The Disciple Maker‘s Podcast

Click here to view BetterMan: https://betterman.com/  Get The Disciple Makers Podcast Premium Feed: https://disciplemakerspodcast.supercast.com/    Join us in this session of BetterMan as we dive deep into the importance of men engaging with the word of God. Chris Harper and Delario Bolton discuss the foundation of Better Man, emphasizing God's word and community. Learn why loneliness and isolation are significant threats to men's lives today and how Better Man addresses these issues. Delario shares a touching personal story and highlights the core beliefs of Better Man centered on loving, protecting, and serving. Chris Harper provides practical steps on how men can understand and apply the Bible in their daily lives, drawing insights from profound biblical lessons. Engage with a Q&A that covers various aspects of male involvement in faith communities, strategies to attract men to church activities, and the vital role of women in supporting this mission. Don't miss out on these timeless lessons and inspirational stories aimed at transforming lives. 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 Session Overview 06:58 The Story of Jephthah 11:09 Lessons from Jephthah's Vow 13:28 The Importance of Knowing God's Word 20:11 Practical Ways to Engage with the Bible 35:39 Renewal of the Mind 40:09 Practical Advice for Bible Reading 46:47 Encouraging Men to Engage 54:17 The Role of Women in Supporting Men 58:18 Closing Prayer and Final Thoughts Resources on Manhood  Discipleship in the Modern Church: Empowering Men | Chris Harper How to Disciple Men Q&A | Anthony Walker, Chris Harper & Bobby Harrington How to Disciple Men | Chris Harper Breakout Forum 4: How Discipling Men Changes Everything  (2016 Nat'l Forum) Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr This episode dives into the theme of godly manhood, emphasizing its roots in the word of God and community, as taught by the Better Man program. Right from the start, the speakers stress the importance of beginning the day with spiritual engagement, grounding daily activities in God's teachings. They outline key topics like complementarianism and manhood, highlighting the need for men to engage with the word of God in these areas. One speaker shares a personal story about giving an invocation at a nonprofit event for abused women. Despite advice to avoid mentioning Jesus, he insisted on doing so, demonstrating that true manhood follows Jesus's example. The narrative highlights Better Man's pillars: God's word and community, citing a U.S. Surgeon General’s statistic that loneliness and isolation are top killers of men. Better Man combats this by offering God's word and community. Introducing Delario Bolton, Better Man's National Launch Director, the session discusses men's current relationship with God's word and necessary actions. Delario outlines Better Man's four core beliefs: following God's word, loving and serving God's woman, improving God's world, and leading with biblical courage. Delario uses anecdotes, like his grandmother’s frequent Proverbs citations, to stress wisdom and scriptural foundations. He also shares American Bible Society statistics showing older Southern Black women as the biggest Bible readers, while 18 to 40-year-old males from the Northeast are the least engaged—a significant concern. The lesson delves into the biblical story of Jephthah from Judges 11, highlighting the dangers of ignorance of God’s word. Delario emphasizes that men should read the Bible as sons gaining wisdom, brothers sharpening each other, and fathers imparting knowledge. Men are encouraged to use a Bible reading methodology with five key questions: What does this passage say about God? About me? Is there a principle to apply? A promise to cling to? A sin to avoid? This practice helps build personal biblical understanding and reduces dependence on external interpretations. A humorous anecdote about a drone mishap underscores the importance of engaging with the Bible, likening it to an instruction manual for life. The speakers address the issue of biblical illiteracy despite easy access to scriptures, arguing that knowing God's word is crucial for leading families and communities. In the Q&A session, practical questions arise, such as how to get men into Bible study groups. The response suggests engaging approaches rooted in real needs. Another question on men and women’s spiritual relationships highlights the positive impact women can have in encouraging men’s faith. The episode concludes by reiterating Better Man's core principles: deep Bible engagement, strong community bonds, and transforming lives through God's teachings. The speakers challenge men to be torchbearers of faith, biblical truth, and godly manhood, as exemplified by Jesus Christ. Follow us at Discipleship.org!

