The Disciple Maker‘s Podcast

Click here to view Relational Discipleship Network: https://rdn.org/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw8MG1BhCoARIsAHxSiQmiFG0czO2HClUqBDVxT9NZHAYaOm_Jrf0WGacBvXTl_ihES3joJ6kaAu_UEALw_wcB  RSVP for our Disciple Making Sunday event in Marion, IA – https://discipleship.org/one-day-events/  “Today’s episode will help us understand the importance of active leadership involvement, personal engagement, and maintaining a healthy culture for effective discipleship within churches.” Get The Disciple Makers Podcast Premium Feed: https://disciplemakerspodcast.supercast.com/    Building a Discipleship Culture: Insights from the Relational Discipleship Network Join Moose, the director of the Relational Discipleship Network, as he discusses the importance of building a culture of discipleship within churches. In this session, Moose emphasizes the role of leaders in embodying and modeling discipleship, grounded in the teachings and methodologies of Jesus. He explains the significance of integrating a discipleship culture that includes coaching, collaborative effort, and maintaining strong relational values. The session also includes practical advice on managing and assessing church culture, with real-life examples and strategies for fostering a supportive, accountable, and engaging church environment. Special guests and coaches share their experiences in transforming church cultures, highlighting the imperative of relational and intentional discipling for effective ministry. 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 Purpose 00:08 The Importance of Culture in Discipleship 00:46 The Role of Leadership in Shaping Culture 01:14 Understanding and Experiencing Discipleship 01:51 The Dangers of Isolation 04:12 Personal Reflections on Leadership and Family 07:39 Defining and Managing Culture 17:39 Jesus' Approach to Discipleship 27:02 Celebrating Successes and Building a Positive Culture 28:07 Embracing Failures in Staff Meetings 29:00 Addressing Cultural Tolerances in Church 30:53 Shifting Church Culture: A Personal Journey 33:04 The Importance of Culture in Ministry 36:18 Building Trust and Humility in Leadership 41:20 Prioritizing Relationships Over Tasks 42:58 Learning from Leadership Mistakes 45:35 Maintaining a Healthy Church Culture 52:17 The Role of Fun and Collaboration 54:23 The Value of Short, Memorable Core Values 56:05 The Journey to Effective Discipleship 59:17 Upcoming Sessions and Final 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 Follow us at Discipleship.org!

Click here to view Sustainable Discipleship: https://www.sustainable-discipleship.com/  Discipleship.org upcoming One-Days https://discipleship.org/one-day-events/    Get The Disciple Makers Podcast Premium Feed: https://disciplemakerspodcast.supercast.com/    Creating a Culture of Disciple Making: Beyond High Chairs and Teen Pregnancy “Today’s episode will help us understand the importance of fostering spiritual maturity in discipleship, addressing systemic issues in church culture, and ensuring that believers are prepared before they make disciples.” This episode dives into the concept of 'Super Successful Disciple Making Culture' by exploring unconventional metaphors such as high chairs, teen pregnancy, and barrenness. Doug critiques the current church culture of spoon-feeding and retaining followers, arguing for the need to raise mature and independent disciples who can fulfill the Great Commission. By discussing personal parenting experiences and church dynamics, the speaker emphasizes the importance of releasing well-prepared and confident disciples. The episode wraps up with data on the necessity of scalable disciple-making strategies and a call to action for viewers to proactively disciple six people. 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: Super Successful Disciple in Making Culture 00:24 High Chairs and Disciple Making 01:26 Challenges in Church Culture 04:42 Personal Parenting Philosophy 09:13 Defining Disciple Making 15:13 Teen Pregnancy and Disciple Making 19:25 The Importance of Maturity in Leadership 19:42 Challenges in Disciple Making 20:06 The Need for Patience and Growth 21:47 Encouragement and Solutions 22:41 Understanding Barrenness in Disciple Making 24:32 The Reality of Discipleship in Modern Churches 26:43 Data-Driven Insights on Discipleship 33:36 Call to Action: Making Disciples 36:44 Rediscovering the Joy of Discipleship Follow us at Discipleship.org!

