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Jen Wilkin, JT English, and Kyle Worley discuss the State of Theology survey, why it is so concerning, and what we can do next.Questions Covered in This Episode:What is the state of theology survey?What is an evangelical according to this survey?What is the Lifeway report?What is a common discipleship strategy used by churches?What is a roadblock to making disciples?What are some things that are concerning in the report?Why is it a problem that people don't think the Holy Spirit is a person?How the difference between interpretation and orthodoxy?Why is this so concerning?What do we do?Do you have a definition of disciple?Why do scope and sequence matter?How does dissonance play a role in discipleship?Why do we believe so much in the Training the Church Ministry Cohort?Resources Mentioned in this Episode:1 Corinthians 2, Genesis 3, Romans 5State of Theology ReportLifeway Pastors' Views on Discipleship“Deep Discipleship” by JT EnglishDeep Discipleship CurriculumTraining the Church Ministry Cohort Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteOur Sister Podcast:Tiny TheologiansSupport Training the Church and Become a Patron:patreon.com/trainingthechurchYou can now receive your first seminary class for FREE from Midwestern Seminary after completing Lifeway's Deep Discipleship curriculum, featuring JT, Jen and Kyle. Learn more at mbts.edu/deepdiscipleship.To learn more about our sponsors please visit our sponsor page.Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Learn more about Wheels for the World here! --------Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible. Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org. Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
From Water to Wine: When Jesus Steps In – John 2 In this episode of Divine Table Talk, Jamie and Jane explore John chapter 2, beginning with Jesus' first miracle at the wedding in Cana and continuing through the cleansing of the temple. Together, they unpack what these moments reveal about Jesus' authority, compassion, and timing. From quiet transformation to bold confrontation, John 2 shows us that Jesus doesn't just improve our circumstances—He reorders what matters most. This conversation invites listeners to trust Jesus in both the celebration and the disruption. ____________________________________ Connect with Jamie: Website: www.jamieklusacek.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamieklusacek Connect with Jane: Website: www.janewwilliams.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janewwilliams
Coaching isn't just useful for discipleship—it may be the missing skill set for making disciple-makers. The conversation is candid, funny, and quietly sharp: COVID exposed shallow formation, and the church's "information-first" approach is often producing people who can pass the quiz but can't live the life. What this episode is really about How coaching skills turn discipleship from "content delivery" into "life transformation," and why that matters if you want disciples who can actually reproduce—aka spiritual grandchildren. The main arc COVID as an x-ray: Tracy says the pandemic revealed weakness and shallowness in churches—faith wasn't helping people through reality as much as we assumed. Disciples vs. disciple-makers: Lots of systems can "disciple" people. The breakdown comes when those people are supposed to disciple others…and don't. Coaching as the bridge: Listening, powerful questions, Holy Spirit awareness, concise observations, encouragement—these are the exact "soft skills" disciple-makers need. Ownership beats compliance: If a person doesn't own the next step, they won't do it. Coaching helps them name it, choose it, and commit to it. Gold analogies and quotable moments "Checkbox Christianity": Brian compares conversion to clicking "I agree" on software terms you didn't read…until life hits and you realize you never actually understood what you signed up for. David wearing Saul's armor: What works for the discipler isn't automatically the right "rule of life" for the disciple. Customization matters. Your gallbladder parable: ER doc assumed you wouldn't change ("you'll be back; let's take it out"). Family doctor assumed change is possible and coached you toward it—so you kept your gallbladder. That becomes the whole discipleship point: do we assume people can change? "Pastor, what should I do?" → "You should ask Jesus." (Brian notes how rare that response is—and how coaching questions push people into hearing God, not outsourcing their spiritual life to professionals.) Practical coaching skills applied to discipleship (the "how") Listen to locate, not to reload. Disciple-making isn't "me talking, you listening." It's listening to where someone actually is, then drawing them out. Ask questions that create awareness: Jesus-style questions show up ("Who do you say I am?"). Good disciple-makers ask, not just tell. Use observations (concise messages), not advice-dumps: "When you quoted that verse, something lit up in you." "It sounds like Scripture reading hasn't been life-giving lately." Observations invite reflection without taking over. Offer resources when the gap is real: You can't "pull out" what isn't there. Tracy's prayer example: discover she knows only one way to pray → offer a resource → let her choose what resonates → she owns it. The model Brian Tracy is building 10-month micro-group discipleship (max four people, weekly, relational, life-on-life). Participants lead segments early so development is "doing," not just learning. After 10 months, they go through CAM 501, then get released to disciple 2–3 people. Tracy continues coaching them monthly to review progress—very "Jesus: watch me → do it → debrief → do it again." The punchline challenge to the church The church often assumes discipleship = more information. But Scripture itself pushes toward transformation + obedience: "Teaching them to observe/do…" James: don't merely listen and deceive yourselves. D.L. Moody: Bible wasn't given to increase information, but to transform life. Coaching helps close the gap between knowing and doing. Where Tracy says this is going A disciple-making movement in his local church built on coaching-enabled disciple-makers. Cohorts of pastors in the fall to redesign discipleship in their contexts using coaching skills as the method, regardless of the curriculum. Ending vibe They land the plane with contact info (and more "Brian vs. Bryan" banter), then Brian ties it to Romans 12: transformation through renewed thinking—exactly the kind of change coaching is designed to catalyze.
