The Disciple Maker‘s Podcast

Reaching and Discipling Millennials: Challenges and Opportunities In this insightful discussion, various speakers explore the vital topic of how to effectively reach and disciple the millennial generation. The session begins with an introduction by Thom Rainer who shares personal anecdotes and sets the stage for the main focus: can we truly disciple millennials, and can they become disciple-makers themselves? The speaker highlights the complexity and clarity sometimes lacking within church communities, using both humor and personal stories to illustrate these points. Statistical data is presented to underscore the significant decline in generational Christian adherence, from the builder generation to the millennials, who only show roughly 15% followers of Christ. However, despite this decline, there is a notable receptivity among millennials, presenting a hopeful opportunity for the church. Key characteristics of millennials, such as their value for relationships and desire for authenticity, humility, transparency, and integrity, are discussed. Practical advice and strategies are given on how to engage millennials effectively, including the importance of personal relationships, leveraging older generations for mentorship, and ensuring corporate authenticity within the church community. The session also delves into specific, real-world examples and testimonies that illustrate how these principles can be applied successfully. Overall, this comprehensive dialogue provides valuable insights and actionable steps for anyone looking to engage with and disciple millennials in a meaningful way. Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/  Key Takeaways  00:00 Introduction and Personal Anecdotes 09:24 Millennials' Receptivity to the Gospel 14:46 Building Relationships with Millennials 19:02 Practical Steps for Churches 29:47 Capitol Hill Prayer Group 38:37 Authenticity in Discipleship 48:39 Challenges in Modern Church Practices 54:59 Practical Steps for Discipleship Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr See below for a longer description:  Rainer's primary thesis revolves around questioning whether millennials can be effectively discipled and turned into disciple-makers. He stresses the importance of understanding this generation's unique characteristics. According to Rainer, millennials are highly relational but often perceive church environments as unclear or hypocritical. He advocates for churches to pursue authenticity and integrity in their ministries. Using statistical data, Rainer highlights the low percentage of millennials who identify as Christians compared to previous generations. He emphasizes that despite this, there is significant openness and receptivity among millennials toward the gospel, possibly more than seen in prior generations. The key is for churches to make intentional efforts in relationship-buildingand personal discipleship. Various speakers at the forum further discuss strategies to effectively disciple millennials. Heather Zempel shares examples of relational discipleship occurring in Washington, D.C., pointing out that millennials are actively engaged in mission trips and small groups that prioritize hands-on, real-life applications of faith. Ariana Rimson highlights the need for millennials to align their relationships with God's word, focusing on authenticity and integrity. Jim Putman stresses the importance of relational discipleship over mere church participation, reinforcing that millennials seek genuine connections and discipleship that integrate with their everyday lives. Rainer and other speakers argue that churches must move beyond traditional and superficial churchianity to embrace genuine Christianity characterized by personal relationships and community impact. The panel collectively underscores the importance of meeting millennials where they are, both physically and culturally. They advocate for a church environment that prioritizes community engagement, social impact, and authentic relationships. The ultimate goal is to foster a generation of disciple-makers who are deeply rooted in their faith and committed to living out the teachings of Jesus in practical, transformative ways. In summary, this video provides a thorough exploration of the challenges and opportunities in discipling millennials. It offers valuable insights and practical strategies for church leaders aiming to bridge generational gaps and cultivate meaningful, faith-driven relationships within their congregations. It stresses the need for churches to adapt, be authentic, and focus on relational and community-oriented ministry to effectively reach and disciple the millennial generation. Check out our Blogs: https://discipleship.org/blog/ 

