POPULARITY
Categories
The Practitioners Podcast: Applying Jesus Style Disciple Making in Every Day Life
Takeaway: Know His priority. Focus yours. Action Step: Spend time in the Word searching out God's #1 priority, reflect on how your priorities and DM may need to change. Show Notes: https://biblehub.com/topical/g/glory.htm#:~:text=Biblical%20Usage%20and%20Themes:,1. Watch Us On YouTube Justin's Website Tony's Website Navigators Church Ministries The Follow2Lead Podcast
Get early access to all of the 2025 RENEW Gathering Breakout Tracks: https://reallifetheologypodcast.supercast.com/ Visit RENEW.org for great resources on Disciple Making and Theology. Today's episode will help us identify and avoid theological heresies by grounding our beliefs in the apostolic tradition, embracing the unity of God, and understanding the holistic nature of salvation. This episode, titled "How to be a Heretic," is a comprehensive discussion led by Chad Harrington who is both a business owner and a church ordination leader. The speaker dives into their diverse background, which includes theological training at Ozark Christian College and Asbury Theological Seminary, a brief stint in content marketing, and the founding of a media company focused on self-publishing and traditional book publishing. Their journey highlights a non-traditional calling to teach and write for the church.
Use this prayer guide to direct your heart and mind in intentional prayer for a disciple making movement in the greater Springfield area. Our in-person prayer hour will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 30 at 11:30 AM in Room 261. Download the prayer guide.
Want to help your church find focus in its disciple-making efforts? We've created an 8-part resource called Discipleship 101 to help. Learn more at https://www.intotheharvest.org/discipleship-101/ Need a simple framework to help you make disciples like Jesus? Check out The Pathway Series to learn more: https://www.intotheharvest.org/pathway Shop ► https://www.intotheharvest.org/shop/ Instagram ► instagram.com / intotheharvest Facebook ► facebook.com / intotheharvest Newsletter ► https://www.intotheharvest.org/newsle... We are all called to hospitality. Multiple times in Scripture, actually. Hospitality looks different for different people, and for different cultures. Andrew talks to Ryan and Hope Bailey about how they have practiced hospitality in discipleship, and the impact it has had on others, as well as in their own lives. RESOURCES MENTIONED: The Pathway Series Finding Faith – Free Gospel Resource Discipleship101 - 8 Videos and Discussion Guide Original Release Date: 09/25/25 SUBSCRIBE to our free weekly newsletter SHOP the ITH Store ******************** Want to Help Us Grow? • Subscribe and give us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify • Share this episode on Facebook • If you believe in what we're doing and want to help us reach a wider audience, become a monthly supporter The post #251 – The Open Door: How Hospitality Fuels Disciple-Making appeared first on Into the Harvest
Get early access to all of the 2025 RENEW Gathering Breakout Tracks: https://reallifetheologypodcast.supercast.com/ Visit RENEW.org for great resources on Disciple Making and Theology. Today's episode will help us understand the delicate balance between grace and truth in addressing the challenges of Progressive Christianity, through the lens of personal transformation and effective discipleship. This episode, titled "Dangers of Progressive Christianity," features a workshop led by Daniel McCoy, Editorial Director of renew.org, and his guest Dave Stovall, a recording artist, worship leader, and author of "Losing My Faith in Progressive Christianity." The workshop aims to address the challenges and perils associated with Progressive Christianity through Dave's personal journey. Daniel introduces Dave, thanking the audience for attending and sets the tone with a prayer, emphasizing empathy and wisdom in addressing the topic. Dave begins by sharing his background in a Southern Baptist church in Alabama, where he experienced teaching focused rigidly on black-and-white issues, leading him to question the interpretation of various scriptures. Dave describes his college years as a period of deep spiritual struggle, where he felt disconnected from God and faced criticism when he expressed doubts. His journey into Progressive Christianity began as he sought guidance from authors and bloggers, whose alternative theological perspectives resonated with him. This shift culminated in his adoption of progressive and universalist beliefs, particularly influenced by Rob Bell's "Love Wins." Despite initially feeling liberated and guilt-free under these new beliefs, Dave encountered a turning point when he became a father and questioned what faith he should instill in his children. This led him to a pivotal moment of sincere prayer, asking God to reveal the truth, regardless of where it led him. Subsequently, Dave met Bobby Harrington from Harpeth Christian Church, who played a crucial role in guiding him back to a more traditional understanding of Christianity. Bobby's approach involved patient mentorship, emphasizing the importance of understanding the original intent of scriptures, historical context, and guiding Dave through a process of rebuilding his faith within a supportive community. Throughout the workshop, Dave shares insights on the seductive appeal of Progressive Christianity, especially its emphasis on compassion and empathy, and the potential it holds for leading individuals away from foundational Christian beliefs. He highlights the importance of balancing grace and truth, suggesting that this balance is essential for genuine love and effective ministry. Daniel supplements the discussion by addressing how to define Progressive Christianity and the distinctions between essentials of faith, important beliefs, and personal preferences. He stresses the necessity of theological alignment within church leadership and the dangers of a church culture that leans too heavily on grace without truth. The workshop closes with practical advice for church leaders on fostering an environment where questions and doubts can be addressed openly without fear of judgment. The speakers emphasize the crucial role of discipleship and community in preventing young people from drifting into Progressive Christianity. In conclusion, the episode provides a comprehensive exploration of Dave Stovall's personal transformation from a Progressive Christian back to traditional faith, underscoring the importance of maintaining theological integrity while practicing compassion. The discussion is enriched by reflections on the relationship between empathy, truth, and discipleship within the church. It serves as both a cautionary tale and a guide for those navigating similar spiritual challenges.