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Today’s Bible Verse: “A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough.” — Galatians 5:9 Galatians 5:9 uses a simple image to reveal a powerful truth: small influences have big impact. Paul warns that even a little false teaching or compromise can quietly shape the direction of our faith and lives. What seems minor at first can grow, spread, and affect everything. Want to listen without ads? Become a BibleStudyTools.com PLUS Member today: https://www.biblestudytools.com/subscribe Meet Today’s Host: Carol Ogle McCracken
To be a disciple means to be a learner, or a student. Our discipleship pathway is important for us as a church because it gives us a common understanding of discipleship, a shared experience around following Jesus, and a common language to understand what it means to follow Jesus. Pastor Jonathan Fitzgerald continues our Essentials series with a sermon from John 10:22-30.
Your church has groups, classes, Bible studies, and a beautiful buffet of programs—but your people aren't growing spiritually. You're seeing staff burnout, volunteer shortages, and 40% of your congregation still can't quote the Great Commission. The problem isn't lack of activity; it's that you've created a maze of programs instead of a clear discipleship pathway. Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu are your hosts for The Church Revitalization Podcast, a weekly show from The Malphurs Group dedicated to helping church leaders develop practical strategies for church health and growth. Together they bring decades of consulting experience working with churches across the country to implement effective discipleship systems. In this episode, Scott and A.J. diagnose three critical signs your church has a maze instead of a map. [2:13] Sign #1: Menu vs. Map [6:28] Sign #2: Members Can't Name Their Next Step [13:08] Sign #3: Measuring Programs, Not Progress The episode concludes with practical steps to shift from program-oriented thinking to process-oriented discipleship. Ready to simplify and strengthen your church's discipleship pathway? Get a 7-day free trial of the Healthy Churches Toolkit at healthychurchestoolkit.com, where you'll find Strategic Envisioning training and tools to help you build a clear discipleship process. Connect with a certified Malphurs Group guide at malphursgroup.com to partner with your church in making disciples who make disciples. Follow us on social media: Facebook: facebook.com/malphursgroup Instagram: instagram.com/malphursgroup YouTube: youtube.com/themalphursgroup X: x.com/malphursgroup Read the full show notes at malphursgroup.com/325
An unhurried daily meditation using the Bible, prayer, and reflection led by Pastor Jon Ciccarelli, Discipleship Pastor of Crosswalk Church in Redlands, CA, and Director of Discipleship for Crosswalk Global.If you are enjoying the podcast please go to Apple Podcasts and/or Spotify and share your rating and a review as your input will help bring awareness of this discipleship resource to more listeners around the world.To learn more about Abide and discipleship go to www.crosswalkvillage.com/discipleshipPlease feel free to reach out to us at jon@crosswalkvillage.com any time with your comments and questions. Thanks and blessings!
Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/ Join us at the 2026 National Disciple Making Forum: https://discipleship.org/2026-national-disciple-making-forum/ Once we understand God's mission, and we have considered the work that is before the church, we must clearly articulate how to accomplish the task. Fortunately, the Bible has prescribed this pathway. This track will help you unearth the biblical pathway for gaining ground on lostness in your community.
