The Disciple Maker‘s Podcast

Jay Armstrong, a dedicated advocate for discipleship and personal transformation, dives into the essence of true discipleship and the revolutionary spirit of Jesus. He emphasizes that lasting change starts within, challenging superficial faith practices and calling for deeper commitments. Armstrong discusses the transformative power of love and the significance of the Great Commission, inviting listeners to reflect on how they embody these principles in their lives. With engaging anecdotes, he inspires a movement towards genuine discipleship and community impact.

Click here to view the Bonhoeffer Project: https://thebonhoefferproject.com/  Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr   Today’s episode will help us deepen our understanding of discipleship's profound significance, guided by Cindy Perkins's insights and practical advice, encouraging intentional living in light of God’s kingdom and the transformative power of authentic Christian community.   Mastering Discipleship: The Jesus Math Strategy with Cindy Perkins Join Cindy Perkins, Chief Operations Officer of the Bonhoeffer Project, as she goes into the essence of discipleship. Learn about the significance of living in the 'already not yet' space, collaborative discipleship, and the immense importance of authentic relationships in spiritual growth. Cindy shares her journey and experiences, introduces effective steps and strategies for implementing discipleship, and underscores the critical need for an intentional, culture-shaping approach within the church. Discover the exponential multiplication potential of 'Jesus Math' and understand how starting with even one dedicated disciple can eventually lead to thousands. Essential viewing for those committed to fostering deep, impactful 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 Cindy Perkins 10:56 The Concept of Jesus Math 18:26 Personal Journey and Discipleship 26:54 The Mandate of Titus 2: Teaching the Younger Generation 33:12 Practical Tips for Effective Discipleship 39:29 Choosing the Right Curriculum for Discipleship 41:30 Aligning Definitions of Discipleship with Church Leadership 43:37 Adapting Discipleship to Individual Needs and Contexts 49:54 Engaging in Pre-Conversion Discipleship 51:07 Discipleship in Academic Settings 53:05 Final Thoughts and Encouragement Resources on Disciple Making Culture  Disciple Making Culture Visual Introduction Cultivating a Disciple-Making Culture at Your Church Disciple-Making Culture This episode from the Bonhoeffer Project goes into the profound significance and complexities of discipleship within the context of Christian faith, featuring Cindy Perkins, the Chief Operations Officer of the organization. Cindy's role in overseeing operations and women's cohorts within the Bonhoeffer Project underscores her deep involvement in fostering discipleship and organizational health. Cindy opens the episode with a compelling question for the audience: "How do we live in the 'already Not yet'?" This question serves as a thematic anchor, exploring the tension between the Christian belief in salvation already achieved and the ongoing process of transformation and anticipation of the future heavenly reality. She navigates through this theological concept, addressing the challenges many face in navigating life's ambiguities and striving to live faithfully in the present while anticipating the fullness of God's kingdom. During the episode, Cindy reflects on a recent conversation with a tech assistant at a conference, highlighting their mutual appreciation for the collaborative spirit evident at the event. She draws inspiration from the extensive works of Bill Hull on discipleship, noting how his teachings have shaped many current practices and non-profit initiatives focused on nurturing discipleship within the church. Cindy also critiques aspects of the contemporary copyright culture, contrasting it with Jesus's open and collective approach to sharing teachings about the gospel. The discussion expands to encompass broader themes within the Christian community, including unity and the dangers of divisiveness. Cindy draws from Scott McKnight's insights on endurance through suffering as depicted in 1 Peter, foreseeing potential future challenges for the church. She raises concerns about the readiness of many Christian institutions to face extreme adversities, such as potential persecution or societal marginalization, urging a deeper commitment to unity and mission amidst cultural shifts. Follow us at Discipleship.org!

