The Disciple Maker‘s Podcast

Visit TCM: https://www.tcmi.org/    Building an Effective Discipling Ministry: Insights from David Roadcup   Join David Roadcup, a professor at TCMI Institute, as he shares valuable insights on creating a sustainable and impactful discipling ministry within your church. In this comprehensive discussion, David covers foundational principles such as prayer, fasting, and the importance of scripture, as well as practical steps for recruiting and training leaders. He also emphasizes the significance of having church leadership on board and the power of suggestion in influencing potential leaders. David shares success stories and key strategies for growing an effective small group ministry that fosters spiritual maturity and leadership within the congregation. Whether you're a church leader or active member, this session provides actionable guidance to help your discipling ministry thrive. Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/    Key Takeaways  00:00 Introduction and Greetings 01:51 Discussion on Coastal Cities 02:33 Church Roles and Responsibilities 03:05 Challenges in Church Discipleship 07:52 Introduction to the Session 08:45 Keys to Effective Discipleship 10:21 Personal Background and Prayer 11:46 Importance of the Word and Prayer 26:10 Creating Relationships for Discipleship 27:48 Leadership Support and Vision 37:38 Overwhelming Acts of Kindness 39:05 The Power of Small Groups 39:45 Effective Leadership in Small Groups 40:49 Recruiting for Discipleship 43:06 The Covenant Commitment 53:16 The Power of Suggestion 01:04:33 Sustaining Discipleship Groups 01:08:35 A Vision for Citywide Transformation   Resources on Discipleship   Reaching & Discipling Women: A Guide to Women’s Ministry in Your Church What Is Church? And How Important Is It?   Family Discipleship Blueprint: A Year-by-Year Guide to Family Discipleship   Becoming a Disciple Maker Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr   The episode focuses on session led by David Roadcup, a professor at TCMI Institute, about developing an effective and authentic discipling ministry within the church. Roadcup shares key strategies and elements for building a lasting and impactful ministry, drawing from his extensive experience. The seminar starts with anecdotes from church life, setting the stage for a deeper dive into discipling ministries. Roadcup discusses his background at TCMI Institute and the institute's campuses in Vienna and Indianapolis, adding credibility to his insights. A major theme is the cyclical nature of discipleship, where those discipled go on to disciple others. Roadcup emphasizes the importance of a structured approach, including prayer, fasting, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. He underscores the need for church leaders to fully support and lead the disciple-making efforts, fostering a culture of discipleship through strong, trusting relationships. Roadcup also covers practical steps for recruiting leaders and participants, advising a focus on quality over quantity. He highlights the importance of a covenanted commitment from all members to ensure accountability and dedication. An interesting technique he mentions is the power of suggestion, encouraging members to consider future leadership roles without pressure. Roadcup also stresses leader care, emphasizing ongoing support and mentorship to maintain the ministry's effectiveness. To illustrate the impact, Roadcup shares success stories, including his own church group that grew exponentially and even inspired community outreach among police officers, firefighters, and teachers, showcasing the potential for widespread transformation through disciplined discipleship.   Check out our Blogs: https://discipleship.org/blog/ 

Visit TCM: https://www.tcmi.org/  https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=nvdt0m5XKyQ&feature=youtu.be Join Professor David Roedkup from TCMI Institute as he dives into the concept of disciple making. Taken during a morning session at our National Disciple Making Forum, this session provides an in-depth overview of how Jesus Christ trained his disciples, emphasizing the importance of selection, association, and commitment in creating effective disciple groups. David shares his personal experiences from over 57 years of marriage, nine years with TCM, and insights gained from teaching and ministry. Learn the timeless methods of discipleship, how they can be applied in modern-day settings, and how consistent dedication can lead to spiritual transformation in youth, men, and women. Perfect for church leaders, educators, and anyone passionate about fostering deep, genuine faith in their communities.   Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/    Key Takeaways  00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:50 Background and Experience 02:07 Prayer and Blessings 02:49 Jesus' Training Methods 06:37 Personal Discipling Journey 15:18 Commitment and Persistence in Discipling 19:07 Effective Discipling Strategies 23:44 Challenges and Successes 32:22 Selection of Disciples 34:03 Reflecting on Last Year's Journey 34:18 The Commitment of Discipleship 35:19 Recruiting the Right People 43:04 The Importance of Association 50:14 Teaching and Demonstration 53:48 Delegation and Supervision 56:53 Reproduction and Multiplication 01:01:11 Addressing Challenges and Questions Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViA   Check out our Blogs: https://discipleship.org/blog/ 