Empowering Women in Discipleship: A Call to Action This video emphasizes the vital role of women in discipleship, exploring biblical examples and the importance of support from church communities. The discussion covers practical ways women, both single and married, can engage in disciple-making despite busy lives. Real-life examples and personal stories highlight the essential nature of women's involvement in ministry, offering encouragement and strategies for pastors and church leaders to foster inclusive discipleship environments. Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/  Key Takeaways  00:00 Introduction: The Importance of Gender Equality 04:56 Four Key Points on Discipleship 14:11 Challenges in Women's Discipleship 18:07 Men's Role in Supporting Women's Discipleship 26:46 Panel Discussion: Insights on Discipleship 41:56 Empowering Single Moms 52:14 Balancing Discipleship and Busy Lives 01:01:21 Encouragement for the Weary Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr See below for a longer description:  In this insightful videoo titled "Why Women Should Become Disciple Makers | Trillia Newbell," various speakers converge to elaborate on the importance of women taking active roles in discipleship within the church. The discussion is introduced by Trillia Newbell, who emphasizes gender equality in the mission of disciple-making. The initial conversation covers logistical challenges and underscores the need for family support and good will from one’s community. The dialogue transitions, to a penal where Bobby presents an earnest reflection on why women should be heavily involved in disciple-making. For a moment, listeners are asked to visualize a church devoid of women's contributions. This exercise serves to underline the essential roles women have historically played in biblical narratives—from Ruth to Mary, and further extending to modern-day church settings. Trillia Newbell also emphasizes the theological basis for women in discipleship, citing scriptures like Psalm 8 and the Great Commission. She introduces four key points to support her argument that all people, including women, are created to serve. The session continues as she elaborates on how societal constraints and gender wars often hinder women from fulfilling this divine calling. Yet, she reassures that God's design includes women actively participating in disciple-making. Further adding depth to the discussion, other speakers contribute their own experiences and observations. Arriana Rimson, shares her journey emphasizing the importance of having spiritual leaders and mentors who encourage and affirm women's roles in the church. She talks about the significance of creating space for women to use their gifts, drawing on examples from her own life including support from her local church and male colleagues. Other panel speakers recount their challenges and growth as a single mother and highlights the untapped potential within single moms for evangelism and discipleship. Both stress the importance of addressing the practical needs of single mothers as a form of holistic disciple-making. The episode’s focus shifts to practical advice, as the speakers provide actionable insights on integrating discipleship into daily routines. For mothers juggling numerous responsibilities, the speakers propose inviting others into their existing activities to foster natural and organic discipling relationships. By sharing personal stories and pragmatic suggestions, they demonstrate that disciple-making can be woven into the fabric of everyday life rather than being perceived as an added burden. Towards the end of the episode, the conversation becomes deeply personal. The speakers open up about the weariness that many—especially women—feel as they strive to fulfill their callings amidst life's demands. They offer encouragement and remind listeners of the grace and help that God provides. They also underscore the importance of communal and familial support in realizing these discipleship missions. In conclusion, the speakers reiterate that every woman, whether single, married, a mother, or a professional, has an intrinsic calling and a special place in the mission of disciple-making. They advocate for church leaders, especially male pastors, to recognize, encourage, and equip women in their congregations, creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for spiritual growth. This episode is a profound call to action, serving as both an inspirational message and a practical guide for women to embrace their roles as disciple-makers. It reassures listeners that by leaning on God's grace, they can overcome societal barriers and fulfill their divine mission within the church. Check out our Blogs: https://discipleship.org/blog/ 

Join Steve McCoy, a senior pastor and church planter behind 360 Church, as he discusses his innovative Small Circle tool designed for discipleship. He shares insights on the importance of intentional strategy and relational depth in small groups. Discover how this tool empowers everyday believers, not just leaders, through practical methods like journaling and one-to-one discipleship. Steve also highlights the app's features for tracking progress and fostering deep conversations, all while emphasizing the global reach and accessibility of discipleship resources.

Join us for the 2026 National Disciple Making Forum: https://discipleship.org/2026-national-disciple-making-forum/ Creating Authentic Disciples: Jeff Vanderstilt on Living Christ-Like Relationships In this video, Jeff Vanderstilt, the visionary leader of the Soma family of churches, emphasizes living out the love that Jesus preached in relationships. Jeff elaborates on the need to rethink church structures to foster environments that effectively make disciples. He advocates for life-on-life, life-in-community, and life-on-mission discipleship, sharing personal experiences to illustrate the transformative power of close, intentional relationships. The discussion also touches on the challenge of balancing privacy and community in the pastoral role, the importance of trust, and the necessity for dedicated spiritual mentorship. Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple making: https://discipleship.org/resources/  Key Takeaways  00:00 Introduction to Jeff Vanderstilt's Session on Relationships 01:57 Redefining Church Structure for Effective Discipleship 04:18 The Three Relational Environments Essential for Discipleship 08:05 Life in Community: Building a Discipleship Culture 11:45 Life on Mission: Discipleship in Action 14:40 Challenging Traditional Church Models for Authentic Discipleship 17:00 Embracing Kingdom Culture Over American Individualism 26:04 The Importance of Trust and Accountability in Discipleship 39:20 Closing Thoughts and Prayer