Click here to view the Bonhoeffer Project: https://thebonhoefferproject.com/  New FREE eBook on What Is Church? → https://discipleship.org/shop/what-is-church-and-how-important-is-it/  Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr   Lizards vs. Toads: A Revolution in Church Discipleship Today’s episode will help us reevaluate our approach to ministry, emphasizing proactive engagement over comfort, and inspire strategic planning rooted in biblical wisdom to foster a culture of effective disciple-making. Join us for an inspiring session as we go into the fascinating dynamics of church leadership and discipleship, featuring speakers discussing the contrast between 'lily pad' and 'lizard' mentalities. Discover the pitfalls of comfort and complacency in ministry and learn how to embrace risk, creativity, and mission-focused outreach. This thought-provoking talk challenges traditional approaches, emphasizing the importance of planning and intentionality to cultivate a vibrant, disciple-making movement. Whether you're a church leader or a passionate follower of Christ, this session will inspire and equip you to transform your church culture and impact your community. 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 10:36 Revival and the Role of Lay Lizards 15:44 The Mission Beyond the Lily Pad 22:46 Guns and Faith: A Unique Retreat Experience 23:27 The Power of Your Sphere: Reaching Out 24:00 Avoiding Toadism: Staying on Mission 24:29 Introducing Hollis Half: Planning for Success 30:29 Biblical Examples of Planning 31:42 Wisdom in Planning: Insights from Proverbs and James 39:58 Innovations in Discipleship: Building a Culture 45:17 High Impact Events and Spiritual Battles   Resources on Disciple Making Culture  Disciple Making Culture Visual Introduction Cultivating a Disciple-Making Culture at Your Church Disciple-Making Culture See below for a longer description:  The episode kicks off with a warm greeting from the speaker, acknowledging a group from Iowa for their collaborative efforts in church work, jokingly cautioning them about losing their zeal for Jesus amidst their success. He reflects on how topics like discipleship have evolved from being niche to central in today's conferences, signaling a renewed focus on God's work. Moving on, the speaker introduces his co-speaker, Hollis Half, teasing their catchy session title aimed at drawing in the audience. The conversation shifts to a spiritual tone with a prayer expressing gratitude for knowing God and a commitment to disciple-making. The speaker uses an amusing analogy of 'toads' and 'lizards' to illustrate passive versus proactive approaches in ministry and outreach. Exploring further, he describes 'toads' as those comfortable in their church 'lily pads,' focusing on internal comforts like facilities and attendance. In contrast, 'lizards' represent leaders who actively engage the community, prioritizing outreach and action over comfort. Drawing from personal experiences, the speaker shares how his early ministry's growth led to a shift from active community engagement, when renting spaces, to a more complacent focus on maintaining a permanent church building. He critiques the American church's tendency towards comfort and security, sometimes overshadowing the mission of outreach. Anecdotes illustrate how these mindsets can hinder effective ministry and outreach efforts. Highlighting Jesus's approach to ministry, he emphasizes the need for dynamic, mission-minded leaders—'lizards'—who can spark revival and reach out beyond traditional church boundaries. The talk lightens with personal stories, including encounters with unlikely evangelists and successful outreach movements like Promise Keepers, emphasizing the effectiveness of proactive engagement over internal church activities. The discussion shifts to practical advice from Hollis Half on the urgency and strategy of ministry planning, drawing lessons from his extensive experience. He underscores the importance of intentional planning and strategic thinking inspired by biblical examples like Moses and Nehemiah. In conclusion, the episode encourages churches to foster cultures that prioritize disciple-making and innovate relationally and symbolically to reflect God's strategic approach in their ministry planning. Follow us at Discipleship.org!