Get The Disciple Makers Podcast Premium Feed: https://disciplemakerspodcast.supercast.com/    Click here to view BetterMan: https://betterman.com/  Join Chris Harper from Better Man at Discipleship.org as he passionately discusses the crucial need for genuine discipleship in men's ministries. With over 30 years of history evolving from Men's Fraternity to Authentic Manhood, and now Better Man, Harper emphasizes the substantial gap in men's ministries and the pressing need to reclaim authentic manhood. He explores causes like the 'curse of modernity,' historical church movements, and the feminization of the church, offering a comprehensive, clear path to restoration. Through personal anecdotes and concrete steps, Harper illustrates how returning to multi-generational, gender-based discipleship can vitalize the church and cultivate real transformation in men's lives. 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 Background 13:18 The Importance of Multigenerational Discipleship 28:13 The Path to Winning Men Back to Church 30:54 The Concept of Better Man 36:23 The Father's Blessing 57:11 Closing Remarks and Prayer Resources on Manhood  Discipleship in the Modern Church: Empowering Men | Chris Harper How to Disciple Men Q&A | Anthony Walker, Chris Harper & Bobby Harrington How to Disciple Men | Chris Harper Breakout Forum 4: How Discipling Men Changes Everything  (2016 Nat'l Forum)   Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr   In this episode, Chris from Better Man leads a discussion about men's discipleship. Better Man, which builds on 30 years of men's fraternity and manhood initiatives, now focuses on Millennials, Gen Z, and Gen Alpha. Chris points out the urgent need for men to be guided spiritually, noting that while 80% of Western churches have functional women's ministries, fewer than 7% have similar programs for men. He critiques superficial men's ministries that only offer occasional gatherings. Chris introduces Better Man's two-year program designed to create effective men's ministries. Instead of reinventing manhood, the program aims to restore it, modeled after Jesus Christ as the ultimate example. Using anecdotes like his conversation with his son about a classic car's lack of Bluetooth, Chris emphasizes restoring rather than modernizing, aligning this idea with Ephesians 2:8-10, which describes men as God's masterpieces meant to be restored to their original value. Chris highlights a masculinity crisis, noting that 41% of men now grow up in fatherless homes, compared to 4% in 1960. He links this to a generational disconnect in values, similar to the biblical Judges 2 scenario where a new generation lacked knowledge of the Lord. He attributes today's issues in men's discipleship to three historical shifts: Curse of Modernity: This era, as discussed by Anthony Gideons, saw men shift their spiritual responsibilities to church leaders, turning pastors into potential celebrities and distancing men from active church roles. Church Growth Missteps: Based on Donald McGavran’s 1970 book, churches focused on attracting children and women, which feminized many congregations and led to male disengagement, with women outnumbering men in church activities. Shift to Communal Spaces: From the 1980s, church education moved to age-segregated life groups, which stifled multi-generational discipleship. Chris advocates for a return to mentoring models where older men guide younger ones. Chris also addresses the "masculinity fog," where confusion about manhood leads to flawed types of men: Uninitiated Men: Passively follow their wives, lacking direction. Self-Initiated Men: Pursue accolades at the expense of their personal and professional lives. Peer Initiated Men: Engage in prolonged adolescence without real growth. Culture-Initiated Men: Follow societal trends due to weak foundational principles. In contrast, Chris calls for "Spirit-Initiated Men," like Caleb from the Bible, who have the courage and spirit to follow God’s path.   Follow us at Discipleship.org!

