide's multicultural northern suburbs. They joined a church planting team and began to ask questions about building relational connections and pointing people to Jesus. And so began what Mike describes as a ‘Beautiful Feet' initiative to see God's people  activated in witness as they walk together to make disciples who will make disciples. He describes it as something that is gathering ‘disciple making momentum not yet movement'. Mike says how those who are part of this initiative are followers of Jesus from lots of churches who are seeking to simply… Walk with Jesus.  Walk with a friend.  And walk alongside others as they make disciples who will make disciples.  Mike's paradigm shifts and lessons learned From outreach to ‘in-reach': Seeing disciples made through an insider movement is key. From addition (get them into the church) to multiplication  From gathering to grow to gathering to grow, go and scatter Take your fishing rod (fish for people around you) but remember the Holy Spirit is weaving and casting a larger net, not us (each of us are a strand on this net).  Keep walking, the river will rise.  Stay in the mud until it clears. (Don't jump out when it gets tough.) Grassroots prayer leads to green shoots of life. Prayer onsite brings insight.  Its all about relationship - keep gathering to scatter (multiply).  Taking church to the park Mike shares how once a quarter, he takes an established local church into their local park to do a DBS. He then helps this church to invite everyone in their neighbourhood to a community BBQ gathering. This is where a smaller group of Christians search for People of Peace. More regular DBS and BBQs can then happen.   Mike prays for our cities and challenges us “We pray for green shoots of authentic worship to rise in every neighbourhood across our cities” “God loves everyone and Jesus is the leader of his church in your city…We just need to catch up with what God is doing…Don't try and get into the heart of the church, instead get right out on the margins. That's where you can grow a life of prayer, blessing and disciple making. Multiply ‘oikos' networks. Be attentive to God, receptive of one another, intentional to bless and innovative in all you do. Find and equip Peace Makers. Discover and walk alongside People of Peace in your sphere of influence. Join Jesus as he multiplies radiant communities of his followers. And seek to disciple nations!” Mike finishes by asking each of us: 

In this episode, we continue on from last week's conversation with Dave Coles, hearing about his exciting new book release, ‘Cabbages in the Desert', the story of Aila Tasse. A story of a young Muslim being called by Jesus to see movements birthed across East Africa. Today we continue to draw out from Dave the DMM principles of how we are going to see movements in the West.  Cabbages in the Desert is available here. “Baheesi have you become a pastor!?” Dave shares the stories of Baheesi and Ruth that demonstrate how simple obedience by seemingly ‘insignificant' men and women can lead to seeing movements launched. These African leaders have impressed Dave with their calm confidence and a Holy Spirit led creativity and flexibility in making disciples in tough Muslim contexts. Because movements are indigenous, the stories of these leaders show us how they start somewhere and shepherd something that God is doing. Levels of leadership in movements Aila's paradigm of a so called ‘leadership pyramid', demonstrates a humble empowerment of others to form teams, hubs and networks that aren't dependant on one leader or organisation. This ordered leadership process is not an oppressive structure. But instead it identifies where people are at and so allows various types of leaders to develop their gifts and grow.  Training through apprenticing  DMM training in Africa is highly relational and hands on. Doing life together through an apprenticeship type training model.  The lifestyle of a movement leader is summarised by one leader, Albert in the book:  “You can only make disciples if you too are a disciple. That means you are a person of prayer. You're obedient to the Word of the Lord. You're passionate and committed to making disciples and you have patience with them through the process. And you remember that the Lord Jesus was patient with the disciples. He took time to explain the parables. To even allow them to make mistakes. Similarly you are not afraid to release your groups to go on and form their own groups.”  What's next for Dave Coles the author?  Through his upcoming books and literature, Dave seeks to continue to show us how God is working globally in creative ways amongst different people. This will include a book of another African leader working amongst Muslims in similar yet different ways. A second book (‘Leadership Breakthrough') with Victor John will give a much needed Asian voice on leadership. These as well as a number of smaller accounts of various movement leaders from across the world.  Dave's prayer for the West “That we would maximise everything we have been given to be like Christ and to be and spread his fragrance among all peoples.” Dave's final encouragement “We are privileged to hear how God is using our brothers and sisters in other contexts. But it is not just for them. There are principles that are relevant that we can also apply in our context. These stories are encouraging to our hearts but are also insightfully wise for developing strategy. It's wonderful for us to follow Jesus and follow in the footsteps of those he is using powerfully to touch the ends of the earth.” This is the continuation of the amazing stories of movements that are being catalysed that we've been hearing out of East Africa from other leaders like Justin and Wilson You can listen to our previous podcasts with these leaders by selecting a link to the Podcast episode below:  89. Nairobi Gathering #3 – Rwanda Case Study (Justin) 93. Nairobi Gathering #7 – Wilson's Story Pt. 1 94. Nairobi Gathering #8 – Wilson's Story Pt. 2 - or watch Wilson's story here.