Click here to view the Bonhoeffer Project: https://thebonhoefferproject.com/  Discipleship.org YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@discipleshipdotorg   Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr   Building a Disciple-Making Culture with Dan Lights | Discipleship Insights Have questions like how to develop a discipleship culture in your church? Well then this episode is for you.  Join Matt Dabbs from Discipleship.org as he sits down with Dan Lights, CEO of The Bonhoeffer Project, to delve into the transformative journey of creating a disciple-making culture. Dan shares his personal experiences and challenges in shifting from a curriculum-based approach to fostering a robust, intentional church environment that prioritizes disciple-making. Learn the importance of examining your church's soil, the stages of change, and practical steps for defining and implementing a disciple-making strategy. Whether you're a pastor or a church member, this conversation offers valuable insights for anyone committed to nurturing a thriving community of disciples. 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 Discipleship Culture 05:15 Examining and Cultivating Church Soil 07:51 The Role of Patience in Discipleship 15:01 Navigating Change in Church Culture 17:23 Adapting to New Normals 21:50 Understanding the Process of Change in Churches 28:04 Handling Resistance and Cultural Change 36:00 The Bonhoeffer Project and Its Impact 42:44 Encouragement for Leaders and Church Members   Resources on Disciple Making Culture  Disciple Making Culture Visual Introduction Cultivating a Disciple-Making Culture at Your Church Disciple-Making Culture See below for a longer description:  In this episode of the Bonhoeffer Project, Matt from Discipleship.org interviews Dan Leitz, the CEO of the Bonhoeffer Project. Dan shares his insights into how discipleship should be viewed not merely as a curriculum but as a culture that requires intentionality and time to foster. He begins by explaining his journey from being a task-driven individual who once believed that having a robust curriculum would be enough for disciple-making. Dan learned that while curriculum is important, it is not the core of discipleship; developing a culture of discipleship within the church is crucial. Drawing inspiration from the parable of the sower in Matthew 13:3-9, Dan emphasizes that the soil represents the culture of the heart and the church. For effective discipleship, the church's culture—like the soil—must be examined, developed, and nurtured to be fertile for growth. He recounts his experience of attending the Disciple Making Forum in 2019 and realizing that a solid curriculum alone would not suffice without a supportive culture. Dan elaborates on the time-consuming nature of building a disciple-making culture, stating that while programs and curriculums might offer quick fixes, they do not address underlying cultural issues. He talks about the four stages of change—panic, adaptation, new normal, and a state where people wouldn't go back—that people and churches undergo during a cultural shift. He highlights practical steps to foster a disciple-making culture, such as defining terms clearly to ensure everyone in the church understands what is meant by discipleship, and living out the change you want to see. Dan stresses the importance of leadership having a kingdom mentality, focusing not on quick success but long-term faithfulness and fruitfulness. Dan also discusses the Bonhoeffer Project's 10-month cohort model, which helps pastors and ministry leaders develop a disciple-making plan by re-examining the gospel, understanding Jesus's methods, and crafting a personalized strategy. This process involves collaboration with other leaders to mitigate pitfalls and share best practices. The program has been broken into three modules to offer flexibility, allowing participants to complete it according to their schedules. Furthermore, Dan advises that not everyone will initially support or stick with the cultural changes. Leaders must be prepared for resistance and attrition but should remain committed to the long-term goals. He encourages leaders to get their congregational leaders and members on board and emphasizes the value of patience and perseverance in cultural transformation. The episode concludes with Dan encouraging pastors and church members to press into the challenge of cultural change and support their leaders, emphasizing that discipleship needs to be a central focus in today's church environment. He stresses the necessity for prayer, support, and affirmation from church members to help leaders feel less isolated and more empowered in their mission. Follow us at Discipleship.org!