Join Daren as he shares on a recent drive around the countryside his take on the Big Why of disciple making and how important it is to see others the way God does. Learn more about 12Church at https://www.twelvechurch.net/Find the 12Church evangelism training here: https://www.twelvechurch.net/evangelism-crash-course
September is the time we remember and recommit ourselves to our Mission: Forming whole-hearted disciples of Jesus in life-shaping relationship for everyday disciple-making ministry. As we study Paul's letter to Philemon, we'll explore our mission statement and commit to living it together in the coming year.
rwh20sept Ep.382 – Run With Horses Podcast – Podcast: rwh.podbean.com Website: www.runwithhorses.net Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast Author pages with links to all books on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smith https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith **(24:00)** The questions you ask often determine the kinds of answers you get. How do our questions impact our ability to make disciples, develop leaders and plant new churches? That's the topic of today's show! Welcome to Run With Horses! My name is Norman and my goal is to help you thrive as a follower of Jesus. The spiritual life is simple in many ways, but potentially the most difficult part of your life. God invites you to grow, to live intentionally and to join in His mission. It's very cool that we can do that together! Thank you for joining me today! “If you're new here, you can check out past episodes at runwithhorses.net. As always, I appreciate your feedback, questions, and reviews!” **(23:00 – 0:00)* * PART 1 Run With Horses is on the radio! If you are enjoying Run With Horses, would you let someone know? Contact the radio station or leave a review on your favorite app. We want to hear from you! ⸻ Multiplication Thinking Part 1: The Power of the Questions We Ask (Vision & Theology) Theme: Questions reveal what we believe about God's mission, our role, and the future. ** 1. Why Questions Matter ** Questions expose vision (or the lack of it) Show how “addition” questions limit scope vs. “multiplication” questions which expand possibilities. Example: “How many people can I gather?” (Level 2 thinking) vs. “How many disciple-makers can I release?” (Level 4-5 thinking). .The Five Levels of Church Mutiplication 1.subtraction 2. Plateau 3.addition 4. Reproducing 5. Multiplication . *** 2. The Five Levels of Leadership (from Hero Maker) *** • Level 1: I count (thinking addition, personal results). • Level 2: I count what I do (improving programs). • Level 3: I count what we do together (team success). • Level 4: I count leaders I raise up (reproduction). • Level 5: I count leaders who multiply leaders (movement/multiplication). • Use examples of how each level asks progressively bigger questions. *** 3. Biblical and Theological Foundation *** . • Jesus modeled multiplication: He invested in 12 → sent 72 → great commission to all. • Paul's instruction to Timothy: “Entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others” (2 Tim. 2:2). • The kingdom grows like a seed — designed for multiplication, not maintenance (parable of the mustard seed, yeast in the dough). *** 4. Why Maintenance Mindset is Dangerous *** • It keeps leaders in survival mode (protecting what is). • It makes ministries inward-focused rather than kingdom-focused. • Ultimately, it limits generational impact. *** 5. Challenge: *** • What questions are you currently asking in your ministry? • Are they addition questions or multiplication questions? • (Good interactive moment: invite participants to write down their top 2 questions they ask about ministry and assess what “level” they reflect.) ⸻ **(00:00) END PART 1** **(27:00 – 5:00) BEGIN PART 2* Part 2: Asking Multiplication Questions Leaders at every level can shift from addition to multiplication by the questions they ask. *** 1. Shifting the Question at Every Level of Leadership*** . • Sunday school teacher: Instead of “How many kids will show up?” ask “How many kids can I equip to share their faith?” • Deacon/volunteer leader: Instead of “How do I fill this need?” ask “Who can I invite and empower to step into leadership?” • Pastor: Instead of “How do we grow this church?” ask “How do we plant churches and send leaders?” • Church planter: Instead of “How do I build this church strong?” ask “How do I build this to multiply from the start?” *** 2. Practical Multiplication Questions to Introduce*** • Who am I discipling right now? • Who could they disciple next? • What leaders am I raising up? • Who in my ministry could replace me if I left tomorrow? • What's stopping me from giving more away? *** 3. Tools & Practices to Reinforce Multiplication Thinking*** • Permission-giving: Start saying “You can do this” more often. • Scorecards: Redefine success — not just how many are attending, but how many are multiplying. • Apprenticing model: Always have someone learning beside you. *** 4. Case Studies / Stories*** • Share short stories of multiplication in action (a teacher who trained kids to lead, a church that planted another church, a small group that reproduced). • Highlight that multiplication is possible at every level, not just at the top. *** 5. Closing Challenge & Vision Casting*** • Ask participants: “If every leader here multiplied themselves once in the next 2 years, what would happen in our church and community?” • Cast vision for generational leadership: thinking in terms of “spiritual grandchildren.” • Call them to choose one multiplication question they'll start asking this week. *** 6. Sample Multiplication vs. Maintenance Questions*** Sunday School Teachers • Maintenance: How many kids will show up this week? • Multiplication: Which kids can I disciple so they can share their faith with others? • Multiplication: Who could I apprentice as a future teacher? ⸻ Deacons • Maintenance: How do we meet the needs of our members better? • Multiplication: Who else can we raise up to serve so more people are empowered? • Multiplication: How do we multiply servant leaders, not just serve needs? ⸻ Sound Booth / Tech Team • Maintenance: How do I make sure the sound and slides run smoothly this Sunday? • Multiplication: Who can I train so they can run sound in the future? • Multiplication: How do we multiply tech leaders so new services, campuses, or ministries can launch equipped? ⸻ Worship Leaders • Maintenance: How do we sound better this Sunday? • Multiplication: Who in the band or congregation can I mentor to lead worship in the future? • Multiplication: How do we multiply worship leaders so that every group, gathering, or church plant has someone to lead? ⸻ Pastors • Maintenance: How do we grow this church bigger? • Multiplication: How do we raise up pastors and church planters from within? • Multiplication: Who are my “Timothys” that I'm intentionally training to multiply leaders? ⸻ Church Planters • Maintenance: How do I make this church strong and healthy? • Multiplication: How do I plant in such a way that this church will plant another church within 3 years? • Multiplication: How do I build a culture of sending from the very beginning? ⸻ General “Every Leader” Questions • Maintenance: How do I succeed in my role? • Multiplication: Who am I apprenticing to take my place? • Multiplication: Who are my spiritual grandchildren — the people being discipled by those I discipled? ⸻ *** 7. Progression of Questions: From Addition to Multiplication*** Level 1: I Count (self-focused) • How am I doing? • Did I do a good job teaching / leading / serving? • Did people like what I did today? (Example: A sound booth worker asks, “Did I get the slides right?”) ⸻ Level 2: I Count What I Do (program-focused) • How many people showed up to my class, service, or ministry? • How can I make this better for those who attend? • Did the event/service/program run smoothly? (Example: A Sunday school teacher asks, “How many kids are in my class this week?”) ⸻ Level 3: I Count What We Do Together (team-focused) • How is our team doing? • How can we grow this ministry bigger or better together? • How can we serve more people as a team? (Example: A deacon asks, “How can our deacon team meet more needs this year?”) ⸻ Level 4: I Count Leaders I Raise Up (reproduction-focused) • Who am I apprenticing right now? • Who could I trust to lead if I wasn't here? • How can I release more people into ministry and leadership? (Example: A worship leader asks, “Who in the band can I mentor to lead a worship set?”) ⸻ Level 5: I Count Leaders Who Multiply Leaders (movement-focused) • Who are my spiritual grandchildren — the leaders raised up by the leaders I've discipled? • How do we create a culture where leaders naturally multiply leaders? • How can we measure success by kingdom expansion, not just local growth? (Example: A pastor asks, “Who are the church planters being trained by the leaders I've already raised up?”) ⸻ ✅ Progression Summary (for a slide or handout): • Level 1–2 questions: focus on me and my ministry. • Level 3 questions: focus on our ministry team. • Level 4 questions: focus on leaders I raise. • Level 5 questions: focus on leaders who raise leaders. **(1:00)** What kinds of questions are you asking? Do your answers move you toward reproduction and multiplication or do they keep you stuck in the status quo? I know what kind of questions I want to be asking! – “Thank you for listening today! -If you enjoyed the show you can listen to all the past shows wherever you listen to podcasts. A good place to start is at runwithhorses.net. You can also write me at norman@runwithhorses.net or leave a comment on the Run With Horses Podcast facebook page. Don't be discouraged by the challenges you face. Keep your eyes on Jesus and embrace the opportunity to grow through the trial. Until next time, keep your eyes on Jesus and never stop running." **(00:00)**
Week 2 in our disciple making series is a focus on the type of discipleship that helps us and helps others "catch" what following Jesus is all about.
In week 3, we identify 5 postures of a person who is ready to be discipled, who is eager for God to change them to be more like Him - want to grow in your faith? This is what you need ^.
Get early access to all of the 2025 RENEW Gathering Breakout Tracks: https://reallifetheologypodcast.supercast.com/ Visit RENEW.org for great resources on Disciple Making and Theology. Today's episode will help us understand the foundational principles and strategies for effective church planting, emphasizing reliance on divine guidance, addressing challenges, and ensuring doctrinal soundness for sustainable growth. In this episode of "Church Planting," the speaker delves into the foundational principles and motivations for starting new churches. The central theme revolves around reliance on divine guidance, as captured by Psalm 127:1, emphasizing that unless the Lord builds the house, labor is in vain. The speaker reinforces the need for absolute confidence in Jesus to build the church, highlighting that human effort alone is insufficient without divine support. The discussion transitions to the "why" of church planting, rooted in addressing the lostness of people akin to sheep without a shepherd. This point is emphasized with personal anecdotes, such as observing aimless shoppers at Wegmans and Vince Antonucci's transformation from a non-Christian skeptic to a passionate church planter motivated by his previous lostness. The speaker also acknowledges the significant challenges faced in church planting, such as feelings of unfruitfulness, betrayal, and scarcity of resources. He cites the importance of resilience and God's calling to reach lost people as the sustaining force during tough times. The narrative shifts to historical insights from the Book of Acts, illustrating the explosive growth of the early church through continuous discipleship and church planting, moving from addition to multiplication. The episode then explores the critical aspects of ensuring the health and doctrinal soundness of new churches. The speaker warns against the dangers of doctrinal drift and the potential for churches to adopt popular but unbiblical stances. This concern leads into a detailed explanation of the Renew Movement's approach to church planting, emphasizing sound theology, disciple-making, and structured support systems like assessment, training, and coaching. The Renew Movement aims to catalyze a church planting movement of healthy churches, overcoming common fears such as scarcity of resources, lack of expertise, and long-term health. The discussion underscores the importance of ordinary churches becoming church planting churches, challenging the notion that only large, resource-rich congregations can plant churches. The Renew Movement's unique strategy involves collaborative partnerships among churches—both large and small—to support new plants. This model includes financial contributions, shared leadership, and hands-on involvement, fostering a sense of ownership and vision among all participating congregations. The goal is to create a sustainable cycle of churches planting churches, reaching lost people, and expanding God's kingdom. In conclusion, the episode emphasizes the need for a shift from church growth to kingdom growth, highlighting the importance of surrender to Jesus' lordship and genuine discipleship. The speaker calls for a collective effort among churches to embrace the mission of church planting, ensuring doctrinal soundness and long-term health to effectively expand the kingdom of God. The session ends with a prayer, reaffirming the commitment to follow Jesus' guidance in building His church.