Click here to view The Navigators Church Ministry: https://www.navigators.org/  Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr Creating a Disciple-Making Culture: Insights and Methods In this episode, Vicki Gatchell from Navigators Church Ministries discusses the importance of creating intentional disciple-making cultures within communities and churches. She shares personal stories, practical steps, and biblical foundations for building effective networks aimed at making disciples who make disciples. Key topics include forming networks, the importance of relational ministry, and engaging with the community through various strategies. Join in as Vicki and her team provide valuable lessons and inspiration for transforming communities through 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 Introduction and Opening Remarks 01:32 Personal Background and Ministry Journey 03:52 Understanding and Building Disciple-Making Cultures 05:41 Community Impact and Cultural Stories 09:22 Strategies for Effective Disciple-Making 19:23 Networking and Collaboration 25:21 Scriptural Foundations and Examples 33:39 Practical Steps and Final Thoughts Resources on Disciple Making Culture  Disciple Making Culture Visual Introduction Cultivating a Disciple-Making Culture at Your Church Disciple-Making Culture This episode features Vicki Gatchel from Navigators Church Ministries, based in the Greater Fort Wayne, Indiana area. The session begins with a warm acknowledgment of the beautiful weather, highlighting the importance of starting on time and expressing gratitude for everyone’s eagerness to participate and learn together. Vicki opens the session with a heartfelt prayer, seeking divine guidance and unity among the participants. She then shares her personal and professional journey, recounting her experience with Navigators Collegiate at Ohio State in the 1980s, which played a crucial role in her spiritual development. Vicki describes her transition from a successful career in physical therapy to full-time vocational ministry, emphasizing the fulfillment she finds in helping churches cultivate a culture of disciple-making. The session highlights the critical importance of developing a disciple-making culture within churches. Vicki reflects on themes introduced by previous speakers, such as intentionality and the significance of building core teams—groups of individuals united by a common vision, ownership, relational resilience, and endurance in their mission. Vicki shares personal anecdotes that illustrate how her family has influenced her ministry work, including the academic and professional pursuits of her daughters. She discusses her youngest daughter's experience of cultural transition after moving to Hicksville, Ohio, using this story to illustrate how different community values shape behaviors. This serves as a parallel to how intentional disciple-making can transform church cultures. To guide attendees in fostering intentional disciple-making, Vicki outlines a three-step model: "go to," "come to," and "do good." She emphasizes the importance of actively engaging with the community by building genuine relationships, participating in local organizations, and performing acts of kindness without expecting anything in return. The ultimate goal is to embody Christ-like love, creating a welcoming environment that naturally leads to spiritual conversations and discipleship opportunities. Throughout the session, Vicki supports her points with scriptural foundations, citing passages from Colossians that highlight how early Christians formed supportive communities. These biblical examples provide a blueprint for modern churches to collaborate and extend their impact beyond individual congregations. Vicki reinforces her message with practical examples from her work in Fort Wayne, discussing how local networks like "Love Fort Wayne" unite diverse church communities for coordinated efforts in prayer, service, and outreach. By building networks based on shared purposes and collaborative approaches, churches can mobilize resources and personnel more effectively, enhancing their collective impact. Her strategy for initiating these networks revolves around leveraging existing relationships. Vicki explains how she reaches out to key individuals within her church who are passionate about disciple-making, gradually expanding her network through personal referrals. This organic growth fosters a sense of mutual support and shared mission, enriching the church’s disciple-making efforts. The session also includes interactive elements, inviting participants to discuss their motivations for disciple-making, their reactions to the session, and the potential benefits of networking with other churches. This engaging approach encourages community-building among attendees and prompts them to consider actionable steps they can take in their own contexts. In closing, Vicki encourages participants to reflect on their local areas, identifying specific communities they wish to reach and potential allies who can support their disciple-making initiatives. She concludes with a powerful call to action, urging attendees to take concrete steps based on what they’ve learned and reflected upon during the session. Overall, this episode provides a rich exploration of how intentional disciple-making cultures can transform churches, emphasizing the need for genuine community engagement and the importance of building supportive networks. Follow us at Discipleship.org!

