Conversations as you Go

  1. Sep 26

    218: Aila Tasse – Building Networks

    Conversations as you Go

  2. Sep 18

    217. Going Fast Alone or Going Far Together

    In this episode, Aila Tasse explores why movements need a tribe—a community united around Jesus, his mission and a shared vision for the unreached. Drawing on the African proverb, “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together,” Aila reminds us that we were never meant to pursue movements alone. Sharing both our breakthroughs and failures helps us recognise that we belong to a global movement—from everywhere to everywhere. Aila also challenges us to distinguish following Jesus from simply defending Christianity as a religion. Jesus did not come to establish a religious institution, but a movement of people whose lives reflect his way. What might need to change if we saw ourselves first as people of “the Way”?

  3. Sep 11

    216. Aila Tasse – Movement Leaders are ‘Learnable’

    In this episode, Aila Tasse explores how Jesus modelled leadership and developed ordinary disciples into movement leaders. Developing Leaders Jesus invested in different levels of leadership—from his inner three, to the twelve, the seventy-two, the 120 and the multitudes. Likewise, DMM leadership grows from people of peace and DBS facilitators through to movement leaders and catalysts who can be sent cross-culturally to catalyse new movements. Aila refers to these levels (0-5) of DMM leadership in this episode Jesus’ Process of Developing Leaders Discovery scriptures to look at on how Jesus developed leaders Drawing on Matthew 4:19, Aila explains how Jesus developed leaders through life-on-life relationships. He modelled leadership, trained and equipped his disciples, empowered them, mentored them and eventually released them to lead. Aila shares how releasing leaders especially involves risk. Yet disciples are learners, so leaders must be free to attempt new things, make mistakes and “fail forward.” From Jerusalem to the Nations Acts shows the danger of growing internally (adding) while losing sight of the Great Commission (multiplying). God’s intention was always for the gospel to move from Jerusalem to Judea, Samaria and the ends of the earth. With people from many nations now living in our cities, Aila challenges us to recognise the opportunity before us: find people of peace, develop them as leaders and release them to reach their own communities—and potentially back into their nations! Characteristics of Movement Leaders Movement leaders are marked by passion for God and the lost, vision for the Great Commission, commitment to DMM and their team, and a willingness to remain “learnable.” Takeaway question: How are you keeping your eyes on the multipliers God has already placed around you?

  4. Sep 3

    215. Aila Tasse – Finding Multipliers and Oral Learners

    In this episode Aila Tasse explores how to find and develop the multipliers who will guard the DNA and multiply a movement. Finding Multipliers Aila explains that movement leaders catalyse, multiply and sustain movements. Although only a few people may become multipliers, everyone is still encouraged to become a disciple who makes disciples. These leaders also guard the movement’s DNA, ensuring that simple and reproducible practices—such as the Discovery Bible Study questions—remain unchanged as they are passed on. Two hands: ‘Becoming’ and ‘Making’ Disciples Drawing on Jesus’ invitation in Matthew 4:19, Aila describes becoming a disciple and making disciples through two hands: “Follow me” is becoming, while “I will make you fishers of people” is making disciples. The five fingers of one hand represent becoming a disciple: Prayer Personal discovery of Scripture Fellowship with believers Serving the community Sharing your faith The other hand represents making disciples: Pray Engage Find a person of peace Begin a Discovery Bible Study Develop churches and leaders Aila shares how Margaret, an oral learner, taught him to train others through stories, hand signs like these and simple ideas they could easily remember and pass on. What we are becoming, we are making. We can’t make unless we are becoming. And we also can’t become unless we are making.  Takeaway question: How could these two hands help you guard and multiply the DNA of disciple-making movements?

