Disciple Dojo
JM Smith
What’s up with the name “Disciple Dojo”??
Great question! One of my lifelong passions has been studying the martial arts. And the place where you study and train in martial arts is a Dojo.
Christian Discipleship is similar to martial arts training (if you don’t believe me, just ask Paul–he says so himself in his letter to Christians in ancient Corinth [1Cor. 9:26-27]!). We have a Sensei (teacher): Jesus. We have a katana (sword): Scripture.
Thus Disciple Dojo is intended as a virtual Dojo–where students of the Master can be sharpened, challenged, equipped and encouraged as they continue to become more and more like the One they serve…minus the scrapes and bruises!
Great question! One of my lifelong passions has been studying the martial arts. And the place where you study and train in martial arts is a Dojo.
Christian Discipleship is similar to martial arts training (if you don’t believe me, just ask Paul–he says so himself in his letter to Christians in ancient Corinth [1Cor. 9:26-27]!). We have a Sensei (teacher): Jesus. We have a katana (sword): Scripture.
Thus Disciple Dojo is intended as a virtual Dojo–where students of the Master can be sharpened, challenged, equipped and encouraged as they continue to become more and more like the One they serve…minus the scrapes and bruises!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 28, 2026 • 1h 14min
Stewards of Eden: Why God cares about environmentalism (w/ Dr. Sandra L. Richter)
Dr. Sandra L. Richter, an Old Testament scholar who makes biblical theology accessible, explains why Scripture calls people to care for creation. She explores tending and guarding Eden, covenant land laws, eschatology and creation’s future, and practical local stewardship. Short, thoughtful reflections on politics, farming, animal welfare, and parish-level action.

Mar 23, 2026 • 1h 11min
A Therapist Helps Me Take My Thoughts Captive! (w/ Olatunde Howard)
In this episode Olatunde Howard returns to the Dojo to answer a viewer's question about Pastoral Counseling, and to demonstrate how Cognitive Behavior Therapy is both Biblical and effective! Olatunde is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Cary, NC. He can be reached at:
https://one-eightycounseling.com/olatunde-howard/
Recommended resources:
Cognitive Behavior Therapy: Basics and Beyond - https://www.amazon.com/Cognitive-Behavior-Therapy-Third-Basics/dp/1462544193/
PDF worksheets:
* The ABCs of CBT - https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/eipzf7l53jfxhvbhzn5g9/THE-ABC-S-OF-CBT.pdf?rlkey=65muk6fdv11mx42d7oecq3pip&dl=0
* The 3 C’s of CBT - https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/hgzrf71ltyg2mn7lemubx/THE-3-C-S-OF-CBT.pdf?rlkey=q877tq0b81g3ml0446popwx8m&dl=0
* Identifying ANTs - https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/lipw497v0jn425q7aykfw/AUTOMATIC-NEGATIVE-THOUGHTS-ANTs.pdf?rlkey=kn25jcy9ovcfrqs5o8g8j3vyo&dl=0
* Adjusting Negative Core Beliefs - https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/n6kxxv0s8epwy9cy4nyrl/Adjusting-Negative-Core-beliefs.pdf?rlkey=s7i0jkyx8rk4ti0l8b2420byn&dl=0
***Disciple Dojo shirts and other gifts are available over in our online store! - https://www.zazzle.com/discipledojo
***Become a monthly Dojo Donor and help keep us going! - https://www.discipledojo.org/donate
***Dojo Donor Patches: If you are a monthly donor and would like an iron-on DiscipleDojo patch, supplies are limited so message JM directly via the contact page at https://www.discipledojo.org/contact
***If you are an unmarried Christian looking for community, check out our Facebook group “The Grownup’s Table” over at www.facebook.com/groups/grownupstable
------ Go deeper at www.discipledojo.org

Mar 18, 2026 • 51min
Psalm 29 - Was this Psalm originally a Hymn to Baal?
In this series we will be reading through the Psalms one by one and pointing out cool stuff along the way. The goal is to help get the Psalms into our theological landscape so that they help form our outlook as they have done for God's people for nearly 3,000 years.
Previous videos in the series can be found at:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4bbdsVUgfc6Z_lp1cLDdhsXE_k0hoEP_
Our Baal Myth playlist can be found at:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4bbdsVUgfc633xAN_MNfWcJR2iVW_J6J&si=uRL0LwkJjuMZjjcN
SuperheroSeminary episodes (including the one mentioned in this video) can be found at: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4bbdsVUgfc50Xn6FUfHepZQ4scxiJJZC&si=wNyfnSst5ngArW6y
***Disciple Dojo shirts and gifts are available over in our online store! - https://www.zazzle.com/discipledojo
***Become a monthly Dojo Donor and help keep us going! - https://www.discipledojo.org/donate
***Dojo Donor Patches: If you are a monthly donor and would like an iron-on DiscipleDojo patch, supplies are limited so message JM directly via the contact page at https://www.discipledojo.org/contact
***If you are an unmarried Christian looking for community, check out our Facebook group “The Grownup’s Table” over at www.facebook.com/groups/grownupstable
------ Go deeper at www.discipledojo.org