In this powerful interview episode of Youth Worker On Fire, Doug Edwards sits down with Tamar, an Israeli wife, mother, and tour guide, to hear what life has been like for families since October 7, 2023. Tamar shares her personal story of waking up to sirens on a Jewish holiday, watching her husband be called into military reserve duty, navigating motherhood, fear, and faith during a season of national trauma and uncertainty. Recorded in Jerusalem during the Ambassadors Summit, this conversation offers a rare and deeply human look at: • What October 7th was like for everyday families • How Orthodox Jewish communities responded in the first hours and days • What it feels like to watch your spouse leave for war not knowing when they'll return • How community support, prayer, and practical care sustained families • How Israelis from different faith backgrounds live and work together • What military and national service looks like for young adults in Israel • How war has changed daily life, travel, and long-term plans • Why seeing foreigners come to Israel to show support has brought real hope Tamar also explains the role of community, faith, and movement in surviving emotionally difficult seasons—and why, even after everything, Israelis are determined to keep living, building families, and believing in the future. This episode is especially valuable for: • Youth pastors and youth ministry volunteers • Christian educators and student leaders • Parents helping students process fear, uncertainty, and world events • Anyone wanting a real, human perspective on life in Israel today This is not a political episode. It is a family story, a faith story, and a testimony of resilience, community, and hope in the middle of hardship. ✨ Sometimes the most important lessons we teach students don't come from a sermon—but from listening to someone's story. _________________________________________________________________________________
The Carey Nieuwhof Leadership Podcast: Lead Like Never Before
John Mark Comer talks about his 21-day venture into the desert and a silence unlike any he's known in his life. Plus, he clarifies where he stands in terms of the left or the right (and the Christian past), discusses major challenges for modern discipleship and the church, and adds his own church trend.
What do you do when you're in “flood season”, when life feels fast, heavy, and uncertain?In this conversation, Pastor Chris Kouba and Josh Thomas dig into Joshua 4 and the powerful moment when God tells Israel to build memorials after crossing the Jordan River—one on the riverbank and one set in the river. Why two? Because we forget. And when we forget where we've been, we lose confidence about where we're going.They talk about practical ways to remember and recount God's faithfulness like journaling, physical reminders, and intentionally telling the “God stories” to your kids, your wife, your friends, and the people you lead. If you're in the middle of something right now, this one is for you: God is faithful at the finish line and He's faithful in the middle too!To find out more about Pastor Chris, follow him on all the social platforms (@ckouba) and to connect with the ministry of United City visit https://unitedcity.church.Show NotesFollow on Instagram: @stepup.podcastFollow United City: @untdcitychurchConnect with Pastor Chris: http://chriskouba.comMore About United City: https://unitedcity.church/
This week, we conclude our series on spiritual disciplines. Now that you have completed the material from the last six weeks, it is time to start discipling someone. This episode provides practical guidance for how to identify and disciple someone else through the spiritual disciplines.
An unhurried daily meditation using the Bible, prayer, and reflection led by Pastor Jon Ciccarelli, Discipleship Pastor of Crosswalk Church in Redlands, CA, and Director of Discipleship for Crosswalk Global.If you are enjoying the podcast please go to Apple Podcasts and/or Spotify and share your rating and a review as your input will help bring awareness of this discipleship resource to more listeners around the world.To learn more about Abide and discipleship go to www.crosswalkvillage.com/discipleshipPlease feel free to reach out to us at jon@crosswalkvillage.com any time with your comments and questions. Thanks and blessings!
Testimonies impressions humor and faith here! At some point the guy in charge of the music volume fell asleep but there is too much of value here not to share!FAITHBUCKS.COM
Turn Away From Sin, Follow Jesus, Go Fishing In this episode of Anchored in the Lord, we reflect on the Gospel for the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time (January 25, 2026) and Jesus' first public words of ministry: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." These words reveal that the Christian life is not static or one-dimensional, but a movement—a journey with direction, purpose, and mission. The homily highlights three essential movements of the Christian life, all present in today's Gospel. The first is repentance. To repent does not simply mean to feel bad or avoid wrongdoing; it literally means to turn around, to change direction, and to let go of whatever draws our hearts away from God. Repentance is where the life of faith begins—but it is not where it ends. If we only turn away from sin, we risk standing still, facing nothing in particular. That leads to the second movement: following Jesus. Christ does not merely say, "Stop sinning." He says, "Follow me." He invites us into a new way of living—the life of the Kingdom of Heaven. This invitation is often subtle, appearing in daily nudges: a thought to reach out to someone, an impulse to act with generosity, or a quiet call to trust God more deeply. Yet, as the homily acknowledges honestly, we often hesitate. We delay. We tell ourselves we'll respond later—after more prayer, more preparation, or when life feels less busy. In contrast, the disciples in today's Gospel respond immediately. But the Gospel doesn't stop there. The third movement completes the Christian life: mission. Jesus calls His followers not only to turn away from sin and to follow Him personally, but to "go fishing"—to draw others into the life of faith. Discipleship is never meant to be private or self-contained. A faith that does not become mission remains incomplete. This episode invites listeners to examine where they may be stuck—repenting without following, following without sharing—and to hear again Christ's call to live the Gospel fully: turn back to God, walk closely with Jesus, and bring others along.
