The Disciple Maker‘s Podcast

Reviving the Region In this episode of the Disciple Maker's Podcast, we explore Acts Chapter 19, drawing modern parallels from Paul's ministry in Ephesus. Hosts discuss the concept of a 'Hall of Tyrannus' in the contemporary church, where believers are trained and equipped for radical discipleship and city-wide gospel saturation. Tune in for a powerful vision on how to create movement engines alongside traditional church models to achieve regional revival and reach the nations with the gospel of Jesus Christ. 00:00 Introduction and Opening Remarks 01:34 Discussing Acts Chapter 19 02:17 Paul's Ministry in Ephesus 11:10 Modern Parallels to Paul's Ministry 21:56 The Power of Parallel Tracks in Church Growth 23:09 Embracing Control vs. Movement of God 23:37 The Role of Doctrine and Fear in Church Leadership 25:04 The Importance of Multiplication and Discipleship 29:40 Encouragement for Aspiring Disciple Makers 35:27 The Vision for a Modern Hall of Tyrannus Get Discipleship.org's premium Podcast Feed: https://disciplemakerspodcast.supercast.com/  Check out the following eBooks from Discipleship.org: -- What Is Church? And How Important Is It?  https://discipleship.org/shop/what-is-church-and-how-important-is-it/ -- Family Discipleship Blueprint: A Year-by-Year Guide to Family Discipleship https://discipleship.org/shop/family-discipleship-blueprint-a-year-by-year-guide-to-family-discipleship/ -- Becoming a Disciple Maker https://discipleship.org/shop/becoming-a-disciple-maker/ -- National Study: The State of Disciple Making Churches: A 10 Minute Visual Guide https://discipleship.org/shop/national-study-the-state-of-disciple-making-churches-a-10-minute-visual-guide/ -- Reaching & Discipling Women: A Guide to Women’s Ministry in Your Church https://discipleship.org/shop/reaching-discipling-women-a-guide-to-womens-ministry-in-your-church/ Check out the following Books from Discipleship.org: -- The Discipleship Gospel https://himpublications.com/product/the-discipleship-gospel/?utm_source=discipleship-org&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=books-page -- Disciple-Making Culture https://himpublications.com/product/disciple-making-culture/ -- Recreated to Be like God: Making Disciples in the Image of Jesus https://a.co/d/6DDvUrC -- King Jesus and the Beauty of Obedience-Based Discipleship https://a.co/d/7d85z6T -- The Disciple Maker's Handbook: Seven Elements of a Discipleship Lifestyle https://a.co/d/4ZHIbQz Take the FREE Disciple Maker Assessment: https://church-multiplication.com/disciplemaker/ Come to the The National Disciple Making Forum: https://discipleship.org/national-disciple-making-forum/ Stay informed - Get our newsletter:  http://eepurl.com/hPViAr Listen - Disciple Maker's Podcast:  https://discipleship.org/resources/podcast/

Reinventing the Scorecard: Principles for Effective Disciple Making Welcome to the final episode of our series on the 10 principles of disciple making! In this episode, we celebrate your journey so far and dive into the crucial topic of reinventing the scorecard for disciple making. We discuss the traditional ways churches have measured success, such as attendance and donations, and why these metrics may not fully capture the essence of true disciple making. We explore the importance of tracking 'controllable' like sharing faith and prayer, versus 'uncontrollable' like conversions and baptisms. The conversation also delves into real-world examples from churches and movements worldwide, including impressive results from India. Whether you're looking to transform how success is measured in your church or seeking inspiration for personal disciple-making efforts, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice. Join us for an enlightening session that aims to help you and your community flourish in disciple making! Key Takeaways  00:00 Introduction and Applause 01:23 Recap of the 10 Principles Series 01:49 Reinventing the Scorecard 02:13 Traditional Metrics in Churches 03:38 The Importance of Tracking Disciple Making 05:39 Examples of Effective Scorecards 08:50 Generational Growth and Multiplication 10:01 Celebrating the Right Metrics 11:32 Personal Experiences and Observations 14:22 Apprenticeship and Measuring Success 14:52 Controllable vs. Uncontrollable Metrics 16:15 Personal Responsibility in Faith 20:05 Creating a Movement Maker Factory 23:02 Evaluating Church Success 26:16 Generosity and