Episode 343: How to Disciple Ingredients of Discipleship • Build a relationship. Discipleship always happens in a relationship. ◦ First pray and ask God to show you someone who needs to be discipled. • Read the Bible together ◦ Simply ask them, “Will you read the Bible with me?” • Do Ministry together ◦ Train up the person who will replace you Discipleship always happens in relationships. Who has God placed in your life? What is their learning style? Visual Auditory Kenesthetic 4 Discipleship Questions (ask these each time you meet for discipleship) Where have you seen God working recently? What have you been learning from your own Bible reading lately? Who have you been praying for to share Jesus with? Are you too busy to be discipled? 3 Discipleship stances Discipleship needs a consistent process. What is your plan? 90 percent of pastors said they had no plan for discipleship Survival kit New city catechism Disciplemakingstages.com The Lost Art of Disciplemaking by Leroy Elms Discipleship needs evaluation We have to have a way of measuring progress. Discipleship needs to be reproductive Can we move more and more people into it?
Old Testament Reading: Deuteronomy 11:18-21, 26-28 Gospel Reading: Matthew 28:18-20
FREE RESOURCE!! Want to deepen your faith? Get our free 3-lesson series here: https://www.intotheharvest.org/finding-faith Need a simple framework to help you make disciples like Jesus? Check out The Pathway Series to learn more: https://www.intotheharvest.org/pathway Merch ► https://www.intotheharvest.org/shop/ Instagram ► https://instagram.com/intotheharvest Facebook ► https://facebook.com/intotheharvest Newsletter ► https://www.intotheharvest.org/newsletter/ Disciple-making was normal in the early church—but why does it feel so rare today? In this episode, we dig into three reasons why disciple-making often stalls in modern Christianity. More importantly, we share what it will take to recover it. If you're longing to see disciples made and multiplied, this conversation is for you. RESOURCES MENTIONED: The Pathway Series Finding Faith – Free Gospel Resource Discipleship101 - 8 Videos and Discussion Guide Original Release Date: 09/11/25 SUBSCRIBE to our free weekly newsletter SHOP the ITH Store ******************** Want to Help Us Grow? • Subscribe and give us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify • Share this episode on Facebook • If you believe in what we're doing and want to help us reach a wider audience, become a monthly supporter The post #250 – Why Is Disciple-Making So Rare Today? appeared first on Into the Harvest
Josiah Jones joins us for a message all about bringing God's people back to the focus of Jesus' ministry, and the ministry of the apostles - to make disciples. All the options of content to consume, fixes to implement, shortcuts to try when it come growing in our faith, they all fall short. Jesus has given us the strategy that works - Be discipled and make disciples.
Get early access to all of the 2025 RENEW Gathering Breakout Tracks: https://reallifetheologypodcast.supercast.com/ Visit RENEW.org for great resources on Disciple Making and Theology. Today's episode will help us understand the essential principles and practices for creating and maintaining a thriving, disciple-making church culture, emphasizing intentionality, accountability, and the power of community. "Disciple Making Culture" is an in-depth episode focusing on the journey and principles behind creating a thriving, disciple-making church culture. The conversation begins with the speakers, a father and son duo who planted a church in 2004 near St. Louis, sharing their experiences of church growth and the subsequent planting of other churches. A pivotal moment comes when a mentor, Bobby, recognizes the importance of their deliberate culture and urges them to protect it. The speakers emphasize the distinction between a church with disciple makers and a disciple-making church. They outline key principles, starting with crystallizing what it means to be a disciple and ensuring all church leaders are on the same page. They argue that a clear, biblical definition of discipleship aids in shaping a culture where making disciples is central. Following this, they stress the importance of integrating discipleship from the very beginning of the conversion process. They describe a structured approach where new believers are taken through studies to ingrain the principles of discipleship deeply from the start, emphasizing that every member is expected to be a disciple and a disciple maker. The discussion highlights the necessity of accountability and modeling by leaders. Leaders are called to be examples, not just instructors, as hypocrisy among leaders can severely damage the church's mission. Celebrating successes and correcting drifts are also crucial to maintaining the church's culture, ensuring that minor deviations do not become major issues. The speakers share personal anecdotes to illustrate their points, including the transformation of individuals through dedicated discipleship and the impact of a supportive church culture on their own families. They mention the importance of creating systems and rhythms that reinforce discipleship, using events, retreats, and conferences to keep the focus on disciple-making. Ultimately, the episode underscores the challenges and rewards of maintaining a disciple-making culture. It highlights that while such a structure might limit church growth in terms of numbers, it profoundly impacts the quality of spiritual growth and commitment among members. The conversation reflects a passionate plea for churches to return to biblical principles of discipleship, emphasizing intentionality, accountability, and the power of community in fostering lasting spiritual transformation.
Lead Pastor Christian Williams hosts a conversation with John Hawkins and Todd Melby on the formation and mission of Leadership Edge Inc, and how this approach to leadership, disciplemaking and mentoring can impact individual lives and guide the future direction of The Grove Church.
Many churches treat evangelism and discipleship as two separate steps, but Jesus gave one seamless mission: make disciples. In this episode, we unpack the Great Commission in its original language, explore how Jesus modeled disciple-making before His followers fully believed, and clarify the difference between discipleship (becoming like Jesus) and disciple-making (helping others begin and continue that journey). You'll discover how connection, conversation, baptism, and teaching all fit together — and how every believer is empowered to live as an everyday missionary.
