

The Disciple Maker‘s Podcast
Discipleship.org
The Disciple Makers Podcast exists to tell stories about disciples of Jesus who make disciples. Discipleship.org, who sponsors the podcast, exists to Champion Jesus‘ way of disciple making. Episodes are published in thematic seasons. To learn more, visit www.discipleship.org or email us at info@discipleship.org.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 8, 2025 • 36min
Cultivating Discipleship: Aligning Identity with Ministry (feat. Robby Angle)
Discipleship: Trusting and Receiving with Robby Angle | Disciple Makers Podcast
In this insightful episode of the Disciple Makers Podcast, host Josh engages in a deep conversation with Robby Angle from True Face. Robby shares his personal journey and the pivotal shift from a performance-based faith to one rooted in trusting and receiving God's love. They discuss the importance of correct beliefs and philosophy in creating effective discipleship environments and the impact of leaders' personal spiritual health on their ministry. Robby emphasizes a relationship with God based on trust and receiving over merely knowing more and doing better. Tune in to discover practical ways to foster healthy discipleship cultures in your ministry and personal life.
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
01:05 Meet Robby Angle: A Journey of Faith
02:41 The Importance of Small Groups in Discipleship
03:34 Understanding True Face and Its Impact
05:03 The Core of Discipleship: Beliefs and Philosophy
10:05 Practical Applications and Leader Development
12:02 The Role of Identity in Ministry
16:10 Creating a Culture of Trust and Receiving
32:24 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/
In this episode of the Disciple Makers Podcast, host Josh welcomes Robby Angle, president of True Face, for a deep and candid conversation about cultivating authentic discipleship by aligning personal identity with ministry practice. The discussion opens with lighthearted banter, quickly establishing a tone of vulnerability and friendship that sets the stage for the episode’s core themes.
Robby shares his journey through various ministry roles, from Young Life staff to international disaster response with Samaritan’s Purse, professional counseling, and leading small groups at North Point Church. He describes how his experiences shaped his understanding that spiritual growth is most effective in the context of authentic relationships, but also acknowledges the widespread problem of “lame” small groups that fail to foster real transformation.
The heart of the episode centers on the subtle but critical distinction between doing ministry for God out of a sense of earning versus operating from a place of received identity and grace. Robby and Josh both reflect on how easy it is for ministry leaders to derive their sense of worth from their roles and achievements, rather than from their identity as beloved children of God. Robby recounts a pivotal moment during his time in Pakistan, where he realized that his drive to “do more and know more” for God was rooted in pride and a misunderstanding of the gospel. He emphasizes that true discipleship is not about earning God’s love, but about trusting and receiving it, which then naturally overflows into loving action.
The conversation unpacks how beliefs about God and self form the foundation for ministry philosophy and, ultimately, the environments and outcomes in churches. Robby argues that most leaders focus on tweaking environments or adopting new resources, but the real transformation comes from regularly revisiting and realigning core beliefs and philosophies. He illustrates how a leader’s internal posture—whether rooted in striving or in secure identity—directly shapes the culture and effectiveness of their groups.
Josh and Robby discuss practical implications for church leaders, highlighting the importance of developing leaders who are secure in their identity and philosophy before focusing on group formation or equipping. Robby outlines four key areas for churches: developing leaders, supporting leaders, getting people into groups, and equipping those groups, stressing that leader development is the most crucial and often overlooked step.
The episode concludes with practical resources, including True Face’s “The Cure” and discipleshipframework.com, and an invitation for leaders to reach out for support. Ultimately, the conversation calls ministry leaders to examine their motives, root their identity in Christ, and lead others from a place of freedom, trust, and genuine love.