Accountability in Discipleship 27:36 Reaching the Unchurched 29:16 Final Thoughts and Resources Get Discipleship.org's premium Podcast Feed: https://disciplemakerspodcast.supercast.com/  Check out the following eBooks from Discipleship.org: -- What Is Church? And How Important Is It?  https://discipleship.org/shop/what-is-church-and-how-important-is-it/ -- Family Discipleship Blueprint: A Year-by-Year Guide to Family Discipleship https://discipleship.org/shop/family-discipleship-blueprint-a-year-by-year-guide-to-family-discipleship/ -- Becoming a Disciple Maker https://discipleship.org/shop/becoming-a-disciple-maker/ -- National Study: The State of Disciple Making Churches: A 10 Minute Visual Guide https://discipleship.org/shop/national-study-the-state-of-disciple-making-churches-a-10-minute-visual-guide/ -- Reaching & Discipling Women: A Guide to Women’s Ministry in Your Church https://discipleship.org/shop/reaching-discipling-women-a-guide-to-womens-ministry-in-your-church/ Check out the following Books from Discipleship.org: -- The Discipleship Gospel https://himpublications.com/product/the-discipleship-gospel/?utm_source=discipleship-org&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=books-page -- Disciple-Making Culture https://himpublications.com/product/disciple-making-culture/ -- Recreated to Be like God: Making Disciples in the Image of Jesus https://a.co/d/6DDvUrC -- King Jesus and the Beauty of Obedience-Based Discipleship https://a.co/d/7d85z6T -- The Disciple Maker's Handbook: Seven Elements of a Discipleship Lifestyle https://a.co/d/4ZHIbQz Take the FREE Disciple Maker Assessment: https://church-multiplication.com/disciplemaker/ Come to the The National Disciple Making Forum: https://discipleship.org/national-disciple-making-forum/ Stay informed - Get our newsletter:  http://eepurl.com/hPViAr Listen - Disciple Maker's Podcast:  https://discipleship.org/resources/podcast/

Simple, Effective, and Reproducible: Core Disciple Making Tools & Laser Focus | Disciple Maker's Podcast Join us on the Disciple Maker's Podcast as we dive deep into two essential principles for fostering disciple-making cultures: utilizing simple, effective, and reproducible tools and maintaining laser focus on the mission of making disciples who make disciples. Hosts Jason Ishmael and Josh explore the significance of these principles, share practical examples, and discuss a pathway for training others. They also touch on the broader impact of disciple-making and how it can transform communities. Whether you're a church leader or a passionate disciple, this episode offers valuable insights to boost your disciple-making efforts. Don't miss out! Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr Key Takeaways  00:00 Introduction and Welcome 01:12 Series Overview: 10 Core Disciple Making Principles 01:49 Principle 8: Simple, Effective, and Reproducible Tools 02:42 Importance of Simplicity in Disciple Making 05:35 Practical Examples and Tools 08:59 The Apprenticeship Pathway 13:22 Effective Training and Reproducibility 17:05 Overcoming Fear in Discipleship 17:20 The Seven Commands of Christ 18:01 Evaluating and Using Effective Tools 18:43 Laser Focus in Disciple Making 21:25 Training the Saved and Saving the Lost 27:52 Leveraging Ministries for Disciple Making 30:13 The Kingdom Impact of Disciple Making 33:21 Avoiding Distractions and Staying Focused 36:35 Conclusion and Resources Get Discipleship.org's premium Podcast Feed: https://disciplemakerspodcast.supercast.com/  Check out the following eBooks from Discipleship.org: -- What Is Church? And How Important Is It?  https://discipleship.org/shop/what-is-church-and-how-important-is-it/ -- Family Discipleship Blueprint: A Year-by-Year Guide to Family Discipleship https://discipleship.org/shop/family-discipleship-blueprint-a-year-by-year-guide-to-family-discipleship/ -- Becoming a Disciple Maker https://discipleship.org/shop/becoming-a-disciple-maker/ -- National Study: The State of Disciple Making Churches: A 10 Minute Visual Guide https://discipleship.org/shop/national-study-the-state-of-disciple-making-churches-a-10-minute-visual-guide/ -- Reaching & Discipling Women: A Guide to Women’s Ministry in Your Church https://discipleship.org/shop/reaching-discipling-women-a-guide-to-womens-ministry-in-your-church/ Check out the following Books from Discipleship.org: -- The Discipleship Gospel