
The Disciple Maker‘s Podcast
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.
Latest episodes

Dec 16, 2024 • 58min
A Proven Method for Discipling Women (feat. Tina Wilson)
Tina Wilson, a dynamic speaker dedicated to empowering women through faith, shares innovative methods for discipling women via deep Bible study. She discusses the transformational power of scripture, outlining techniques like 'Step Into Scripture' to enrich personal and community faith. Wilson emphasizes the importance of authenticity in spiritual journeys and provides effective strategies for leading impactful women's Bible studies. Her insights inspire listeners to foster resilience and genuine connections through intentional, structured theological engagement.

Dec 11, 2024 • 1h 1min
Overcoming Grandparenting Barriers (feat. George Posthumus)
Visit Legacy Coalition: https://legacycoalition.com/
Intentional Christian Grandparenting: Overcoming Barriers and Building Relationships
Today's episode will help us understand how to be intentional Christian grandparents, using practical tips and biblical principles to overcome common barriers and leave a lasting spiritual legacy.
In this session, we explore the significance of intentional Christian grandparenting, emphasizing the need for grandparents to be involved in the spiritual lives of their grandchildren. The speaker discusses the challenges faced by grandparents, such as geographical and relational distances, and offers practical solutions to overcome these barriers. Highlighting biblical principles from Deuteronomy 4:9 and Psalm 71:18, the session encourages grandparents to forge strong, faith-driven relationships with their grandchildren. Through personal anecdotes and actionable advice, the speaker underscores the importance of being a forgiving, intentional, and proactive grandparent, aiming to leave a lasting spiritual legacy.
Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/
Key Takeaways
00:00 Introduction to the Compass Illustration
06:00 The Importance of Biblical Grandparenting
12:39 Overcoming Grandparenting Barriers
19:05 Practical Tips for Geographical Distance
20:19 Building Relationships with Grandchildren
31:56 Creating Memories and Special Events
35:24 Responding to Relational and Spiritual Distance
35:53 Reflecting on Past Mistakes and Moving Forward
37:49 The Power of Humble Admission and Forgiveness
39:57 Reconciliation Steps and Biblical Guidance
42:53 Initiating Reconciliation with Adult Children
56:03 The Importance of Forgiveness in Relationships
01:02:40 Intentional Christian Grandparenting
01:06:33 Closing Remarks and Personal Stories
Resources on Discipleship
Reaching & Discipling Women: A Guide to Women’s Ministry in Your Church
What Is Church? And How Important Is It?
Family Discipleship Blueprint: A Year-by-Year Guide to Family Discipleship
Becoming a Disciple Maker
Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr
In this episode of "Legacy Coalition 4," the speaker offers a practical guide on intentional Christian grandparenting. He starts with a story about using a compass to illustrate the unchanging word of God, setting the stage for discussing the vital role grandparents play in their grandchildren's spiritual growth.
Highlighting the lack of church ministries for grandparents, he shares how a sermon on Deuteronomy 4:9 transformed his understanding and led him to advocate for this cause. He recounts his journey from a music-focused career to pastoral care, despite losing his hearing, and discusses Bible verses like Psalms 71:18 and 103 that emphasize the blessings of grandparenting.
The speaker addresses common barriers to grandparenting, such as geographical distance, and suggests using technology like FaceTime and BeReal to stay connected. For relational distance caused by strained family relationships, he advises forgiveness, humility, and practical reconciliation steps. To tackle spiritual distance, he recommends patience and respect for parental boundaries while finding ways to influence grandchildren spiritually.
He offers practical tips like organizing family reunions and Cousin's Camps to create bonding opportunities. Emphasizing the benefits of forgiveness, he provides reflective questions and steps for reconciliation, sharing personal anecdotes and biblical principles to underscore its importance.
The session concludes with Larry Fowler's concept of "intentional Christian grandparenting," guiding grandchildren with grace, respecting parental roles, and exemplifying a Christ-centered life. The open Q&A allows participants to share experiences and seek further advice.
This episode highlights that intentional Christian grandparenting is about living a Christ-centered life and leaving a spiritual legacy, playing a crucial role in nurturing a vibrant faith in the next generation.