Join Matt Dabbs from discipleship.org as he engages in a conversation with David Roadcup, the professor of discipleship at TCM and partner ministry with discipleship.org. David shares his deep passion for discipleship and spiritual disciplines, highlighting foundational aspects for effective ministry and personal growth. He emphasizes the importance of a strong spiritual foundation, nurtured through practices like prayer, fasting, and solitude. David also recommends key books on spiritual disciplines and expounds on essential priorities for a Christian's daily walk. Together, they discuss the critical nature of a relationship with Jesus, God's immense love, and the need for intentionality in spiritual formation. This enriching discussion is filled with practical wisdom and heartfelt encouragement for anyone seeking to deepen their spiritual journey.   Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/    Key Takeaways  00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:55 The Importance of a Strong Foundation 03:42 The Role of Spiritual Disciplines 06:25 Recommended Books on Spiritual Disciplines 07:41 Developing a Singular Focus Priority 15:16 God's Call for Growth 26:11 Breaking Free from Legalism 26:47 God's Love and Relationship with Us 28:38 Building and Maintaining Relationships 29:32 Mental and Emotional Commitment to God 30:10 The Intimacy of God's Love 31:12 The Promise of Eternal Union with God 32:57 Overcoming Guilt and Embracing God's Love 34:06 Practical Steps for Spiritual Growth 36:13 The Power of Biblical Meditation 46:13 Intentionality in Spiritual Formation 49:26 Final Thoughts on Grace and Gratitude   Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr   Check out our Blogs: https://discipleship.org/blog/ 

Click here to view RENEW.org – https://renew.org/  Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr Understanding Spiritual Warfare: Equipping Disciples for Battle In this session, we dive into the reality of spiritual warfare, a critical but often overlooked aspect of the Christian journey. Emphasizing its biblical foundation, the speaker discusses the necessity of acknowledging and addressing spiritual battles in disciple-making. The session covers profound insights into the nature of spiritual warfare, the importance of prayer and fasting, and the use of God-given spiritual weapons. Personal anecdotes highlight the challenges and triumphs faced, providing encouragement and practical advice for believers and disciple-makers. The speaker calls for a deeper understanding of spiritual warfare to strengthen faith and foster resilience against the enemy's attacks. Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/  Check out Discipleship.org Audio Books: https://discipleship.org/resources/ebooks/  Key Takeaways 00:00 Introduction and Opening Prayer 02:01 Understanding Spiritual Warfare 04:14 The Reality of Spiritual Battles 05:01 The Importance of Coaching Disciples 10:09 The Power of Prayer and Worship 11:11 Personal Testimony of Loss and Faith 20:39 Practical Insights on Spiritual Warfare 28:37 Divine Weapons and Spiritual Armor 32:23 Morning Prayer and Armor of God 33:44 Understanding Satan's Activities 34:32 Accusations and Deception by Satan 35:58 The Power of Resurrection 41:00 Territorial and Ideological Strongholds 44:38 Personal Strongholds and Overcoming Fear 51:02 Spiritual Weapons and Stronghold Warfare 55:03 Questions and Practical Advice 01:00:43 Concluding Prayer and Blessings Resources on Discipleship   Reaching & Discipling Women: A Guide to Women’s Ministry in Your Church What Is Church? And How Important Is It?   Family Discipleship Blueprint: A Year-by-Year Guide to Family Discipleship   Becoming a Disciple Maker In this episode we dive into the reality of spiritual warfare in the context of discipleship. Shodankeh Johnson starts by asking everyone to pray for insight and understanding, stressing that acknowledging spiritual warfare is crucial despite its often-avoided nature. He emphasizes that spiritual warfare, as described in both the Old and New Testaments, is a constant battle between good and evil, mirroring Jesus' own encounters with the enemy. The episode highlights that neglecting spiritual warfare makes disciples vulnerable to fear and ignorance. The speaker insists that belief in spiritual warfare is as fundamental as gravity—it's real whether or not we believe in it. He stresses that the focus should be on teaching the relevance of God’s word rather than proving it. Through personal stories, the speaker illustrates the impact of spiritual warfare. He shares how the unexpected death of his son, initially seen as a defeat, ultimately strengthened many people’s faith and attracted new believers. Another story involves a life-threatening incident that was averted through divine insight. Practical steps for engaging in spiritual warfare are discussed, including the power of prayer and worship as vital tools. Ephesians 6:12 is referenced to remind us that the true battle is spiritual, not physical. The speaker outlines the essential aspects of spiritual warfare: recognizing ongoing battles, understanding the nature of the conflict, and using God’s armor effectively. He identifies five key activities of Satan—afflicting, accusing, instigating, deceiving, and causing fruitlessness—and describes three types of strongholds—territorial, ideological, and personal. Strategies to break these strongholds include using Scripture, relying on the Holy Spirit, and engaging in prayer and fasting. The episode wraps up with a Q&A session, addressing practical concerns about handling church opposition and encouraging new believers to adopt spiritual practices. Follow us at Discipleship.org!