  5. Aug 28

    214. Aila Tasse – Defining Movement Leaders

    In this episode, Aila Tasse explores what defines a leader in a Disciple-Making Movement (DMM). While leadership is often understood through titles and positions, movement leaders are recognised by action, fruit and multiplication. This can be challenging when multiplication is not yet happening, but Dave encourages listeners not to disqualify themselves. Leadership begins with obeying God and helping others do the same—whether leading one person or many. Looking for Multipliers Movement leaders have learned and practised the principles of DMMs and are helping others multiply. Like Jesus, we need to intentionally identify, equip and mentor people who desire to multiply. Aila challenges us not to focus on those who talk much but do little. The task is urgent, and movement leaders are always doers. Movement leaders focus on three dimensions: Length: Is the movement multiplying through successive generations? Depth: Is the DNA of obedience and multiplication being passed on? Width: Is the movement expanding into new communities, people groups and/or regions? Grassroots and regional equipping hubs allow leaders to learn, share and network together. They also help movement leaders identify gaps—including unreached people groups, diaspora communities in our cities and increasingly unreached Western populations. Shepherding Movements Through Critical Stages Rather than merely collecting “data,” Aila describes measuring movement health as ‘shepherding’. Like a shepherd caring for sheep, leaders need to know whether a movement is healthy, struggling or declining—and understand why. Movements can grow rapidly through their early generations but often plateau between the fifth and seventh generations. Without new leaders and intentional action, momentum may decline and movements can eventually die. Movement leaders are therefore needed at every generational level to guard the movement’s DNA and help it continue multiplying. One leader cannot do everything. Movements are sustained when many leaders are developed, equipped and released. As the African saying reminds us: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go with someone.” Takeaway question: How can you intentionally identify, equip and release movement leaders who will multiply in your context?

  6. Aug 21

    213. Aila Tasse – Finding, Developing and Catalysing Leaders

    In this episode, Aila Tasse explores why finding, developing and releasing leaders is essential for seeing movements multiply. Drawing on his experience of establishing a training institute on the border of Ethiopia and Kenya in the early 1990s, Aila shares how some of the first leaders developed there were sent to engage 14 unreached tribes across the region. Faced with a harvest far beyond the capacity of any one person, Aila began praying not only for the harvest, but also for the workers needed to reach it. Multiplying Workers for the Harvest Jesus instructed his disciples to ask the Lord of the harvest to send workers into his harvest field (Luke 10:2). But while prayer is foundational, developing leaders also involves intentionally finding, raising, coaching, equipping and releasing people into the harvest. Matthew 4:18–22: What Jesus, the Lord of the harvest, teaches us about finding and developing leaders. Jesus began his kingdom ministry with multiplication—calling ordinary people to become leaders who would fish for people. Acts 13:1–3: How a diverse church in Antioch developed and released movement leaders under the direction of the Holy Spirit. Cultural diversity are essential in teams seeking to reach diverse peoples. Matthew 28:16-20 (The Great Commission): Jesus establishes, aligns and motivates leaders through the Great Commission. Disciples and leaders must remain aligned with the call to make disciples, while Jesus’ promise to remain with them provides the motivation and resources they need to obey—even when he leads them beyond their comfort zones. Discovery Bible Study Passages and Questions Matthew 4:18–22: What can we learn from Jesus, the Lord of the harvest, and his process of developing leaders? Acts 13:1–3: How did the church in Antioch develop and empower movement leaders? 2 Timothy 2:1–3: What can we learn from Paul’s instructions to Timothy about developing leaders?