Check out our Blogs: https://discipleship.org/blog/

Dec 9, 2024 • 52min
Helping Spiritual Grandchildren Navigate Their Culture (feat. George Posthumus)
Visit Legacy Coalition: https://legacycoalition.com/
Today's episode will help us understand the crucial, biblically endorsed role of grandparents in their grandchildren's spiritual formation, offering practical tips and insights to nurture their faith amidst a challenging cultural landscape.
The Vital Role of Grandparents in a Changing Culture: A Guide to Intentional Christian Grandparenting
In this episode, pastor George Postumus discusses the significant role of grandparents in the spiritual development of their grandchildren. He emphasizes the lack of focus on the third generation in churches and the importance of grandparents being actively involved in their grandchildren's lives. George highlights the biblical foundation in Deuteronomy 4:9, which calls grandparents to teach both their children and grandchildren. Sharing personal stories and practical advice, he underscores the necessity of establishing strong relationships and guiding grandchildren with love and truth. He also tackles the challenges posed by the modern, rapidly changing culture and urges grandparents to be intentional in their role. The session concludes with an encouragement to seek deeper involvement and offers resources for overcoming common grandparenting barriers.
Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/
Key Takeaways
00:00 Introduction and Initial Instructions
00:59 Casual Conversations and Greetings
10:11 Session Begins: Speaker Introduction
12:27 The Role of Grandparents in the Church
13:00 Biblical Foundations for Grandparenting
19:44 Navigating Cultural Challenges
27:30 The Importance of Absolute Truth
32:08 Using a Compass as a Metaphor for Truth
36:46 The Crisis of Faith Among Youth
37:07 The Role of Grandparents in Faith Formation
38:19 The Importance of Truth in Christian Life
41:14 Cultural Challenges and Biblical Responses
43:53 Timeless Truths for Right Living
47:05 Building Strong Relationships with Grandchildren
53:35 Launching a Grandparenting Ministry in Churches
56:16 Practical Tips and Resources for Grandparents
01:00:37 Q&A and Concluding Thoughts
Resources on Discipleship
Reaching & Discipling Women: A Guide to Women’s Ministry in Your Church
What Is Church? And How Important Is It?
Family Discipleship Blueprint: A Year-by-Year Guide to Family Discipleship
Becoming a Disciple Maker
Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr
In this episode, George Postumus, a former pastor with 39 years of experience, shares his insights on Christian grandparenting. Drawing from his own journey and biblical teachings, he emphasizes the significant role grandparents play in their grandchildren's spiritual upbringing.
George begins by addressing the misconception that grandparents are merely spectators in their grandchildren's lives. Instead, he points to Deuteronomy 4:9, which calls for their active involvement in passing down the teachings of the Lord.
Despite losing his hearing due to a disease, George continues to serve in the Legacy Coalition, encouraging grandparents to be spiritually active in their grandchildren's lives. He highlights the cultural challenges today’s grandchildren face and stresses the importance of "speaking the truth in love," as mentioned in Ephesians 4. In a world moving towards moral decay, he believes grandparents must be a voice of biblical truth.
To help grandparents fulfill this role, George offers practical steps:
Build strong relationships with their grandchildren.
Emphasize the unchanging nature of biblical truth.
Use symbols like compasses to represent the steadfast word of God.
Encourage right thinking and actions.
He uses metaphors, comparing God’s word to a compass that always points north, to illustrate these points. George also advises grandparents to avoid disciplining like parents but instead to be full of grace and truth, much like Jesus.
George addresses the alarming trend of 60-70% of young people from Christian homes leaving their faith by the end of high school. He suggests that intentional Christian grandparenting can help counter this trend by reinforcing the biblical foundation taught by their parents.
The seminar includes practical advice like scheduling one-on-one time and using meal times for spiritual discussions. George also recommends resources like the "Levitical Blessing" from Numbers 6:24-26 to impart spiritual blessings.
In summary, the seminar underscores the vital, biblically endorsed role of grandparents in their grandchildren's spiritual formation. By being intentional, loving, and truth-filled, grandparents can offer essential guidance and support, helping to nurture their grandchildren’s faith amidst a challenging cultural landscape. George’s personal experiences and practical tips provide a rich framework for grandparents to embrace this ongoing, impactful mission in the kingdom of God.