Click here to view RENEW.org – https://renew.org/  Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr Today’s episode will help us understand the importance of anchoring our identity in Christ amidst societal pressures and external labels, drawing on personal stories, biblical examples, and practical resources for deepening our understanding of Christian identity.   In this session Anthony Walker talked with us about discipling people in identity, specifically focusing on one's identity in Christ. Originating from their shared experiences and collaborations, including a book on the subject, he dives into scriptural teachings and personal anecdotes to emphasize the importance of knowing who you are in Christ. Anthony outlines how understanding one's identity in Christ can bring clarity, purpose, and resilience in an ever-changing world that often imposes its own identities on individuals. Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/  Check out Discipleship.org Audio Books: https://discipleship.org/resources/ebooks/  Key Takeaways 00:00 Introduction and Purpose 00:06 Understanding Identity in Christ 03:39 Personal Story: Overcoming Identity Struggles 08:37 Biblical Examples of Identity 13:36 Modern Identity Challenges 15:15 Practical Applications and Book Overview 28:57 Interactive Discussion on Personal Struggles 29:49 The Woman with the Issue of Blood 32:11 Unity in Christ Beyond Identity 34:28 Personal Story: Unauthorized Charges 36:24 No Condemnation in Christ 37:54 Youth Struggles with Identity 40:04 Political and Religious Identities 44:46 Ministry Titles and True Service 48:36 Empowering the Younger Generation 53:57 People Pleasing and True Identity 57:20 Final Thoughts and Resources Resources on Discipleship   Reaching & Discipling Women: A Guide to Women’s Ministry in Your Church What Is Church? And How Important Is It?   Family Discipleship Blueprint: A Year-by-Year Guide to Family Discipleship   Becoming a Disciple Maker In this episode of "RENEW Track Session 3," the speaker, starting with gratitude and humility, emphasizes the vital role of understanding our identity in Christ. He shares how Bobby and Michelle's collaboration led to their co-authored book on Christian identity. The discussion highlights a key moment in Matthew 16, where Jesus questions his disciples about his identity, drawing a parallel to how knowing Christ is crucial for understanding our own identity. The speaker recounts his personal experience of losing his father and facing family and societal challenges, showing how faith and his grandmother’s teachings about identity in Christ kept him grounded. Using Moses’ story, he illustrates the importance of a unified identity in Christ, free from the confusion of societal labels and roles. He also addresses how our identities can be swayed by societal expectations, gender issues, and roles, urging listeners to root their identities in Christ. The session includes practical advice on using their book for personal and group study, with interactive Q&A addressing concerns about identity, ministry roles, and societal pressures. The episode wraps up with practical resources and a call to anchor our identity in Christ despite external pressures and labels, using scripture and personal stories to underscore this transformative message.   Follow us at Discipleship.org!