Send us a text In this episode of BuddyWalk with Jesus, we slow down over Matthew 5:6: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” Jesus isn't just calling us to do the right thing—He's inviting us into a new kind of desire. We unpack the language of hunger and thirst in the Greek, explore what “righteousness” (dikaiosynē) means in Matthew (right relationship, justice, and alignment with God's will), and confront how our cravings are shaped in a world of endless consumption and algorithm-driven attention. This episode will help you name what you're really hungry for, recover a holy appetite, and take practical steps to retrain your desires toward Kingdom life—trusting Jesus' promise that the hungry will be truly filled. Support the show If you have any questions about the subjects covered in today's episode you can find us on Facebook at the links below or you can shoot me an email at joe@buddywalkwithjesus.com One Stop Shop for all the links Linktr.ee/happydeamedia
Welcome to the Evangelism Is Easy Podcast, where we equip everyday believers to boldly share their faith and make disciples in their daily lives.In this episode, Pastor Chris Donald sits down with Kassy Levels to talk about how the gospel is spreading rapidly through social media, viral videos, and digital platforms—and why this current move of God in media isn't random, but strategic and prophetic for this generation. Together, we unpack the power of digital reach, the responsibility of personal obedience, and why your mission still starts where your feet are.In this episode, we cover:How the gospel is advancing through social media and digital platformsMaking disciples and not just making content.Why this move of God in media is intentional and prophetic for today's generationThe danger of replacing personal obedience with online reachWhy digital influence can't substitute real-life faithfulnessHow your calling begins in your everyday life—not just onlinePractical ways to live on mission both digitally and locallyAction Step:Ask the Holy Spirit, “What's one place this week where I know God is asking me to step out?”Give Him your yes—and let us know in the comments how it goes.Resources and Links: Get equipped to share your faith: www.33rdcompany.org Connect with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/33rdcompany 33rdCompany YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thirtythirdcompany 33rdCompany Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/33rdcompany/ If you want to be equipped to share your faith and make disciples, text SEND ME to 59090.
This week, explore what it means to live and lead with truth that can be trusted. In a culture shaped by reaction, urgency, and "truth-ish" sound bites, they reflect on discernment as a spiritual practice rooted in relationship with Jesus, not impulse or opinion. This conversation invites leaders and congregations to recover holy pause, reflect deeply, and live up to the name Christian by embodying truth with integrity, humility, and grace.
How can we expect couples to live a sacramental marriage when they've never seen one lived? So many of the couples who walk into our parishes today aren't rooted in the life of the Church. Nine out of ten aren't attending Mass, many have simply “slid” into the relationship, and most have never witnessed a joyful, vibrant Christian marriage up close. And yet—we hand them content, classes, and checklists and hope it changes their lives. In this conversation with Ryan Verret, we dive into why that model is breaking down and why the real answer isn't more information, but more relationship. Ryan shares the deeply human insight at the heart of Witness to Love: that authentic conversion only moves at the pace of a friendship… and that the simplest act—having someone waiting for you in the pew—can open the door for grace to take root. If you've ever wondered how to truly draw couples into the heart of parish life, this episode will encourage you. Take a listen. [01:13] Ryan Verret's Background and Upbringing [09:35] State of Marriage Preparation in the Church [18:11] Witness to Love: Vision and Approach [26:19] The One Change That Made a Difference [29:39] The Need for Comprehensive Faith Formation [32:45] The Mentor Couple Model [40:38] The Impact of Witness to Love [44:29] Personal Reflections and Broader Implications [53:02] Connecting with Witness to Love Check out Witness To Love, or connect with Ryan by emailing connect@witnesstolove.org. For more practical advice and experiences from real people sharing their mission with the world, go to https://equip.archomaha.org/podcast/. A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com)
Acts 2:37-40From the series titled "A Gospel Movement"Pastor John King– January 25, 2026.