https://himpublications.com/product/the-discipleship-gospel/?utm_source=discipleship-org&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=books-page -- Disciple-Making Culture https://himpublications.com/product/disciple-making-culture/ -- Recreated to Be like God: Making Disciples in the Image of Jesus https://a.co/d/6DDvUrC -- King Jesus and the Beauty of Obedience-Based Discipleship https://a.co/d/7d85z6T -- The Disciple Maker's Handbook: Seven Elements of a Discipleship Lifestyle https://a.co/d/4ZHIbQz Take the FREE Disciple Maker Assessment: https://church-multiplication.com/disciplemaker/ Come to the The National Disciple Making Forum: https://discipleship.org/national-disciple-making-forum/ Stay informed - Get our newsletter:  http://eepurl.com/hPViAr Listen - Disciple Maker's Podcast:  https://discipleship.org/resources/podcast/

Join us at the 2025 National Disciple Making Forum: https://discipleship.org/national-disciple-making-forum/    Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/    Today’s episode will help us understand how to activate the priesthood of all believers and empower everyday people to step into their God-given calling.   Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr   Empowering Every Believer: Activating the Priesthood of All Believers - Disciple Maker's Podcast Ep. 7   In this episode of the Disciple Maker's Podcast, hosts dive into the seventh principle of disciple making – the equipping and releasing of the priesthood of all believers. Drawing from studies by Bobby Harrington and insights from Ephesians 4, they emphasize the importance of lowering the bar for entry into ministry while increasing support and accountability. The discussion highlights the need to break down the professional laity divide, allowing everyone to participate fully in God's work. Personal anecdotes illustrate how ordinary individuals, regardless of their backgrounds or roles, can be used powerfully by God. The episode closes with a call to action for both church leaders and individual believers to embrace their roles in the Kingdom and equip others to do the same.   Get Discipleship.org's premium Podcast Feed: https://disciplemakerspodcast.supercast.com/    Key Takeaways    00:00 Welcome Back to The Disciple Maker's Podcast 00:36 Introduction to Disciple Making Principles 01:12 Principle #7: Equipping and Releasing the Priesthood 01:51 The Shift from Old Covenant to New 02:46 Breaking Down Professional Ministry 04:35 Practical Steps for Church Leaders 06:12 Encouraging and Empowering Believers 06:37 Personal Testimonies and Experiences 11:32 The Importance of Speaking Life into Others 12:20 Early Preaching Experiences 13:58 The Rat Trap Illustration 14:25 Early Preaching Experiences 14:57 Mentorship and Opportunities 15:49 Equipping and Releasing the Priesthood 18:11 Lowering the Bar of Entry 18:21 Personal Responsibility in Ministry 19:31 Empowering Individuals for Ministry 24:33 The Power of God in Everyone 26:41 Encouraging Initiative in Ministry 29:34 Conclusion and Resources   Check out our Blogs: https://discipleship.org/blog/  See Below for a longer description: The episode kicks off with Josh and Jason having some fun, channeling their inner newscasters as they introduce The Disciple Maker's Podcast. Right away, they hit on the heart of the conversation: the Church isn’t just for professionals — every believer is called and equipped to take part in the mission. This episode dives into one of the ten core disciple-making principles: activating the priesthood of all believers, a concept drawn from Bobby Harrington and Discipleship.org. Josh and Jason unpack how the Church often sidelines most people, treating ministry like a spectator sport — a few “professionals” on the court, while the rest just watch from the stands. But Jesus calls everyone to get in the game, and the Holy Spirit gives us all what we need to play. They explore the shift from the Old Covenant, where only priests (Levites) had access to God, to the New Covenant — where all believers are invited to serve and represent Him directly. It’s a powerful reminder that ministry isn’t reserved for a select few. Josh also highlights the common “professional vs. laity” gap in churches and argues for lowering the barriers so anyone can step into ministry, with the right support and accountability along the way. He shares his own story — starting as a nervous, underprepared teenager giving his first sermon with a makeshift