Join us for the 2026 National Disciple Making Forum: https://discipleship.org/2026-national-disciple-making-forum/  Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr Transforming Churches: 45-Degree Shifts from Addition to Multiplication - Disciple Maker's Podcast Join Josh Howard in this solo episode of the Disciple Maker's Podcast as he discusses the essential '45-degree shifts' churches need to make to transition from addition to multiplication in discipleship. Josh outlines four key shifts: moving from knowledge-based to obedience-based discipleship, transforming churches from teaching centers to training centers, focusing on God's kingdom over personal church growth, and shifting from employing to deploying people. Drawing from his 16+ years of experience on the mission field in India, Josh offers practical insights for creating a disciple-making culture within churches. Reach out to Josh for further engagement and support in making these pivotal changes. Email: josh@discipleship.org. 00:00 Introduction and Overview 00:24 Understanding the 45 Degree Shift 03:05 Shift 1: Knowledge to Obedience 05:23 Shift 2: Teaching Center to Training Center 09:08 Shift 3: My Kingdom to God's Kingdom 13:19 Shift 4: Employing to Deploying 19:32 Conclusion and Call to Action

Join us for the 2026 National Disciple Making Forum: https://discipleship.org/2026-national-disciple-making-forum/ The Power of True Discipleship and the Heart for the Lost In this compelling discussion, KP Yohanna shares his journey of faith, touching on themes of true discipleship, the importance of a heart for the lost, and the transformative power of genuine Christianity. He recounts the profound impact of his mother's unwavering dedication and prayer life, the crisis of faith he experienced during his theological studies, and the vision behind Gospel for Asia. He challenges American Christians to reevaluate their priorities and commitment to spreading the Gospel, emphasizing that true belief in Christ must be accompanied by a deep concern for the salvation of others. Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/  Key Takeaways  00:00 Introduction and Opening Thoughts 00:57 The Concept of Multiplication 03:53 Personal Testimony and Struggles 05:58 A Renewed Passion for the Lost 11:00 The Birth of the Gospel of Asia 13:00 The Reality of Hell and True Discipleship 22:48 A Mother's Influence and Sacrifice 28:59 Call to Action and Final Reflections Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr

Mastering the 15-Second Testimony: A Key Tool for Disciple Making In this episode of the Disciple Makers Podcast, host Josh Howard explores the importance of simple, reproducible tools for making disciples. Josh introduces the '15-Second Testimony,' a powerful method for sharing personal stories of faith to open hearts to the gospel. He shares his own transformative experiences and offers practical tips for creating and using these quick testimonies effectively. Whether you're a seasoned Christian or new to disciple-making, this episode equips you with a valuable tool to confidently share your faith. Tune in and learn how to be a witness of Jesus in just 15 seconds. Key Takeaways  00:00 Introduction and Core Principles 00:33 The Importance of Simple, Reproducible Tools 02:27 Introducing the 15 Second Testimony 04:16 Misconceptions About Testimonies 09:14 Josh's Personal Testimony 14:19 Creating Your Own 15 Second Testimony 18:48 Encouragement and Final Thoughts