What are your thoughts on family Discipleship..  Click here to view Awana: https://www.awana.org/  Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr   Check out our latest eBook on Family Discipleship: https://discipleship.org/shop/family-discipleship-blueprint-a-year-by-year-guide-to-family-discipleship/    Empowering Child Discipleship: Practical Steps for Church Leaders and Parents In this episode, Shawna Murlin from Awana shares a valuable resource for leaders and parents dedicated to raising children within the Christian faith. She discusses the focus on safety and security, featuring insights from Julie Lowe's book 'Safeguards'. The episode emphasizes the necessity for churches and homes to collaborate in child discipleship. Key resources and conversation guides, like the Friday family email, are showcased. The importance of prayer, meaningful adult relationships, and building a culture of discipleship in both church and home settings are highlighted. We conclude with a heartfelt prayer and a call to action for training and equipping parents and church leaders in the crucial work of child 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 and Resources 05:21 The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt 09:40 Understanding Stalemates in Ministry 11:37 The Role of Home and Church in Child Discipleship 28:34 Building a Vision for Child Discipleship in the Church 33:41 Challenges in Family Discipleship 39:20 Creating a Formational Home 49:33 The Power of Spiritual Conversations 56:15 Conclusion and Resources Resources on Family Discipleship Family Discipleship: The Present and Future State of Family Discipleship Family Discipleship: Present and Future Trends Family Discipleship: Jason Houser Real Life Theology Conversations  See below for a longer description:  This episode of the podcast focuses on a comprehensive overview of valuable resources for child discipleship, both for leaders and parents within church communities. The episode begins with the speaker highlighting the importance of sharing practical resources and introduces the Awana website, childdiscipleship.com, as a hub for such tools, including podcasts, printable materials, and safety and security information for parents.  One of the highlighted resources includes 14 questions to ask potential babysitters, inspired by Julie Lowe's book "Safeguards." The speaker underscores the book's message about the importance of safeguarding children from individuals they know, not just strangers. Another valuable tool mentioned is the Friday Family Email, a resource sent out weekly, featuring biblically-based conversation guides, activities, and memory verses for families to engage with their children. Videos from the Child Discipleship Forum are also recommended, particularly a powerful message by John Tyson on the importance of prayer and fasting in family discipleship. Various books, including "The Anxious Generation" by Jonathan Haidt, are suggested for their insightful views on community and faith, despite the author not being a Christian. The speaker transitions to a discussion on the responsibility of child discipleship, emphasizing the current stalemate between churches and parents. While 95% of children's ministry leaders believe discipleship should occur at home, only 51% of parents agree, highlighting a significant disconnect. This stalemate sees both parties pointing fingers at each other for the lack of effective discipleship. The episode delves into resolving this issue by advocating for a model where church leaders train and equip parents to disciple their children effectively. This involves casting a compelling vision for child discipleship within church communities, creating dedicated times and places for training parents, and fostering language that emphasizes the integration of faith into daily conversations. A key strategy discussed is the importance of building meaningful adult relationships within the church community for every child. Research demonstrates that children with such relationships are significantly more engaged and likely to integrate biblical principles into their lives. The speaker suggests surrounding each child with five adult mentors to provide a robust support system. The speaker shares personal anecdotes to illustrate the transformative power of regular, meaningful conversations and community support, emphasizing the need for intentional planning and vision in both church and home settings. Resources recommended for implementing this approach include "Children’s Ministry in a New Reality," "Transforming Children into Spiritual Champions," "Beautiful Resistance," "Habits of the Household," and "Sticky Faith." The episode concludes with practical steps for church leaders to create a supportive environment for family discipleship, including establishing clear visions, identifying training times during already existing church activities, promoting language that integrates faith into daily life, and building a community of believers who actively support and engage with the children. Listeners are encouraged to visit the Awana website and explore the recommended resources further. The episode ends with a prayer for strength and guidance in the mission of disciple-making, urging listeners to persist in this critical and challenging work. Follow us at Discipleship.org!

Dave Buehring discusses vocational disciple-making, sharing stories of impact in society. Emphasizes integrating faith in professions, church's role in equipping individuals, and fostering a disciple-making culture. Practical steps for churches to engage with vocational leaders and support societal transformation.

Dave Buehring and Joe Mansfield discuss transformative discipleship, highlighting character development, identity in Christ, and obedience. They share insights on nurturing a Christ-centered culture in workplaces and churches, emphasizing meaningful relationships and practical strategies. The podcast provides valuable resources for deepening understanding and application of discipleship principles.