More Discipleship.org Resources:
-- Recreated to Be like God: Making Disciples in the Image of Jesus
https://a.co/d/6DDvUrC
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Listen - Disciple Maker's Podcast:
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Sep 1, 2025 • 31min
Practical Tools for Microgroups (feat. Bart Shaw)
Creating a Disciple-Making Culture with Bart Shaw | Disciple Makers Podcast
In this episode of the Disciple Makers Podcast, host Josh Howard speaks with special guest Bart Shaw, disciple-making strategist and campus pastor at Traders Point Christian Church. Bart Shaw shares his journey and insights into cultivating a disciple-making culture in the church through innovative methods like micro groups. These small, high-accountability groups focus on deep, intentional scripture study and practical obedience to God's word. Bart discusses the importance of multiplication, building relationships, and the need for accountability to foster genuine spiritual growth. He also highlights the significance of personal commitment to disciple-making for church leaders. Tune in to discover valuable principles and practical steps that can help you and your church create a thriving disciple-making environment.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:09 Bart Shaw's Background and Journey
02:00 Micro Groups: Concept and Implementation
04:18 Impact and Success Stories of Micro Groups
07:55 Challenges and Accountability in Micro Groups
11:03 Personal Journey and Influences
15:40 The Role of Obedience in Movement
16:25 Challenges in Implementing Discipleship Programs
18:16 Lessons from Martial Arts for Discipleship
19:57 Duckling Discipleship: A Simple Yet Effective Approach
21:51 Principles for Effective Micro Groups
26:48 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Aug 25, 2025 • 48min
How to Multiply Disciples Alongside Your Sunday Service
Join the learning community: https://discipleship.org/hall-of-tyrannus-learning-community/
Empowering Disciple-Making Movements: A Game-Changer for Churches
Join Bobby Harrington and Josh Howard in an enlightening webinar designed to shift the paradigm of disciple-making within churches. Bringing 16 years of hands-on experience from India, Josh proposes a 'parallel track' methodology that synergizes with existing church programs. This approach aims to cultivate intentional disciple-makers without dismantling the established structure. Delve into actionable insights on fostering rapid multiplication of disciples, addressing the disconnect in modern church culture, and creating a sustainable disciple-making model. Essential for pastors, church leaders, and anyone committed to Jesus-style discipleship, this episode unpacks a strategic pathway to meet the Great Commission in today's context.
00:00 Welcome and Introduction
01:53 Josh Howard's Background and Experience
04:28 Defining Disciple Making Movements
06:58 Core Definitions of Discipleship
13:02 The Biblical Basis for Disciple Making
15:24 Challenges in Modern Church Discipleship
18:18 The Parallel Track Approach
26:36 Implementing the Parallel Track
36:08 Q&A and Final Thoughts
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/

Aug 18, 2025 • 30min
Disciple Making Q&A
Q&A: Addressing Challenges in Disciple Making | Disciple Makers Podcast
In this episode of the Disciple Makers Podcast, we return from a brief break to address listener questions about disciple making. Tune in Josh Howard navigates various topics, including the role of the Big C Church in the USA, handling discouragement, incorporating disciple making into busy lifestyles, and the importance of the supernatural in the disciple making process. Discover practical advice, biblical insights, and encouragement to help you on your journey to becoming a disciple who makes disciples.
00:00 Introduction and Podcast Update
01:23 Q&A Session Begins
01:34 Is the US Church Behind in Disciple Making?
05:38 Dealing with Discouragement in Disciple Making
11:49 Following Jesus' Style in a Busy World
19:07 The Role of the Supernatural in Disciple Making
24:26 Integrating Disciple Making into Daily Life
28:47 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Aug 11, 2025 • 43min
Leading Great House Churches | 2025 National Disciple Making Forum (Jason Shepperd)
Get access to all of our 2025 National Disciple Making Forum Content: https://disciplemakerspodcast.supercast.com/
Join us for the 2026 National Disciple Making Forum: https://discipleship.org/2026-national-disciple-making-forum/
Track Session 4: Leading Great House Churches
A Church of House Churches thrives from the health of great House Churches. Learn our expectations of great House Church gatherings, as well as how House Churches are strategically used to help people grow in their spiritual journey to be fully devoted disciples of Jesus.