Check out our Blogs: https://discipleship.org/blog/

Dec 4, 2024 • 57min
Building Relationships as Grandparents (feat. George Posthumus)
Visit Legacy Coalition: https://legacycoalition.com/
“Today’s episode will help us actively engage in our grandchildren’s spiritual growth with practical strategies and biblical insights on being intentional, grace-filled Christian grandparents.”
Intentional Grandparenting: Equipping Grandparents with Legacy Coalition
In this comprehensive seminar, a seasoned pastor and grandparent passionately discusses the crucial role of grandparents in the spiritual growth and mentorship of their grandchildren. Starting with the foundational concepts from Deuteronomy 4:9, the session emphasizes the importance of intentional grandparenting and offers practical advice on building strong, positive relationships with grandchildren. The speaker encourages grandparents to transition from a role of control to one of influence and highlights the significance of using positive affirmations, sharing personal testimonies, and spending quality one-on-one time with grandchildren. Additionally, resources, such as children's books and structured activities like Cousin's Camp, are suggested to help reinforce these relationships. The seminar also addresses challenging family dynamics and provides strategies for navigating broken relationships with adult children. The session concludes with a discussion on the available resources and the importance of integrating grandparenting ministries into churches.
Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/
Key Takeaways
00:00 Introduction and Setup
01:13 Welcoming the Participants
07:50 Grandparenting Foundations
08:54 Personal Background and Ministry
10:15 The Importance of Deuteronomy 4:9
12:32 The Role of Grandparents
14:53 Building Relationships with Grandchildren
30:25 Practical Tips and Blessings
38:14 Expressing What's Most Important
38:37 Introducing a Special Book
39:38 Reading 'Wherever You Go, I Want You to Know'
43:18 Positive Affirmation and Intentional Grandparenting
46:56 The Control Influence Principle
50:15 Repairing Broken Relationships
55:41 Practical Activities for Grandparents
01:03:47 Resources and Support for Grandparents
01:06:52 Launching Grandparenting Ministries in Churches
Resources on Discipleship
Reaching & Discipling Women: A Guide to Women’s Ministry in Your Church
What Is Church? And How Important Is It?
Family Discipleship Blueprint: A Year-by-Year Guide to Family Discipleship
Becoming a Disciple Maker
Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr
In this episode, "Legacy Coalition 2," the focus is on how grandparents can actively and intentionally engage in their grandchildren’s spiritual growth. It starts with a brief setup and a warm welcome from the speaker, who introduces the seminar's theme.
The core message is about the unique and proactive role grandparents play in their grandchildren’s lives, supported by biblical references like Deuteronomy 4:9. Grandparents are encouraged to move beyond being passive figures and instead actively engage in teaching, sharing personal testimonies, and living out their faith.
The speaker, along with his wife Linda, shares personal stories and practical methods, including using the Levitical blessing from Numbers 6:24-26 to positively impact grandchildren. They emphasize that while parents set rules, grandparents should focus on guiding with grace and love, akin to the role of Jesus in the Bible.
Practical tips include spending one-on-one time with each grandchild, sharing personal stories, using mealtimes for deep conversations, creating special memories, and using "Let's Talk" cards for meaningful dialogue. The episode also addresses challenges, such as dealing with rebellious grandchildren and maintaining healthy relationships with adult children, stressing the importance of avoiding criticism and fostering reconciliation.
For those interested in expanding these principles into their churches, resources like the “Grandparenting Matters” seminar are recommended. The speaker concludes by emphasizing that while there’s no guaranteed formula for ensuring grandchildren's salvation, consistent prayer, genuine faith, and loving engagement are key.
In summary, the episode provides a comprehensive guide for grandparents, combining biblical foundations, personal anecdotes, and actionable strategies for impactful, intentional Christian grandparenting.
Check out our Blogs: https://discipleship.org/blog/

Dec 2, 2024 • 51min
The Biblical Basis for Grandparenting (feat. George Posthumus)
Visit Legacy Coalition: https://legacycoalition.com/
“Today’s episode will help us understand the crucial, biblically mandated role of grandparents in nurturing their grandchildren's Christian faith and provide practical strategies for active spiritual engagement.”