Click here to view RENEW.org – https://renew.org/  Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr Today’s episode will help us navigate the intersection of LGBTQ issues and Christian faith through Guy Hammond’s personal journey and ministry insights, offering guidance on how to engage with LGBTQ individuals compassionately while remaining faithful to Biblical teachings. In this episode, executive director of Strength in Weakness Ministries, Guy Hammond, shares his personal journey from recognizing his homosexuality at a young age to becoming a devoted Christian. Guy discusses the motivations behind founding his ministry, which aims to help Christians engage with LGBTQ individuals and support LGBTQ Christians within the church. He delves into his own struggles, his concerns with pro-gay theology, and the importance of hospitality in sharing the gospel with LGBTQ individuals. Additionally, Guy touches on his views regarding the intersection of transgenderism and Christian orthodoxy. The video concludes with a Q&A session addressing complex questions about faith, sexuality, and the importance of creating a loving, welcoming church environment. Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/  Check out Discipleship.org Audio Books: https://discipleship.org/resources/ebooks/  Key Takeaways 00:00 Introduction and Personal Background 00:17 Founding Strength in Weakness Ministries 02:57 Struggles with Homosexuality 07:05 Journey to Faith and Conversion 11:47 Marriage and Family Life 15:44 Controversial Views on Homosexuality and Christianity 32:10 Timeless Sexual Ethics 32:51 Stereotypes and Realities of LGBTQ People 34:16 Sharing Jesus with LGBTQ Friends 35:00 The Power of Hospitality 39:04 Acceptance vs. Approval 40:47 Messages for LGBTQ People 43:38 Q&A Session Resources on Discipleship   Reaching & Discipling Women: A Guide to Women’s Ministry in Your Church What Is Church? And How Important Is It?   Family Discipleship Blueprint: A Year-by-Year Guide to Family Discipleship   Becoming a Disciple Maker In the episode, Guy Hammond, executive director of Strength in Weakness Ministries, shares his personal journey and insights on LGBTQ issues within Christianity. He starts by explaining how he founded his ministry to help churches engage with LGBTQ individuals and facilitate conversations about faith. Hammond recounts his own experiences from recognizing his same-sex attractions at 12, living a promiscuous gay life, and eventually finding faith in a supportive church community. Despite his Christian commitment, he still experiences these attractions but relies on God's grace to live a holy life. Hammond also discusses his ministry’s support for Christians with same-sex attractions and their families, and his own personal life, including his marriages, which were grounded in emotional connection and Christian values rather than sexual attraction. He addresses the theological debates on homosexuality, arguing that traditional Biblical teachings are consistent and challenges modern pro-gay theology. He advocates for churches to be welcoming spaces for LGBTQ individuals to explore faith without judgment, stressing the difference between acceptance and approval. Hammond answers audience questions with practical advice on handling complex situations, such as counseling LGBTQ couples and addressing transgender issues, always emphasizing empathy while upholding Biblical teachings. Overall, Hammond’s session offers a compassionate, theologically informed perspective on LGBTQ issues, illustrating how Christians can support and engage with LGBTQ individuals while staying true to their faith.   Follow us at Discipleship.org!

Click here to view RENEW.org – https://renew.org/  Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr Today’s episode will help us address church disunity, especially during politically charged times, by focusing on mission-driven unity and practical strategies for fostering deeper, Christ-centered relationships.   In this session, Daniel McCoy and Jason Ishmeal explore the divisive issues causing disunity within the church, particularly during election years. They identify two problematic types of individuals: the 'Heresy Hunter' and the 'Tower Toppler,' who exacerbate conflicts by aggressively seeking out perceived errors and attacking different viewpoints. The speakers discuss practical approaches to fostering unity, emphasizing the importance of keeping the faith front and center, understanding perspectives, and contextualizing the gospel to different audiences. They advocate for transforming traditional church activities into opportunities for discipleship, engaging both extroverts and introverts in meaningful ways. The session concludes with an emphasis on the significance of unifying around the mission of making disciples, seeing every church activity as an occasion for discipleship, and inspiring church members to lift up Jesus as the ultimate model of humanity. Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/  Check out Discipleship.org Audio Books: https://discipleship.org/resources/ebooks/  Key Takeaways 00:00 Introduction and Context Setting 01:51 Addressing Political Disunity 03:23 Types of Disruptive Individuals 07:39 Unity Through Mission 12:18 Challenges in Discipleship 18:33 Tools for Promoting Unity 31:11 Balancing Grace and Truth 31:39 The Fragrance of Christ 34:04 The Resurrection and Discipleship 35:29 Historical Context and Gnosticism 36:42 Discipleship in Modern Context 40:24 Reevaluating Church Ministries 42:57 Practical Steps for Discipleship 49:12 Empowering the Church Community 52:40 Q&A Session Resources on Discipleship   Reaching & Discipling Women: A Guide to Women’s Ministry in Your Church What Is Church? And How Important Is It?   Family Discipleship Blueprint: A Year-by-Year Guide to Family Discipleship   Becoming a Disciple Maker   Follow us at Discipleship.org!