Movement Conversations - Powered New Generations North America
Send us a textThis conversation explores the principles of disciple-making movements (DMM) as a model for sustainable community growth and leadership development. It emphasizes the importance of empowering local leaders, fostering a decentralized approach, and ensuring that movements are self-sustaining. The discussion is rooted in insights from Dr. I. Latasse's book, 'Cabbages in the Desert,' particularly focusing on the process of identifying, empowering, and coaching leaders to create a robust and adaptable system for change.TakeawaysThe growth and quality of any movement is tied to its leaders.Decentralization makes movements more resilient and adaptable.Identifying leaders should be based on character and commitment, not titles.Empowerment involves equipping leaders with knowledge and resources.Coaching is an ongoing, relational process focused on real-world challenges.Releasing leaders means trusting them with autonomy and responsibility.The ultimate goal is replication of the leadership process.Continuous learning is essential for growth and adaptation.Networking and collaboration enhance movement effectiveness.Sabbaticals serve as a stress test for the sustainability of movements.*This is an AI-generated podcast. Support the show
The Practitioners Podcast: Applying Jesus Style Disciple Making in Every Day Life
Shift Age (no longer the information age). Everything is shifting. We live in an age of disruption. Disruption means things disconnect. We live in an age of disconnection: Morals have been disconnected religion Gender has been disconnected physical bodies Relationships have been disconnected from both physical presence & intimacy “When disciple making gets disconnected, the results are shallow, fragmented, and lacking power.” Takeaway: In a season of shift, we must be careful not to drift. Action Step: Pay attention to what's being disrupted and disconnected Show Notes: Watch Us On YouTube Justin's Website Tony's Website Navigators Church Ministries The Follow2Lead Podcast
Get early access to all of the 2025 RENEW Gathering Breakout Tracks: https://reallifetheologypodcast.supercast.com/ Visit RENEW.org for great resources on Disciple Making and Theology. Today's episode will help us navigate LGBTQ+ issues within Christianity by balancing compassionate engagement and traditional biblical teachings, encouraging hospitable conversations and deeper understanding. The episode centers around a class led by Guy Hammond, the executive director of Strength in Weakness Ministries, which aims to help Christians navigate issues related to LGBTQ+ individuals from a perspective of traditional biblical sexual ethics. The session highlights that churches must discuss culturally relevant and controversial topics such as LGBTQ+ issues to remain pertinent. Guy begins by introducing himself and explaining the purpose and history of his ministry, which has grown to support Christians across 90 countries by running support groups for homosexually attracted Christians and parents with LGBTQ+ children. Guy shares his personal journey, detailing his early life as a gay man, his struggles with faith, and his eventual decision to embrace Christianity while rejecting homosexual practices. He emphasizes that he did not choose his attractions but believes that living according to biblical teachings requires celibacy for homosexually attracted individuals. He also discusses his late wife Kathy's pragmatic approach to his future remarriage and his current marriage to Laura, demonstrating his perspective on love and companionship within a Christian framework. Ellen Radcliffe, the Ministry's Chief Operating Officer, also speaks, sharing her similar background of living a lesbian lifestyle before turning to faith. Ellen underscores the importance of leading others to fall in love with God rather than merely adhering to a set of beliefs. She discusses her therapeutic work and her belief in the "messy middle space," a term describing the intersection of truth and grace where Christians can accept people without necessarily approving of their actions. Ellen asserts that understanding individuals as beloved children of God is crucial to navigating LGBTQ+ conversations within Christianity. The session covers practical strategies for churches to engage with LGBTQ+ topics, emphasizing the difference between acceptance and approval, and the necessity of hospitality toward those who are different. Guy argues that many Christians are not homophobic but rather uneducated about LGBTQ+ issues, which leads to avoidance behaviors. He stresses that the transformation into a Christian life is not quick and that churches should be prepared to welcome LGBTQ+ individuals for extended periods while they navigate their faith journey. Guy outlines four key messages for engaging with LGBTQ+ individuals: God's unconditional love, the freedom to live as one chooses, the trustworthiness of the Bible, and the high but worthwhile cost of following Jesus. He underscores the need for Christians to demonstrate the superiority of a life with Jesus over a life without by being exemplary in their own faith and knowledge of Christ. The episode concludes by offering workshops and educational materials, including a new book and a documentary that Guy hopes will aid churches in addressing LGBTQ+ topics effectively. Guy invites ministers and church leaders to engage with his ministry for further training and support, thereby equipping themselves to handle these issues with compassion, truth, and hospitality.
Movement Conversations - Powered New Generations North America
Send us a textThis conversation explores the transformative concepts presented in Dr. Aila Tasse's book, 'Cabbages in the Desert,' focusing on the disciple-making journey. It emphasizes the importance of prayer, teamwork, and authentic engagement in fostering spiritual growth and community transformation. The discussion highlights innovative approaches like the Discovery Bible Study and the significance of finding a 'person of peace' to facilitate connections within communities. Ultimately, it advocates for a redefined understanding of church as a living organism focused on multiplication and organic growth.TakeawaysThe usual way isn't built for impactful change.Cabbages in the desert moments signify unexpected growth.Prayer is the foundational power source for movements.Teams provide essential support and resilience.Creative engagement starts with meeting real needs.Authenticity is key to building trust in communities.The person of peace acts as a cultural bridge.Discovery Bible Study empowers individuals to learn and share.Church is defined by its functions, not its structure.Multiplication is the DNA of disciple-making movements.*This is an AI-generated podcast. Support the show
In this episode of the Campus Ministry Today podcast, we're sharing Clayton Bullion's talk from EDM 25 on the hardest and most unreached places on campus and in the world. With a reminder that God's past faithfulness should inspire today's radical obedience.