Click here to view Sustainable Discipleship: https://www.sustainable-discipleship.com/  Get The Disciple Makers Podcast Premium Feed: https://disciplemakerspodcast.supercast.com/  “Today’s episode will help us understand the commitment and strategic insights needed for effective disciple-making, using Texas Hold'em poker as a metaphor to illustrate practical, data-informed, and biblical approaches.” In this episode, we explore when and how to go 'all in' with disciple making, paralleling the approach to Texas Hold'em poker. Understanding the importance of calculated risks, reading the room, and the significance of building a strategy are key components discussed. The speaker emphasizes building a disciple-making culture within the church, underscoring the necessity to adapt strategies based on God's Word, foster genuine relationships, and take bold steps to ensure enduring impact. Learn the 'rules' of disciple making, believe in them, and implement them effectively to transform lives and communities. 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: When to Go All In 07:58 The Urgency of Going All In 11:11 God's Way of Making Disciples 15:40 Struggles with Health and Diet 22:16 Building a Strategy for Discipleship 25:52 Executing the Strategy and Embracing Change 30:52 Concluding Thoughts and Q&A Follow us at Discipleship.org!

Click here to view Discipleship.org One Day Events: https://discipleship.org/one-day-events/  “Today’s episode will help us rethink traditional disciple-making methods, emphasizing transformative relationships over numerical growth and guiding us through practical, data-informed, and biblical approaches to sustainable discipleship.” Get The Disciple Makers Podcast Premium Feed: https://disciplemakerspodcast.supercast.com/  In this session, Doug tackles the topic of church growth and disciple making. Drawing comparisons with Jesus's ministry and statistical data, he emphasizes the importance of individual transformation over mere numerical growth. The discussion covers the idea that real disciple making often leads to temporary 'shrinkage' before genuine growth, and outlines practical methods for sustaining and nurturing disciples. Topics include addressing resistance in leadership, the importance of commitment, and effective strategies for implementing a successful disciple making program. 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: What Does Shrinkage Have to Do with Disciple Making? 13:04 Stages of Disciple Making 18:45 The Cell Stage: Conviction and Change 29:49 Rescue Techniques for Struggling Disciples 32:10 The Repertory Stage: Fixing the Church 36:47 The Shrinkage Stage: Accountability and Loss 38:24 Seeking Stage: Embracing Evangelism Doug's blend of humor and conviction compels listeners to rethink conventional disciple-making methods, emphasizing quality over quantity and resilience in the pursuit of authentic transformation. The episode provides a comprehensive exploration of sustainable discipleship, bridging scriptural wisdom with practical application. Follow us at Discipleship.org!

Click here to view Sustainable Discipleship: https://www.sustainable-discipleship.com/  Get The Disciple Makers Podcast Premium Feed: https://disciplemakerspodcast.supercast.com/  “Today’s episode will help us understand the importance of practical, Scripture-based discipleship methods that focus on transformation, intentionality, and long-term independence in making disciples.” Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr   In this episode we feature Doug Burrier from Sustainable Discipleship. He emphasizes the importance of practicality, passion, and personal transformation in creating a successful disciple-making culture. Through humorous anecdotes and powerful examples, he outlines a simple yet effective methodology for making disciples who are prepared, confident, and skilled. The speaker also addresses common challenges, such as leadership resistance, and highlights the necessity of adopting a genuine disciple-making model for long-term impact. Join this session to discover actionable insights and proven strategies for transforming lives and fostering a thriving disciple-making community. Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/  Check out Discipleship.org Audio Books: https://discipleship.org/resources/ebooks/  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 Follow us at Discipleship.org!