Click here to view Small Circle: https://www.smallcircle.com/  Get The Disciple Makers Podcast Premium Feed: https://disciplemakerspodcast.supercast.com/  Today’s episode will help us understand how to effectively use the Small Circle mobile app to enhance relational disciple-making, streamline church activities, and track spiritual growth with advanced features and practical insights. Join Steve McCoy as he presents the final session for Small Circle at the Discipleship.org National Forum. In this session, Steve explores the intersection of technology and relational discipleship, focusing on a mobile app designed to enhance disciple-making. Learn how the app's features—such as pre-session information sharing, customized relational tools, and secure functionalities—can streamline and deepen the discipleship process. Also, discover the app's global impact, with multiple language support and special features for use in persecuted regions. Practical insights on engaging youth and managing church-wide discipleship metrics are also shared. Perfect for pastors, discipleship leaders, and tech-savvy followers looking to elevate their approach to disciple-making. Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/  Check out Discipleship.org Audio Books: https://discipleship.org/resources/ebooks/  Key Takeaways 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 10:10 Customizing Your Discipleship Experience 24:51 Pairing and Metrics: Enhancing Discipleship Accountability 32:55 Tracking Discipleship Progress with the Mobile App 40:55 Q&A: Using the App for Discipleship 43:40 Q&A: Theological Background and Youth Ministry 51:55 Q&A: Practical Tips and Final Thoughts Resources on Discipleship   Reaching & Discipling Women: A Guide to Women’s Ministry in Your Church What Is Church? And How Important Is It?   Family Discipleship Blueprint: A Year-by-Year Guide to Family Discipleship   Becoming a Disciple Maker In this episode, Steve McCoy kicks things off by welcoming everyone and setting the stage for the Small Circle session at the discipleship.org national forum. Steve, lead pastor from Sarasota, Florida, emphasizes the vision of integrating disciple-making into all church activities and introduces the focus of this session: using technology to enhance disciple-making. He starts with a prayer for guidance and creativity. Steve dives into the role of technology in modern disciple-making, featuring a session by Daniel M. called "High Tech High Touch," which highlights the relational benefits of tech in discipleship and dispels myths about technology being impersonal. He then introduces the Small Circle mobile app, designed to make disciple-making more relational and efficient. The app helps users streamline their time by handling information before meetings, so gatherings can focus on interaction. The Meeting Hub is highlighted as a new feature for tracking notes, prayer points, action steps, and gospel moves. Another feature, pairing, lets users share progress and notes, making meetings more efficient. Steve emphasizes the importance of tracking metrics to monitor disciple-making success and identify areas needing support. The app’s security features are also discussed, including an emergency mode for high-risk areas and an offline version for places with limited internet access. The episode wraps up with a Q&A session addressing practical usage, suitability for different church settings, and technical details. Steve and Chris, the IT expert behind the app, provide clear answers and guidance. Overall, this episode is a practical guide to leveraging the Small Circle app for effective disciple-making, showcasing its features and benefits for diverse ministry needs. Follow us at Discipleship.org!

Click here to view Small Circle: https://www.smallcircle.com/  Get The Disciple Makers Podcast Premium Feed: https://disciplemakerspodcast.supercast.com/  Today’s episode will help us understand how to deepen disciple-making by integrating small, intimate relationships with practical tools and experiential learning, following Jesus’ model of relational dynamics. Join Steve McCoy, lead pastor and church planter from Sarasota, Florida, as he dives deep into the art of disciple making. In this session, Steve shares the core principles and innovative techniques that drive their small circles sessions, equipping attendees with unique strategies, including their mobile app and practical labs. Learn how to balance information, transformation, and observation to foster intimate, transformative relationships, much like Jesus did. Discover the importance of personalized engagement, immersive experiences, and the significance of tailored tools in creating meaningful discipleship. Perfect for pastors, church leaders, and anyone passionate about disciple making. Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/  Check out Discipleship.org Audio Books: https://discipleship.org/resources/ebooks/  Key Takeaways 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 04:21 The Small Circle Concept 07:30 The Role of Information and Transformation 27:16 The Power of Personal Experience 39:18 Personalizing Faith: The Impact of Individual Stories 52:15 Unconditional Love: A Heartfelt Exercise 57:19 Final Thoughts and Reflections Resources on Discipleship   Reaching & Discipling Women: A Guide to Women’s Ministry in Your Church What Is Church? And How Important Is It?   Family Discipleship Blueprint: A Year-by-Year Guide to Family Discipleship   Becoming a Disciple Maker   Follow us at Discipleship.org!

