The Disciple Maker‘s Podcast

Click here to view the Navigators Church Ministries: https://www.navigatorschurchministries.com/  Check out our eBooks: https://discipleship.org/resources/ebooks/    Building a Strong Foundation for Disciple Making Cultures - Workshop with Justin Gravitt In this workshop, Justin Gravitt from Navigators Church Ministries dives into the critical process of developing a sustainable disciple making culture within the church. Drawing on over a decade of experience, Justin explains the importance of having a strong foundation and shares actionable steps to grow and maintain it. He uses the analogy of a Jenga tower to illustrate how foundational weaknesses can cause a disciple making culture to collapse. Throughout the session, Justin emphasizes the importance of forming a core team and making disciple making a foundational part of church culture, not just an additional program. He also answers practical questions about how to start and sustain this initiative, ensuring that both leaders and participants are equipped to become effective disciple makers. 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 Workshop Overview 00:51 The Importance of Actionable Steps 01:49 Building a Foundation for Disciple Making 02:33 Jenga and Disciple Making Culture 04:14 Challenges in Disciple Making 11:32 Creating a Core Team 17:13 Common Vision and Team Dynamics 25:02 Relational Resilience in Teams 28:09 Navigating Team Conflict 28:37 The Importance of Relational Depth 29:08 Endurance in Team Building 32:55 Three Barriers to Culture Change 37:51 Starting Disciple Making in Your Church 40:21 Q&A: Practical Steps and Challenges 51:10 Concluding Thoughts and Resources Resources on Disciple Making Culture  Disciple Making Culture Visual Introduction Cultivating a Disciple-Making Culture at Your Church Disciple-Making Culture Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr In this session, Justin Gravitt from Navigators Church Ministries in Dayton, Ohio, leads a workshop on creating an intentional disciple-making culture in churches. He starts by introducing himself as the director of innovation and advancement for Navigators. Justin focuses on developing a disciple-making culture, sharing insights from his ten years of experience. He highlights that the goal of the workshop is to equip participants with actionable strategies for effective discipleship in their communities. He shares a story about a conference attendee who found valuable insights but lacked specific steps to implement them. Justin agrees and aims for attendees to leave with practical strategies for building a disciple-making foundation. To illustrate the importance of a strong foundation, Justin compares it to a game of Jenga. He explains that just as removing key pieces from the bottom weakens the tower, neglecting foundational aspects of disciple-making can undermine a church's culture. Engaging the audience, he encourages them to see parallels between Jenga and disciple-making, emphasizing the need for strategic planning in complex environments. Justin warns against viewing disciple-making as an extra task rather than a core priority. He stresses that if it's not ingrained in the church's foundation, other activities will overshadow it, leading to ineffective efforts. Drawing from his experiences with various churches, Justin notes that initial successes in disciple multiplication can plateau without a solid foundation. This realization inspired him to contribute to an ebook on disciple-making culture. He outlines the workshop's structure, which includes two goals: transforming a group into a team with a shared mission and ensuring every member becomes an active disciple-maker. The workshop covers establishing a common vision, fostering ownership of disciple-making, building relational resilience, and ensuring endurance in the process, all crucial for a sustainable disciple-making culture. Justin emphasizes the importance of diversifying the team to reflect the church community, selecting members based on their faithfulness, availability, and teachability, rather than just experience. He differentiates between a team and a group, noting that teams share a mission and diverse skills, which promotes accountability and purpose. The leader plays a vital role in facilitating these changes. He also highlights the need for team members to embrace disciple-making as part of their identities, sharing fictional examples of common obstacles they might face, like feeling inadequate. The session addresses these obstacles, encouraging leaders to engage with team members to understand their struggles and foster genuine connections. Building relational resilience is key for support beyond surface-level interactions. To track progress and avoid burnout, Justin suggests practical exercises to evaluate relationship depth within the team and demonstrates healthy conflict resolution. He stresses the importance of ongoing support and engagement from leaders to keep the team motivated. Finally, Justin emphasizes the need for clear and consistent communication about disciple-making to prevent cultural drift. Leaders should regularly revisit foundational principles to maintain focus. He also discusses how to scale teams according to church size, ensuring effective coordination. Follow us at Discipleship.org!

