Real Life Theology Podcast Renew.org Podcasts

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Rethinking Church Models: A Shift Towards Multiplication and Disciple-Making
Today's Episode talks about the challenges and systemic issues within modern church models, emphasizing the need for a shift from consumer-driven models to a more discipleship and multiplication-focused approach. It explores historical changes in life expectancy and technological advancement to question why the church struggles with certain 'lists' or challenges despite societal progress. The speaker emphasizes the importance of letting go of control and cooperating with God, recognizing the baggage and outdated operating systems that hinder growth and effective ministry. Through discussing the distinctions between operating systems and models, it highlights how many churches have drifted towards seeking conversions and consumer satisfaction rather than genuine disciple-making. The speaker addresses various dilemmas facing the church, including legacy, mission, customer focus, and economic models, and introduces the idea of a new operating system grounded in prayer, fasting, and a re-evaluation of traditional church growth strategies. The conclusion points towards a church planting and operational model that prioritizes discerning God's will, redefines success beyond numbers, and considers economic liberation, ecclesiology, and the essence of true, impactful ministry.
Key Takeaways 00:00 The Quest for Simplicity in Church Operations00:35 Reflecting on Technological Advancements and Life Expectancy01:21 The Importance of Cooperation with God in Church Leadership04:05 Dissecting the Current Church Operating System06:49 Addressing the Dilemmas of the Consumer-Driven Church Model19:18 Introducing a New Operating System for Church Planting23:05 Redefining Church Success and Economic Models27:59 Ecclesiology and the Future of Church Mission
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See Below for a longer description:          In the today's episode Todd Wilson goes deep into the complexities of church operating systems, challenging conventional norms and urging listeners to rethink their approach to ministry. The episode opens with a profound reflection on the rapid technological advancements and societal shifts that have doubled the average life expectancy, setting the stage for a critical examination of the current state of church practices.The speaker passionately explores the idea of operating systems in churches, emphasizing the difference between models and systems. Drawing on personal anecdotes and industry trends, he navigates through the evolution of church strategies over the years, from the prevalence of 'The Purpose Driven Church' model to the emergence of new paradigms focused on gospel saturation and disciple-making.          Throughout the episode, the speaker dissects eight key dilemmas plaguing modern church systems, ranging from legacy and end-game considerations to the role of consumerism and programmatic approaches in driving church growth. He challenges listeners to embrace a more holistic mission beyond mere conversions, advocating for a shift towards mobilizing everyday missionaries and fostering a culture of disciple-making.            As the episode unfolds, the narrative delves into the economic intricacies of church operations, highlighting the influence of tithes, offerings, and alternative financial models based on liberated economic principles. The speaker paints a vivid picture of a shifting landscape where business for mission models and unconventional funding sources are reshaping the future of church planting and sustainability.The exploration of ecclesiology brings a fresh perspective on what defines a church in today's context, challenging traditional notions and prompting reflection on the essen