Click here to view Small Circle: https://www.smallcircle.com/  Get The Disciple Makers Podcast Premium Feed: https://disciplemakerspodcast.supercast.com/  “Today’s episode will help us understand the importance of personalized, small-circle disciple-making and practical strategies for fostering deep, transformative relationships within our church communities.” In this session, Steve McCoy, Lead Pastor in Sarasota, Florida, goes deep into the principles and practices of disciple-making, emphasizing the importance of one-to-one relationships inspired by Jesus' ministry. This second session of Small Circle covers topics such as the Two Circle Operating System, engaging everyday people in disciple-making, and the significant role of customized, intimate conversations in facilitating life change. Pastor McCoy stresses the need for a paradigm shift in church culture to foster deeper, more personalized discipleship. The session includes interactive exercises, prayer, and practical strategies for building a sustainable disciple-making culture within the church. Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/  Check out Discipleship.org Audio Books: https://discipleship.org/resources/ebooks/  Key Takeaways 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:43 Opening Prayer and Reflections 01:49 Recap of Previous Session 02:17 The Concept of Small Circle 03:12 Jesus' Ministry Model 04:37 The Importance of One-to-One Interactions 05:29 Challenges and Benefits of Customized Conversations 10:20 The Role of Everyday People in Disciple Making 13:15 The Need for Tools in Discipleship 23:12 Exercise: Identifying Comfortable Conversation Spaces 32:03 The Importance of Sharing in Church Groups 32:43 The Role of Trust and Transparency 33:09 Challenges Faced by Pastors 34:16 Secrets and Their Impact 35:24 The Power of the Holy Spirit and Tools 36:10 Engaging Everyday People in Discipleship 39:00 Building Strong Relationships 39:47 The Four Quadrants of Discipleship 48:15 Practical Discipleship Strategies 51:26 Balancing Church Activities and Discipleship 54:59 The Journey of Discipleship 59:44 Concluding Thoughts and Prayer Resources on Discipleship   Reaching & Discipling Women: A Guide to Women’s Ministry in Your Church What Is Church? And How Important Is It?   Family Discipleship Blueprint: A Year-by-Year Guide to Family Discipleship   Becoming a Disciple Maker In this episode, Steve McCoy, a lead pastor from Sarasota, Florida, talks about effective disciple-making strategies. He kicks things off by creating a relaxed atmosphere, inviting attendees to sit on the floor or counters if they prefer. After introducing himself and sharing his background in church planting and disciple-making, Steve dives into his Small Circle concept. He explains their church's "two-circle operating system": a large circle for worship services and a mid-sized circle for smaller groups like home groups and Bible studies. He draws parallels to Jesus’ ministry, noting that profound changes often happen in those personal, one-on-one interactions, much like Jesus’ encounters with the woman at the well, Nicodemus, and Zacchaeus. Steve highlights that intimate settings allow for deeper conversations that address individual needs, comparing it to using a fork for pie and a spoon for soup—each tool has its specific use. The episode includes a hands-on exercise where attendees discuss sensitive issues like job loss or marriage conflicts in small groups, showing that such conversations thrive in trusted, smaller circles. He stresses that disciple-making should focus on both knowledge and transformation, not just transferring information. Steve introduces a four-quadrant framework for discipleship: building a strong foundation in the Word of God, living a sacrificial life for Christ, forming deep relationships, and encouraging multiplication. Steve advocates for a slow, deliberate pace to build trust and transparency, which can take six months or more. He suggests balancing group meetings with intentional one-on-one interactions for a sustainable approach. He wraps up by referencing Acts 1:8 and 8:1, highlighting that everyday believers played a crucial role in early church disciple-making. Steve calls on leaders to equip their congregations for this mission, emphasizing intentionality in fostering deep relationships and equipping all believers for effective disciple-making. Follow us at Discipleship.org!