Donnie Hoover, an expert in fostering disciple-making cultures within churches, delves into the critical shift from spectator-driven models to active disciple makers. He discusses the importance of leadership in transforming church culture and highlights the GIDC process for nurturing relationships and community involvement. Hoover emphasizes creating intentional experiences that engage congregants and promote spiritual growth, making a compelling case for the need for churches to adopt a culture that prioritizes disciple-making. Tune in for inspiring insights!

Click here to view DeeperWalk: https://deeperwalk.com/  Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr   Mission with Jesus: Listening Prayer & Spiritual Warfare Basics In this fourth session of the 'Deeper Walk International' series, the focus is on the practice and principles of listening prayer and spiritual warfare basics. The session starts with an introduction from the vice president of strategic partnerships, followed by insights into the development of a new community center, the Joy Center. Dawn, the resident expert on listening prayer, leads the session with personal stories and practical applications, emphasizing the importance of hearing God's voice and recognizing spiritual warfare. The session includes interactive components like Q&A and a guided exercise on listening prayer through scripture. The session concludes with teachings on the significance of spiritual warfare, daily disciplines, and how to identify and address demonic influences and mental health challenges. 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 to Session Four: Mission with Jesus 01:36 Opening Prayer and Setting the Tone 03:11 Discerning God's Leading Through Listening Prayer 04:17 Personal Journey and Experiences with Listening Prayer 21:04 Levels of Prayer: Developing a Deeper Connection 27:07 Introduction to Spiritual Warfare Basics 32:08 Understanding Authority in Spiritual Warfare 33:00 Recognizing Permissions and Removing Them 35:53 The Four C's Method for Spiritual Warfare 37:53 Levels of Spiritual Warfare and Preparation 41:40 Real Prayer: A Model for Listening to God 45:45 Daily Spiritual Practices and Emotional Resilience 53:29 Team Approach and Differentiating Spiritual Warfare from Mental Disorders Resources on Disciple Making Culture  Disciple Making Culture Visual Introduction Cultivating a Disciple-Making Culture at Your Church Disciple-Making Culture In this episode of The Disciple Makers Podcast the host welcomes the audience to the fourth session, "Mission with Jesus," focusing on listening prayer and spiritual warfare. The session includes practical exercises and a Q&A segment. Key speakers Dawn and Dwayne, recognized for their expertise, are introduced, with Dawn being highlighted as an expert in listening prayer. The agenda covers discerning God's guidance, understanding spiritual warfare basics, and troubleshooting disciple-making challenges. Dawn starts with a prayer for divine guidance and introduces the session's trail map. She shares her journey from a cessationist background to embracing listening prayer, influenced by the book "Experiencing God" by Henry Blackaby. Dawn explains the different levels of prayer engagement: Level One (Rote Prayers): Simple, memorized prayers. Level Two: Personal requests and talking to God. Level Three (Conversational Prayer): Engaging in dialogue with God. Level Four: Listening to God for others. Level Five: Intercessory prayer for broader needs. Dawn recounts how listening prayer transformed her life, leading to significant personal and professional changes. On spiritual warfare, Dawn discusses the misunderstood aspects and introduces the "Steps to Freedom in Christ" for addressing spiritual strongholds. She explains the SOUL framework (Sin, Occult involvement, Unforgiveness, Lies, Lineage) and the Four Cs method (Confess, Cancel, Command, Commit) for counteracting spiritual attacks. The session ends with a Q&A where participants ask about combining spiritual disciplines with listening prayer, maintaining daily spiritual protection, and differentiating between mental health issues and spiritual warfare. Marcus Warner provides practical insights on balanced emotional and spiritual health. Overall, "Deeper Walk 4" offers a guide to listening prayer, spiritual warfare, and resilience through spiritual disciplines, emphasizing prayer as a conversation, dismantling spiritual strongholds, and following God's guidance.   Follow us at Discipleship.org!