  7. Aug 13

    212. Aila Tasse – The Challenge of the 21st Century

    In this episode, Dave and Aila Tasse explore one of the great missional challenges of the 21st century: how followers of Jesus engage with the growth of Islam. Drawing on his own journey from Islam to Christ and his experience across Africa, Aila shares remarkable stories of how God is drawing Muslims to Jesus through dreams, visions and ordinary disciple-makers. Responding to the Growth of Islam As Islam (as well as Hinduism and Buddhism) continue to grow and spread across national boundaries, what will it take for the good news of Jesus to reach people on a global scale? Dave and Aila discuss: The growth and global influence of Islam through population, migration, politics, business, education and community life. Why multiplication and disciple-making movements are needed to make a significant global impact. How some younger Muslims continue to identify culturally with Islam while privately questioning or disengaging from the religion. The important difference between Islam as a religious system and Muslims as people created and loved by God. Why we should respond with prayer, love and engagement rather than fear. Aila reminds us that behind the clothing, beliefs and religious identity are people—souls who need Jesus. He encourages focused prayer for Muslim communities, asking God to reveal people of peace, including those who may remain within their existing culture. The Lausanne Movement’s State of the Great Commission Report highlights how church-planting movements are contributing to the growth of the global body of Christ. This offers hope that God is using movements to bring change where traditional churches are declining. Read more: Are we still fulfilling the Great Commission? Six key findings by the Lausanne Movement Stories of God at Work Aila also shares remarkable stories of God at work: A committed Muslim dreamed that Jesus told him to believe. Aila shares this personal story of how this man was later sent away for Islamic training and became a respected Sharia scholar and leader of imams—but he has never forgotten the dream. After years of resisting Aila’s witness, his mother encountered Jesus in hospital. She was given a candle and told never to walk in darkness again, but to walk in the light. Her testimony later helped lead Aila’s father and other family members to Jesus. A woman suffering from severe mental illness was healed after encountering “a man in white.” She later recognised Jesus through the message of local disciple-makers, received a song through her encounter and became a church planter. These stories remind us that God cannot be confined to our expectations. He is using dreams, visions and overlooked, ordinary people to reach families and communities and begin movements. As you listen, ask God: “What are you doing, and how do you want me to engage with Islam?”

  8. Aug 7

    211. Aila Tasse – Casting Vision

    211. Aila Tasse – Casting Vision In this episode, Aila shares practical insights on how to cast vision for Disciple Making Movements (DMM). You’ll also hear from practitioners in the room who share different ways they inspire others to join God’s mission of making disciples. Takeaway: As you listen, ask yourself: What is one simple next step I could use, even this week, to help others catch God’s vision for making disciples? Several people mention the book ’21 Days to Become a Disciple Maker’ by Jim Britts and others. You can find the book here. You can also access Jim Britts’ short training videos he shared with us at one of our recent Praxeis launch gatherings here.

  9. Jul 27

    210. Aila Tasse – Building Teams Like Jesus and Paul

    In this episode, Aila Tasse draws from Scripture and his own leadership experience to explore how we can build disciple-making teams following the examples of Jesus and Paul. Jesus prayed his team into existence, invited people into relationship, trained them through modelling and apprenticeship, sent them out together, and coached them as they learned through experience. His example reminds us that the workers, leaders and resources needed for the harvest are often already within the communities we are seeking to reach. Aila also explores the multicultural, multi-gifted team in Acts 13. As they prayed, fasted and listened, the Holy Spirit set apart and sent Paul and Barnabas. Throughout Acts, teams were formed and redirected through dependence on the Spirit—not simply through human plans or strategies. Building multiplying teams means inviting people into relationship, modelling disciple-making, releasing responsibility early and coaching people as they learn by doing. It also requires leaders to get out of the way and create a culture in which everybody counts, contributes and thrives. Shared vision leads to shared ownership, shared effort and shared celebration. Finally, Aila reflects on the humility of Jesus in Philippians 2 and the importance of honouring people across cultures. God’s Kingdom celebrates diversity, bringing together people from every nation, language and background into one body. As you listen, be attentive to the voice of the Holy Spirit: What will you take away from this episode and apply immediately as you build disciple-making teams in your context?