object lesson — and how mentors spotted potential and gave him room to grow. That experience shaped his path and reinforced the power of empowering others before they feel “ready.” Josh and Jason also push church leaders to create meaningful opportunities beyond simple Sunday roles like handing out bulletins. The goal? Equip people to share the gospel and make disciples, not just fill a slot. One story really drives this home: Josh tells of a woman in his church who felt called to serve in nursing homes. When she asked if she needed permission, Josh simply told her to go for it — God had already called her. They wrap up by encouraging leaders to remove obstacles, invest in people, and hold them accountable as they step into ministry — because when the Church unleashes the priesthood of all believers, lives change. Josh closes with a reminder: the same Spirit that raised Jesus lives in every believer, so there’s no need to wait for permission. He invites listeners to check out resources at Discipleship.org and teases the next episode, where the conversation will continue  

Dive into the transformative power of scripture as the core of disciple-making. Discover how simple obedience to God's Word, guided by the Holy Spirit, can alter lives and communities. Learn about the effectiveness of the Discovery Bible Study method and its global impact. Hear personal anecdotes revealing the amazing outcomes of genuine scripture engagement. Explore innovative approaches to address the challenges of traditional discipleship models, empowering believers along their journey.

Join us at the 2025 National Disciple Making Forum: https://discipleship.org/national-disciple-making-forum/  Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/  Today’s episode will help us understand the power of prayer and fasting, how to incorporate them into our daily lives, and why they are essential for personal and community transformation. Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr The Power of Abundantly Sowing Gospel Seeds - Disciple Maker's Podcast In this episode of the Disciple Maker's Podcast, hosts Jason Ishmael and Josh Howard dive into the fifth principle of disciple making: 'Overseeding the Gospel.' They discuss the importance of abundantly sowing seeds of the gospel, drawing on farming principles and illustrating how evangelism is about sharing the beauty and goodness of Jesus. They also highlight the need for gospel seed to be shared in its full form and challenge listeners to have Jesus regularly on their lips. The episode offers practical tools for evangelism and urges believers to engage in intentional gospel sharing to see a bountiful harvest. Get Discipleship.org's premium Podcast Feed: https://disciplemakerspodcast.supercast.com/  Key Takeaways  00:00 Introduction and Drum Roll 00:26 Introducing the 10 Principles of Disciple Making 00:49 Principle 5: Overseeding the Gospel 02:02 The Importance of Abundant Gospel Sowing 04:04 Illustration: Evangelism and Relationships 05:15 Challenges in Modern Evangelism 07:52 Sowing Gospel Seeds in Today's Culture 11:59 The Full Gospel vs. Partial Gospel 16:51 A New Commandment: Love One Another 17:02 The Authority of Jesus Christ 17:21 Misconceptions About Salvation 19:31 The Importance of Unity in Mission 22:41 Abundant Seed Sowing and Harvest 27:41 Practical Tools for Evangelism 30:43 Encouragement and Final Thoughts   Check out our Blogs: https://discipleship.org/blog/  See Below for a longer description: In this episode of the Disciple Maker’s Podcast, Josh Howard and Jason Ishmael break down the concept of “overseeding the gospel” — the fifth principle in their disciple-making series. Kicking things off with some lighthearted banter, they dive into why spreading the gospel abundantly is crucial for effective evangelism. Josh explains that overseeding is like a farmer scattering seeds generously—more seeds mean a greater harvest. This principle fuels disciple-making movements worldwide, especially in places like India and China, where rapid growth happens because believers share the gospel frequently and widely. A key takeaway? Repetition matters. In the West, gospel-sharing is often sporadic, but Josh emphasizes that the more we sow, the more we reap. Jason clears up a common misconception: good marketing isn’t the same as evangelism. True gospel sowing happens through personal, intentional conversations—not just inviting people