The Role of Grandparents in Christian Discipleship | Featuring George Postumus
George Postumus, a pastor with 39 years of experience and a staff member of Legacy Coalition, discusses the vital role of grandparents in Christian discipleship. Addressing a room of grandparents, Postumus emphasizes that the Bible commands Christians to teach both their children and grandchildren. He shares personal experiences, Scripture references, particularly Deuteronomy 4:9 and Psalm 78, and offers practical advice on intentional Christian grandparenting. Throughout the video, George addresses common misconceptions and cultural barriers, urging grandparents to actively share their faith with their grandchildren. The session includes prayers, personal anecdotes, and an invitation to integrate this ministry into church life.
Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/
Key Takeaways
00:00 Introduction and Initial Setup
00:07 Counting Grandchildren and Ministry Introduction
01:01 Opening Prayer and Speaker Introduction
01:47 Personal Background and Ministry Importance
03:57 Family Introduction and Long-Distance Grandparenting
05:51 Biblical Perspective on Grandparenting
07:15 Discovering the Role of Christian Grandparents
11:27 The Importance of Passing Down Faith
16:03 Challenges and Strategies in Grandparenting
25:28 Generational Decline and the Role of the Church
31:28 The Rise of Grandparenting Ministry
32:03 The Biblical Mandate for Grandparents
33:14 Preparing Grandkids for the Future
34:00 The Influence of Grandparents
34:40 Passing on Your Faith
36:04 Communicating Spiritual Joy
41:47 The Importance of the Soul
44:03 Types of Grandparents
47:46 Launching Grandparenting Ministries in Churches
58:22 Engaging with Grandkids Spiritually
Resources on Discipleship
Reaching & Discipling Women: A Guide to Women’s Ministry in Your Church
What Is Church? And How Important Is It?
Family Discipleship Blueprint: A Year-by-Year Guide to Family Discipleship
Becoming a Disciple Maker
Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr
In this episode, titled "Legacy Coalition 1," George Postumus discusses the vital role of grandparents in nurturing Christian faith within their families. He begins by sharing his personal story, including his struggle with hearing loss and use of an auditory brainstem implant, which affects his speaking style.
The main focus of George's message is the biblical importance of grandparents as spiritual guides. He highlights the need for grandparents to intentionally embrace their role in their grandchildren's spiritual upbringing, referencing Deuteronomy 4:9 and Psalm 78. He stresses that grandparenting is a crucial, scripturally mandated responsibility.
George shares how his understanding of this role evolved after attending a conference led by Larry Fowler. He offers practical advice for grandparents, encouraging them to actively engage in their own spiritual health and in teaching their grandchildren. He refutes the cultural notion that grandparents should take a backseat in matters of faith.
He emphasizes that grandparents should support parents and play an active, influential role in their grandchildren’s spiritual education. George provides practical tips such as having conversations about God, praying together, and sharing biblical stories. He highlights the ultimate goal of ensuring grandchildren's salvation and spiritual well-being.
George concludes by offering resources and suggesting ways for churches to support grandparent-focused ministries, advocating for the integration of grandparents into church activities. His message is a powerful call for grandparents to embrace their significant influence and follow biblical guidance to support their family's faith journeys and impact future generations.
Check out our Blogs: https://discipleship.org/blog/

Nov 27, 2024 • 58min
How to Effectively Create Personal Spiritual Transformation in the Lives of Your Church Staff, Elders and Congregation (feat. David Roadcup)
Visit TCM: https://www.tcmi.org/
In this episode, David Roadcup, a professor of discipleship and spiritual formation at TCMI Institute, shares his experiences and insights on effective spiritual leadership. With over 30 years of experience and a focus on spiritual transformation, David discusses various elements crucial for fostering personal and communal spiritual growth. He touches on the importance of prayer, community, and the role of the Holy Spirit in achieving spiritual maturity. He also emphasizes the significance of having spiritually transformative practices within church staff and leadership, including consistent prayer meetings, retreats, and daily spiritual discipline. Tune in for a comprehensive guide on cultivating a spiritually enriching environment in your church.
Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/
Key Takeaways
00:00 Introduction and Setup
05:53 Introduction to David Roadcup and TCMI Institute
07:08 Challenges and Opportunities in Ministry
10:53 Workshop Introduction: Creating Spiritual Transformation
11:20 The Ultimate Goal of Church Leadership
13:10 Paul's Mission and Spiritual Maturity
20:18 Daily Commitment to Following Jesus
30:56 The Process of Spiritual Transformation
37:07 The Importance of Spiritual Disciplines
38:30 Recognizing Spiritual Transformation
40:21 Personal Testimony and Stewardship
43:21 Spiritual Growth in Church Leadership
47:35 Creating a Culture of Prayer and Content
53:25 The Value of Retreats and Fun Activities
58:14 Elder Selection and Unity
01:03:07 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
Resources on Discipleship
Reaching & Discipling Women: A Guide to Women’s Ministry in Your Church
What Is Church? And How Important Is It?
Family Discipleship Blueprint: A Year-by-Year Guide to Family Discipleship
Becoming a Disciple Maker
Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr
The episode starts with casual conversations before David Roadcup introduces himself as a professor at TCM Institute. He discusses TCM's significant reach, with 2,600 students from 55 countries, and the impact of their work, especially in Europe and Central Asia. He also touches on challenges like the war in Russia and Ukraine affecting student visas. David shares personal stories about his marriage, family, and career path, expressing joy in his role at TCM.
Shifting to the core topic of spiritual transformation, David emphasizes that the primary goal of church leadership is to present spiritually mature individuals to Jesus Christ. He cites Colossians 1:28-29 and explains the Greek term "teleos," meaning complete or mature. David highlights that spiritual transformation starts with the Holy Spirit and is a lifelong process. He shares his own journey, emphasizing the importance of the Word of God, fellowship, obedience, ministry, and spiritual disciplines.
David discusses practical applications, criticizing superficial benchmarks for church members and advocating for genuine heart-and-will surrender to God. He provides indicators of spiritual transformation, such as conversation topics, priorities, attitudes, and behavior.
In the latter part of his lecture, David stresses the importance of spiritual growth among church leaders, sharing his consulting experiences and the need for unity. He suggests practices like prayer sessions, retreats, and continuous learning to foster spiritual growth. David concludes with a call to action for church leaders to focus on spiritual nourishment and unity, creating a supportive and growth-oriented culture within the church.
The episode ends with personal interactions and endorsements of his talk, showing that attendees resonated with his message and sought further materials to implement in their contexts.
In summary, David Roadcup offers a deeply theological and practical approach to spiritual transformation, emphasizing genuine, heart-centered growth for both individuals and church leaders.
Check out our Blogs: https://discipleship.org/blog/

Nov 25, 2024 • 1h 4min
How to Prepare, Train and Motivate the Members of Your Discipling Group to Actually and Effectively Disciple Others (feat. David Roadcup)
Visit TCM: https://www.tcmi.org/
Building an Effective Discipling Ministry: Insights from David Roadcup
Join David Roadcup, a professor at TCMI Institute, as he shares valuable insights on creating a sustainable and impactful discipling ministry within your church. In this comprehensive discussion, David covers foundational principles such as prayer, fasting, and the importance of scripture, as well as practical steps for recruiting and training leaders. He also emphasizes the significance of having church leadership on board and the power of suggestion in influencing potential leaders. David shares success stories and key strategies for growing an effective small group ministry that fosters spiritual maturity and leadership within the congregation. Whether you're a church leader or active member, this session provides actionable guidance to help your discipling ministry thrive.
Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/
Key Takeaways
00:00 Introduction and Greetings
01:51 Discussion on Coastal Cities
02:33 Church Roles and Responsibilities
03:05 Challenges in Church Discipleship
07:52 Introduction to the Session
08:45 Keys to Effective Discipleship
10:21 Personal Background and Prayer
11:46 Importance of the Word and Prayer
26:10 Creating Relationships for Discipleship
27:48 Leadership Support and Vision
37:38 Overwhelming Acts of Kindness
39:05 The Power of Small Groups
39:45 Effective Leadership in Small Groups
40:49 Recruiting for Discipleship
43:06 The Covenant Commitment
53:16 The Power of Suggestion
01:04:33 Sustaining Discipleship Groups
01:08:35 A Vision for Citywide Transformation
Resources on Discipleship
Reaching & Discipling Women: A Guide to Women’s Ministry in Your Church
What Is Church? And How Important Is It?