In this episode we are talking to Dave Coles, hearing about his exciting new book release, ‘Cabbages in the Desert: How God transformed a devout Muslim and Catalyzed Disciple Making Movements among Unreached Peoples'. This is the story of Aila Tasse from East Africa who we have been hearing from in recent podcasts (see Aila's list of podcasts at the bottom of these show notes). Cabbages in the Desert is now available in both a hard or soft copy here. Dave Coles also returns to speak with us after sharing back in episode 16 about his other great book, ‘The Bhojpuri Breakthrough: A Movement that Keeps Multiplying'. Why another book? Dave Coles shares how ‘The Bhojpuri Breakthrough' is a movement case study specific to just one movement that is happening amongst Hindus in India. More in depth stories of what is really happening amongst other movements, particularly amongst Muslims is needed.  Movement is never one size fits all. 'Cabbages in the Desert' shares how God is involved in movements across many different contexts but with the same DNA principles of DMM.  Aila's story is also powerful and unique since it describes a movement amongst Muslims with some identity and clarity to it. A timely case study for those who are perhaps suspicious as to whether movement is really happening amongst Muslims today. “I don't want to be made into a Christian” We can see a difference in the roles of an 'inside' compared to an 'outside' leader in DMM: When Aila first heard the Gospel, his response was, “I don't want to be made into a Christian”. However, his powerful testimony describes a slow transition to follow Jesus as a devout Muslim searching for forgiveness. In fact he initially made fun of his Christian teacher. Yet this faithful teacher was still used by God as an ‘outsider' to impact Aila as a spiritually zealous young Muslim. From decision making to disciple making Aila vulnerably models obedience to God's call from his story: Despite his existing fruitful ministry and initially criticising DMM, God encountered Aila in the back of a plane saying, “You need to listen” (to a DMM training from David Watson). Aila humbled himself and obeyed God's clear call as God gave him the vision of seeing ‘Cabbages in the Desert'. Aila realised that God was calling him to something bigger than what he could do with his current ministry models. For example, one of the paradigm shifts Aila needed to make was from decision making to disciple making. “Sometimes they meet under a tree” When describing the evolution of his own thinking of church, Aila mentions: “Some people call them 'house churches' but in our context sometimes they meet under a tree. These are still real churches since they fit a biblical criteria of what it means to be church." Along with his co-workers, Aila describes church as “Where the people of God are gathering”. They point to Acts 2 (vs 42-47) that describes the things the church did. These days we see a variety of models of biblical ecclesiology coming out of a variety of these East African contexts and movements.   Dave Coles also illustrates the clear difference between our western culture and models of individualistic evangelism, discipleship and fellowship and the more collective culture and approach to discipleship amongst these African movements. Word of encouragement from Dave Coles Dave wants us to be encouraged that God is doing amazing things amongst Muslims and that movement DNA can be worked out in a variety of ways in many different contexts. He exhorts us to discuss, look at and pray through the DMM principles we see as we believe for God to do amazing things not just in East Africa but where any of us are working. This is the continuation of the amazing stories of movements that are being catalysed that we've been hearing out of East Africa from Aila Tasse. You can listen to our previous podcasts with Aila by selecting a link to t...

In this episode we conclude our series from our Launch 24 program with an awesome word from Pastor Graham Wilson, one of our Praxeis board members. Graham speaks into our sense of 'ordinariness' and feelings of disqualification compared to the greatness of Jesus and his great commission.  “When we look back on our lives, God has been relentless about his purposes being worked out in our lives despite our own sense of ordinariness.” Prophetic words from Launch 24 “Worship me by stepping into what I've called you to, even if it's messy and uncomfortable.”  “I love you and have chosen you. You might feel inadequate and that it's impossible. But know that I love you and there's nothing too difficult for me.”  “Be still and know that I am fighting for you.”  Fireside restoration Graham leads us into Peter's encounter with Jesus including his great failure when he denies Jesus around a fire. In John 21, Jesus recreates the fire of Peter's failure when he meets him beside the same lake where he first called him. It's in this context where Jesus reinstates and also calls Peter to once again “Follow me”.  Graham asks us three questions (from John 21:15, 20-22):  Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Then feed my lambs.” Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them…he asked, “Lord, what about him?” Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.” What if Jesus is asking you, “Do you love me more than these?”. I wonder what the ‘these' would be for you?.  Jesus follows this question saying “Then…”. What is his ‘then' for you?' What do you need to stop looking at in other peoples lives so you can be enabled to simply follow Jesus? Why not listen to this word from Graham a couple of times, allowing it to feed your heart? Then think about the times when you needed Jesus to bring you around his fire of restoration. To not just be forgiven but called by him. Allow him to bring purpose, hope and destiny to your life again as his follower.  Graham's recommended resources: ‘Receive' song by Cyndi Ruakere: listen via Spotify here 'Lectio 365' daily prayer & devotion Praying like Monks, living like Fools (Tyler Staton)