to church. Josh uses a relatable analogy: if he wanted to set his son up with Jason’s daughter, he wouldn’t start by criticizing her. Instead, he’d highlight his son’s best qualities. Evangelism should be the same—helping people see Jesus’ beauty, not just pointing out their flaws. Jason brings up the parable of the sower, reminding us that we can’t control how people receive the gospel, but we’re called to plant seeds everywhere. The discussion then shifts to a major issue in modern Christianity: the watered-down “salvation-only” gospel. Josh and Jason push for a full gospel message—one that includes both forgiveness and submission to Jesus as King. Josh warns against separating salvation from Jesus’ lordship, a mindset that has led to consumer-driven Christianity with little real transformation. He even describes a needed “second conversion,” where believers fully commit to Jesus’ authority. Jason paints a vivid picture: accepting Jesus’ sacrifice but refusing His leadership is like enjoying a lavish meal He paid for but not inviting Him to the table. The episode also tackles the common debate over the “minimum entrance requirements” for heaven, arguing that this mindset misses the point. Instead of asking, “What’s the least I can do?” they encourage listeners to pursue full devotion to Jesus. For practical application, Josh introduces tools like the "15-second testimony" and the "three circles gospel presentation," designed to help believers share their faith naturally in everyday conversations. The key? Talk about Jesus as easily as you’d recommend a great restaurant or movie. They wrap up with a challenge: tell someone why following Jesus is good news, and ask if they’ve considered it. Many people are just waiting for someone to bring it up. Bottom line? Evangelism isn’t about technique—it’s about loving Jesus so much that talking about Him becomes second nature. Sow seeds generously, trust God with the harvest, and watch what He does.

Join us at the 2025 National Disciple Making Forum: https://discipleship.org/national-disciple-making-forum/    Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/  Today’s episode will help us understand the power of prayer and fasting, how to incorporate them into our daily lives, and why they are essential for personal and community transformation. Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr Leading by Example: Principle #3 of Disciple Making The Power of Radical Prayer and Fasting | Disciple Makers Podcast Join Jason Ishmael and Josh Howard as they dive deep into the fourth core disciple-making principle: the significance of a radical prayer and fasting culture. This episode covers the impact of prayer and fasting on spiritual movements and personal transformation, backed by biblical insights and historical examples. Learn practical tips to incorporate these practices into your life and community to see profound spiritual breakthroughs. Perfect for anyone looking to deepen their spiritual journey and impact the world for Christ. Get Discipleship.org's premium Podcast Feed: https://disciplemakerspodcast.supercast.com/    Key Takeaways  00:00 Introduction and Banter 03:09 Disciple Making Principles Overview 03:38 Principle 4: Radical Prayer and Fasting 04:18 Practical Applications of Prayer and Fasting 04:36 Biblical Foundation for Fasting 07:41 Personal Reflections and Encouragement 10:31 Tips for Starting Fasting 13:20 Examples of Fasting in Ministry 16:23 Practical Steps to Begin Fasting 17:46 Pressing into God's Presence 18:27 Physical Actions with Spiritual Implications 19:43 The Benefits of Fasting 20:52 Practical Tools for Prayer and Fasting 26:14 Evaluating and Adjusting Your Cravings 28:33 Intentionality in Prayer and Fasting 32:20 Conclusion and Call to Action   Check out our Blogs: https://discipleship.org/blog/  See Below for a longer description: In this episode, hosts Josh Howard and Jason Ishmael dive into the power of prayer and fasting in a disciple’s life and their impact on spiritual movements. They break down the biblical foundation, historical examples, and practical ways to incorporate these practices into daily life and ministry. The conversation kicks off with lighthearted banter before shifting to the episode’s core theme: cultivating a culture of radical prayer and fasting. Josh emphasizes that some of the most impactful church movements rely on these disciplines, citing historical revivals