  10. Jul 17

    209. Aila Tasse – Developing Leaders within the Existing Church

    How can existing churches and emerging movement leaders work together to reach the lost? The first generation of movement leaders often comes from local churches, as Christians catch God’s heart for the lost and begin engaging in the harvest. Rather than distancing ourselves from the existing church, Aila encourages us to graciously include and catalyse its leaders, recognising the gifts and experience they bring. Aila shares practical insights into: Bringing existing and emerging leaders together for training and mutual learning. Finding “inside leaders” who understand the language, culture and relationships of the people being reached. Discovering these persons of peace who may eventually become leaders. Engaging urban “tribes” formed around interests, communities or shared experiences. Helping church leaders focus on forming new groups in the harvest rather than bringing people back into existing congregations. Building coalitions around a shared Great Commission vision. Drawing on Lifeway’s experience in Ethiopia, Aila describes how leaders from different denominations were invited into a gracious vision-casting process. With the blessing of many but not all exisiting church leaders, grassroots disciple makers began forming groups that multiplied among unreached communities. As Aila reminds us, the language we use matters. He encouraged us to focus on equipping leaders from the bottom up, while building a shared Great Commission vision with those leading from the top down.  As you listen, consider: Who within the existing church might God be inviting you to encourage, equip and catalyse for the harvest – and which church leaders could you invite into a shared Great Commission vision?

  11. Jul 10

    208. Aila Tasse – What Does Church Look Like

    What does church really look like—and how do new disciples discover that they are the church? In this short episode, Aila Tasse shares why disciple making must move beyond decisions to developing communities that live out the functions of church together. Rather than bringing people to church, the goal is to see people become church. In this episode: Why becoming church is a slow but essential discipleship journey. The role of leaders as community builders from the very beginning. Helping new believers learn to care for one another, break bread, fellowship, and reach people of peace. The importance of being faithful, patient, and trusting God to multiply through a few committed disciples. A reminder that every culture will ultimately express church in ways that fit its local context. An example from international student ministry Leaders in the room reflect on the challenge facing many international students who return home after coming to faith while studying overseas. Rather than simply helping students connect into churches while abroad, they also need to discover a reproducible expression of church that they can take back to their home nations. Some ministries estimate that 50–80% of Chinese students who come to faith while studying overseas struggle to continue following Jesus after returning home.* Further reading on returnee student ministry The resources below come from ministries with a more traditional approach to discipleship and integration into existing churches. While they are not written from a Disciple Making Movement (DMM) perspective, they offer valuable insights into the challenges faced by Chinese international students returning home. Thriving Turtles (Australia) – Australian perspective and practical preparation for Chinese returnees.https://www.thrivingturtles.org/ OMF International – "Preparing Diaspora Converts for their Return to East Asia" (Dr Stuart Bullington)https://omf.org/preparing-diaspora-converts-for-their-return-to-east-asia/ ChinaSource – "Returnee Ministry at Home and Abroad" (Lydia S.)https://www.chinasource.org/articles/returnee-ministry-at-home-and-abroad

  12. Jul 2

    207. Aila Tasse – Transitioning from DBS to Gatherings and Groups (Church)

    In this episode, we continue listening to Aila Tasse as he trains some of our Praxeis leaders. Aila shares about the important transition from Discovery Bible Study into gatherings and groups that begin to function as church. He highlights the need for different people, with different gifts and passions, to play their part so the functions of church can emerge and multiplication can continue.

  13. Jun 26

    206. Aila Tasse – From ‘Expert’ to ‘Multiplying Leader’

    Aila Tasse shares his remarkable journey from being a Muslim-background believer and respected ministry expert to embracing disciple making movements. Along the way, God challenged his assumptions, dealt with his pride, and reshaped his understanding of church, leadership, and multiplication. In this episode you’ll hear: How Aila moved from expert-led ministry to empowering ordinary believers. The paradigm shifts that transformed his understanding of church and leadership. Why discovery, obedience, and the Holy Spirit became central to movement growth. How God expanded the vision from reaching 14 unreached people groups in northern Kenya to a regional vision for 320 UPGs across eight nations—from Sudan to Tanzania and Zambia—with over 160 UPGs now engaged and 68+ movements underway. Why movement sustainability depends on raising multiplying leaders rather than building personal ministries. Aila also reflects on identity, success, and what it means to faithfully finish the race by investing in the next generation of movement catalysts. Reflection question: Where are you on your own disciple-making journey, and what is God asking you to change? What question do you need to bring to a coach or mentor as you continue to grow?