What are you known for—your job, your strengths, your quirks? In this episode, we dig into a different kind of reputation, the kind Acts 4:13 highlights when leaders recognized Peter and John had been with Jesus. Their courage didn't come from status or training; it flowed from their relationship with Him. As we walk through Acts 3–4, we follow the moment a lame man stood, a crowd gathered, and two ordinary fishermen stood firm before the Sanhedrin with Spirit-given clarity.We share a simple, life-giving rhythm that anchors everything we do at Family Disciple Me: Seek Him Speak Him. Seek Him means opening Scripture, asking honest questions, and lingering with God until His Word meets your life. Speak Him means letting that fresh encounter overflow into conversations with the people God has entrusted to you—kids, friends, roommates, neighbors. No scripts. No pressure. Just the natural spillover of time with Jesus. Along the way, we connect this rhythm with Philippians 1:20, naming a vision for unashamed boldness that holds steady under pressure and shines in ordinary moments.If you've ever felt too common, too busy, or too underqualified to make a spiritual impact, this conversation reframes the story. God uses ordinary people. Presence becomes courage. Devotion becomes discipleship. By the end, you'll have practical next steps for opening the Bible, listening for God's voice, and carrying that truth into simple, meaningful conversations that shape homes, friendships, and communities.Ready to be known for time with Jesus—and to make Him known? Listen now, share this with someone who needs courage today, and subscribe for more devotion-driven discipleship. If this encouraged you, leave a review and tell us the one step you'll take this week to seek Him and speak Him.______________________The Family Disciple Me ministry exists to catalyze devotion driven discipleship in our homes and around the world. We believe that discipleship starts with a conversation, and FDM provides free, easily-accessible, biblical resources to encourage these meaningful conversations along life's way. Sign up through our website to be "the first to know" about upcoming releases and resources (including the FDM App - coming soon!!!) You can also follow Family Disciple Me on social media. Family Disciple Me is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit ministry, and all donations are tax deductible. More information, blogs, statement of faith and contact info can be found at familydiscipleme.org
Ever notice how we can gush about a great meal or a new show, yet freeze when it's time to talk about Jesus? We open that tension with a straight path forward: boldness doesn't start with a megaphone, it starts with presence. Walking through Acts 4, we sit with Peter and John as they heal a man, face arrest, and announce the line that still shakes timid hearts today: we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.We share how this kind of courage grows from a simple, repeatable rhythm: Seek Him Speak Him. That means leaning into Scripture with practical prompts, lingering long enough to hear God's voice, and letting that overflow spill into natural conversations with the people entrusted to us. You'll hear why boldness is leadership, not loudness, and how everyday discipleship can move from forced to fluent. We also tackle common barriers—fear of awkwardness, not knowing enough, or worrying about pushback—and offer clear steps that make faith talk feel honest and inviting.Along the way, we connect key passages like Psalm 107:2 and 1 John 1:3, show how presence produces clarity, and how clarity makes courage reasonable. You'll leave with language you can use today, from simple questions that turn reading into dialogue to ideas for sharing your story with a child, spouse, friend, or neighbor. Ready to be known for time with Jesus and to make Him known in your world? Press play, try the companion conversation guide, and tell us who you'll speak with this week. If this encouraged you, subscribe, share the episode with a friend, and leave a review to help others find the show.______________________The Family Disciple Me ministry exists to catalyze devotion driven discipleship in our homes and around the world. We believe that discipleship starts with a conversation, and FDM provides free, easily-accessible, biblical resources to encourage these meaningful conversations along life's way. Sign up through our website to be "the first to know" about upcoming releases and resources (including the FDM App - coming soon!!!) You can also follow Family Disciple Me on social media. Family Disciple Me is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit ministry, and all donations are tax deductible. More information, blogs, statement of faith and contact info can be found at familydiscipleme.org
Send us a textPastor Mark talks about Paul's instructions on how young men and women are called to engage the gospel in church and family life.Support the showThe Village Church's sermon podcast is more than just a weekly message. It is an invitation into the great and ongoing story of God's work in the world. Pastors Eric, Mark, Susan, Daniel, and other leaders open the Scriptures not as a collection of abstract ideas but as the living, breathing witness to God's kingdom breaking into our midst. Each episode is a call—not merely to listen, but to take part, to step forward into the life of faith with renewed vision and purpose. Week by week, the pastors and leaders explore the deep rhythms of Christian discipleship—prayer, fasting, generosity—not as isolated duties but as part of a larger, richer, and more beautiful whole. They unpack these ancient practices in light of Jesus himself, the one in whom heaven and earth have come together. But they also turn their attention to the realities of everyday life—relationships, finances, the struggles and joys of being human—demonstrating how the gospel is not merely about what we believe but about how we live as God's renewed people in the present age. The Village Churchvillagersonline@gmail.comMore information at www.villagersonline.com
To get a copy of our new book "Embracing the Truth" or to have TS Wright speak at your event or conference or if you simply want spiritual or life coaching or just a consultation visit:www.tswrightspeaks.comVisit our website to learn more about The God Centered Concept. The God Centered Concept is designed to bring real discipleship and spreading the Gospel to help spark the Great Harvest, a revival in this generation.www.godcenteredconcept.comKingdom Cross Roads Podcast is a part of The God Centered Concept.Checkout https://www.mperspective.org/SummaryIn this episode of Kingdom Crossroads, host TS Wright welcomes back Joshua Spatha to discuss the journey of new believers in the context of discipleship and spiritual growth. They explore the cultural expectations that often accompany conversion, particularly in Western societies, where individuals may approach faith with a mindset focused on personal improvement and material success. Joshua emphasizes the importance of understanding that true transformation in faith is an internal process, contrasting it with the external metrics often sought in church communities. He argues that many believers, especially younger generations, are seeking God on their own terms, which can lead to a disconnect between their expectations and the biblical understanding of discipleship.The conversation delves into the necessity of accountability and transparency in the Christian walk. Joshua highlights the dangers of a superficial faith that prioritizes public appearances over genuine internal growth. He encourages new believers to embrace a 'death to self' mentality, fostering relationships that promote honesty and accountability. The episode concludes with practical steps for new believers to engage in their faith journey, emphasizing the need for deep, meaningful relationships that challenge and support spiritual growth. Overall, this episode serves as a call to return to the core principles of Christianity, focusing on internal transformation rather than external validation.TakeawaysTrue transformation is an internal process, not external metrics.New believers often come with cultural baggage expecting God to improve their lives.Accountability is essential for genuine spiritual growth.Death to self is the first step for new believers.Relationships built on honesty are crucial for discipleship.