Dr. Marcus Warner, a neuroscience expert, and Dawn Whitestone, a speaker on brain science in discipleship, delve into how neuroscience informs emotional and relational maturity in faith communities. They discuss the four A's of emotional maturity and the brain's craving for joy, revealing how emotional regulation shapes discipleship. The conversation highlights distinct maturity stages—infant to elder—emphasizing the unique challenges and tasks at each level. Listeners gain valuable insights into applying these concepts for effective mentorship and community growth.

Click here to view DeeperWalk: https://deeperwalk.com/  Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr Heart Focused Discipleship: Transforming Lives Through The Napkin Gospel In today's session, Dr. Marcus Warner introduces a unique approach to discipleship dubbed 'Discipleship on the Back of a Napkin.' Drawing from personal experiences and traditional evangelistic tools, he outlines a model that incorporates freedom, identity, spirit, and heart-focused community. Through engaging examples and practical exercises, the session explores the flaws in conventional discipleship methods and provides solutions to creating mature, whole-brain disciples. Learn how to effectively explain the gospel, build on new foundations, and foster deeper spiritual connections through this transformative approach. 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 01:44 The Power of the Napkin in Evangelism 05:51 Critique of Traditional Discipleship 14:44 A New Model for Discipleship 18:40 Understanding Freedom in Christ 20:41 Tools for Greater Freedom 25:15 The REAL Prayer Method: R.E.A.L. 26:00 Healing Through Prayer: A Real-Life Example 27:19 The Importance of Freedom in Discipleship 28:00 Rising with Christ: Understanding Our New Identity 28:40 The Foundation of Identity in Christ 34:36 Walking in the Spirit: Balancing Scripture and Connection 41:38 Heart-Focused Community: Beyond Social Clubs 43:17 Mission and Discipleship: The FISH Model Resources on Disciple Making Culture  Disciple Making Culture Visual Introduction Cultivating a Disciple-Making Culture at Your Church Disciple-Making Culture This episode of Deeper Walk 2 dives into effective discipleship. Dr. Marcus Warner starts by thanking everyone for joining early. He shares a bit about his work with family—his son handles marketing, and his daughter manages the podcast—along with support from volunteers like Dawn Whitestone, the school of ministry director. With a lighthearted story about a print shop mix-up, he confirms everyone has a handout and opens with a prayer, expressing gratitude for the day and the fellowship of like-minded people. The heart of his talk is “discipleship on the back of a napkin.” He recalls a teaching tool from his youth that illustrated the gap between man and God due to sin, comparing it to trying to swim from California to Hawaii—showing that we can’t reach God on our own, but He provides a bridge. He suggests enhancing this napkin metaphor with vivid images, like having an angelic lawyer, to illustrate the transformations that come with accepting the gospel—such as forgiveness, a new identity, and citizenship in God's kingdom. He critiques traditional discipleship models focused on the ABCs: Academics, Behavior, and Church Activity. While valuable, he argues they often miss deeper personal transformation, leading to issues like spiritual pride and superficial maturity. He points out that traditional approaches might prioritize church benefits over individual growth, noting that knowledge can lead to arrogance without true change. Instead, he proposes a heart-focused model that integrates gospel-based theology with practical tools. Discipleship, he suggests, should start with understanding freedom in Christ—highlighting that believers need to die with Christ to be freed from sin. He emphasizes the importance of addressing repentance, forgiveness, and truth to help break free from harmful lies and wounds. Next, he stresses the significance of identity, urging listeners to recognize their new identity in Christ. He likens discipleship to cleaning out a well, removing both trash and blockages that prevent a clear flow of life. Maturity in the Christian life means handling stress while staying true to one’s identity, rather than reverting to self-centered patterns. A key part of this model is walking in the Spirit. He introduces a two-winged airplane metaphor, with Scripture as one wing and the Holy Spirit as the other. Effective discipleship balances these, allowing the Spirit to guide our understanding and application of Scripture in daily life, avoiding legalism and unchecked spiritual experiences. He also highlights the importance of a supportive, heart-focused community that fosters individual freedom and spiritual growth, distinguishing it from mere social clubs. This community helps individuals remember their identity in Christ and supports their spiritual journeys. Finally, he ties everything together, showing how freedom, identity, Spirit, and community empower effective mission work. He warns that pursuing mission without these foundations can be risky, while true discipleship naturally leads to mission, as spiritually connected individuals with strong identities are equipped to make a difference. Throughout the session, he uses practical exercises and metaphors, including a simple hand mnemonic for Biblical covenants, to reinforce the gospel's cohesive narrative and present a holistic, gospel-centered approach to discipleship. Follow us at Discipleship.org!