Click here to view The Navigators Church Ministry: https://www.navigators.org/  View Discipleship.org’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@discipleshipdotorg Creating an Intentional Disciple-Making Culture | Navigators Church Ministries In this episode, Steve Tice, the Northeast region director for Navigators Church Ministries, joins senior pastor Cliff McDowell of East New York Church of God to discuss the transformational impact of incorporating an intentional disciple-making culture within churches. They share real-life examples and strategies for fostering disciple-makers who are rooted in their communities. The session highlights the importance of purposeful leaders, having a clear picture of a disciple, pathways for discipleship, practitioners, and monitoring progress. Tune in to hear more about their shared experiences, practical tips, and how to avoid common pitfalls while building such a culture in your own congregation. Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/  Check out Discipleship.org Audio Books: https://discipleship.org/resources/ebooks/  Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr   Key Takeaways 00:00 Introduction and Background 00:07 Navigators Church Ministries Overview 00:17 Personal and Professional Journey 00:50 Introduction to Cliff McDowell 01:40 Transformational Impact of Disciple Making 02:47 Interactive Session and Prayer 03:33 Recap and Illustration 04:55 Intentional Disciple Making Culture 07:27 Biblical Foundations of Intentional Culture 10:38 Cliff McDowell's Journey and Church Culture 14:17 Intentional Commitments and Changes 15:18 Interactive Table Discussion 17:15 Building Maturity in Church Culture 22:17 Church Planting and Cultural Shifts 24:58 Purposeful Leaders and Discipleship 26:25 A Life-Saving Friendship 27:43 Homegrown Leadership 28:03 Defining Discipleship 29:10 The Four Seasons of Life 32:42 The Pathway for Discipleship 37:50 Building a Culture of Discipleship 39:21 Navigating Challenges in Discipleship 42:41 Adapting to Context and Diversity 45:05 Final Thoughts and Q&A Resources on Disciple Making Culture  Disciple Making Culture Visual Introduction Cultivating a Disciple-Making Culture at Your Church Disciple-Making Culture In this episode Steve Tice and Cliff McDowell share their experiences with the Navigators organization, focusing on building intentional disciple-making cultures in churches. Steve, the Northeast regional director for Navigators Church Ministries, opens the discussion by sharing his background as a musician and bi-vocational minister. He and his wife run a music school on Long Island, and with over 35 years of experience, he now attends church services without occupational duties. Cliff, senior pastor of East New York Church of God, discusses his extensive leadership roles, including a six-year term as vice presiding elder of the National Association of the Church of God. He emphasizes his collaboration with Navigators, impacting churches across New York and beyond. The session centers on the importance of cultivating an intentional disciple-making culture, which supports disciple-makers embedded in their local contexts. Steve highlights that the discussion will feature real-life examples and allow for audience questions. He stresses the need for intentional leadership to avoid half-hearted ministry efforts. Citing Bill Mallory’s book "Designed to Flourish," he contrasts intentional cultures with those driven by competing agendas. Steve uses biblical references, including Acts 2:42-47 and 1 Corinthians 9:19-27, to illustrate how early Christian communities embodied intentionality. Cliff shares his pastoral journey, detailing how he intentionally shaped his congregation's culture. He reflects on transitioning from a cell church model to a disciple-making church, aided by his bi-vocational experience and trust built within the community. To encourage table discussions, Steve and Cliff pose reflective questions about participants' church cultures, identifying intentional practices and obstacles. They then explore how mature disciples and intentional cultures support each other, with Cliff sharing his experience of mentoring three men over three years, which strengthened their faith and leadership. Follow us at Discipleship.org!