that began with a few dedicated people seeking God through prayer and fasting. Referencing Matthew 6, the hosts discuss how Jesus taught about fasting—not for public recognition, but as a way to deepen one’s connection with God. Jason points out a common misunderstanding: fasting isn’t just about giving up food—it’s about creating space for God to work. He shares how his church’s 21-day prayer and fasting tradition before Easter fosters spiritual renewal. Josh and Jason offer practical tips for getting started, urging listeners to begin with small steps—like skipping one meal a week to focus on prayer. They highlight the story of Charles Finney and Pastor Nash, who fasted and prayed before Finney’s revivals, underscoring how essential these practices were to their ministry’s success. The hosts also touch on the scientific benefits of fasting, such as increased mental clarity and discipline. They introduce tools like Dick Eastman’s "prayer wheel" to help structure prayer time and emphasize the importance of silence in prayer—something Jason admits was a struggle for him initially. As the episode wraps up, Josh challenges listeners to take action—whether by fasting a meal a week, dedicating focused prayer time, or involving their community in these spiritual disciplines. They encourage listeners to share their experiences and reach out for support, reinforcing the idea that prayer and fasting aren’t just personal practices but catalysts for transformation in families, churches, and beyond.

Join us at the 2025 National Disciple Making Forum: https://discipleship.org/national-disciple-making-forum/    Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/  Today’s episode will help us embrace authentic disciple-making by leading from the front, aligning our actions with our faith, and relying on the Holy Spirit for daily obedience. Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr   Leading by Example: Principle #3 of Disciple Making   In this episode of 'The Makers of Disciples' podcast, we delve into the third principle of disciple making: leaders must lead from the front and model disciple making. Hosts discuss the challenges of practicing what is preached, the importance of personal and public alignment, and how to combat the dangers of 'charade mode.' Drawing upon personal anecdotes, biblical teachings, and the transformative power of living authentically, this discussion is a call to action for church leaders and individuals alike to repent, realign, and genuinely live out the teachings of Jesus. Join the conversation to be inspired and equipped to model true disciple making in your own community.   Get Discipleship.org's premium Podcast Feed: https://disciplemakerspodcast.supercast.com/    Key Takeaways    00:00 Introduction and Welcome 01:05 Principle Three: Leading from the Front 01:52 The Challenge of Authentic Leadership 04:48 The Danger of the Charade 09:39 Alexander the Great's Lesson 14:52 Reflecting on Missed Opportunities 15:28 Choosing Priorities Over God's Commands 16:37 Awakening to Reality: The Matrix Analogy 17:52 Modeling Discipleship in Everyday Life 19:17 Rediscovering Ancient Principles 20:36 The Power of Scripture and Jesus' Teachings 25:58 The Importance of Repentance 28:38 Striving for Obedience and Dependence on God 29:38 Closing Thoughts and Prayer   Check out our Blogs: https://discipleship.org/blog/  See Below for a longer description: In this episode of the Makers of Disciples podcast, Josh Howard and Jason Ishmael dive into Principle 3: Leading From the Front—the tough but essential call for leaders to model disciple-making, not just talk about it. They kick off with some lighthearted banter before getting real about the challenge of practicing what you preach. They revisit the first two principles: reclaiming disciple-making as the church’s core mission and having a clear, biblical definition of discipleship. But this third principle? It’s where the rubber meets the road. Josh shares a hard truth—many church leaders, behind closed doors, admit they’re not actively leading people to faith outside of the pulpit. This gap between what’s preached and what’s practiced creates what they call “charade mode”—a dangerous disconnect where leaders appear to be disciple-makers but aren’t living it out. The discussion gets practical. Jesus warned against performing faith for show, and Josh and Jason emphasize that leading from the front means