Explore transformative approaches to child and youth discipleship with experts Dave Buehring and Lauri Jarvis. Learn about the importance of vocational discipleship, challenges in modern discipleship, empowering children in faith, and strategies for raising kids in a technological world. Discover the creation of culturally relevant discipleship materials for children and how to shift from traditional teaching to impactful discipleship

Following the Lead of the Holy Spirit in Disciple Making Click here to view Lionshare: https://lionshare.org/  Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr In this episode, learn how to follow the Holy Spirit's lead through two powerful biblical stories and three key observations. Dave Buehring shares his journey from limited teaching on the Holy Spirit in a Lutheran upbringing to deeper understanding through Youth with a Mission (YWAM). He highlights the Holy Spirit's crucial role in discipleship for personal growth and teaching others. The discussion covers listening to the Holy Spirit in daily life and prayer, the importance of immediate obedience, and avoiding grieving or quenching the Spirit. Practical examples, like interactions with Mandisa, illustrate discipling in various vocations and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. 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 02:41 LionShare's Mission and Impact 04:06 Biblical Foundations for Discipleship 08:06 Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch 11:16 Peter and Cornelius 13:19 Obedience and Transformation 19:13 Practical Examples of Listening to the Holy Spirit 28:28 The Importance of Immediate Obedience 35:27 Grieving and Quenching the Holy Spirit 42:17 Practical Insights on Hearing God's Voice 50:17 The Role of Timing in God's Direction 58:30 Encouragement and Final Thoughts Resources on Discipleship Becoming a Disciple Maker Disciple Making Culture: 10 Minute eBook National Study on Disciple Making in USA Churches DiscipleShift: 5 Minute eBook See below for a longer description:  The episode explores the Holy Spirit's role in guiding and transforming disciples, focusing on how to follow His lead in disciple-making. Dave Buehring begins by sharing his journey from growing up Lutheran in Minnesota, where he received little teaching about the Holy Spirit, to joining Youth with a Mission (YWAM) and learning from its founder, Lauren Cunningham. This experience gave him a fresh understanding of the Holy Spirit as the third person of the Trinity. Emphasizing the Holy Spirit's central role in his 40 years of disciple-making, Dave describes the Spirit as a partner and transformer in spiritual growth. He highlights the importance of helping people recognize the Holy Spirit's presence and follow His lead, especially when feeling stuck. The speaker shares a story about guiding Mandisa, a disciple for 22 years, in learning to wait on the Lord and follow the Holy Spirit's guidance. He discusses the broader impact of discipleship, which extends beyond church walls to vocations like government, arts, business, media, and education, integrating faith into professional lives to make a societal impact. Throughout today’s episode, practical aspects of discipling others by paying attention to the Holy Spirit's work are emphasized. Dave recounts two biblical stories: Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch (Acts 8:26-40): An angel instructs Philip to go to a desert road where he meets an Ethiopian official reading Isaiah. Prompted by the Holy Spirit, Philip explains the Scriptures and baptizes the eunuch, highlighting the importance of being sensitive to the Spirit's guidance. Peter and Cornelius (Acts 10): Peter receives a vision while praying, leading him to visit Cornelius, a Gentile centurion. Despite initial hesitation, Peter obeys the Holy Spirit, shares the Gospel, and Cornelius and his household convert, underscoring the importance of prayerful listening and immediate obedience. The speaker draws three key observations from these stories: Listening on the Way vs. Listening While Praying: Philip’s encounter shows the need to be attentive to the Holy Spirit during daily activities, while Peter’s experience highlights the importance of waiting on the Lord in prayer. Immediate Obedience: Both Philip and Peter obey the Holy Spirit without hesitation, crucial for effective disciple-making. God’s Knowledge of Our Gifts: The Holy Spirit knows each believer's gifts and positions them for Kingdom purposes. The episode also discusses grieving and quenching the Holy Spirit: Grieving the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30): This occurs when the Holy Spirit says "no," but we proceed to say "yes," causing grief. It’s often related to unloving conduct and relational sins. Quenching the Holy Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:19-20): This happens when the Holy Spirit says "yes," but we say "no," stifling divine influence. It involves resisting promptings towards joy, prayer, thankfulness, and prophecy. Dave gives practical advice for discerning the Holy Spirit's voice in disciple-making including asking clarifying questions and listening attentively to the person being discipled. Communal discernment and confirmation from spiritual leaders are also emphasized. In conclusion, the episode calls for a balanced approach to disciple-making that integrates both the Word of God and the active leading of the Holy Spirit. The speaker encourages listeners to cultivate a life of continuous listening and immediate obedience, trusting that the Holy Spirit will lead both them and their disciples into deeper transformation and effective witness in their vocations and communities. Overall, this episode offers a rich and practical exploration of partnering with the Holy Spirit in making disciples who are knowledgeable in Scripture and sensitive to the Spirit’s guidance in all areas of life. Follow us at Discipleship.org for more great content! 