Click here to view DeeperWalk: https://deeperwalk.com/  Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr Reviving Discipleship: The Power of Attachment in Spiritual Growth In this deeply insightful talk, the speaker introduces Deeper Walk International, a ministry aimed at enhancing spiritual growth through heart-focused discipleship. Starting from its foundation in spiritual warfare counseling by Dr. Mark Beubeck, the ministry has evolved to address the broader needs of the church community. The speaker examines how traditional approaches to discipleship, focused on truth, willpower, and power, have resulted in 'half-brained Christianity.' Emphasizing the importance of attachment and joy in spiritual development, the talk advocates for a holistic model where group discipleship plays a pivotal role. With references to thinkers like Jim Wilder, Alan Shore, and Nietzsche, the presentation challenges prevailing notions and sets the stage for a transformative approach to Christian discipleship. 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 to Deeper Walk International 01:28 Heart Focused Discipleship 02:09 The Role of Trauma and Freedom Issues 02:40 Partnership with Jim Wilder and Neuroscience Insights 03:50 The Church as a Factory: Producing Disciples 04:37 Four Essential Elements of Change 05:25 The Enlightenment and the Shift to Truth 07:45 Attachment vs. Truth in Faith 13:14 The Will and Voluntarism in Theology 23:06 The Role of Power in Christianity 29:05 Postmodernism and Tolerance 32:08 Building a Disciple-Making Culture 38:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Resources on Disciple Making Culture  Disciple Making Culture Visual Introduction Cultivating a Disciple-Making Culture at Your Church Disciple-Making Culture In this episode, we meet the speaker from Deeper Walk International, a ministry founded in 1988 in Sioux City, Iowa. Initially centered on spiritual warfare counseling by Dr. Mark Beubeck, author of "The Adversary," the ministry expanded under his influence from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Over time, it broadened its impact beyond counselors to missionaries and church members, highlighting the universal relevance of its teachings. The term "heart-focused discipleship" emerged as a key concept, emphasizing that many barriers to spiritual growth stem not from ignorance but from unresolved emotional wounds. Drawing on personal experiences as a senior pastor, the speaker observed how addressing these issues led to profound life changes among believers. Collaboration with Jim Wilder, director of a California counseling center, integrated spiritual warfare with neuroscience, particularly attachment theory. Their joint publications like "Rare Leadership" and "The Solution of Choice" blend theological insights with neuroscience to offer holistic models for personal and spiritual transformation. The episode explores four significant philosophical movements influencing Western Christianity: Reason and Truth (The Enlightenment): This era prioritized intellectual reasoning in faith, sometimes reducing Christianity to debates rather than fostering deep, transformative relationships. The Will (Voluntarism): Building on reason, this emphasized human willpower in faith, overlooking the complexity of desires and relational needs. Power (Nietzsche and Modernism): Emphasizing power and achievement, this movement sometimes overlooked the relational depth necessary for true spiritual growth. Tolerance (Postmodernism): While promoting acceptance, this movement sometimes minimized the possibility of genuine transformation, reinforcing relativism over biblical truth. The speaker advocates for a discipleship approach rooted in community dynamics. Like fertile soil nurturing plants, vibrant Christian communities foster personal growth and spiritual transformation. They critique individualistic discipleship models, advocating for group settings that provide diverse life experiences and maturity levels. Drawing from John 15, the speaker emphasizes the need to remain deeply connected to Jesus for spiritual fruitfulness. They argue that genuine transformation occurs within a supportive community centered on God's truth and relational depth—not solely on intellectualism or personal effort. Practical examples highlight the pitfalls of solo-driven spiritual warfare ministries and the benefits of team-based approaches for sustainable growth. The episode concludes with a call to embrace "Discipleship 2.0," prioritizing relational attachment and joyful community in church practices, ensuring holistic spiritual development rooted in meaningful relationships within the body of Christ. Follow us at Discipleship.org!