real, everyday disciple-making. It’s not just for pastors—every Christian is called to model it at home, at work, and in their communities. They illustrate this with a powerful story about Alexander the Great. When a young soldier named Alexander fled from battle, the general told him: Change your name or change your ways. The message? If we call ourselves disciples of Jesus, we need to live like it. Josh highlights the need for daily repentance—not just for major sins, but as a constant realignment with Jesus. Jason stresses soaking in the Gospels, letting Jesus’ life shape our own. They remind listeners that disciple-making isn’t about striving alone; it’s fueled by the Holy Spirit, who empowers believers to walk this out every day. They also acknowledge the internal struggle—Paul himself wrestled with doing what’s right (Romans 7). But leaning on God's grace and being intentional about obedience is the key. As the episode wraps up, Josh challenges listeners to commit to modeling disciple-making and tell someone for accountability. Jason encourages leaning into God’s help and staying rooted in His Word. They close with a powerful prayer, asking God to bring conviction, expose what needs to change, and strengthen hearts for the journey ahead. At its core, this episode is a call to authentic, everyday disciple-making—not as a concept, but as a lifestyle.

Discover the true essence of discipleship as the hosts break down biblical definitions rooted in Matthew 4:19. Explore the vital components of following Jesus, being transformed by Him, and joining His mission. The conversation delves into the misconceptions surrounding discipleship and the importance of building a committed relationship with Jesus. Listeners are encouraged to embrace the transformative journey, take bold steps in their faith, and acknowledge the power of intentional relationships in disciple-making. Tune in for practical insights and opportunities for growth!

Come to the 2025 National Disciple Making Forum: https://discipleship.org/   Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/  Today’s episode will help us understand why disciple-making should be the church’s core mission and how we can integrate it into our daily lives through prayer, intentional relationships, and simple, faithful steps. Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr Disciple Making: Making It the Core Mission  Welcome back to the Disciple Maker's Podcast! In this episode, hosts Josh Howard and Jason Ishmael embark on a new series focusing on the '10 Core Principles of Disciple Making.' This episode dives into making disciple making the core mission of the church. Jason and Josh discuss why it's important to remind the church and individuals that disciple making should be the core mission. They share personal stories, confront the common disconnect between knowledge and action, and provide practical steps on how to make disciple making integral in our personal lives and within the church. Join us as we explore the significance of intentionality, prayer, and the importance of hands-on disciple making. Stay tuned for more insights and real-life stories aimed at equipping you to fulfill the Great Commission. Don't miss out on the details of upcoming events, including the Discipleship.org National Disciple Making Forum in Houston, Texas.   Get Discipleship.org's premium Podcast Feed: https://disciplemakerspodcast.supercast.com/    Key Takeaways    00:00 Introduction and Banter 01:04 Introducing the 10 Core Principles of Disciple Making 01:41 Principle 1: Making Disciple Making the Core Mission 03:24 Challenges in Prioritizing Disciple Making 04:42 Personal Stories and Practical Applications 05:56 The Importance of Personal Commitment 10:29 Evangelism and Disciple Making: A Unified Mission 11:49 Practical Steps for Effective Disciple Making 17:05 Conviction and Commitment to Prayer 17:49 Praying for a Doctor Friend 19:25 Overcoming Fear to Pray 20:33 A Miraculous Healing 22:26 The Power of Intentional Prayer 24:20 Facing Rejection in Evangelism 27:38 Encouragement to Make Disciples 29:48 Final Thoughts and Call to Action   Check out our Blogs: https://discipleship.org/blog/  See Below for a longer description: In the first episode of the Disciple Maker’s Podcast, hosts Josh Howard and Jason Ishmael dive into the heart of disciple-making, breaking it down in a way that’s both practical and relatable. They kick things off