Conversations as you Go

Dave Lawton

Hearing from people who are obeying Jesus’ great commission to Go

  1. 3D AGO

    200. Aila Tasse – The Lifestyle of Abiding

    We’re celebrating our 200th episode of Conversations As You Go! Thank you for being part of this journey. With more than 30,000 listens from people all around the world, we’re grateful for the way this podcast continues to encourage and equip people to go and make disciples. In this milestone episode, we once again hear from Aila Tasse as he shares about abiding in the Vine from John 15:1-16. This message gets to the very heart of what it means to become truly fruitful. Don’t skim past this episode or think, “I’ve heard this before.” Instead, take time to listen carefully to what Aila is sharing and what God wants to speak to you. As we learn to abide in Jesus, we discover that lasting fruitfulness does not come through our own effort, but through the life of Jesus flowing through us. Our prayer is that this, our 200th episode, will help us become people who are found abiding in Christ, so that the fruit we bear will be the result of His life at work in and through us. Key questions Aila asks: Discovery questions from John 15:1-16 What do we learn about disciple making? What principles of Kingdom movement do we learn? (How can we apply these?) Principles Aila identifies are: Remain: abiding (with Jesus) Bear fruit: starting (with the DNA you want to multiply) Bear much fruit: multiplying Bearing fruit that will last: sustaining Final challenge from Aila: ‘If God expects fruit, then what am I doing to see fruit in my life?’ What does God want to prune in my life so I can bear more fruit? What areas of my own personal life does He want me to grow in so I can abide more in Him? What are the prayer items He wants me to take to Him so I can bear more fruit?

    38 min
  2. MAY 8

    199. Aila Tasse – Thinking Like a Movement Leader #2

    In this second episode with Aila Tasse, the conversation goes deeper into the mindset and character of a movement leader. Drawing mainly from Acts 20:17–32 and the early chapters of Acts, Aila reflects on dependence on God, obedience, Kingdom vision, leadership multiplication, and modelling the life of Jesus. At the heart of the episode is the conviction that disciple-making movements are sustained through developing obedient, reproducing leaders. Key Takeaways 1. Dependancy on God John 15: “Remain in me” — movement leadership begins with dependence on God, continual prayer, and following the Holy Spirit. Acts 1:8 gave the early church a roadmap beyond Jerusalem, but growth and internal needs distracted them from Kingdom expansion. Acts 8:1 shows how persecution pushed the church into Judea and Samaria — God will often move His people toward obedience and mission. 2. Having a Kingdom Mindset Keep the focus on the Kingdom of God, not methods, brands, or labels like “DMM” or “T4T”. Kingdom leaders seek collaboration rather than tribalism or competition between ministries. The vision is disciples making disciples until the whole world hears and follows Jesus. 3. Motivation for Movement Habakkuk 2:14 reminds us that God desires the earth to be filled with His glory. Movement is motivated by the Father’s heart for lost sons and daughters (Luke 15 – the prodigal son). The mission is ultimately about God’s love for the lost, not building our own ministries. 4. Teaching Obedience Focus on teaching obedience to Scripture, not just increasing knowledge. Transformation comes through practicing what Jesus taught, not simply knowing more. God often uses ordinary, obedient believers powerfully, regardless of education or status. 5. Downloading Ourselves into Others Paul modelled transferring spiritual DNA and leadership into others (Acts 20). “Disciple-making movement = leader development. No leaders, no movement.” Every disciple should be developed into a reproducing disciple-maker and leader. 6. Taking Care of Ourselves Acts 20:28: “Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock” — leaders must care for themselves as well as others. Many movement leaders burn out because they neglect rest, sabbath, and spiritual renewal. Healthy and sustainable movements require healthy leaders. 7. Other Characteristics of Movement Leaders Movement leaders stay teachable: willing to listen, learn, obey, and grow. They invest deeply in others, modelling the life of a disciple rather than simply teaching principles. Collaboration and Kingdom partnership are essential for long-term multiplication. 8. Final Encouragement 1 Peter 5:2–3: shepherd God’s people by being an example. 1 Thessalonians 2:7–8: Paul shared not only the gospel, but his very life. Movement leadership is about modelling humility, grace, weakness, and faithful obedience to Jesus.

    39 min
  3. MAY 1

    198. Aila Tasse – Thinking Like a Movement Leader #1

    In this episode, Aila reflects on a DBS on Acts 20:17–32 (last episode) and what it means to think like a movement leader. At the core is the heart: movements belong to God, not us. As we follow Jesus’ example, we’re called to faithful stewardship—trusting that God is the one who begins, sustains, and multiplies. 1. Movements Belong to God  Like Paul, leaders prepare others even if they won’t “see the results” We don’t own or control movements—God does Parable of the Tenants (Matt 21:33–46): we are stewards, not owners Holding onto what isn’t ours can lead to it being “taken away” God can spark movement anywhere—even where it seems impossible 2. Humility & Self-Emptying (Acts 20:18–19) “I served the Lord with great humility and with tears…” (v.19) Pride quietly kills movements—humility sustains them Follow Jesus’ model: daily surrender and self-emptying Be catalysts—point to God, not ourselves Leave no trail of personal glory; make disciples of Jesus, not of us 3. Focus on the Task (Acts 20:24) “My only aim is to finish the race and complete the task…” (v.24) This is a marathon, not a sprint—perseverance matters Stay focused despite pressure, praise, or hardship Don’t chase numbers or outcomes—trust God for fruit Depend on God daily: fruit grows naturally, not by force “I’ve never seen a tree that forces itself to bear fruit. Trees bear fruit naturally. But there are things that you have to do with the tree so they can bear fruit.”