Click here to view BetterMan: https://betterman.com/  Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr   Get The Disciple Makers Podcast Premium Feed: https://disciplemakerspodcast.supercast.com/    This insightful discussion tackles the significant religious shift in North America, highlighting the alarming decline in male church attendance and engagement. With references to Jim Davis's 'The Great Dechurching,' the speaker emphasizes the critical role of men in the church and society. Addressing how societal views have vilified men, the script suggests a shift from shame-based to affirmational methods to encourage men's return to church. It underscores the importance of wisdom, strong familial structures, and the pivotal role fathers play in mending homes, churches, and communities. The discussion also explores practical steps for church leaders and fathers to nurture a spiritually strong and knowledgeable generation. 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 The Role of Men in the Church 07:25 The Importance of Fathers 18:51 Wisdom and Fatherhood 29:12 Chick-fil-A Obsession 35:44 Challenges of Modern Manhood 37:23 The Role of Fathers in Discipleship 44:58 Effective Communication 49:58 The Power of Asking Questions 53:45 Closing Thoughts and Prayer 54:24 Q&A Session Resources on Manhood  Discipleship in the Modern Church: Empowering Men | Chris Harper How to Disciple Men Q&A | Anthony Walker, Chris Harper & Bobby Harrington How to Disciple Men | Chris Harper Breakout Forum 4: How Discipling Men Changes Everything  (2016 Nat'l Forum) In this episode we dive into the pressing issue of men withdrawing from both the church and society, exploring the deep-rooted cultural and family problems behind this trend. The discussion highlights a troubling fact from Jim Davis's book, "The Great Dechurching": nearly 45 million people in North America have stopped attending church over the past two decades. The episode reveals a significant gender gap in church attendance, with congregations typically being 61% female and 39% male. This disparity reflects a broader societal issue where men are undervalued and underrepresented. The lack of male engagement with faith is seen as a barrier to their spiritual growth and leadership in their families and communities. Oxford researcher Jim McNamara points out that mass media often portrays men negatively, which erodes their self-worth and further decreases their involvement in religious settings. Rather than shaming men into returning to church, the episode advocates for affirming and encouraging them. It stresses the need to educate and mentor men, helping them understand their roles and responsibilities rather than reprimanding them. Kent Evans, founder of Manhood Journey, is introduced as a key advocate for revitalizing the family as the cornerstone of society. His focus is on equipping fathers to raise godly men, which strengthens families and churches. Evans shares personal stories and insights on fatherhood, highlighting the importance of wisdom, communication, and aligning actions with God's teachings. He also addresses common challenges fathers face, such as time management and communication, and offers practical advice on improving these areas. The episode concludes with an interactive segment where Evans discusses wisdom through the book of Proverbs, urging fathers to lead by example and be open to feedback.   In summary, "BetterMan 4" calls for a reevaluation of how the church engages with men, promoting a supportive and empowering approach that encourages men to embrace their roles as leaders in their families and communities. Follow us at Discipleship.org!

Click here to view BetterMan: https://betterman.com/  Get The Disciple Makers Podcast Premium Feed: https://disciplemakerspodcast.supercast.com/    Join us in this session of BetterMan as we dive deep into the importance of men engaging with the word of God. Chris Harper and Delario Bolton discuss the foundation of Better Man, emphasizing God's word and community. Learn why loneliness and isolation are significant threats to men's lives today and how Better Man addresses these issues. Delario shares a touching personal story and highlights the core beliefs of Better Man centered on loving, protecting, and serving. Chris Harper provides practical steps on how men can understand and apply the Bible in their daily lives, drawing insights from profound biblical lessons. Engage with a Q&A that covers various aspects of male involvement in faith communities, strategies to attract men to church activities, and the vital role of women in supporting this mission. Don't miss out on these timeless lessons and inspirational stories aimed at transforming lives. 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 Session Overview 06:58 The Story of Jephthah 11:09 Lessons from Jephthah's Vow 13:28 The Importance of Knowing God's Word 20:11 Practical Ways to Engage with the Bible 35:39 Renewal of the Mind 40:09 Practical Advice for Bible Reading 46:47 Encouraging Men to Engage 54:17 The Role of Women in Supporting Men 58:18 Closing Prayer and Final Thoughts Resources on Manhood  Discipleship in the Modern Church: Empowering Men | Chris Harper How to Disciple Men Q&A | Anthony Walker, Chris Harper & Bobby Harrington How to Disciple Men | Chris Harper Breakout Forum 4: How Discipling Men Changes Everything  (2016 Nat'l Forum) Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr This episode dives into the theme of godly manhood, emphasizing its roots in the word of God and community, as taught by the Better Man program. Right from the start, the speakers stress the importance of beginning the day with spiritual engagement, grounding daily activities in God's teachings. They outline key topics like complementarianism and manhood, highlighting the need for men to engage with the word of God in these areas. One speaker shares a personal story about giving an invocation at a nonprofit event for abused women. Despite advice to avoid mentioning Jesus, he insisted on doing so, demonstrating that true manhood follows Jesus's example. The narrative highlights Better Man's pillars: God's word and community, citing a U.S. Surgeon General’s statistic that loneliness and