Click here to view the Navigators Church Ministries: https://www.navigatorschurchministries.com/  Check out our eBooks: https://discipleship.org/resources/ebooks/    Building a Strong Foundation for Disciple Making Cultures - Workshop with Justin Gravitt In this workshop, Justin Gravitt from Navigators Church Ministries dives into the critical process of developing a sustainable disciple making culture within the church. Drawing on over a decade of experience, Justin explains the importance of having a strong foundation and shares actionable steps to grow and maintain it. He uses the analogy of a Jenga tower to illustrate how foundational weaknesses can cause a disciple making culture to collapse. Throughout the session, Justin emphasizes the importance of forming a core team and making disciple making a foundational part of church culture, not just an additional program. He also answers practical questions about how to start and sustain this initiative, ensuring that both leaders and participants are equipped to become effective disciple makers. 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 Workshop Overview 00:51 The Importance of Actionable Steps 01:49 Building a Foundation for Disciple Making 02:33 Jenga and Disciple Making Culture 04:14 Challenges in Disciple Making 11:32 Creating a Core Team 17:13 Common Vision and Team Dynamics 25:02 Relational Resilience in Teams 28:09 Navigating Team Conflict 28:37 The Importance of Relational Depth 29:08 Endurance in Team Building 32:55 Three Barriers to Culture Change 37:51 Starting Disciple Making in Your Church 40:21 Q&A: Practical Steps and Challenges 51:10 Concluding Thoughts and Resources Resources on Disciple Making Culture  Disciple Making Culture Visual Introduction Cultivating a Disciple-Making Culture at Your Church Disciple-Making Culture Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr In this session, Justin Gravitt from Navigators Church Ministries in Dayton, Ohio, leads a workshop on creating an intentional disciple-making culture in churches. He starts by introducing himself as the director of innovation and advancement for Navigators. Justin focuses on developing a disciple-making culture, sharing insights from his ten years of experience. He highlights that the goal of the workshop is to equip participants with actionable strategies for effective discipleship in their communities. He shares a story about a conference attendee who found valuable insights but lacked specific steps to implement them. Justin agrees and aims for attendees to leave with practical strategies for building a disciple-making foundation. To illustrate the importance of a strong foundation, Justin compares it to a game of Jenga. He explains that just as removing key pieces from the bottom weakens the tower, neglecting foundational aspects of disciple-making can undermine a church's culture. Engaging the audience, he encourages them to see parallels between Jenga and disciple-making, emphasizing the need for strategic planning in complex environments. Justin warns against viewing disciple-making as an extra task rather than a core priority. He stresses that if it's not ingrained in the church's foundation, other activities will overshadow it, leading to ineffective efforts. Drawing from his experiences with various churches, Justin notes that initial successes in disciple multiplication can plateau without a solid foundation. This realization inspired him to contribute to an ebook on disciple-making culture. He outlines the workshop's structure, which includes two goals: transforming a group into a team with a shared mission and ensuring every member becomes an active disciple-maker. The workshop covers establishing a common vision, fostering ownership of disciple-making, building relational resilience, and ensuring endurance in the process, all crucial for a sustainable disciple-making culture. Justin emphasizes the importance of diversifying the team to reflect the church community, selecting members based on their faithfulness, availability, and teachability, rather than just experience. He differentiates between a team and a group, noting that teams share a mission and diverse skills, which promotes accountability and purpose. The leader plays a vital role in facilitating these changes. He also highlights the need for team members to embrace disciple-making as part of their identities, sharing fictional examples of common obstacles they might face, like feeling inadequate. The session addresses these obstacles, encouraging leaders to engage with team members to understand their struggles and foster genuine connections. Building relational resilience is key for support beyond surface-level interactions. To track progress and avoid burnout, Justin suggests practical exercises to evaluate relationship depth within the team and demonstrates healthy conflict resolution. He stresses the importance of ongoing support and engagement from leaders to keep the team motivated. Finally, Justin emphasizes the need for clear and consistent communication about disciple-making to prevent cultural drift. Leaders should regularly revisit foundational principles to maintain focus. He also discusses how to scale teams according to church size, ensuring effective coordination. Follow us at Discipleship.org!

Donnie Hoover, an expert in fostering disciple-making cultures within churches, delves into the critical shift from spectator-driven models to active disciple makers. He discusses the importance of leadership in transforming church culture and highlights the GIDC process for nurturing relationships and community involvement. Hoover emphasizes creating intentional experiences that engage congregants and promote spiritual growth, making a compelling case for the need for churches to adopt a culture that prioritizes disciple-making. Tune in for inspiring insights!