with some lighthearted banter before getting serious about their core message: making disciple-making the central mission of both the church and individual believers. Josh introduces the podcast’s framework—10 Core Principles of Disciple-Making—developed by him and Bobby Harrington. Each episode will unpack one principle, starting with the foundational idea: disciple-making must be the church’s primary focus. While this seems obvious, they acknowledge that many churches still struggle to put it into practice. Jason challenges the audience by pointing out the gap between knowing disciple-making is essential and actually doing it. He shares his own struggles in aligning his life with Jesus’ teachings—like when his wife’s blunt question about tithing revealed an area he hadn’t fully surrendered. Moments like these highlight how disciple-making isn’t just for pastors—it’s a calling for every believer. The conversation turns to practical steps. Josh and Jason emphasize that disciple-making isn’t a lofty goal but something woven into everyday life. Josh shares a personal story about being convicted for not praying for non-believers, leading him and his wife to start praying daily. This simple act opened doors, including a surprising ministry opportunity with a previously resistant doctor. They stress that disciple-making happens in small, intentional relationships—"ones, twos, and threes," not massive crowds. It’s about praying for people by name, being available, and stepping out in faith. They also tackle the misconception that evangelism and discipleship are separate tasks, reinforcing that Jesus saw them as one mission: leading people to faith and maturity. Before wrapping up, they preview a major study on thriving disciple-making churches, which will be shared at an event in Houston, Texas. Their final challenge? Don’t overcomplicate it. Trust God, take small faithful steps, and make disciple-making a natural part of life. This episode is both inspiring and practical—packed with real stories, honest struggles, and clear next steps for anyone looking to live out the Great Commission. In the first episode of the Disciple Maker’s Podcast, hosts Josh Howard and Jason Ishmael dive into the heart of disciple-making, breaking it down in a way that’s both practical and relatable. They kick things off with some lighthearted banter before getting serious about their core message: making disciple-making the central mission of both the church and individual believers. Josh introduces the podcast’s framework—10 Core Principles of Disciple-Making—developed by him and Bobby Harrington. Each episode will unpack one principle, starting with the foundational idea: disciple-making must be the church’s primary focus. While this seems obvious, they acknowledge that many churches still struggle to put it into practice. Jason challenges the audience by pointing out the gap between knowing disciple-making is essential and actually doing it. He shares his own struggles in aligning his life with Jesus’ teachings—like when his wife’s blunt question about tithing revealed an area he hadn’t fully surrendered. Moments like these highlight how disciple-making isn’t just for pastors—it’s a calling for every believer. The conversation turns to practical steps. Josh and Jason emphasize that disciple-making isn’t a lofty goal but something woven into everyday life. Josh shares a personal story about being convicted for not praying for non-believers, leading him and his wife to start praying daily. This simple act opened doors, including a surprising ministry opportunity with a previously resistant doctor. They stress that disciple-making happens in small, intentional relationships—"ones, twos, and threes," not massive crowds. It’s about praying for people by name, being available, and stepping out in faith. They also tackle the misconception that evangelism and discipleship are separate tasks, reinforcing that Jesus saw them as one mission: leading people to faith and maturity. Before wrapping up, they preview a major study on thriving disciple-making churches, which will be shared at an event in Houston, Texas. Their final challenge? Don’t overcomplicate it. Trust God, take small faithful steps, and make disciple-making a natural part of life. This episode is both inspiring and practical—packed with real stories, honest struggles, and clear next steps for anyone looking to live out the Great Commission.