The resurgence of Gen Z in church attendance marks a significant shift within the spiritual landscape, as Dr. Jeffery D. Skinner elucidates in this enlightening discussion. We delve into the implications of this generational revival, addressing the paradox of a declining church juxtaposed with a burgeoning interest in authentic faith among young people. Gen Z's attendance averages 1.9 times per month, surpassing previous generations and indicating a profound yearning for spiritual identity and genuine connection rather than mere entertainment or social validation. This episode compels church leaders to recognize the need for a revival that is centered on Jesus, highlighting the potential dangers posed by algorithm-driven discipleship, which often distracts from the essence of forming authentic disciples. We emphasize the importance of maintaining an organic, relational approach to ministry, where genuine presence and discipleship are prioritized over numerical growth, thus ensuring that the church remains a transformative force in the lives of young believers, rather than a mere reflection of contemporary culture.Takeaways:The resurgence of Gen Z in church attendance signals a profound spiritual awakening, with young individuals attending church 1.9 times per month on average, surpassing preceding generations' engagement.Revival, characterized by a deepened desperation for authentic faith, is not merely a trend but a significant movement among young people seeking genuine connection with Jesus.Discipleship must transcend conventional programmatic approaches; it should be organic, relational, and focused on forming disciples who can replicate their faith in others.The role of algorithms in shaping spiritual identities poses a challenge, as they often prioritize engagement metrics over meaningful discipleship, potentially leading to superficial faith practices.Church planting efforts should prioritize the cultivation of discipleship over mere attendance, aiming for multiplication that reflects the genuine growth of faith communities.The authenticity of Jesus must remain central in ministry to Gen Z, as they desire a faith that is transformative and not merely an echo of contemporary cultural trends.Resources
What happens when we share the gospel with someone, and they get saved? How do we disciple that person? Where do we start? Listen in as Shanee shares 3 simple tips to make discipleship do-able for all believers.
This week, we will be studying Mark 4:1-20 under the theme “The Kingdom's Mysterious Growth.” Jesus' parable of the soils reveals that the real issue isn't whether God's Word is powerful, but whether if our hearts are truly open for it to take root, go deep, and bear fruit.Series Summary: Fast-paced, urgent, and relentlessly focused on Jesus, the Gospel of Mark shows us not just what Jesus said, but what he did. Written for a Roman world hungry for power, Mark introduces a surprising King - one who comes to serve, to suffer, and to give his life for many. Over the coming weeks, we'll walk this road with Jesus, from the wilderness to the cross, discovering how the Servant-King's actions reveal the true good news - and what it means to follow him as disciples who take up our own cross and trust him with our lives.Add St. Marcus as your church on the Church Center App!Fill out our online connection cardHow can we pray for you? If you'd like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here.
Pastors Caleb and Chrissy Cole share the Word for the Year for Project Church: Fresh Wind. From Acts 2 and the story of Pentecost, they call the church back to prayer, presence, and waiting on the Holy Spirit. This message teaches that before God moves us, He must first fill us, and that Fresh Wind softens hearts, renews passion, and aligns believers with God's mission. A call to enjoy God's presence, not just perform religion, and to make prayer the primary vision. (00:00) - Series recap & focus on prayer (02:32) - Acts 1 & 2: Waiting for the Holy Spirit (03:38) - Word for the Year: Fresh Wind (05:08) - Before God moves us, He must fill us (05:40) - Fresh Wind softens hardened hearts (07:05) - Vision Sunday: waiting instead of striving (08:30) - Waiting is the discipline of listening (10:23) - Waiting forms Christlike character (15:14) - Learning to enjoy God's presence (19:54) - The vision is prayer, not projects (22:24) - Personal story: prayer rooms changed me (25:06) - Fresh Wind fills us to fulfill the mission
An unhurried daily meditation using the Bible, prayer, and reflection led by Pastor Jon Ciccarelli, Discipleship Pastor of Crosswalk Church in Redlands, CA, and Director of Discipleship for Crosswalk Global.If you are enjoying the podcast please go to Apple Podcasts and/or Spotify and share your rating and a review as your input will help bring awareness of this discipleship resource to more listeners around the world.To learn more about Abide and discipleship go to www.crosswalkvillage.com/discipleshipPlease feel free to reach out to us at jon@crosswalkvillage.com any time with your comments and questions. Thanks and blessings!
