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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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