Visit RENEW.org for great resources on Disciple Making and Theology. Check out our 2025 RENEW Gathering Digital Access Pass: https://reallifetheologypodcast.supercast.com/ Today's episode will help us understand the theological and social perspectives surrounding the inclusion and fear experienced by African Americans in the context of Christian unity. Orpheus. Heyward discusses the importance of theological foundations, focusing on the Great Commission and the inclusivity of the Gospel for all ethnic groups. It highlights the biblical story of Peter's vision in Acts 10, emphasizing God's acceptance of ethnic diversity. Orpheus. Heyward addresses the historical trauma faced by African Americans, particularly in the context of religious exclusion and the formation of the black church. The need for understanding and addressing these historical wounds is stressed, particularly within predominantly Caucasian religious spaces. The speaker shares personal experiences and suggests open dialogue and empathy as key steps towards racial unity and reconciliation within the Christian community. Examples include discussions on the Trayvon Martin and George Floyd incidents and the importance of including African American narratives in the larger Christian history. The message concludes with a call for authentic inclusion, collaboration on the mission of God, and the significance of understanding historical pain to create a more inclusive and unified Christian community.
Visit RENEW.org for great resources on Disciple Making and Theology. Check out our free eBook on: Facing Your Church's Future: 6 Steps to Consider in 10 Minutes https://renew.org/product/facing-your-churchs-future-6-steps-to-consider-in-10-minutes/ Today's episode will help us understand the crucial role of love, mercy, and compassion in the modern church and how we can engage the younger generation in revitalizing the mission of the Christian faith. Mike Williams addresses the perception that contemporary church practices have become inward-focused, missing their broader societal impact. He discusses the concerns of young Christians who find traditional churches irrelevant and instead pursue non-profit initiatives to address human suffering. The speaker draws on historical examples and biblical teachings to stress the need for a modern restoration of the church's commitment to love, mercy, and compassion, akin to the early Christian community's transformative influence on Roman society. Emphasizing an apostolic response over antagonism or apathy, the call is for the church to engage actively in redemptive work, thereby reclaiming its relevance and effectively spreading the teachings of Jesus.
Movement Conversations - Powered New Generations North America
Send us a textThis conversation explores the transformative journey of Dr. Aila Tasse as he navigates the challenges of disciple-making in East Africa, emphasizing the importance of indigenous leadership, sustainable movements, and the shift from traditional evangelism to a focus on genuine disciple-making. Through the metaphor of 'cabbages in the desert,' the discussion highlights the power of vision, the necessity of letting go of old paradigms, and the potential for growth through ordinary people.TakeawaysA vision of 'cabbages in the desert' symbolizes hope and transformation.Dr. Aila Tass's journey illustrates the challenges of traditional evangelism.Sustainability in movements requires indigenous leadership.The shift from decision-making to disciple-making is crucial.Cultural relevance is key to effective outreach.Churches can be mobile and adaptable to local contexts.Empowering ordinary believers fosters widespread growth.Trusting God for provision leads to self-sustaining movements.Relational mentoring is essential for effective leadership.The call to disciple-making is for every believer, not just a few.
Scott Hubbard | Disciple-making seemed more manageable before marriage, kids, and a full-time job. How can we still obey Jesus's call in a life with little room?
Visit RENEW.org for great resources on Disciple Making and Theology. Check out our free eBook on: Preview of Holy Spirit: Filled, Empowered, and Led https://renew.org/product/preview-of-holy-spirit-filled-empowered-and-led/ Today's episode will help us understand the critical need to develop effective leadership pipelines within the Independent Christian Church in America to ensure its growth and sustainability. Doug Crozier discusses the growth and challenges of the Independent Christian Church in America. He highlights the rapid increase in large congregations since the early 90s and attributes the growth to non-denominationalism, a strong belief in the Word of God, and leadership development. Doug Crozier criticizes the decline in Christian college enrollment for ministry degrees, linking it to financial concerns and inadequate pastoral compensation. Proposed solutions include better financial support for pastors, building endowments for Bible colleges, and substantial contributions from megachurch leaders. The need for pastoral care and maintaining current leaders to ensure ongoing growth is also emphasized.
Q&A: Addressing Challenges in Disciple Making | Disciple Makers Podcast In this episode of the Disciple Makers Podcast, we return from a brief break to address listener questions about disciple making. Tune in Josh Howard navigates various topics, including the role of the Big C Church in the USA, handling discouragement, incorporating disciple making into busy lifestyles, and the importance of the supernatural in the disciple making process. Discover practical advice, biblical insights, and encouragement to help you on your journey to becoming a disciple who makes disciples. 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Update 01:23 Q&A Session Begins 01:34 Is the US Church Behind in Disciple Making? 05:38 Dealing with Discouragement in Disciple Making 11:49 Following Jesus' Style in a Busy World 19:07 The Role of the Supernatural in Disciple Making 24:26 Integrating Disciple Making into Daily Life 28:47 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
This week we revisit part 2 of an episode with Rev. Dr. Gordon MacDonald. Rev. Dr. Gordon MacDonald was the former lead pastor of Grace Chapel in Lexington, MA, led InterVarsity, is the author of many books and much more. He is no stranger to Vision New England and we are excited for you to hear from his heart on Practical Disciple Making!Follow us!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/visionnewengland/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/VisionNewEngland/Website: https://www.visionnewengland.org/
Visit RENEW.org for great resources on Disciple Making and Theology. Check out our free eBook on: Revisiting the Master Plan of Evangelism https://renew.org/product/demo-ebook-post-01-copy-2/ Today's episode will help us understand the importance of disciple making and how to practically apply the principles of Jesus' ministry to modern-day church cultures. Josh Howard discusses the crucial importance of good theology and experiencing the love of Christ in relationships. He emphasizes the insufficiency of programs, great preaching, praise, worship, and social justice alone. Instead, it advocates for a return to Jesus' method of disciple making. Josh Howard highlights a recent study revealing that only 1 in 19 churches focus on disciple making. Josh Howard, a missionary in India for 15 years, shares his journey of learning discipleship from Indian believers who modeled profound faith and sacrifice. He notes the success of a disciple-making movement that has led to over 130,000 conversions. The script calls for unity among Christians, focusing on Jesus' mission and the urgent need for discipleship to fulfill the Great Commission.