We continue our series from the Launch program with Dave sharing this episode on the power of prayer in seeing breakthrough for our cities. Be inspired to prioritise prayer afresh as Dave calls us to be part of the ‘Pray for 8' vision God has for our cities as we gather this Pentecost weekend (17-19 May).  Building an alter of prayer Drawing from his past frustrations and experience, Dave paints the somber picture of the spiritually dry landscape of Australia (and the west). The current reality of the continuing decline of the church in Australia should deeply disturb us as Jesus' disciples. Our response as one fiery Indian pastor once prophesied to Dave is to 'build an alter of prayer'.   Vision of the invasion of God's Spirit While sitting in his lounge room during a season of prayer and fasting, God showed Dave a doorway and invited him to step through it. So he did and this is what he saw:  “I saw a picture of the ongoing spiritual battle (fire and raging tempest) in the heavenly realms and above this was the kingdom of God. From the battle a spiral like a tornado (the invasion of the Holy Spirit) connected directly to a small group of believers praying together on earth. There was not just one of these invasions of the Holy Spirit but many. All were connected to believers who were praying right across the globe.”  Addressing our cities' strongholds Dave shares some miraculous stories from the city of Mumbai during his time in India. All from a group of people intentionally surrounding the city in prayer! “We are praying for Acts 2 to happen. For an outpouring of the Spirit and for Ekklesia to start and multiply. God did this in the book of Acts in city after city through people like Paul who said, ‘From Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel…now there is no place left for me to work in these regions' (Romans 15:19,23). This was because Paul had established multiplying hubs of discipleship. So let's do it! Let's go and pray for the cities. For a multiplying movement to take place.”   Our response?  If you want to be part of ‘Pray for 8' this Pentecost weekend in an Aussie capital city, contact us to find out how you can get involved!

As we listen to episodes from our Launch gathering in Melbourne, we continue the second of a two podcast series with Roger, Praxeis New Zealand leader as he shares on building teams in the West.  Roger continues sharing stories of how he has sought to see teams birthed. Principles of forming team We're to expect opposition when we start teams. How we operate as a team is what we'll reproduce. Teams need to have a culture of learning.  Work with what you've got. Don't wait until you have what you think you need. God's word not our experiences is what teaches us to build teams. Challenges we face when building teams We're fighting apathy and indifference. When confronting a religious spirit we're realising we don't need permission for mission. Individualism is always counter to team. We need to catch God's vision together.  How to multiply teams? "We are to see fruit on other people's trees" Catalysing DMM is like scaffolding, it's temporary and isn't flash.  Being anonymous is key. We know the fruit in the harvest is diverse and doesn't grow on just one tree. So we need multiple teams for the many affinity groups around us.  What's Jesus calling us to lay down?  Teams need to be more committed to the King's mission and purpose than our own individual callings and gifts. Instead of recruiting, we need to allow God to engineer team formation. Final words encouragement How do we counter the spirit of apathy, indifference, distractions and individualism? Being obedient and staying in the game despite our weaknesses and lacks. All roads lead back to prayer. Fervent, focused, passionate, sustained prayerful workers will see teams form and multiply.  Video: To view this two part podcast as a video, click on the video below! https://vimeo.com/930255024/7b98814cd3

Join us as we continue this series of episodes from our Launch event in Melbourne. Hear Roger, Praxeis New Zealand leader in this first of two podcasts sharing his thoughts on building teams in the West.  Building teams is crucial. If we cannot build teams, we won't see movement. Roger will reflect over these next two podcasts about the positive experiences he has had as well as the disappointments that he has faced.  Many years ago a multiplying movement happened amongst the Maori people. It is conservatively estimated that over 50% of the Maori population became followers of Jesus. But today NZ has a similar bleak picture to Australia with steep declines in the number of people identifying as Christians.  “Kiwis still crave spirituality but not from organised religion. They have swapped church for the yoga mat.” Roger will share and discuss some of the big questions that we have to wrestle with as we make disciples that multiply. “How did the Father send Jesus? So how does He send us? (John 21)”, “How do we raise teams across the land?. Finally, Roger will reflect on some of the lessons that he has learnt about building multiplying, catalysing teams of disciples including: Often see early breakthrough, but this early fruit does not necessarily multiply Look to the relational streams & connections to build teams Go slow to go fast Tune in next week for the conclusion of Roger's presentation…. Or simply watch the whole video below! https://vimeo.com/930255024/7b98814cd3