Click here to view DeeperWalk: https://deeperwalk.com/  Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr   Mission with Jesus: Listening Prayer & Spiritual Warfare Basics In this fourth session of the 'Deeper Walk International' series, the focus is on the practice and principles of listening prayer and spiritual warfare basics. The session starts with an introduction from the vice president of strategic partnerships, followed by insights into the development of a new community center, the Joy Center. Dawn, the resident expert on listening prayer, leads the session with personal stories and practical applications, emphasizing the importance of hearing God's voice and recognizing spiritual warfare. The session includes interactive components like Q&A and a guided exercise on listening prayer through scripture. The session concludes with teachings on the significance of spiritual warfare, daily disciplines, and how to identify and address demonic influences and mental health challenges. 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 to Session Four: Mission with Jesus 01:36 Opening Prayer and Setting the Tone 03:11 Discerning God's Leading Through Listening Prayer 04:17 Personal Journey and Experiences with Listening Prayer 21:04 Levels of Prayer: Developing a Deeper Connection 27:07 Introduction to Spiritual Warfare Basics 32:08 Understanding Authority in Spiritual Warfare 33:00 Recognizing Permissions and Removing Them 35:53 The Four C's Method for Spiritual Warfare 37:53 Levels of Spiritual Warfare and Preparation 41:40 Real Prayer: A Model for Listening to God 45:45 Daily Spiritual Practices and Emotional Resilience 53:29 Team Approach and Differentiating Spiritual Warfare from Mental Disorders Resources on Disciple Making Culture  Disciple Making Culture Visual Introduction Cultivating a Disciple-Making Culture at Your Church Disciple-Making Culture In this episode of The Disciple Makers Podcast the host welcomes the audience to the fourth session, "Mission with Jesus," focusing on listening prayer and spiritual warfare. The session includes practical exercises and a Q&A segment. Key speakers Dawn and Dwayne, recognized for their expertise, are introduced, with Dawn being highlighted as an expert in listening prayer. The agenda covers discerning God's guidance, understanding spiritual warfare basics, and troubleshooting disciple-making challenges. Dawn starts with a prayer for divine guidance and introduces the session's trail map. She shares her journey from a cessationist background to embracing listening prayer, influenced by the book "Experiencing God" by Henry Blackaby. Dawn explains the different levels of prayer engagement: Level One (Rote Prayers): Simple, memorized prayers. Level Two: Personal requests and talking to God. Level Three (Conversational Prayer): Engaging in dialogue with God. Level Four: Listening to God for others. Level Five: Intercessory prayer for broader needs. Dawn recounts how listening prayer transformed her life, leading to significant personal and professional changes. On spiritual warfare, Dawn discusses the misunderstood aspects and introduces the "Steps to Freedom in Christ" for addressing spiritual strongholds. She explains the SOUL framework (Sin, Occult involvement, Unforgiveness, Lies, Lineage) and the Four Cs method (Confess, Cancel, Command, Commit) for counteracting spiritual attacks. The session ends with a Q&A where participants ask about combining spiritual disciplines with listening prayer, maintaining daily spiritual protection, and differentiating between mental health issues and spiritual warfare. Marcus Warner provides practical insights on balanced emotional and spiritual health. Overall, "Deeper Walk 4" offers a guide to listening prayer, spiritual warfare, and resilience through spiritual disciplines, emphasizing prayer as a conversation, dismantling spiritual strongholds, and following God's guidance.   Follow us at Discipleship.org!

Dr. Marcus Warner, a neuroscience expert, and Dawn Whitestone, a speaker on brain science in discipleship, delve into how neuroscience informs emotional and relational maturity in faith communities. They discuss the four A's of emotional maturity and the brain's craving for joy, revealing how emotional regulation shapes discipleship. The conversation highlights distinct maturity stages—infant to elder—emphasizing the unique challenges and tasks at each level. Listeners gain valuable insights into applying these concepts for effective mentorship and community growth.