How can God use a weak and broken life for His glory? What does it mean to truly follow Christ? In this episode, we reflect on the life of David Brainerd, a frail and often melancholy man who wholeheartedly obeyed Jesus' call: “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19). Despite sickness, loss, and rejection, Brainerd chose hardship over ease, taking the gospel to unreached Native American tribes. Through deep prayer and dependence on Christ, he witnessed powerful revival and lasting fruit. His legacy, preserved in his journals, has inspired generations. Like Brainerd, may we follow Christ with our whole hearts and pray to be used beyond what we are.
What if you lived like the Whole Entire Bible is actually true and has happened and is going to happen?FAITHBUCKS.COM
The video, "Follow: A Reflection on the Readings for the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time," features Layperson Lisa reflecting on the Gospel reading for the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time (0:00). She shares a personal anecdote about a challenging decision to leave her full-time job to volunteer at the St. Clair of Assisi Retreat Center, a choice she initially resisted due to fear (0:07-0:49).Key takeaways from her reflection include:Divine Calling (0:50-1:28): Lisa recounts how a specific Bible passage, "They left their nets and followed him," resonated deeply during adoration, affirming God's call for her to abandon her livelihood and follow Him, much like the apostles Simon, Andrew, John, and James did.Fortitude and Trust (1:42-2:58): The reflection emphasizes the importance of fortitude, the courage to do what God asks, and to rely on Him rather than oneself. Lisa mentions St. Thérèse of Lisieux's "little way" and total abandonment to God, highlighting that God allows things to happen to draw us closer to Him.Discipleship in Action (2:59-4:31): After gathering His apostles, Jesus went out to heal, teach, and preach. Lisa asserts that all believers are called to be disciples, sharing Jesus with others, being a light in the darkness, offering an attentive ear to those in need, teaching about Jesus, and preaching the good news of God's love and the importance of prayer.Strengthening Fortitude (4:32-5:06): The video concludes by encouraging viewers to ask Jesus for a strengthening of their fortitude, a gift received at baptism, to overcome obstacles that prevent them from fully following Him, and to spread His kingdom as teachers, preachers, and healers.
Everyone needs their people. Scripture is filled with them—Adam had his partner, David his mighty men, Esther her mentor, Paul his companions, and even Jesus surrounded Himself with friends when facing the cross. Isolation makes us vulnerable, but community makes us resilient. Like a herd protecting its own, the church becomes the place where faith is guarded, sharpened, and sustained. The enemy isolates; Jesus gathers. Jesus steps into this fractured world and forms a people. He calls disciples into shared life, sends them two by two, and builds His church as a gathered body. Faith flourishes in community because community reflects the very nature of God Himself. Jesus calls us to something better: a church where burdens are shared, hope is reinforced, and discipleship is lived side-by-side.
In this episode, we begin a journey through the book of Philippians. Starting with Philippians 1:1–11, we explore Paul's gratitude for the Philippian believers, the beauty of shared partnership in the gospel mission, and his prayer that their love would grow in knowledge and discernment as they live in anticipation of Christ's return. The pursuit is learning to trust that God will complete the work He has begun. Please leave a comment or review for this episode to help us share this content with others! Connect with us: Website: https://www.narcelyruiz.com/podcast Instagram: http://instagram.com/upstreampursuit Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UpstreamPursuit/
Listen to this week's sermon, Vision: Honoring God with our Wealth preached by our Pastor of Environments Rev. Justin Grimm from Proverbs 1:7, 3:9-10, 13-15.
Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/ Join us at the 2026 National Disciple Making Forum: https://discipleship.org/2026-national-disciple-making-forum/ The Blueprint to True Discipleship: Be With Jesus, Become Like Him, Do What He Did In this episode of the Disciple Makers Podcast, Josh Howard dives into the heart of discipleship and the modern church's struggles. He emphasizes that many churches today fail not due to lack of programs or leadership but because they do not genuinely make disciples. Josh outlines Jesus' clear, simple, and reproducible model of discipleship encapsulated in three stages: being with Him, becoming like Him, and doing what He did. Through anecdotes and insights, he underscores the transformative power of intimate relationships with Jesus. Josh calls for a return to the basics of disciple making—living closely with Jesus, reshaping our lives to mirror His, and actively carrying out His mission. Tune in for an inspiring call to embrace authentic discipleship and ignite a movement of Christ-like living in our communities. Key Takeaways 00:00 Introduction and Controversial Statement 00:32 The Real Problem in Churches Today 00:54 Jesus' Blueprint for Discipleship 03:26 The Three Stages of Discipleship 04:03 Stage 1: Be With Him 08:26 Stage 2: Become Like Him 13:15 Stage 3: Do What He Did 18:35 The Cost of Discipleship 19:51 Conclusion and Call to Action 22:40 Upcoming Events and Resources
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What is the next step for SOS Church Stockholm, and who do we want to be? In this message, Senior Pastor Christopher Fränberg shares the vision and key priorities for the year ahead: Prayer, Discipleship, Honor and Service.
What does it really mean to follow Jesus—not just believe in Him, but become like Him? In this message from our In His Steps series, we're invited to stop treating Jesus like spiritual “rescue patrol” and start following Him as our guide, placing our feet in His footprints day by day. Through a powerful illustration and the words of 1 Peter 2, this sermon explores how true discipleship transforms us as we deal honestly with sin, defer our lives to God's hands, and learn to depend on Jesus daily. If you've ever wondered how real, lasting change happens in the Christian life, this message will challenge and encourage you to take the next step.Message Notes: https://notes.subsplash.com/fill-in/view?page=H1Vwbcz8bgDiscussion Questions: https://storage2.snappages.site/PJBKS3/assets/files/PTW3.pdfFind us on:YouTube: YouTube.com/TheHarborInstagram: Instagram.com/TheHarbor_lifeFacebook: Facebook.com/TheHarbordotlifeWebsite: https://www.TheHarbor.lifeWatch/listen on The Harbor AppNew episode every week!
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Jesus didn't call people to simply believe in Him, but to follow Him.Many believers know the language of faith, attend church regularly, and affirm sound doctrine, yet still wonder whether they are truly living as Christ's disciples. In this episode, Pastor Jeff Cranston and Tiffany examine three marks of true discipleship: remaining in God's Word, bearing spiritual fruit, and loving others as Christ loves. This thoughtful conversation challenges listeners to consider not just what they believe, but how they live as followers of Jesus.What We Discussed: 02:30 Following Jesus Is More Than Intellectual AgreementJesus' call to “follow Me” is examined as a call to obedience and transformation, not just believing the right doctrine.03:15 #1 - Abiding in God's Word True disciples remain in Christ's Word. Abiding means staying, dwelling, and allowing Scripture to shape decisions, priorities, and worldview.07:05 Bearing Spiritual Fruit as Evidence of a Living FaithTrue disciples bear fruit over time. Spiritual fruit shows up in character, patience, humility, love, and meaningful impact on others, not in curated appearances or spiritual performance.09:30 Fruit Grows Through Faithfulness, Not SpeedDiscipleship is described as a slow, faithful process. Jesus never calls for instant fruit.11:10 Loving as Jesus LovesJesus identifies love as the clearest mark of discipleship. This love goes beyond affection and includes sacrifice, commitment, and concern for others.12:40 Love Our EnemiesThe episode addresses the hard call to love enemies, even those who oppose the gospel or disrupt the church, grounding this command in Jesus' teaching from Matthew 5:44.14:20 Love is Action, Not FeelingBiblical love is an action and commitment rather than emotion. True love shows itself through sacrifice, concern, and obedience empowered by the Holy Spirit.16:00 Why Love Is the Visible Badge of DiscipleshipWhile sound doctrine matters deeply, love is the evidence of discipleship the unbelieving world recognizes most clearly.18:45 Direction, Not PerfectionThe episode closes with a call to honest self-examination, reminding listeners that discipleship is about direction, not perfection, and that Jesus always meets His followers where they are.“ Discipleship isn't about hustle. It's about faithfulness.” – Pastor Jeff Cranston
Sunday evening message from the pulpit of Falls Baptist Church
Discipleship is not just information — it's imitation. We are called to live in a way that others can follow: “Follow me as I follow Christ.” Jesus came to give us life to the full — and when we follow Him and help others follow Him, that life multiplies.
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This episode teaches that following Jesus means embracing the narrow way—a path of humility, pruning, and sacrifice where God uses pressure to form Christlike character. Through Scripture and personal stories, it shows the narrow place as preparation, not punishment, calling believers to release even past blessings, trust God fully, and grow in prayer, mission, and love for others.