In this episode, we will hear from Brian and Klaus from when they shared at our February Launch gathering. Brian begins by sharing the current picture in Canberra. It feels bleak as they look at the numbers of people attending church. It is an even more despairing picture when they look at the number of people actively engaging almost lost people as disciple-makers.  But God has given them a vision and has been taking the whole church on a journey, challenging their understanding of how to make disciples. He has been leading them to lay down old ways of doing things to pick up new ways that He is teaching them.  “We have to unlearn a bunch of things and we don't even know what we gotta unlearn.” So what has shifted? Building focus to field focus (being where the people are) Charismatic leader focus to ordinary people doing the work Prayer - making prayer the priority to receive love, faith, guidance and power for the next steps (the harp and the sword) Moving away from a sermon-focus to interactive accountability to God's word and Spirit by all people A greater allegiance to Jesus as King Moving from information focus to discovery and obedience.  From a Sunday focus to being a disciple every day of the week From being a self-serving community to an outward focused community  As you finish listening to this journey, take a few minutes to ask yourself, what are the things that you and your community need to lay down so that you can pick up the new things that God has for you? What are the bold and courageous steps that God is asking you to take? https://vimeo.com/927840111

We catch up with Brian and Klaus from Grace Church Canberra at our Launch gathering in Melbourne to hear their journey of the paradigm shifts that they and their local church has gone through as they completely embrace DMM.   View this interview as a video here. These guys represent the Crosslink network of more than 160 churches around Australia and have a vision as a local church of seeing the whole of Canberra reached.  They share how their journey into DMM included being struck by and influenced by people like Chris Galanos and his faith and expensive obedience steps to reach a million people in ten years. Paradigm shifts to DMM As seasoned pastors, Brian and Klaus tell us how they have had to lay down  A focus on numbers and a service. Sermons, knowing preaching won't transform people's heart and lifestyle.  The idea of church, shifting it a smaller group, determined to follow Christ.  Their status as the key leaders where everyone depends on them.  All the tools they had acquired so they can pick up new ones.  An old lifestyle to embrace a new way of life, practicing being a disciple maker themselves. Old goals to set new ones all about multiplication.  Brian says,  “Multiplying generations of disciples is our biggest but our most worthy challenge”. Shifting to DBS Brian shares how he realised one day that he had been selling the scriptures short.  “If you let the scriptures do their own work, they can lift somebody from wherever they are into the presence of God”.  Ordinary people Grace church is one of the only churches Brian knows of in the world that have completely transitioned to everyone in the church embracing DMM. This has seen the whole church become a team of disciples makers, engaging in places like local parks and homes.  Brian says,  “We don't want anyone sitting in the stands. We want them sitting on the bench or engaged on the field. We know that if we as a congregation of ordinary people can see some kind of movement in one part of Canberra, then this will encourage others to do it in other parts of the city.” Final words of encouragement Klaus finishes saying,  “Ordinary people, not just evangelists, can learn to walk with Jesus one step at a time”.  Brian closes saying,  “The heart of God is for all people. He has given us as the family of God the opportunity to reach all the people who are estranged from his family. This isn't just an event. It is a process toward a lifestyle of fruitfulness that is reproducible without any limit”.  https://vimeo.com/919113480/9f1b71c23d

We reconnect with Mike Hey at our 'Launch 24' gathering in Melbourne. In this episode Mike shares with us some of his history, serving with OM and highlights some of the principles of seeing DMM catalysed in a multicultural city like Adelaide. To see this podcast as a video, click here Seeing DMM in Adelaide Mike has a vision for Adelaide as a house of prayer for all nations. He shares how planting simple and reproducible churches starts with prayer. Mike joins with others and they pray for their neighbourhoods, asking God how they can be a blessing.  For example, on many occasions, Mike tells us how they find themselves simply asking people to the park for a BBQ. Spiritual conversations are had and some begin to invite Mike and the team into their homes where they seek to gather for DBS (Discovery Bible Study). Mike says how one of his friends came and said, “I don't want to take a leap of faith but I'm curious about Jesus”. After doing a DBS, he was asked what he will do with what he had learnt. In response he said, “I'm going to share this story with my friends who are gamers”. Mike encouraged him to return and tell the group how it went.  Mike says every neighbourhood of Adelaide can be a house of prayer wherever a follower of Jesus lives. Starting new churches is as simple as praying, blessing, finding a person of peace* and using the DBS to form a new community of faith.  Mike's final encouragement "Trust that God can use you. That as you step outside your door, you can pray, "God be gracious to and bless every one on this street. Cause your face to shine on every Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Agnostic, Atheistic and even Christian who has lost their way. So we together would turn back to Jesus and follow him and be obedience and make disciples of all nations." *Mike defines a person of peace as someone who is receptive to God and shares what they are learning with their relational network.