Join us for the 2026 National Disciple Making Forum: https://discipleship.org/2026-national-disciple-making-forum/ Check out the book Discipleship: https://discipleship.org/resources/discipleshift-the-book/  Redefining Spiritual Maturity: A Journey of Love, Repentance, and Family In this discussion, a group of pastors and spiritual leaders explore the true beginning of the Christian journey. The conversation critiques the misconception that getting 'saved' is the end goal and emphasizes the ongoing process of growing in spiritual maturity. The discussion goes into the importance of repentance, heartfelt humility, and understanding our broken nature. They highlight the role of the Holy Spirit in giving believers a new heart and spiritual DNA, illustrating the growth from spiritual infancy to maturity. Emphasizing relational discipleship over mere knowledge and obedience, they argue that true spiritual maturity is rooted in genuine love for God and others. The panel reflects on the pitfalls of modern discipleship methods, the need for a redefined understanding of love, and the importance of familial relationships within the church community. Ultimately, the end goal is to mirror the love and humility of Jesus Christ, urging leaders and believers to foster deep, loving relationships as the foundation of genuine discipleship. Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/  Key Takeaways  00:00 The Journey Begins: Understanding True Spiritual Growth 03:46 The Essence of Spiritual Maturity: Beyond Knowledge and Obedience 07:14 The Heart of Maturity: Love as the Ultimate Measure 15:21 Challenges in Modern Discipleship: Addressing Misconceptions 17:05 Revolutionizing Love in Discipleship: A Call for Radical Surrender 32:01 The Role of Pastors and Leaders in Fostering True Discipleship 37:39 Concluding Thoughts on Love, Repentance, and Discipleship Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr

Join us for the 2026 National Disciple Making Forum: https://discipleship.org/2026-national-disciple-making-forum/ Understanding Spiritual Warfare & Disciple Making with Dr. Marcus Warner In this episode of the Disciple Makers Podcast, host Josh is joined by Dr. Marcus Warner from Deeper Walk to discuss the critical intersection of spiritual warfare and disciple making. Dr. Warner shares his journey from academic training to hands-on ministry, working with individuals experiencing deep spiritual struggles. The episode dives deep into identifying and combating spiritual warfare, the differences in dealing with non-Christians and Christians, and practical steps for achieving spiritual freedom. Key topics include the role of sin, occult practices, unforgiveness, lies, and lineage in spiritual bondage, and a methodical approach to breaking free. Whether you're already in ministry or looking to deepen your understanding of spiritual warfare, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable advice. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:13 Marcus Warner's Journey into Disciple Making 02:15 Academic Background and Spiritual Warfare 04:58 Evangelistic vs. Christian Spiritual Warfare 08:01 Personal Experiences with Spiritual Warfare 11:56 Theological Insights on Spiritual Warfare 18:27 Practical Steps for Addressing Spiritual Warfare 20:54 Unintentional Invitations to the Occult 21:45 The Power of Forgiveness 22:42 The Impact of Lies and Lineage 24:35 A Personal Story of Fear 27:03 The Four C's Process for Spiritual Warfare 30:19 The Importance of Full Commitment to Jesus 34:54 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/

The Authority of Scripture: A Call to True Discipleship In this powerful session, Francis Chan discusses the irreplaceable role of the Bible in true discipleship. Highlighting the importance of scripture as the guide and manual for living a God-honoring life, Chan calls for a return to trembling at God's Word. He emphasizes the necessity of obedience, moving beyond mere knowledge to living out the teachings of the Bible. Drawing insights from Isaiah 66:2 and the Great Commission, Chan and other leaders explore the challenges of contemporary discipleship, the vital connection between understanding and action, and the importance of community in obeying God's Word. This session is a call to deepen your reverence for scripture and allows it to transform both personal and communal life. Check out Discipleship.org for free resources on disciple making: https://discipleship.org/resources/  Key Takeaways  00:00 Welcome to Francis Chan's Session on Scripture and Discipleship 00:40 The Importance of Scripture in Discipleship 01:14 Embracing Scripture's Authority 01:52 Personal Transformation Through Scripture 03:08 The Power of Biblical Resources in Modern Times 03:31 Trembling at God's Word: A Call for Reverence 06:33 Obedience Over Knowledge: The True Measure of Discipleship 16:51 Embracing Suffering and Obedience in Following Christ 22:26 Practical Steps Towards Biblical Obedience and Discipleship 39:50 The Ultimate Goal: Becoming Like Christ Through Scripture   For more information about Discipleship.org. visit our website or reach out too us at info@discipleship.org Stay informed - Get our newsletter:  http://eepurl.com/hPViAr