Click here to view DeeperWalk: https://deeperwalk.com/  Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr Heart Focused Discipleship: Transforming Lives Through The Napkin Gospel In today's session, Dr. Marcus Warner introduces a unique approach to discipleship dubbed 'Discipleship on the Back of a Napkin.' Drawing from personal experiences and traditional evangelistic tools, he outlines a model that incorporates freedom, identity, spirit, and heart-focused community. Through engaging examples and practical exercises, the session explores the flaws in conventional discipleship methods and provides solutions to creating mature, whole-brain disciples. Learn how to effectively explain the gospel, build on new foundations, and foster deeper spiritual connections through this transformative approach. 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 Remarks 01:44 The Power of the Napkin in Evangelism 05:51 Critique of Traditional Discipleship 14:44 A New Model for Discipleship 18:40 Understanding Freedom in Christ 20:41 Tools for Greater Freedom 25:15 The REAL Prayer Method: R.E.A.L. 26:00 Healing Through Prayer: A Real-Life Example 27:19 The Importance of Freedom in Discipleship 28:00 Rising with Christ: Understanding Our New Identity 28:40 The Foundation of Identity in Christ 34:36 Walking in the Spirit: Balancing Scripture and Connection 41:38 Heart-Focused Community: Beyond Social Clubs 43:17 Mission and Discipleship: The FISH Model Resources on Disciple Making Culture  Disciple Making Culture Visual Introduction Cultivating a Disciple-Making Culture at Your Church Disciple-Making Culture This episode of Deeper Walk 2 dives into effective discipleship. Dr. Marcus Warner starts by thanking everyone for joining early. He shares a bit about his work with family—his son handles marketing, and his daughter manages the podcast—along with support from volunteers like Dawn Whitestone, the school of ministry director. With a lighthearted story about a print shop mix-up, he confirms everyone has a handout and opens with a prayer, expressing gratitude for the day and the fellowship of like-minded people. The heart of his talk is “discipleship on the back of a napkin.” He recalls a teaching tool from his youth that illustrated the gap between man and God due to sin, comparing it to trying to swim from California to Hawaii—showing that we can’t reach God on our own, but He provides a bridge. He suggests enhancing this napkin metaphor with vivid images, like having an angelic lawyer, to illustrate the transformations that come with accepting the gospel—such as forgiveness, a new identity, and citizenship in God's kingdom. He critiques traditional discipleship models focused on the ABCs: Academics, Behavior, and Church Activity. While valuable, he argues they often miss deeper personal transformation, leading to issues like spiritual pride and superficial maturity. He points out that traditional approaches might prioritize church benefits over individual growth, noting that knowledge can lead to arrogance without true change. Instead, he proposes a heart-focused model that integrates gospel-based theology with practical tools. Discipleship, he suggests, should start with understanding freedom in Christ—highlighting that believers need to die with Christ to be freed from sin. He emphasizes the importance of addressing repentance, forgiveness, and truth to help break free from harmful lies and wounds. Next, he stresses the significance of identity, urging listeners to recognize their new identity in Christ. He likens discipleship to cleaning out a well, removing both trash and blockages that prevent a clear flow of life. Maturity in the Christian life means handling stress while staying true to one’s identity, rather than reverting to self-centered patterns. A key part of this model is walking in the Spirit. He introduces a two-winged airplane metaphor, with Scripture as one wing and the Holy Spirit as the other. Effective discipleship balances these, allowing the Spirit to guide our understanding and application of Scripture in daily life, avoiding legalism and unchecked spiritual experiences. He also highlights the importance of a supportive, heart-focused community that fosters individual freedom and spiritual growth, distinguishing it from mere social clubs. This community helps individuals remember their identity in Christ and supports their spiritual journeys. Finally, he ties everything together, showing how freedom, identity, Spirit, and community empower effective mission work. He warns that pursuing mission without these foundations can be risky, while true discipleship naturally leads to mission, as spiritually connected individuals with strong identities are equipped to make a difference. Throughout the session, he uses practical exercises and metaphors, including a simple hand mnemonic for Biblical covenants, to reinforce the gospel's cohesive narrative and present a holistic, gospel-centered approach to discipleship. Follow us at Discipleship.org!

