The Disciple Maker‘s Podcast

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!

What are your thoughts on family Discipleship..  Click here to view Awana: https://www.awana.org/  Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr   Check out our latest eBook on Family Discipleship: https://discipleship.org/shop/family-discipleship-blueprint-a-year-by-year-guide-to-family-discipleship/    Empowering Child Discipleship: Practical Steps for Church Leaders and Parents In this episode, Shawna Murlin from Awana shares a valuable resource for leaders and parents dedicated to raising children within the Christian faith. She discusses the focus on safety and security, featuring insights from Julie Lowe's book 'Safeguards'. The episode emphasizes the necessity for churches and homes to collaborate in child discipleship. Key resources and conversation guides, like the Friday family email, are showcased. The importance of prayer, meaningful adult relationships, and building a culture of discipleship in both church and home settings are highlighted. We conclude with a heartfelt prayer and a call to action for training and equipping parents and church leaders in the crucial work of child 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 and Resources 05:21 The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt 09:40 Understanding Stalemates in Ministry 11:37 The Role of Home and Church in Child Discipleship 28:34 Building a Vision for Child Discipleship in the Church 33:41 Challenges in Family Discipleship 39:20 Creating a Formational Home 49:33 The Power of Spiritual Conversations 56:15 Conclusion and Resources Resources on Family Discipleship Family Discipleship: The Present and Future State of Family Discipleship Family Discipleship: Present and Future Trends Family Discipleship: Jason Houser Real Life Theology Conversations  See below for a longer description:  This episode of the podcast focuses on a comprehensive overview of valuable resources for child discipleship, both for leaders and parents within church communities. The episode begins with the speaker highlighting the importance of sharing practical resources and introduces the Awana website, childdiscipleship.com, as a hub for such tools, including podcasts, printable materials, and safety and security information for parents.  One of the highlighted resources includes 14 questions to ask potential babysitters, inspired by Julie Lowe's book "Safeguards." The speaker underscores the book's message about the importance of safeguarding children from individuals they know, not just strangers. Another valuable tool mentioned is the Friday Family Email, a resource sent out weekly, featuring biblically-based conversation guides, activities, and memory verses for families to engage with their children. Videos from the Child Discipleship Forum are also recommended, particularly a powerful message by John Tyson on the importance of prayer and fasting in family discipleship. Various books, including "The Anxious Generation" by Jonathan Haidt, are suggested for their insightful views on community and faith, despite the author not being a Christian. The speaker transitions to a discussion on the responsibility of child discipleship, emphasizing the current stalemate between churches and parents. While 95% of children's ministry leaders believe discipleship should occur at home, only 51% of parents agree, highlighting a significant disconnect. This stalemate sees both parties pointing fingers at each other for the lack of effective discipleship. The episode delves into resolving this issue by advocating for a model where church leaders train and equip parents to disciple their children effectively. This involves casting a compelling vision for child discipleship within church communities, creating dedicated times and places for training parents, and fostering language that emphasizes the integration of faith into daily conversations. A key strategy discussed is the importance of building meaningful adult relationships within the church community for every child. Research demonstrates that children with such relationships are significantly more engaged and likely to integrate biblical principles into their lives. The speaker suggests surrounding each child with five adult mentors to provide a robust support system. The speaker shares personal anecdotes to illustrate the transformative power of regular, meaningful conversations and community support, emphasizing the need for intentional planning and vision in both church and home settings. Resources recommended for implementing this approach include "Children’s Ministry in a New Reality," "Transforming Children into Spiritual Champions," "Beautiful Resistance," "Habits of the Household," and "Sticky Faith." The episode concludes with practical steps for church leaders to create a supportive environment for family discipleship, including establishing clear visions, identifying training times during already existing church activities, promoting language that integrates faith into daily life, and building a community of believers who actively support and engage with the children. Listeners are encouraged to visit the Awana website and explore the recommended resources further. The episode ends with a prayer for strength and guidance in the mission of disciple-making, urging listeners to persist in this critical and challenging work. Follow us at Discipleship.org!

Dave Buehring discusses vocational disciple-making, sharing stories of impact in society. Emphasizes integrating faith in professions, church's role in equipping individuals, and fostering a disciple-making culture. Practical steps for churches to engage with vocational leaders and support societal transformation.