Visit RENEW.org for great resources on Disciple Making and Theology. Check out our free eBook on: Preview of Holy Spirit: Filled, Empowered, and Led https://renew.org/product/preview-of-holy-spirit-filled-empowered-and-led/ Today's episode will help us understand the indispensable role of the Holy Spirit in personal and communal spiritual growth through the teachings and experiences shared by Dave Clayton. Dave Clayton emphasizes the necessity of the Holy Spirit's presence in ministry. He begins with a prayer and a personal anecdote of the speaker forgetting his soon-to-be wife at their rehearsal dinner. This story serves as a parable illustrating how ministers can easily focus on tasks and strategies, neglecting the Holy Spirit, akin to attending a party but missing the presence of the guest of honor. Dave Clayton argues that true ministry must involve intimate fellowship with the Holy Spirit, citing biblical examples of Jesus' reliance on the Spirit. Key points include the Holy Spirit affirming leaders' identity as children of God, providing freedom from sin, enabling abundant fruitfulness, and offering deep spiritual fullness. Dave Clayton calls for humility, holiness, and hunger for the Spirit's guidance to rejuvenate the church's mission.
Movement Conversations - Powered New Generations North America
Send us a textIn this episode of The Deep Dive, the hosts explore Chapter 2 of 'Cabbage in the Desert' by Dr. Aila Tasse, focusing on the transformative principles of disciple-making movements (DMM). They discuss Dr. Tasse's personal journey, the importance of indigenous leadership, and the shift from traditional church planting to a more functional definition of church. Real-life applications of DMM principles are highlighted through stories of individuals like Ado and Ruth, showcasing the power of community service, storytelling, and the role of women in these movements. The conversation concludes with reflective thoughts on unlearning and adapting to foster greater fruitfulness in ministry.TakeawaysThe vision for multiplication started in unlikely places.Dr. Aila Tasse's personal call was pivotal to his ministry.Indigenous leadership is crucial for sustainable growth.DMM focuses on making disciples who make disciples.Church is defined by function, not form or location.The shift from church planting to disciple-making was significant.Community needs drive access ministry and relationship building.Storytelling is key for oral learners in discipleship.Women play a vital role in DMM contexts.COVID reinforced the idea that church is not confined to buildings.*This is an AI generated podcast
Get access to all of our 2025 National Disciple Making Forum Content: https://disciplemakerspodcast.supercast.com/ Join us for the 2026 National Disciple Making Forum: https://discipleship.org/2026-national-disciple-making-forum/ Track Session 4: Leading Great House Churches A Church of House Churches thrives from the health of great House Churches. Learn our expectations of great House Church gatherings, as well as how House Churches are strategically used to help people grow in their spiritual journey to be fully devoted disciples of Jesus.
This week we revisit an episode with Rev. Dr. Gordon MacDonald. Rev. Dr. Gordon MacDonald was the former lead pastor of Grace Chapel in Lexington, MA, led InterVarsity, is the author of many books and much more. He is no stranger to Vision New England and we are excited for you to hear from his heart on Practical Disciple Making!Follow us!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/visionnewengland/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/VisionNewEngland/Website: https://www.visionnewengland.org/
Pastor Bill Vecchio, Jr.
Jeremy talks to Russ, another dedicated Cincinnati disciple-maker about Russ' approach to making discipleship accessible. Russ gives a live example of how conversations go with the people he's discipling, gives a reminder about how we're to be amongst the lost (not just our Christian friends), how to discern if things are becoming idols, and the power of communities in multiplying disciples. In this episode, we talk about: 0:00 Intro 2:14 Why discipleship matters so much to Russ 5:45 Defining discipleship...what's the scope? 8:26 Making discipleship accessible * title 11:58 A real discipleship conversation in 3 questions * title 19:55 Teaching vs discipleship 24:59 Being amongst the lost - OUTWARD discipleship 30:35 How to discern if something is taking the role of God in your life 36:40 Multiplying discipleship communities 46:18 It can be so simple ---
Visit RENEW.org for great resources on Disciple Making and Theology. Check out our free eBook on: Becoming a Disciple Maker: The Pursuit of Level 5 Disciple Making https://renew.org/product/becoming-a-disciple-maker-the-pursuit-of-level-5-disciple-making/ Today's episode will help us understand the deep divisions in society and the church, as well as explore how different ideological 'caps' can shape our beliefs and actions. Daniel McCoy discusses the deep political and ideological divisions within Christian families and churches, highlighting the tension between conservative and progressive viewpoints. He introduces two archetypal church members, Spencer the Specifist, who demands more specific and conservative preaching, and Amber the Ambiguous, who advocates for a more inclusive and less definitive approach. Daniel McCoy then draws parallels between modern political divisions and historic events, like the French Revolution and Constantine's reign, cautioning against aligning the gospel too closely with political ideologies. It also explains the impact of intersectional feminism on Christian beliefs and emphasizes the need to balance social justice and biblical teachings without succumbing to polarized, ready-made versions of the gospel.