Mar 18, 2026 • 36min
Psalm 30 - Honest Prayer at Death's Door
In this series we are reading through the Psalms one by one and pointing out cool stuff along the way. The goal is to help get the Psalms into our theological landscape so that they help form our outlook as they have done for God's people for nearly 3,000 years.
Previous videos in the series can be found at:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4bbdsVUgfc6Z_lp1cLDdhsXE_k0hoEP_
Our Baal Myth playlist can be found at:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4bbdsVUgfc633xAN_MNfWcJR2iVW_J6J&si=uRL0LwkJjuMZjjcN
SuperheroSeminary episodes (including the one mentioned in this video) can be found at: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4bbdsVUgfc50Xn6FUfHepZQ4scxiJJZC&si=wNyfnSst5ngArW6y
***Disciple Dojo shirts and gifts are available over in our online store! - https://www.zazzle.com/discipledojo
***Become a monthly Dojo Donor and help keep us going! - https://www.discipledojo.org/donate
***Dojo Donor Patches: If you are a monthly donor and would like an iron-on DiscipleDojo patch, supplies are limited so message JM directly via the contact page at https://www.discipledojo.org/contact
***If you are an unmarried Christian looking for community, check out our Facebook group “The Grownup’s Table” over at www.facebook.com/groups/grownupstable
------ Go deeper at www.discipledojo.org

Mar 6, 2026 • 60min
Unveiling Truths: Preston Sprinkle on Women, Leadership, and Head Coverings
In this episode we welcome @Theologyintheraw back into the Dojo to talk about his new book "From Genesis to Junia" and specifically to walk us through the passage in 1 Corinthians on head coverings.
“From Genesis to Junia” is available at: https://www.amazon.com/Genesis-Junia-Honest-Search-Leadership/dp/0830785809/
For more on passages involving women's roles in the church, see our discussion with Dr. Carmen Joy Imes at: https://youtu.be/rSur9vM-dC8
***Disciple Dojo shirts and other gifts are available over in our online store! - https://www.zazzle.com/discipledojo
***Become a monthly Dojo Donor and help keep us going! - https://www.discipledojo.org/donate
***Dojo Donor Patches: If you are a monthly donor and would like an iron-on DiscipleDojo patch, supplies are limited so message JM directly via the contact page at https://www.discipledojo.org/contact
***If you are an unmarried Christian looking for community, check out our Facebook group “The Grownup’s Table” over at www.facebook.com/groups/grownupstable
------ Go deeper at www.discipledojo.org

Feb 8, 2026 • 1h 29min
Anime, Manga, and Scripture (w/ Dr. Kaz Hayashi)
In this episode we welcome Associate Professor of Old Testament, Bethel Seminary, Dr. Kaz Hayashi (not the pro wrestler!) into the Dojo to talk about being a Hebrew Bible scholar, a Japanese Christian, studying the martial arts, and his love of anime & manga!
Kaz’s chapter on “YHWH as Tyrant” can be found in the volume “Anime, Religion, and Theology” - https://www.amazon.com/Anime-Religion-Theology-Pop-Culture/dp/1978714912/
Kaz’s ETS presentation “Holograms and Idols: Hatsune Miku and the Image of God” can be seen at:
https://youtu.be/PgZ0K3GMgK0?si=L7wgB81oELO6zvcl
Kaz can be reached via his faculty page at:
https://www.bethel.edu/academics/faculty/kaz-hayashi
***Disciple Dojo shirts and other gifts are available over in our online store! - https://www.zazzle.com/DiscipleDojo
***Become a monthly Dojo Donor and help keep us going! - https://www.discipledojo.org/donate
***Dojo Donor Patches: If you are a monthly donor and would like an iron-on DiscipleDojo patch, supplies are limited so message JM directly via the contact page at https://www.discipledojo.org/contact
***If you are an unmarried Christian looking for community, check out our Facebook group “The Grownup’s Table” over at www.facebook.com/groups/grownupstable
------ Go deeper at www.discipledojo.org

21 snips
Jan 31, 2026 • 1h 55min
Isaiah Unveiled: A Journey Through the Entire Book! (w/ Dr. Megan C. Roberts)
Dr. Megan C. Roberts, an Old Testament scholar focused on Isaiah and memory formation, guides a sweeping tour of Isaiah's structure and theology. She maps the book's two major halves, explains prophetic authorship and editorial transmission, and teases key themes like judgment, comfort, the servant figure, and hopes for Zion. Short, vivid chapters bring the cathedral-like scope of Isaiah into view.