Jay Armstrong, a dedicated advocate for discipleship and personal transformation, dives into the essence of true discipleship and the revolutionary spirit of Jesus. He emphasizes that lasting change starts within, challenging superficial faith practices and calling for deeper commitments. Armstrong discusses the transformative power of love and the significance of the Great Commission, inviting listeners to reflect on how they embody these principles in their lives. With engaging anecdotes, he inspires a movement towards genuine discipleship and community impact.

Click here to view the Bonhoeffer Project: https://thebonhoefferproject.com/  Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr   Today’s episode will help us deepen our understanding of discipleship's profound significance, guided by Cindy Perkins's insights and practical advice, encouraging intentional living in light of God’s kingdom and the transformative power of authentic Christian community.   Mastering Discipleship: The Jesus Math Strategy with Cindy Perkins Join Cindy Perkins, Chief Operations Officer of the Bonhoeffer Project, as she goes into the essence of discipleship. Learn about the significance of living in the 'already not yet' space, collaborative discipleship, and the immense importance of authentic relationships in spiritual growth. Cindy shares her journey and experiences, introduces effective steps and strategies for implementing discipleship, and underscores the critical need for an intentional, culture-shaping approach within the church. Discover the exponential multiplication potential of 'Jesus Math' and understand how starting with even one dedicated disciple can eventually lead to thousands. Essential viewing for those committed to fostering deep, impactful discipleship. 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 to Cindy Perkins 10:56 The Concept of Jesus Math 18:26 Personal Journey and Discipleship 26:54 The Mandate of Titus 2: Teaching the Younger Generation 33:12 Practical Tips for Effective Discipleship 39:29 Choosing the Right Curriculum for Discipleship 41:30 Aligning Definitions of Discipleship with Church Leadership 43:37 Adapting Discipleship to Individual Needs and Contexts 49:54 Engaging in Pre-Conversion Discipleship 51:07 Discipleship in Academic Settings 53:05 Final Thoughts and Encouragement Resources on Disciple Making Culture  Disciple Making Culture Visual Introduction Cultivating a Disciple-Making Culture at Your Church Disciple-Making Culture This episode from the Bonhoeffer Project goes into the profound significance and complexities of discipleship within the context of Christian faith, featuring Cindy Perkins, the Chief Operations Officer of the organization. Cindy's role in overseeing operations and women's cohorts within the Bonhoeffer Project underscores her deep involvement in fostering discipleship and organizational health. Cindy opens the episode with a compelling question for the audience: "How do we live in the 'already Not yet'?" This question serves as a thematic anchor, exploring the tension between the Christian belief in salvation already achieved and the ongoing process of transformation and anticipation of the future heavenly reality. She navigates through this theological concept, addressing the challenges many face in navigating life's ambiguities and striving to live faithfully in the present while anticipating the fullness of God's kingdom. During the episode, Cindy reflects on a recent conversation with a tech assistant at a conference, highlighting their mutual appreciation for the collaborative spirit evident at the event. She draws inspiration from the extensive works of Bill Hull on discipleship, noting how his teachings have shaped many current practices and non-profit initiatives focused on nurturing discipleship within the church. Cindy also critiques aspects of the contemporary copyright culture, contrasting it with Jesus's open and collective approach to sharing teachings about the gospel. The discussion expands to encompass broader themes within the Christian community, including unity and the dangers of divisiveness. Cindy draws from Scott McKnight's insights on endurance through suffering as depicted in 1 Peter, foreseeing potential future challenges for the church. She raises concerns about the readiness of many Christian institutions to face extreme adversities, such as potential persecution or societal marginalization, urging a deeper commitment to unity and mission amidst cultural shifts. Follow us at Discipleship.org!