Aug 4, 2025 • 1h 3min
Distributed Pastoral Leadership | 2025 National Disciple Making Forum (Jason Shepperd)
Get access to all of our 2025 National Disciple Making Forum Content: https://disciplemakerspodcast.supercast.com/
Church Project Track Session 3: Distributed Pastoral Leadership
Today, the word “pastor” conveys someone far more centralized and public than was used in the New Testament (often it means the public speaker on a stage). How did the Early Church identify, equip, and empower ‘ordinary’ individuals to function as pastors, and how could implementing this change the church today?
Effective Leadership and Distributed Model: Insights from Titus Chapter 1
Dive deep into the principles of effective church leadership as drawn from Titus Chapter 1. This episode outlines the importance of localized pastoral leadership and decentralized structure for fostering rapid gospel movement, referencing works by theologian Alan Hirsch. Learn about the history and evolution of house churches, the critical balance between centralized and light centrality, doctrinal training, and the intricate processes of raising new house church pastors. Gain practical insights into maintaining sound doctrine, facilitating diverse community growth, and the importance of continuous leadership development. The episode also covers the successful transition strategies for legacy churches, effective house church operation, and quantitative versus qualitative measurement of church health.
00:00 Introduction to Titus Chapter One
00:13 The Role of Elders in the Early Church
01:11 Centrality and Movement in the Church
02:16 Distributed Leadership and Sound Doctrine
03:46 House Church Origins and Growth
05:12 Developing Doctrine and Duties
07:56 Pastoring House Church Pastors
14:23 Handling Diversity and Sanctification
17:45 Sunday Gatherings vs. House Churches
24:23 Reflections and Lessons Learned
28:59 Connecting People in a Growing Community
29:56 Leadership Turnover and Mobility
33:13 One-on-One Discipleship Approach
35:35 Challenges in Transitioning Legacy Churches
41:35 Preaching and Teaching in House Churches
45:49 Leadership Pipeline and Testing
50:12 Measuring Success and Engagement
57:46 Recruiting Initial House Church Pastors
59:38 Final Q&A and Leadership Development
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/

Jul 28, 2025 • 1h 1min
Decentralized, Diverse Discipleship Communities | 2025 National Disciple Making Forum (Jason Shepperd)
Track Session 2: Decentralized, Diverse Discipleship Communities
Get access to all of our 2025 National Disciple Making Forum Content: https://disciplemakerspodcast.supercast.com/
While most churches’ group structures operate as homogeneous friend groups, the Early Church gathered in diverse, cross-generational communities operating as a spiritual family. Discover the need to return to this fullest expression of the church in House Churches.
Revisiting Ecclesiology: House Churches and the DNA of True Biblical Communities
In this insightful episode, Jason Shepherd, founder of Church Project, shares his journey of starting a church 15 years ago with a vision of creating authentic biblical communities. Without a designated church name, the project focuses on rediscovering Christ's original intent for the church. Shepherd discusses the key elements of ecclesiological DNA (EDNA), emphasizing distributed pastoral leadership, decentralized structures, and diverse discipleship communities. He explores the historical and biblical foundation of house churches, citing scripture to argue for their continued relevance. Shepherd also provides practical insights into the formation, growth, and management of house churches, and how they engage with benevolent activities and student ministries. This episode challenges conventional church models, advocating for smaller, mission-focused, relationally-rich communities.
Key Takeaways
00:00 Introduction and Speaker Background
01:52 Understanding Ecclesiology
03:15 The Concept of House Church
05:24 House Church in Practice
07:23 House Church Multiplication
12:08 Small Groups vs. House Churches
23:58 Qualities of a New Testament House Church
28:43 Q&A Session
32:41 Evaluating the Health of Your House Church
34:32 The Importance of Hospitality
35:47 Developing House Church Pastors
37:14 Scheduling and Meeting Logistics
39:56 Balancing Growth and Intimacy
48:12 Handling Kids in House Church
56:12 Financial Practices and Benevolence
58:49 Connecting Newcomers to House Churches
01:00:27 Final Q&A and Closing Remarks
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/

Jul 21, 2025 • 60min
Re-Discovering E-DNA | 2025 National Disciple Making Forum (Jason Shepperd)
Get access to all of our 2025 National Disciple Making Forum Content: https://disciplemakerspodcast.supercast.com/
Church Project Track Session 1: Re-Discovering E-DNA
Jesus started this beautiful thing called "church," not man. And, He and His followers led and modeled how he intended for church to be lived out. Rather than the latest church growth book or contextually-based model, it is time to return to the ways Jesus intended for His Church to be lived out as seen in the example of the Early Church.