isolation are top killers of men. Better Man combats this by offering God's word and community. Introducing Delario Bolton, Better Man's National Launch Director, the session discusses men's current relationship with God's word and necessary actions. Delario outlines Better Man's four core beliefs: following God's word, loving and serving God's woman, improving God's world, and leading with biblical courage. Delario uses anecdotes, like his grandmother’s frequent Proverbs citations, to stress wisdom and scriptural foundations. He also shares American Bible Society statistics showing older Southern Black women as the biggest Bible readers, while 18 to 40-year-old males from the Northeast are the least engaged—a significant concern. The lesson delves into the biblical story of Jephthah from Judges 11, highlighting the dangers of ignorance of God’s word. Delario emphasizes that men should read the Bible as sons gaining wisdom, brothers sharpening each other, and fathers imparting knowledge. Men are encouraged to use a Bible reading methodology with five key questions: What does this passage say about God? About me? Is there a principle to apply? A promise to cling to? A sin to avoid? This practice helps build personal biblical understanding and reduces dependence on external interpretations. A humorous anecdote about a drone mishap underscores the importance of engaging with the Bible, likening it to an instruction manual for life. The speakers address the issue of biblical illiteracy despite easy access to scriptures, arguing that knowing God's word is crucial for leading families and communities. In the Q&A session, practical questions arise, such as how to get men into Bible study groups. The response suggests engaging approaches rooted in real needs. Another question on men and women’s spiritual relationships highlights the positive impact women can have in encouraging men’s faith. The episode concludes by reiterating Better Man's core principles: deep Bible engagement, strong community bonds, and transforming lives through God's teachings. The speakers challenge men to be torchbearers of faith, biblical truth, and godly manhood, as exemplified by Jesus Christ. Follow us at Discipleship.org!

Get The Disciple Makers Podcast Premium Feed: https://disciplemakerspodcast.supercast.com/    Click here to view BetterMan: https://betterman.com/  Join Chris Harper from Better Man at Discipleship.org as he passionately discusses the crucial need for genuine discipleship in men's ministries. With over 30 years of history evolving from Men's Fraternity to Authentic Manhood, and now Better Man, Harper emphasizes the substantial gap in men's ministries and the pressing need to reclaim authentic manhood. He explores causes like the 'curse of modernity,' historical church movements, and the feminization of the church, offering a comprehensive, clear path to restoration. Through personal anecdotes and concrete steps, Harper illustrates how returning to multi-generational, gender-based discipleship can vitalize the church and cultivate real transformation in men's lives. 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 Background 13:18 The Importance of Multigenerational Discipleship 28:13 The Path to Winning Men Back to Church 30:54 The Concept of Better Man 36:23 The Father's Blessing 57:11 Closing Remarks and Prayer Resources on Manhood  Discipleship in the Modern Church: Empowering Men | Chris Harper How to Disciple Men Q&A | Anthony Walker, Chris Harper & Bobby Harrington How to Disciple Men | Chris Harper Breakout Forum 4: How Discipling Men Changes Everything  (2016 Nat'l Forum)   Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr   In this episode, Chris from Better Man leads a discussion about men's discipleship. Better Man, which builds on 30 years of men's fraternity and manhood initiatives, now focuses on Millennials, Gen Z, and Gen Alpha. Chris points out the urgent need for men to be guided spiritually, noting that while 80% of Western churches have functional women's ministries, fewer than 7% have similar programs for men. He critiques superficial men's ministries that only offer occasional gatherings. Chris introduces Better Man's two-year program designed to create effective men's ministries. Instead of reinventing manhood, the program aims to restore it, modeled after Jesus Christ as the ultimate example. Using anecdotes like his conversation with his son about a classic car's lack of Bluetooth, Chris emphasizes restoring rather than modernizing, aligning this idea with Ephesians 2:8-10, which describes men as God's masterpieces meant to be restored to their original value. Chris highlights a masculinity crisis, noting that 41% of men now grow up in fatherless homes, compared to 4% in 1960. He links this to a generational disconnect in values, similar to the biblical Judges 2 scenario where a new generation lacked knowledge of the Lord. He attributes today's issues in men's discipleship to three historical shifts: Curse of Modernity: This era, as discussed by Anthony Gideons, saw men shift their spiritual responsibilities to church leaders, turning pastors into potential celebrities and distancing men from active church roles. Church Growth Missteps: Based on Donald McGavran’s 1970 book, churches focused on attracting children and women, which feminized many congregations and led to male disengagement, with women outnumbering men in church activities. Shift to Communal Spaces: From the 1980s, church education moved to age-segregated life groups, which stifled multi-generational discipleship. Chris advocates for a return to mentoring models where older men guide younger ones. Chris also addresses the "masculinity fog," where confusion about manhood leads to flawed types of men: Uninitiated Men: Passively follow their wives, lacking direction. Self-Initiated Men: Pursue accolades at the expense of their personal and professional lives. Peer Initiated Men: Engage in prolonged adolescence without real growth. Culture-Initiated Men: Follow societal trends due to weak foundational principles. In contrast, Chris calls for "Spirit-Initiated Men," like Caleb from the Bible, who have the courage and spirit to follow God’s path.   Follow us at Discipleship.org!