Click here to view the Bonhoeffer Project: https://thebonhoefferproject.com/  New FREE eBook on What Is Church? → https://discipleship.org/shop/what-is-church-and-how-important-is-it/  Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr   Lizards vs. Toads: A Revolution in Church Discipleship Today’s episode will help us reevaluate our approach to ministry, emphasizing proactive engagement over comfort, and inspire strategic planning rooted in biblical wisdom to foster a culture of effective disciple-making. Join us for an inspiring session as we go into the fascinating dynamics of church leadership and discipleship, featuring speakers discussing the contrast between 'lily pad' and 'lizard' mentalities. Discover the pitfalls of comfort and complacency in ministry and learn how to embrace risk, creativity, and mission-focused outreach. This thought-provoking talk challenges traditional approaches, emphasizing the importance of planning and intentionality to cultivate a vibrant, disciple-making movement. Whether you're a church leader or a passionate follower of Christ, this session will inspire and equip you to transform your church culture and impact your 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/  Key Takeaways 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 10:36 Revival and the Role of Lay Lizards 15:44 The Mission Beyond the Lily Pad 22:46 Guns and Faith: A Unique Retreat Experience 23:27 The Power of Your Sphere: Reaching Out 24:00 Avoiding Toadism: Staying on Mission 24:29 Introducing Hollis Half: Planning for Success 30:29 Biblical Examples of Planning 31:42 Wisdom in Planning: Insights from Proverbs and James 39:58 Innovations in Discipleship: Building a Culture 45:17 High Impact Events and Spiritual Battles   Resources on Disciple Making Culture  Disciple Making Culture Visual Introduction Cultivating a Disciple-Making Culture at Your Church Disciple-Making Culture See below for a longer description:  The episode kicks off with a warm greeting from the speaker, acknowledging a group from Iowa for their collaborative efforts in church work, jokingly cautioning them about losing their zeal for Jesus amidst their success. He reflects on how topics like discipleship have evolved from being niche to central in today's conferences, signaling a renewed focus on God's work. Moving on, the speaker introduces his co-speaker, Hollis Half, teasing their catchy session title aimed at drawing in the audience. The conversation shifts to a spiritual tone with a prayer expressing gratitude for knowing God and a commitment to disciple-making. The speaker uses an amusing analogy of 'toads' and 'lizards' to illustrate passive versus proactive approaches in ministry and outreach. Exploring further, he describes 'toads' as those comfortable in their church 'lily pads,' focusing on internal comforts like facilities and attendance. In contrast, 'lizards' represent leaders who actively engage the community, prioritizing outreach and action over comfort. Drawing from personal experiences, the speaker shares how his early ministry's growth led to a shift from active community engagement, when renting spaces, to a more complacent focus on maintaining a permanent church building. He critiques the American church's tendency towards comfort and security, sometimes overshadowing the mission of outreach. Anecdotes illustrate how these mindsets can hinder effective ministry and outreach efforts. Highlighting Jesus's approach to ministry, he emphasizes the need for dynamic, mission-minded leaders—'lizards'—who can spark revival and reach out beyond traditional church boundaries. The talk lightens with personal stories, including encounters with unlikely evangelists and successful outreach movements like Promise Keepers, emphasizing the effectiveness of proactive engagement over internal church activities. The discussion shifts to practical advice from Hollis Half on the urgency and strategy of ministry planning, drawing lessons from his extensive experience. He underscores the importance of intentional planning and strategic thinking inspired by biblical examples like Moses and Nehemiah. In conclusion, the episode encourages churches to foster cultures that prioritize disciple-making and innovate relationally and symbolically to reflect God's strategic approach in their ministry planning. Follow us at Discipleship.org!