Rethinking Church: From Traditional to Transformative - A Journey of Rediscovery
In this session, the speaker shares his 15-year journey of founding and developing Church Project. Growing up in a small fundamental Southern Baptist church in Tyler, Texas, he initially misunderstood the gospel's breadth. Through years of college, internships, and pastoral work, he grappled with his frustrations and God's calling. After leaving traditional church settings, he started Church Project with a mission to return to the church's original intent. The session dives into the importance of decentralizing from primary places and priests, distributing pastoral leadership, and fostering diverse discipleship communities. Through biblical references, especially Titus chapter one, the speaker explains the foundational elements needed to create effective and healthy church communities. Join this transformative discussion that challenges conventional ecclesiology and aims to shape a more inclusive, decentralized, and dynamic church model.
Key Takeaways
00:00 The Beginnings of Church Product
00:45 Discovering the True Gospel
00:54 From Pre-Med to Ministry
01:46 A Frustrated Calling
03:46 The Birth of Church Product
04:29 Rethinking Church
05:12 Understanding Ecclesiology
05:59 Paul's Instructions to Titus
18:22 Distributed Pastoral Leadership
23:22 Diverse Discipleship Communities
26:46 Q&A Session
27:50 Introduction to the Sessions
28:10 The Role of the Building
29:11 Centralization vs. Decentralization
29:53 Gathering Spaces and Their Use
33:41 House Churches and Accountability
38:16 Challenges and Solutions in House Churches
49:43 The Importance of Corporate Gatherings
57:18 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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/

Jul 14, 2025 • 29min
Resting and Disciple Making
Today’s episode will help us understand the importance of rest and Sabbath in disciple-making, as well as the impact of burnout and how to counteract it through sustainable rhythms of life.
Join Discipleship.org at one of our fall events:
https://discipleship.org/one-day-events/
The Deeper Walk Experience | Franklin, TN | Aug. 15-16, 2025: https://deeperwalk.com/sp/dw-experience-franklin/
Discipling Men | Dallas, TX | Sept. 11, 2025:
https://discipleship.org/one-day-events/dallas-2025-regional/
The Discipleship Gospel | Oceanside, CA | Oct. 9, 2025:
https://discipleship.org/one-day-events/2025-west-coast-conference/
Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/
Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr
The Importance of Sabbath: Finding Rest in Disciple-Making
In this episode of the Disciple Maker Podcast, hosts Josh Howard and Jason Ishmael dive into a vital but often overlooked aspect of disciple-making: the practice of Sabbath. They share personal stories and insights on how incorporating rest and healthy rhythms into daily life can prevent burnout and lead to more sustainable ministry work. Drawing from both personal experiences and biblical principles, the hosts emphasize how taking regular Sabbaths can help maintain spiritual and mental health, foster deeper relationships, and ultimately strengthen one's ministry. Tune in to discover how to balance work and rest effectively and why this balance is crucial for a thriving disciple-making journey.