    32 min
  4. APR 24

    197: The Catalyst’s Farewell – Aila Tassie

    In this recording, Aila Tassie isn’t just speaking; he is leading a room of Australian movement leaders through a Discovery Bible Study (DBS) on the final words of the Apostle Paul. It is a raw, interactive session where the “expert” intentionally steps back to let the community discover what it truly means to lead a movement. What does a movement leader leave behind when they know they will never see their people again? You’ll hear a diverse group of practitioners grappling with the “mind shift” required to move from being a professional manager of a church to an “ordinary catalyst” of a movement. It’s a conversation about tears, severe testing, and the terrifying yet beautiful act of entrusting a mission entirely to the Holy Spirit. “Paul says, ‘You saw my life. I don’t have to tell you about my life.’ As a catalyst, I lived among you… and he was not ashamed to tell them that.” — Aila Tassie What if the greatest threat to your mission isn’t the world outside, but the ego within? We explore: The Power of Tears: Why humility and vulnerability are the primary currencies of a movement. The “Stay or Go” Tension: How to know when you’ve done enough to hand the reins over to the Spirit. The Australian Context: Real talk from local leaders on overcoming the fear of reputation and the lure of the “Comfort Zone.” If you’ve ever wondered if your leadership is building an institution or a movement, the answer lies in how you handle your exit.

    21 min
  5. MAR 27

    194. Roy Moran – Intro to Leaders Weekend

    Roy Moran kicks off a leaders weekend in City (last year in October 2025) with a powerful recap and vision for disciple-making movements. He shares key insights from global movements, including: What defines a movement (100+ churches across 4 generations) The scale of impact through New Generations (3M+ people, 177,000 groups) Why the gospel must not just grow—but scale Key Themes The Father’s Heart: God is building a family—He is a lovesick Father pursuing His children Generators > Generations: Focus on forming people who multiply Movement Dynamics: The gospel spreads virally through relationships, not programs Western Challenge: Many need to rediscover God’s heart—not just forgiveness, but family and mission Simple Obedience: Real multiplication happens when people engage Scripture and obey. Key Insight Roy shares real stories of multiplication—from college campuses to families—showing that what’s happening globally is beginning to take root in the West. “God has chosen to need you… to pour His truth through your life.” Also Covered Diffusion of innovation (20/80 principle) Communicating without “church language” Practical tools (including an AI DMM coach: Put this WhatsApp Number to the test: +1 816 284 8470) Prayer Roy closes with a prayer, calling us back to the joy of the Father’s family—and the invitation to join the family business of finding those not yet home. Final Reflection: If the gospel is meant to multiply, what would it look like in your life to see it move virally through your relationships, networks, and culture?

    25 min
  6. MAR 19

    193. Roy Moran – Having the Right Attitude When Helping Others with DMM

    Introduction In this final episode with Roy Moran from his time with us in the Dandenong Ranges (Melbourne, 2025), we explore how to help local churches embrace Disciple Making Movements (DMM). Roy challenges our posture—calling us to humility, service, and a true Kingdom heart as we seek to empower others rather than bring ready-made solutions. Managing the Tension Between Traditional Church and DMM Come with humility, not superiority Don’t approach as someone who has “figured it out.” Come with questions, not answers (e.g. “What do you dream for in this community?”) Discover what drives people before offering anything. Discern shared vision If there’s no shared goal, it’s okay to move on. Most church leaders are not ill-intentioned—they genuinely want God’s Kingdom to come but often feel constrained by existing systems. Asking them to change everything can feel like asking them to “commit suicide” within their context—so empathy is essential. Start Personally, Not Institutionally Infusion of innovation diagram Don’t wait for permission or structures—begin disciple-making in your own life. Reach out to the lost, experiment, and live it out before trying to implement it in a church system. Focus on function over form. Understanding the Innovation Gap Early adopters respond to vision; the majority responds to story and social proof. Don’t try to replace a church’s “complete system” with your “pieces and parts.” Instead, humbly offer what you have and let it grow. A Posture That Opens Doors Ask: “How can I help?” Avoid pushing solutions until invited. When asked, respond gently as one without all the answers. Plant a garden, don’t force growth Share stories. Offer small, relevant resources. Look for hunger and respond to it. Don’t overwhelm—don’t feed a baby with a firehose! Honour always Affirm the work already done. Never tear down—build up. Creating Space: “Building a Wall” Help churches create separation between traditional structures and DMM efforts. Encourage them to release people to make disciples. Keep things informal and low-key—avoid over-structuring. Start small with a committed group focused on reaching the lost. Strategy: Quiet, Humble, Relational Go under the radar—don’t self-promote. Stay low, honour others, and avoid drawing attention. Under-promise and over-deliver. If people start promoting you—step back. Key Quote “The gap between vision and multiplying reality is closed by one simple thing – people and connection.” Real movement leadership is relational, messy, and slow. It requires vulnerability, patience, and deep investment in people—not just strategies or systems. Final Prayer (Summary) Roy closes by praying for: God’s power beyond our human understanding Fruitfulness and Kingdom multiplication Divine appointments with people ready for transformation Courage to pursue “impossible” Kingdom dreams Humility—even through refining and difficulty A deep awareness of our identity as children of God Final Encouragement As we conclude this series with Roy: Reflect on what you’ve heard across these episodes Ask: How is God speaking to me? What is my response? Take the next step—simply, humbly, and with others.

    21 min

About

Hearing from people who are obeying Jesus’ great commission to Go

You Might Also Like