Click here to view the Bonhoeffer Project: https://thebonhoefferproject.com/  Discipleship.org YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@discipleshipdotorg   Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr   Building a Disciple-Making Culture with Dan Lights | Discipleship Insights Have questions like how to develop a discipleship culture in your church? Well then this episode is for you.  Join Matt Dabbs from Discipleship.org as he sits down with Dan Lights, CEO of The Bonhoeffer Project, to delve into the transformative journey of creating a disciple-making culture. Dan shares his personal experiences and challenges in shifting from a curriculum-based approach to fostering a robust, intentional church environment that prioritizes disciple-making. Learn the importance of examining your church's soil, the stages of change, and practical steps for defining and implementing a disciple-making strategy. Whether you're a pastor or a church member, this conversation offers valuable insights for anyone committed to nurturing a thriving community of disciples. 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 to Discipleship Culture 05:15 Examining and Cultivating Church Soil 07:51 The Role of Patience in Discipleship 15:01 Navigating Change in Church Culture 17:23 Adapting to New Normals 21:50 Understanding the Process of Change in Churches 28:04 Handling Resistance and Cultural Change 36:00 The Bonhoeffer Project and Its Impact 42:44 Encouragement for Leaders and Church Members   Resources on Disciple Making Culture  Disciple Making Culture Visual Introduction Cultivating a Disciple-Making Culture at Your Church Disciple-Making Culture See below for a longer description:  In this episode of the Bonhoeffer Project, Matt from Discipleship.org interviews Dan Leitz, the CEO of the Bonhoeffer Project. Dan shares his insights into how discipleship should be viewed not merely as a curriculum but as a culture that requires intentionality and time to foster. He begins by explaining his journey from being a task-driven individual who once believed that having a robust curriculum would be enough for disciple-making. Dan learned that while curriculum is important, it is not the core of discipleship; developing a culture of discipleship within the church is crucial. Drawing inspiration from the parable of the sower in Matthew 13:3-9, Dan emphasizes that the soil represents the culture of the heart and the church. For effective discipleship, the church's culture—like the soil—must be examined, developed, and nurtured to be fertile for growth. He recounts his experience of attending the Disciple Making Forum in 2019 and realizing that a solid curriculum alone would not suffice without a supportive culture. Dan elaborates on the time-consuming nature of building a disciple-making culture, stating that while programs and curriculums might offer quick fixes, they do not address underlying cultural issues. He talks about the four stages of change—panic, adaptation, new normal, and a state where people wouldn't go back—that people and churches undergo during a cultural shift. He highlights practical steps to foster a disciple-making culture, such as defining terms clearly to ensure everyone in the church understands what is meant by discipleship, and living out the change you want to see. Dan stresses the importance of leadership having a kingdom mentality, focusing not on quick success but long-term faithfulness and fruitfulness. Dan also discusses the Bonhoeffer Project's 10-month cohort model, which helps pastors and ministry leaders develop a disciple-making plan by re-examining the gospel, understanding Jesus's methods, and crafting a personalized strategy. This process involves collaboration with other leaders to mitigate pitfalls and share best practices. The program has been broken into three modules to offer flexibility, allowing participants to complete it according to their schedules. Furthermore, Dan advises that not everyone will initially support or stick with the cultural changes. Leaders must be prepared for resistance and attrition but should remain committed to the long-term goals. He encourages leaders to get their congregational leaders and members on board and emphasizes the value of patience and perseverance in cultural transformation. The episode concludes with Dan encouraging pastors and church members to press into the challenge of cultural change and support their leaders, emphasizing that discipleship needs to be a central focus in today's church environment. He stresses the necessity for prayer, support, and affirmation from church members to help leaders feel less isolated and more empowered in their mission. Follow us at Discipleship.org!