In this episode of the Pastor to Pioneer podcast, Jim Britts shares his transformative journey from a traditional pastoral role to pioneering a disciple-making movement. He discusses his early faith experiences, the pivotal moments that led him to church planting, and the importance of hearing God's voice. Jim emphasizes the significance of personal stories, finding persons of peace, and the challenges of navigating change within church culture. He also highlights the role of family in ministry and the impact of international connections on his understanding of disciple-making movements. Jim's insights provide valuable lessons for pastors and leaders seeking to foster authentic community and make disciples in today's world. www.pastortopioneer.com
Visit RENEW.org for great resources on Disciple Making and Theology. Check out our free eBook on: Multipliers: A summary of the best church planting insights by the co-founder and CEO of the world's largest gathering of church planters every year. https://renew.org/product/multipliers/ Today's episode will help us understand the importance of making disciples who make disciples, starting new churches, and ensuring that these churches remain committed to biblical teaching and authority. This episode features Brett Andrews talking about the importance of discipleship and church planting as central to the mission of spreading the teachings of Jesus. Emphasizing that discipleship should naturally lead to the development of new churches, the speaker explains that New Life's vision aligns with Passion for Planting and the Renew Movement, aiming to create a church-planting network. The episode highlights the need for individual disciples to grow and make disciples, eventually leading to reproducing churches and networks. The significance of proper theological foundations and accountability in new church plants is stressed, advocating for adherence to biblical teachings. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of community and structured support for church planters.
Get access to all of our 2025 National Disciple Making Forum Content: https://disciplemakerspodcast.supercast.com/ Church Project Track Session 3: Distributed Pastoral Leadership Today, the word “pastor” conveys someone far more centralized and public than was used in the New Testament (often it means the public speaker on a stage). How did the Early Church identify, equip, and empower ‘ordinary' individuals to function as pastors, and how could implementing this change the church today? Effective Leadership and Distributed Model: Insights from Titus Chapter 1 Dive deep into the principles of effective church leadership as drawn from Titus Chapter 1. This episode outlines the importance of localized pastoral leadership and decentralized structure for fostering rapid gospel movement, referencing works by theologian Alan Hirsch. Learn about the history and evolution of house churches, the critical balance between centralized and light centrality, doctrinal training, and the intricate processes of raising new house church pastors. Gain practical insights into maintaining sound doctrine, facilitating diverse community growth, and the importance of continuous leadership development. The episode also covers the successful transition strategies for legacy churches, effective house church operation, and quantitative versus qualitative measurement of church health. 00:00 Introduction to Titus Chapter One 00:13 The Role of Elders in the Early Church 01:11 Centrality and Movement in the Church 02:16 Distributed Leadership and Sound Doctrine 03:46 House Church Origins and Growth 05:12 Developing Doctrine and Duties 07:56 Pastoring House Church Pastors 14:23 Handling Diversity and Sanctification 17:45 Sunday Gatherings vs. House Churches 24:23 Reflections and Lessons Learned 28:59 Connecting People in a Growing Community 29:56 Leadership Turnover and Mobility 33:13 One-on-One Discipleship Approach 35:35 Challenges in Transitioning Legacy Churches 41:35 Preaching and Teaching in House Churches 45:49 Leadership Pipeline and Testing 50:12 Measuring Success and Engagement 57:46 Recruiting Initial House Church Pastors 59:38 Final Q&A and Leadership Development Get Discipleship.org's premium Podcast Feed: https://disciplemakerspodcast.supercast.com/ Check out the following eBooks from Discipleship.org: -- What Is Church? And How Important Is It? https://discipleship.org/shop/what-is-church-and-how-important-is-it/ -- Family Discipleship Blueprint: A Year-by-Year Guide to Family Discipleship https://discipleship.org/shop/family-discipleship-blueprint-a-year-by-year-guide-to-family-discipleship/ -- Becoming a Disciple Maker https://discipleship.org/shop/becoming-a-disciple-maker/ -- National Study: The State of Disciple Making Churches: A 10 Minute Visual Guide https://discipleship.org/shop/national-study-the-state-of-disciple-making-churches-a-10-minute-visual-guide/ -- Reaching & Discipling Women: A Guide to Women's Ministry in Your Church https://discipleship.org/shop/reaching-discipling-women-a-guide-to-womens-ministry-in-your-church/ Check out the following Books from Discipleship.org: -- The Discipleship Gospel https://himpublications.com/product/the-discipleship-gospel/?utm_source=discipleship-org&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=books-page -- Disciple-Making Culture https://himpublications.com/product/disciple-making-culture/ -- Recreated to Be like God: Making Disciples in the Image of Jesus https://a.co/d/6DDvUrC -- King Jesus and the Beauty of Obedience-Based Discipleship https://a.co/d/7d85z6T -- The Disciple Maker's Handbook: Seven Elements of a Discipleship Lifestyle https://a.co/d/4ZHIbQz Take the FREE Disciple Maker Assessment: https://church-multiplication.com/disciplemaker/ Come to the The National Disciple Making Forum: https://discipleship.org/national-disciple-making-forum/ Stay informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr Listen - Disciple Maker's Podcast: https://discipleship.org/resources/podcast/
Delvin Pikes unpacks the difference between quick fixes and deep transformation in ministry, emphasizing our need to rely on the Holy Spirit for true change.