Jan 11, 2026 • 1h 3min
The Mission of God - Christopher J.H. Wright
In this episode JM's favorite author, Christopher Wright, talks about the recently revised edition of his bestselling Biblical Theology "The Mission of God"!
Other books by Christopher Wright:
* The Mission of God (2nd edition) - https://www.amazon.com/Mission-God-Unlocking-Bibles-Narrative/dp/1514000040/
* The Mission of God's People - https://www.amazon.com/Mission-Gods-People-Biblical-Theology/dp/0310291127/
* Old Testament Ethics for the People of God - https://www.amazon.com/Old-Testament-Ethics-People-God/dp/0830839615
* Here are Your Gods - https://www.amazon.com/Here-Are-Your-Gods-Discipleship/dp/0830853359/
* The Great Story and the Great Commission - https://www.amazon.com/Great-Story-Commission-Participating-Biblical/dp/1540968863/
* Hearing the Message of Daniel - https://www.amazon.com/Hearing-Message-Daniel-Sustaining-Todays/dp/0310284643/
* Hearing the Message of Habakkuk - https://www.amazon.com/Hearing-Message-Habakkuk-Living-Violent/dp/0310147484/
* God's People in God's Land - https://www.amazon.com/Gods-People-Land-Testament-Theological/dp/0853648085
* Understanding Mission - https://understandingmission.org/
Resources mentioned:
* Langham Partnership - https://us.langham.org/
* Habakkuk: How Long, O LORD? (Playlist) - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4bbdsVUgfc6GzQTbrpn5tGArQcw-pCil&si=0PJ4UPrfSQr8Q5Qf
* Top 4 Recommended Books on OT Law - https://youtu.be/8ixSCH1uhJI
***Disciple Dojo shirts and other gifts are available over in our online store! - https://www.zazzle.com/DiscipleDojo
***Become a monthly Dojo Donor and help keep us going! - https://www.discipledojo.org/donate
***Dojo Donor Patches: If you are a monthly donor and would like an iron-on DiscipleDojo patch, supplies are limited so message JM directly via the contact page at https://www.discipledojo.org/contact
***If you are an unmarried Christian looking for community, check out our Facebook group “The Grownup’s Table” over at www.facebook.com/groups/grownupstable
------ Go deeper at www.discipledojo.org

Jan 8, 2026 • 1h
Jesus and the Law of Moses - Dr. Paul T. Sloan (Part 2 of 2)
What do the Beatitudes have to do with Israel's exile? Why does the Septuagint matter? Does Paul Sloan deny the Atonement??
Here is part 2 of our discussion with Dr. Paul Sloan about his new book "Jesus and the Law of Moses" from Baker Academic, which is available at: https://www.amazon.com/Jesus-Law-Moses-Restoration-First-Century/dp/1540966380/
Other resources:
* Jesus and Jewish Law podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jesus-and-jewish-law/id1791111864
* Paul's OnScript episode with Matthew Bates and Jason Staples - https://onscript.study/podcast/paul-sloan-jesus-and-the-law-of-moses/
* DiscipleDojo's Top 4 Books on Old Testament Law - https://youtu.be/8ixSCH1uhJI
* “Rethinking the Atonement” by David Moffitt - https://www.amazon.com/Rethinking-Atonement-Moffitt/dp/1540966232/
***Disciple Dojo shirts and other gifts are available over in our online store! - https://www.zazzle.com/DiscipleDojo
***Become a monthly Dojo Donor and help keep us going! - https://www.discipledojo.org/donate
***Dojo Donor Patches: If you are a monthly donor and would like an iron-on DiscipleDojo patch, supplies are limited so message JM directly via the contact page at https://www.discipledojo.org/contact
***If you are an unmarried Christian looking for community, check out our Facebook group “The Grownup’s Table” over at www.facebook.com/groups/grownupstable
------ Go deeper at www.discipledojo.org

Jan 8, 2026 • 1h 19min
Jesus and the Law of Moses - Dr. Paul T. Sloan (Part 1 of 2)
In this episode we are talking with Dr. Paul Sloan about his new book "Jesus and the Law of Moses" from Baker Academic, which is available at: https://www.amazon.com/Jesus-Law-Moses-Restoration-First-Century/dp/1540966380/
Other resources:
* Jesus and Jewish Law podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jesus-and-jewish-law/id1791111864
* Paul's OnScript episode with Matthew Bates and Jason Staples - https://onscript.study/podcast/paul-sloan-jesus-and-the-law-of-moses/
* DiscipleDojo's Top 4 Books on Old Testament Law - https://youtu.be/8ixSCH1uhJI
***Disciple Dojo shirts and other gifts are available over in our online store! - https://www.zazzle.com/DiscipleDojo
***Become a monthly Dojo Donor and help keep us going! - https://www.discipledojo.org/donate
***Dojo Donor Patches: If you are a monthly donor and would like an iron-on DiscipleDojo patch, supplies are limited so message JM directly via the contact page at https://www.discipledojo.org/contact
***If you are an unmarried Christian looking for community, check out our Facebook group “The Grownup’s Table” over at www.facebook.com/groups/grownupstable
------ Go deeper at www.discipledojo.org