  14. Jun 23

    205. Aila Tasse – Model a Lifestyle of a Movement Leader #3

    In this episode, Aila continues exploring the lifestyle of a movement leader. Through the inspiring story of Roba, a person of peace in a remote African village whose influence has now extended through more than 14 generations of disciple-makers and churches, Aila shares why movement leaders must develop every disciple into a leader. Key Takeaways Faithful disciples pass on what they have learned to others who will do the same (2 Timothy 2:2). Ministry gifts are not positions, but are given to movement leaders to equip and develop others for the work of ministry.(Ephesians 4:11–12). Effective equipping develops the head, heart, and hands. Healthy leaders release others to become fruitful leaders themselves. Disciple-making movements grow through observing, obeying, modelling, and multiplying. "A seed does not grow on a tree. It grows away from the tree to become another tree—and eventually a forest." Scriptures 2 Timothy 2:2 1 Thessalonians 1:6–8 1 Thessalonians 2 Ephesians 4:11–12

  15. Jun 12

    204. Aila Tasse – Model a Lifestyle of a Movement Leader #2

    In this episode, Aila Tasse continues to unpack the importance of modelling as a disciple-maker and movement leader. Drawing from Scripture, movement experience, and his own story, Aila begins to explore the three critical stages of Disciple Making Movements: starting movements, multiplying movements, and sustaining movements. At the heart of each stage is leadership development, and Aila emphasises the importance of learning to model the DNA at each of these stages. He reminds us that movements are not built primarily through programs, tools, or information, but through lives that model obedience, faithfulness, service, and dependence on God. What we model is what we multiply, and what we multiply is what we sustain. Through powerful stories of disciple-making, servant leadership, and sharing life with others, Aila encourages us to move beyond merely teaching principles and instead invite people into a lifestyle of following Jesus. Key question: How are we modelling the life we want others to reproduce?

  16. Jun 5

    203. Aila Tasse – Model a Lifestyle of a Movement Leader

    Aila Tasse unpacks 1 Thessalonians 2:1–13 as a foundation for modelling a lifestyle of a movement leader, drawing from both Paul’s example and his own journey in disciple-making movements. He challenges us to identify the obstacles that hinder this lifestyle and to ask how they can be overcome. He calls us to respond to Jesus’ Great Commission through a daily rhythm of listening, obeying, applying, and multiplying. Key Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:1–13 [1] You know, brothers and sisters, that our visit to you was not without results. [2] We had previously suffered and been treated outrageously in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in the face of strong opposition. [3] For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. [4] On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts. [5] You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness. [6] We were not looking for praise from people, not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles of Christ we could have asserted our authority. [7] Instead, we were like young children among you.Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, [8] so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well. [9] Surely you remember, brothers and sisters, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you. [10] You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed. [11] For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, [12] encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory. [13] And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is—the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe. Three Key Questions Aila Raises How do we model a lifestyle of a movement leader?Paul shows this through “how we lived among you”—a shared life, not just words. What obstacles stop us from modelling this lifestyle?Aila highlights that most barriers are internal—unbelief, disobedience, and cultural or religious systems that resist biblical disciple-making. How can we overcome these obstacles?Through honesty, accountability, patience, and obedience. Growth comes through faithfulness over time, trusting God to produce fruit. Closing Reflection Aila calls us to respond personally: “What are the obstacles that stop us from modelling a lifestyle of a movement leader and how can we overcome these?”