Click here to view DeeperWalk: https://deeperwalk.com/  Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr Reviving Discipleship: The Power of Attachment in Spiritual Growth In this deeply insightful talk, the speaker introduces Deeper Walk International, a ministry aimed at enhancing spiritual growth through heart-focused discipleship. Starting from its foundation in spiritual warfare counseling by Dr. Mark Beubeck, the ministry has evolved to address the broader needs of the church community. The speaker examines how traditional approaches to discipleship, focused on truth, willpower, and power, have resulted in 'half-brained Christianity.' Emphasizing the importance of attachment and joy in spiritual development, the talk advocates for a holistic model where group discipleship plays a pivotal role. With references to thinkers like Jim Wilder, Alan Shore, and Nietzsche, the presentation challenges prevailing notions and sets the stage for a transformative approach to Christian discipleship. 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 to Deeper Walk International 01:28 Heart Focused Discipleship 02:09 The Role of Trauma and Freedom Issues 02:40 Partnership with Jim Wilder and Neuroscience Insights 03:50 The Church as a Factory: Producing Disciples 04:37 Four Essential Elements of Change 05:25 The Enlightenment and the Shift to Truth 07:45 Attachment vs. Truth in Faith 13:14 The Will and Voluntarism in Theology 23:06 The Role of Power in Christianity 29:05 Postmodernism and Tolerance 32:08 Building a Disciple-Making Culture 38:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Resources on Disciple Making Culture  Disciple Making Culture Visual Introduction Cultivating a Disciple-Making Culture at Your Church Disciple-Making Culture In this episode, we meet the speaker from Deeper Walk International, a ministry founded in 1988 in Sioux City, Iowa. Initially centered on spiritual warfare counseling by Dr. Mark Beubeck, author of "The Adversary," the ministry expanded under his influence from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Over time, it broadened its impact beyond counselors to missionaries and church members, highlighting the universal relevance of its teachings. The term "heart-focused discipleship" emerged as a key concept, emphasizing that many barriers to spiritual growth stem not from ignorance but from unresolved emotional wounds. Drawing on personal experiences as a senior pastor, the speaker observed how addressing these issues led to profound life changes among believers. Collaboration with Jim Wilder, director of a California counseling center, integrated spiritual warfare with neuroscience, particularly attachment theory. Their joint publications like "Rare Leadership" and "The Solution of Choice" blend theological insights with neuroscience to offer holistic models for personal and spiritual transformation. The episode explores four significant philosophical movements influencing Western Christianity: Reason and Truth (The Enlightenment): This era prioritized intellectual reasoning in faith, sometimes reducing Christianity to debates rather than fostering deep, transformative relationships. The Will (Voluntarism): Building on reason, this emphasized human willpower in faith, overlooking the complexity of desires and relational needs. Power (Nietzsche and Modernism): Emphasizing power and achievement, this movement sometimes overlooked the relational depth necessary for true spiritual growth. Tolerance (Postmodernism): While promoting acceptance, this movement sometimes minimized the possibility of genuine transformation, reinforcing relativism over biblical truth. The speaker advocates for a discipleship approach rooted in community dynamics. Like fertile soil nurturing plants, vibrant Christian communities foster personal growth and spiritual transformation. They critique individualistic discipleship models, advocating for group settings that provide diverse life experiences and maturity levels. Drawing from John 15, the speaker emphasizes the need to remain deeply connected to Jesus for spiritual fruitfulness. They argue that genuine transformation occurs within a supportive community centered on God's truth and relational depth—not solely on intellectualism or personal effort. Practical examples highlight the pitfalls of solo-driven spiritual warfare ministries and the benefits of team-based approaches for sustainable growth. The episode concludes with a call to embrace "Discipleship 2.0," prioritizing relational attachment and joyful community in church practices, ensuring holistic spiritual development rooted in meaningful relationships within the body of Christ. Follow us at Discipleship.org!