Click here to view The Navigators Church Ministry: https://www.navigators.org/  Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr Creating a Disciple-Making Culture: Insights and Methods In this episode, Vicki Gatchell from Navigators Church Ministries discusses the importance of creating intentional disciple-making cultures within communities and churches. She shares personal stories, practical steps, and biblical foundations for building effective networks aimed at making disciples who make disciples. Key topics include forming networks, the importance of relational ministry, and engaging with the community through various strategies. Join in as Vicki and her team provide valuable lessons and inspiration for transforming communities through disciple-making. 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 Remarks 01:32 Personal Background and Ministry Journey 03:52 Understanding and Building Disciple-Making Cultures 05:41 Community Impact and Cultural Stories 09:22 Strategies for Effective Disciple-Making 19:23 Networking and Collaboration 25:21 Scriptural Foundations and Examples 33:39 Practical Steps and Final Thoughts Resources on Disciple Making Culture  Disciple Making Culture Visual Introduction Cultivating a Disciple-Making Culture at Your Church Disciple-Making Culture This episode features Vicki Gatchel from Navigators Church Ministries, based in the Greater Fort Wayne, Indiana area. The session begins with a warm acknowledgment of the beautiful weather, highlighting the importance of starting on time and expressing gratitude for everyone’s eagerness to participate and learn together. Vicki opens the session with a heartfelt prayer, seeking divine guidance and unity among the participants. She then shares her personal and professional journey, recounting her experience with Navigators Collegiate at Ohio State in the 1980s, which played a crucial role in her spiritual development. Vicki describes her transition from a successful career in physical therapy to full-time vocational ministry, emphasizing the fulfillment she finds in helping churches cultivate a culture of disciple-making. The session highlights the critical importance of developing a disciple-making culture within churches. Vicki reflects on themes introduced by previous speakers, such as intentionality and the significance of building core teams—groups of individuals united by a common vision, ownership, relational resilience, and endurance in their mission. Vicki shares personal anecdotes that illustrate how her family has influenced her ministry work, including the academic and professional pursuits of her daughters. She discusses her youngest daughter's experience of cultural transition after moving to Hicksville, Ohio, using this story to illustrate how different community values shape behaviors. This serves as a parallel to how intentional disciple-making can transform church cultures. To guide attendees in fostering intentional disciple-making, Vicki outlines a three-step model: "go to," "come to," and "do good." She emphasizes the importance of actively engaging with the community by building genuine relationships, participating in local organizations, and performing acts of kindness without expecting anything in return. The ultimate goal is to embody Christ-like love, creating a welcoming environment that naturally leads to spiritual conversations and discipleship opportunities. Throughout the session, Vicki supports her points with scriptural foundations, citing passages from Colossians that highlight how early Christians formed supportive communities. These biblical examples provide a blueprint for modern churches to collaborate and extend their impact beyond individual congregations. Vicki reinforces her message with practical examples from her work in Fort Wayne, discussing how local networks like "Love Fort Wayne" unite diverse church communities for coordinated efforts in prayer, service, and outreach. By building networks based on shared purposes and collaborative approaches, churches can mobilize resources and personnel more effectively, enhancing their collective impact. Her strategy for initiating these networks revolves around leveraging existing relationships. Vicki explains how she reaches out to key individuals within her church who are passionate about disciple-making, gradually expanding her network through personal referrals. This organic growth fosters a sense of mutual support and shared mission, enriching the church’s disciple-making efforts. The session also includes interactive elements, inviting participants to discuss their motivations for disciple-making, their reactions to the session, and the potential benefits of networking with other churches. This engaging approach encourages community-building among attendees and prompts them to consider actionable steps they can take in their own contexts. In closing, Vicki encourages participants to reflect on their local areas, identifying specific communities they wish to reach and potential allies who can support their disciple-making initiatives. She concludes with a powerful call to action, urging attendees to take concrete steps based on what they’ve learned and reflected upon during the session. Overall, this episode provides a rich exploration of how intentional disciple-making cultures can transform churches, emphasizing the need for genuine community engagement and the importance of building supportive networks. Follow us at Discipleship.org!