Get Discipleship.org's premium Podcast Feed: https://disciplemakerspodcast.supercast.com/
Key Takeaways
00:00 Introduction and Podcast Beginnings
01:03 The Importance of Sabbath in Ministry
03:00 Personal Testimony: Burnout and Recovery
06:12 Implementing Sabbath Practices
09:23 Cultural Rhythms and Work Ethics
11:31 Balancing Work and Rest in Ministry
14:39 Reflecting on Life Choices
15:24 The Unforced Rhythms of Grace
16:04 The Importance of Rest in Discipleship
17:03 Balancing Work and Rest
19:00 Sabbath as Resistance
19:52 Real-Life Examples of Sabbath
23:25 The Modern Pace of Life
26:12 Encouragement for Restful Living
Check out our Blogs: https://discipleship.org/blog/
Join us for our 2026 National Disciple Making Forum: https://discipleship.org/2026-national-disciple-making-forum/
See Below for a longer description:
In this episode of the Disciple Maker Podcast, Josh Howard and Jason Ishmael humorously start off by discussing the challenges of kicking off the podcast seamlessly. They segue into an important discussion on Sabbath and rest. Josh shares his personal experience with burnout from a grueling work schedule in India, emphasizing the importance of regular rest to avoid mental, physical, and spiritual exhaustion. They highlight that Sabbath isn't just an Old Testament concept but essential for sustainable ministry and overall well-being. The need for ministry leaders and everyone to balance work and rest is underscored, promoting a lifestyle that counters societal pressures of constant busyness and productivity. By setting boundaries and maintaining healthy rhythms of life, Josh and Jason advocate for a balanced approach to ministry and personal life. The episode calls listeners to evaluate their own rest practices and integrate meaningful Sabbath practices to prevent burnout and enhance fulfillment and effectiveness in both life and ministry.

Jul 7, 2025 • 32min
Discipling Our Children
Get the free eBook – 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/
Today's episode will help us understand the importance of consistent, intentional time with our kids and how to model repentance and discipleship in everyday life.
Join Discipleship.org at one of our fall events:
https://discipleship.org/one-day-events/
The Deeper Walk Experience | Franklin, TN | Aug. 15-16, 2025: https://deeperwalk.com/sp/dw-experience-franklin/
Discipling Men | Dallas, TX | Sept. 11, 2025:
https://discipleship.org/one-day-events/dallas-2025-regional/
The Discipleship Gospel | Oceanside, CA | Oct. 9, 2025:
https://discipleship.org/one-day-events/2025-west-coast-conference/
Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/
Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr
The Importance of Discipling Our Children | Disciple Makers Podcast
In this episode of the Disciple Makers Podcast, hosts Josh Howard, Jason, and Ishmael dive into the crucial topic of discipling our children. They explore the significance of intentionality in parenting and how quality time equates to quantity time. The hosts share practical steps, such as setting up standing stones to remind children of God's works, as well as personal experiences and methods they use to disciple their own kids. They emphasize the importance of loving your spouse and confessing mistakes as key principles of discipleship. The episode concludes with an encouraging reminder that we are not alone in this journey—Jesus and the Holy Spirit are with us, helping us every step of the way.
Get Discipleship.org's premium Podcast Feed: https://disciplemakerspodcast.supercast.com/
Key Takeaways
00:00 Introduction and Banter
00:53 Discipling Our Kids
02:56 The Importance of Intentionality
06:08 Loving Our Spouses Well
08:17 Confession and Repentance in Parenting
12:02 Making Up for Lost Time
13:18 Practical Tips for Intentional Parenting
18:44 Intentional Family Time
19:07 The Challenge of Consistency
19:59 Memorizing Scripture with Kids
20:56 The Importance of Saying Yes
25:08 Encouragement for Parents
26:10 Teaching Life Skills and Faith
28:49 The Role of the Holy Spirit in Parenting
30:58 Resources for Family Discipleship
Check out our Blogs: https://discipleship.org/blog/
Join us for our 2026 National Disciple Making Forum: https://discipleship.org/2026-national-disciple-making-forum/
See Below for a longer description:
So, spending consistent quality time with your kids matters a lot. I take my kids out, one-on-one, every week. It doesn't have to be anything fancy—sometimes, it's just ice cream or a car wash run with my daughter. Over time, these moments build strong relationships and make way for deeper conversations. Plus, we try to do family devotions and prayer time before bed. We're not perfect, but it's a constant effort.
Absolutely. It's crucial to prioritize your kids and give them the best of you, not just what's left. Simple activities, like watching a favorite show together, can mean a lot. The key is to be present and make the most of these moments.
Right. And it's never too late to start. Even if you've missed opportunities before, you can always begin now. Whether it's with your own kids, grandkids, or kids at church, just be intentional. God's grace covers it all, and He’s more than willing to help us on this journey.