Family Discipleship Blueprint: A Year-by-Year Guide to Family Discipleship
Becoming a Disciple Maker
Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr
The episode focuses on session led by David Roadcup, a professor at TCMI Institute, about developing an effective and authentic discipling ministry within the church. Roadcup shares key strategies and elements for building a lasting and impactful ministry, drawing from his extensive experience.
The seminar starts with anecdotes from church life, setting the stage for a deeper dive into discipling ministries. Roadcup discusses his background at TCMI Institute and the institute's campuses in Vienna and Indianapolis, adding credibility to his insights.
A major theme is the cyclical nature of discipleship, where those discipled go on to disciple others. Roadcup emphasizes the importance of a structured approach, including prayer, fasting, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. He underscores the need for church leaders to fully support and lead the disciple-making efforts, fostering a culture of discipleship through strong, trusting relationships.
Roadcup also covers practical steps for recruiting leaders and participants, advising a focus on quality over quantity. He highlights the importance of a covenanted commitment from all members to ensure accountability and dedication.
An interesting technique he mentions is the power of suggestion, encouraging members to consider future leadership roles without pressure. Roadcup also stresses leader care, emphasizing ongoing support and mentorship to maintain the ministry's effectiveness.
To illustrate the impact, Roadcup shares success stories, including his own church group that grew exponentially and even inspired community outreach among police officers, firefighters, and teachers, showcasing the potential for widespread transformation through disciplined discipleship.
Check out our Blogs: https://discipleship.org/blog/

Nov 20, 2024 • 1h 3min
The 7 Most Critical Elements of Jesus' Disciple Making Approach: How To Understand and Apply Them to Your Discipling Ministry (feat. David Roadcup)
Visit TCM: https://www.tcmi.org/
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=nvdt0m5XKyQ&feature=youtu.be
Join Professor David Roedkup from TCMI Institute as he dives into the concept of disciple making. Taken during a morning session at our National Disciple Making Forum, this session provides an in-depth overview of how Jesus Christ trained his disciples, emphasizing the importance of selection, association, and commitment in creating effective disciple groups. David shares his personal experiences from over 57 years of marriage, nine years with TCM, and insights gained from teaching and ministry. Learn the timeless methods of discipleship, how they can be applied in modern-day settings, and how consistent dedication can lead to spiritual transformation in youth, men, and women. Perfect for church leaders, educators, and anyone passionate about fostering deep, genuine faith in their communities.
Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/
Key Takeaways
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:50 Background and Experience
02:07 Prayer and Blessings
02:49 Jesus' Training Methods
06:37 Personal Discipling Journey
15:18 Commitment and Persistence in Discipling
19:07 Effective Discipling Strategies
23:44 Challenges and Successes
32:22 Selection of Disciples
34:03 Reflecting on Last Year's Journey
34:18 The Commitment of Discipleship
35:19 Recruiting the Right People
43:04 The Importance of Association
50:14 Teaching and Demonstration
53:48 Delegation and Supervision
56:53 Reproduction and Multiplication
01:01:11 Addressing Challenges and Questions
Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViA
Check out our Blogs: https://discipleship.org/blog/

Nov 18, 2024 • 53min
Taking Serious Next Steps in Your Personal Spiritual Development (feat. David Roadcup)
Join Matt Dabbs from discipleship.org as he engages in a conversation with David Roadcup, the professor of discipleship at TCM and partner ministry with discipleship.org. David shares his deep passion for discipleship and spiritual disciplines, highlighting foundational aspects for effective ministry and personal growth. He emphasizes the importance of a strong spiritual foundation, nurtured through practices like prayer, fasting, and solitude. David also recommends key books on spiritual disciplines and expounds on essential priorities for a Christian's daily walk. Together, they discuss the critical nature of a relationship with Jesus, God's immense love, and the need for intentionality in spiritual formation. This enriching discussion is filled with practical wisdom and heartfelt encouragement for anyone seeking to deepen their spiritual journey.
Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/
Key Takeaways
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:55 The Importance of a Strong Foundation
03:42 The Role of Spiritual Disciplines
06:25 Recommended Books on Spiritual Disciplines
07:41 Developing a Singular Focus Priority
15:16 God's Call for Growth
26:11 Breaking Free from Legalism
26:47 God's Love and Relationship with Us
28:38 Building and Maintaining Relationships
29:32 Mental and Emotional Commitment to God
30:10 The Intimacy of God's Love
31:12 The Promise of Eternal Union with God
32:57 Overcoming Guilt and Embracing God's Love
34:06 Practical Steps for Spiritual Growth
36:13 The Power of Biblical Meditation
46:13 Intentionality in Spiritual Formation
49:26 Final Thoughts on Grace and Gratitude
Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr
Check out our Blogs: https://discipleship.org/blog/

Nov 13, 2024 • 1h 3min
Discipleship and the Demonic (feat. Shodankeh Johnson)
Click here to view RENEW.org – https://renew.org/
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Understanding Spiritual Warfare: Equipping Disciples for Battle
In this session, we dive into the reality of spiritual warfare, a critical but often overlooked aspect of the Christian journey. Emphasizing its biblical foundation, the speaker discusses the necessity of acknowledging and addressing spiritual battles in disciple-making. The session covers profound insights into the nature of spiritual warfare, the importance of prayer and fasting, and the use of God-given spiritual weapons. Personal anecdotes highlight the challenges and triumphs faced, providing encouragement and practical advice for believers and disciple-makers. The speaker calls for a deeper understanding of spiritual warfare to strengthen faith and foster resilience against the enemy's attacks.
Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/
Check out Discipleship.org Audio Books: https://discipleship.org/resources/ebooks/
Key Takeaways
00:00 Introduction and Opening Prayer
02:01 Understanding Spiritual Warfare
04:14 The Reality of Spiritual Battles
05:01 The Importance of Coaching Disciples
10:09 The Power of Prayer and Worship
11:11 Personal Testimony of Loss and Faith
20:39 Practical Insights on Spiritual Warfare
28:37 Divine Weapons and Spiritual Armor
32:23 Morning Prayer and Armor of God
33:44 Understanding Satan's Activities
34:32 Accusations and Deception by Satan
35:58 The Power of Resurrection
41:00 Territorial and Ideological Strongholds
44:38 Personal Strongholds and Overcoming Fear
51:02 Spiritual Weapons and Stronghold Warfare
55:03 Questions and Practical Advice
01:00:43 Concluding Prayer and Blessings
Resources on Discipleship
Reaching & Discipling Women: A Guide to Women’s Ministry in Your Church
What Is Church? And How Important Is It?
Family Discipleship Blueprint: A Year-by-Year Guide to Family Discipleship
Becoming a Disciple Maker
In this episode we dive into the reality of spiritual warfare in the context of discipleship. Shodankeh Johnson starts by asking everyone to pray for insight and understanding, stressing that acknowledging spiritual warfare is crucial despite its often-avoided nature. He emphasizes that spiritual warfare, as described in both the Old and New Testaments, is a constant battle between good and evil, mirroring Jesus' own encounters with the enemy.
The episode highlights that neglecting spiritual warfare makes disciples vulnerable to fear and ignorance. The speaker insists that belief in spiritual warfare is as fundamental as gravity—it's real whether or not we believe in it. He stresses that the focus should be on teaching the relevance of God’s word rather than proving it.
Through personal stories, the speaker illustrates the impact of spiritual warfare. He shares how the unexpected death of his son, initially seen as a defeat, ultimately strengthened many people’s faith and attracted new believers. Another story involves a life-threatening incident that was averted through divine insight.
Practical steps for engaging in spiritual warfare are discussed, including the power of prayer and worship as vital tools. Ephesians 6:12 is referenced to remind us that the true battle is spiritual, not physical. The speaker outlines the essential aspects of spiritual warfare: recognizing ongoing battles, understanding the nature of the conflict, and using God’s armor effectively.
He identifies five key activities of Satan—afflicting, accusing, instigating, deceiving, and causing fruitlessness—and describes three types of strongholds—territorial, ideological, and personal. Strategies to break these strongholds include using Scripture, relying on the Holy Spirit, and engaging in prayer and fasting.
The episode wraps up with a Q&A session, addressing practical concerns about handling church opposition and encouraging new believers to adopt spiritual practices.
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