The Ts of Kingdom Stewardship Click here to view E3 Partners: https://e3partners.org/  Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr In this episode, speakers from E3 Partners introduce the Five Ts of Stewardship—a framework for effective kingdom work. The Five Ts are Targets, Tools, Teaming, Training, and Tracking. They emphasize the importance of setting clear and measurable targets, like the 'five by five' approach, which focuses on five people groups and five geographic locations for evangelism. The session highlights the need for strategic tools and continuous training to foster discipleship and organizational growth. They give practical advice on building and maintaining effective ministry teams, stressing the importance of regular rhythms and structures for sustainable success. Tracking and accountability are underscored as essential for ensuring productive and mission-aligned initiatives. Various tracking methods, such as church health tracking and generational mapping, are detailed to emphasize accurate stewardship and accountability. The speakers also cover the significance of ongoing coaching and training to maintain momentum and adjust strategies. This session is a valuable guide for anyone looking to contribute meaningfully to kingdom stewardship, whether locally or globally. Check out Discipleship.org for disciple-making resources: Discipleship.org Resources Check out Discipleship.org Audio Books: Discipleship.org Audio Books   Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction to Stewardship and the Five Ts 00:40 Defining Targets: The Five by Five Strategy 03:08 Tools for Success: Circles of Accountability 06:37 Building Effective Teams 08:47 The Importance of Rhythms in Teaming 11:03 Prioritizing Time for Kingdom Work 13:15 The Power of Modeling and Prayer Walking 15:10 Training for Multiplication 17:14 Building Rhythms in the Calendar 18:02 Encouragement for Shifting to Disciple-Making 18:38 The Importance of Training and Coaching 21:35 Tracking Progress and Stewardship 29:41 Generational Mapping and Church Health 31:32 Seven Phases of Movement 33:42 Strategic Focus for Global Gospel Saturation   Resources on Discipleship Becoming a Disciple Maker Disciple Making Culture: 10 Minute eBook National Study on Disciple Making in USA Churches DiscipleShift: 5 Minute eBook See below for a more comprehensive summary of this episode: In this episode, Josh Howard and David Kaufmann discuss effective stewardship and outreach through the "Five Ts": Targets, Teaming, Training, Tracking, and Tools. Targets: They highlight the importance of clear targets, using the "five by five" strategy to identify five specific population segments and geographic locations for evangelism. This helps allocate resources effectively and focus on high-need areas. Methods like the "circle of accountability" ensure everyone hears the gospel. Teaming: They stress the value of strong, collaborative teams with consistent schedules and practices. Team formation around specific targets improves organization and mutual encouragement. Training: Various programs equip individuals with practical skills for their mission. Continuous training and coaching ensure ongoing development and problem resolution. Tracking: Measuring progress and ensuring accountability through metrics like gospel shares, new believers, and group establishment is vital. Tools like generational maps help track church network development. Tools: Providing tangible resources for evangelism, discipleship, and gathering is essential. Effective tools ensure everyone knows how to contribute efficiently. Throughout the episode, the interconnectedness of the Five Ts is emphasized. Setting targets informs tracking, guiding training needs, supported by effective teaming and tools. This structured approach ensures a strategic mission and comprehensive outreach. This episode dives into the organizational strategy behind successful ministry, highlighting the synergy between clear targets, effective teaming, comprehensive training, diligent tracking, and practical tools.   Follow us at Discipleship.org for more great content!