Click here to view The Navigators Church Ministry: https://www.navigators.org/  View Discipleship.org’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@discipleshipdotorg Creating an Intentional Disciple-Making Culture | Navigators Church Ministries In this episode, Steve Tice, the Northeast region director for Navigators Church Ministries, joins senior pastor Cliff McDowell of East New York Church of God to discuss the transformational impact of incorporating an intentional disciple-making culture within churches. They share real-life examples and strategies for fostering disciple-makers who are rooted in their communities. The session highlights the importance of purposeful leaders, having a clear picture of a disciple, pathways for discipleship, practitioners, and monitoring progress. Tune in to hear more about their shared experiences, practical tips, and how to avoid common pitfalls while building such a culture in your own congregation. Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/  Check out Discipleship.org Audio Books: https://discipleship.org/resources/ebooks/  Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr   Key Takeaways 00:00 Introduction and Background 00:07 Navigators Church Ministries Overview 00:17 Personal and Professional Journey 00:50 Introduction to Cliff McDowell 01:40 Transformational Impact of Disciple Making 02:47 Interactive Session and Prayer 03:33 Recap and Illustration 04:55 Intentional Disciple Making Culture 07:27 Biblical Foundations of Intentional Culture 10:38 Cliff McDowell's Journey and Church Culture 14:17 Intentional Commitments and Changes 15:18 Interactive Table Discussion 17:15 Building Maturity in Church Culture 22:17 Church Planting and Cultural Shifts 24:58 Purposeful Leaders and Discipleship 26:25 A Life-Saving Friendship 27:43 Homegrown Leadership 28:03 Defining Discipleship 29:10 The Four Seasons of Life 32:42 The Pathway for Discipleship 37:50 Building a Culture of Discipleship 39:21 Navigating Challenges in Discipleship 42:41 Adapting to Context and Diversity 45:05 Final Thoughts and Q&A Resources on Disciple Making Culture  Disciple Making Culture Visual Introduction Cultivating a Disciple-Making Culture at Your Church Disciple-Making Culture In this episode Steve Tice and Cliff McDowell share their experiences with the Navigators organization, focusing on building intentional disciple-making cultures in churches. Steve, the Northeast regional director for Navigators Church Ministries, opens the discussion by sharing his background as a musician and bi-vocational minister. He and his wife run a music school on Long Island, and with over 35 years of experience, he now attends church services without occupational duties. Cliff, senior pastor of East New York Church of God, discusses his extensive leadership roles, including a six-year term as vice presiding elder of the National Association of the Church of God. He emphasizes his collaboration with Navigators, impacting churches across New York and beyond. The session centers on the importance of cultivating an intentional disciple-making culture, which supports disciple-makers embedded in their local contexts. Steve highlights that the discussion will feature real-life examples and allow for audience questions. He stresses the need for intentional leadership to avoid half-hearted ministry efforts. Citing Bill Mallory’s book "Designed to Flourish," he contrasts intentional cultures with those driven by competing agendas. Steve uses biblical references, including Acts 2:42-47 and 1 Corinthians 9:19-27, to illustrate how early Christian communities embodied intentionality. Cliff shares his pastoral journey, detailing how he intentionally shaped his congregation's culture. He reflects on transitioning from a cell church model to a disciple-making church, aided by his bi-vocational experience and trust built within the community. To encourage table discussions, Steve and Cliff pose reflective questions about participants' church cultures, identifying intentional practices and obstacles. They then explore how mature disciples and intentional cultures support each other, with Cliff sharing his experience of mentoring three men over three years, which strengthened their faith and leadership. Follow us at Discipleship.org!