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Transforming Lives Through Disciple Making Movements: A Worker's Journey in India
Josh Howard, a worker who has lived in India for over 15 years, shares his transformative experience of leading and witnessing disciple making movements in India. Starting with a moment of prayer and inviting the Holy Spirit to guide the session, Josh introduces himself, mentioning his background and family. He highlights the importance of asking oneself whether they are a disciple worth reproducing and shares a powerful narrative of initial failures and eventual successes in disciple making. Through his story, Josh emphasizes the critical role of prayer and fasting in achieving spiritual breakthroughs and the unexpected results of equipping ordinary people to start discipleship movements. Highlighting key lessons learned, such as the necessity of relinquishing control and allowing the Holy Spirit to work, Josh's narrative encourages viewers to reconsider their approach to discipleship and the potential within every individual to initiate a movement that can profoundly impact their nation and beyond. His story is a testament to the power of God working through ordinary individuals to achieve extraordinary things.
Key Takeaways 00:00 Opening Prayer and Invitation for the Holy Spirit01:30 Introduction and Personal Background02:39 The Journey of Faith and Discipleship in India03:19 Challenges and Breakthroughs in Disciple Making05:45 The Power of Prayer, Fasting, and Humility09:27 Launching a Movement: Expectations vs. Reality12:13 Learning from Unexpected Success14:22 The Potential in Every Believer for Disciple Making17:00 The Key to Movement: Releasing Control and Embracing God's Will
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For more information about other Renew.Org podcasts visit: https://renew.org/media/podcasts/ 
Transforming Faith: From Traditional Churches to Disciple Movements
Ron Johnson, the founding pastor of Restoration Church, shares his journey from skepticism to embracing disciple-making movements (DMM) in the U.S. and abroad, including Nepal and India. Initially focused on planting Pavilion Model churches, Johnson's perspective shifted during COVID-19 as he saw the potential for rapid expansion through DMM. His church has since initiated numerous discovery Bible studies, leading to hundreds of baptisms and the establishment of over 1,200 simple churches. Johnson emphasizes the transition from a church growth mindset to a kingdom mindset, the importance of moving from addition to multiplication, and shifting from knowledge-based to obedience-based discipleship. Despite challenges, Johnson advocates for running traditional and movement-based approaches in parallel, highlighting the unique challenges and rewards of each approach.
Key Takeaways 00:00 Introduction: Meet Ron Johnson00:20 The Journey Begins: Embracing Disciple Making Movements00:31 The Impact of COVID on Church Growth and Strategy01:59 A Shift in Strategy: From Traditional Churches to Movements02:51 The Role of the Holy Spirit and Prayer in Movement Growth03:16 Embracing Diversity: The Global South's Influence03:46 Lessons Learned and the Path Forward05:17 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
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See Below for additional information: This episode on the Real Life Theology Podcast features Ron Johnson, a follower of Jesus Christ and a pastor at Restoration Church. Ron shares his journey of transitioning from traditional church models to disciple-making movements. He discusses the impact of COVID, the growth of simple churches, the role of prayer and the Holy Spirit, and the challenges of balancing prevailing model church practices with a movement strategy. Ron emphasizes the importance of shifting mindset from church growth to kingdom focus and obedience-based discipleship. He reflects on the hybrid approach and concludes that running prevailing model and movement separately but complimentary is more effective. Ron's story showcases the growth of over 1,200 simple churches in their city and thousands more globally, driven by a diverse community and a strong emphasis on prayer and obedience to God.
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Navigating Church Leadership and Discipleship in a Changing World
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Piggybacking off the past 4 episodes this track goes into detail on some very relevant questions about discipleship, and culture. This session engaged with individuals who asked some critical questions so that we could draw some important lessons from them.
This episode features a discussion on church leadership, discipleship, and the innovative approaches to ensure the sustainability and growth of church missions within changing cultural contexts. Leaders share experiences and strategies on financial modeling, making disciples who make disciples, and the concept of failing forward as a method to discover effective practices in ministry. The dialogue also tackles the critique of traditional church models and the necessity of church planting, alongside enhancing existing churches to fulfill the mission of spreading the gospel more effectively in today's world. Critical points include rethinking financial models to support outreach and discipleship, embracing failure as a learning tool for improvement, and the challenge of balancing the need for new church plants with the call for unity and efficiency within the existing church landscape.
Key Takeaways
00:00 Opening Remarks and Q&A Session Kickoff00:54 Deep Dive into Financial Models and Church Budgeting03:44 Embracing Failure and Innovation in Church Leadership07:53 Rethinking Church Models: A Case Study on Cutting Sermons08:49 The Debate on Church Planting in Saturated Areas17:50 Revolutionary vs. Evolutionary Change in Churches
For more information about other Renew.Org podcasts visit: https://renew.org/media/podcasts/ 
 
Watch our 2024 Gathering Main Session Recordings

 
 

     

For more information about other Renew.Org podcasts visit: https://renew.org/media/podcasts/ 
In this engaging discussion, three friends, Ryan, Russ, and Tom, share their journeys toward fostering disciple-making movements within their respective churches. Each speaker highlights the fundamental importance of prayer, obedience, and sharing the teachings of Jesus as core to sparking spiritual movements. Ryan begins by reflecting on his personal challenges and realizations, emphasizing the pivotal role of prayer in connecting with God and facilitating change. He shares how his church has incorporated various forms of prayer into their regular activities, emphasizing the power of prayer in disciple-making. Russ and Tom further elaborate on the practical aspects of creating disciple-making communities, stressing simplicity, the Holy Spirit's guidance, and practical tools like the Discovery Bible Study. Collectively, they underline the transformative potential of seeking God wholeheartedly and the need for churches to focus on supporting discipleship in practical, everyday contexts.
Key Takeaways 
00:00 Welcoming the Panel: Insights into Disciple Making Movements00:30 Practical Steps Towards Disciple Making: Ryan's Journey01:24 The Power of Prayer in Disciple Making04:22 A Moment of Prayer and Reflection06:04 Expanding the Prayer Movement: Ryan's Church Initiatives07:25 Russ's Perspective: Friendship and Practical Disciple Making10:19 Tom's Unique Approach to Disciple Making and Multiplication14:49 Concluding Thoughts on Disciple Making and Prayer18:38 The Essential Principles of Disciple Making Movements
 
Watch our 2024 Gathering Main Session Recordings

 
 

     

Jeff Duerler starts off this track by talking about some practical next steps to shift culture and launch new churches. He shares his own experience with his church on steps they have taken towards the disciple-making movement. Jeff hands it off to Paul Huyghebaert who continues the conversation and shares his personal experience. 
 
For more information about other Renew.Org podcasts visit: https://renew.org/media/podcasts/