  17. May 29

    202. Aila Tasse – Multiply Yourself into the Lives of Others

    We continue our series with Aila Tasse as we explore the heart of movements: multiplying our lives into the lives of others. Aila moves beyond methods and strategies and calls us back to the deeper lifestyle of a movement catalyst. Drawing from Acts 20, Philippians 3, and the life of Jesus, Aila reminds us that movements are not built through impressive resumes or polished presentations, but through authentic lives poured out into others. “God doesn’t want to do things in other people’s lives that He has not done in our lives.” Aila reflects on Paul’s words in Acts 20:18: “You know how I lived the whole time I was with you…” The credibility of the message comes not merely from what we tell people, but from the life we live. People are not looking for something fake. They are looking for reality. A woman's question Aila shares a story of visiting a remote village while delivering relief food. After sharing the gospel with around 300 people gathered under a tree, the entire village responded to Jesus. But as Aila prepared to leave, a woman stopped him and asked a question that would shape the rest of his ministry: “Who is going to remain behind and teach us about this God who loves us?” That question broke Aila’s heart. He realised that evangelism alone was not enough. People did not only need to hear about Jesus; they needed someone to remain, disciple, and multiply their lives into others. That night, Aila sensed God speak clearly: “Multiply yourself into the lives of others.” Years later, Aila returned to that same village and witnessed a thriving church meeting under the very same tree — now led by a seventh-generation leader from Aila's own training. The movement is now spreading beyond this area into other tribes and communities because leaders had continued to multiply leaders. Aila reminds us that Jesus Himself spent most of His ministry investing deeply into a few ordinary, broken, and even doubting people (Matthew 28:17). Yet through them, the gospel spread across the world. Examining our own lives as movement leaders This episode also challenges us to consider the internal obstacles that hinder movement. Often the greatest barriers are not external opposition, but the “self” within us — perhaps our fears, unbelief, experiences, pride, or comfort. Aila leaves us with a powerful question: What is there in my lifestyle that can hinder God’s movement? May this episode encourage us to examine our lives and ask how we can intentionally pour ourselves into others so that disciples, leaders, and movements continue far beyond us.

  18. May 22

    201. Aila Tasse – Start, Multiply and Sustain 

    What does it take not only to start a disciple-making movement, but to see it multiply and remain for generations to come? In this episode, Aila Tasse calls us back to the heart of disciple-making: becoming before doing. Drawing again from John 15, Acts 20 and decades of experience training thousands of leaders across the nations, Aila shares why sustainable movements are ultimately “God stories” — born through abiding in Jesus, shaped by obedience, and carried forward through everyday disciples who model the life of Christ. Aila unpacks three essential stages of movement: Starting Multiplying Sustaining He explains why the DNA present at the beginning of a movement determines what it will become generations later. “The way you start is the way you finish,” he says. If movements are not started with multiplication and sustainability in mind, they will struggle to endure. The conversation explores: Why every disciple is a leader in movements How leaders are developed through modelling a lifestyle of a disciple The danger of movements losing their DNA across generations Why sustainability must be built in from the very beginning The importance of preparing now for the people God will send in the future Aila also reflects on Paul’s farewell to the Ephesian elders in Acts 20, reminding us that movements survive not because of one charismatic leader, but because healthy leaders are raised, developed and released. “If you don’t have a movement, soon God will give you one,” Aila says. “It has already been started.” This episode is a timely challenge for anyone longing to see disciple-making movements that not only begin well — but continue multiplying for generations to come. People sharing from a time of waiting on God in the room before Aila shared: Luke 11:23 — “He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters.” A call to gather with Jesus rather than scatter. A challenge to keep asking God, “What shall I do with my gift or talent Lord?” rather than looking first to worldly solutions. 1 Kings 19:9-13 — Elijah encounters God not in the wind, earthquake or fire, but in the gentle whisper.

  19. May 15

    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?

  20. 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.

  21. 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.”

  22. 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.

  23. Apr 18

    196: Aila Tassie – The art of ‘come and follow me’

    Before God calls anyone to "go," He first calls them to "follow." We often focus on the results of leadership—the numbers, the movements, and the strategies. But what if the most powerful thing a leader can do is simply unlearn everything they thought they knew? In this episode, we dive into a deep, vulnerable conversation from the Movement Leaders Weekend in Melbourne. You'll hear from Aila Tassie, a movement leader who has seen the Gospel multiply across nearly 180 unreached people groups, alongside Roy Moran and Dave Lawton. Together, they explore the radical "mind shift" required to move away from professionalized, knowledge-based ministry toward an intimate, ordinary walk with Jesus.

  24. Apr 10

    195. Roy Moran – What does Meeting together look like?

    What does it mean to truly gather as a movement church today? In this episode, Roy Moran challenges the traditional "Sunday morning" legacy model, asking a vital question: what does a gathering look like that brings life but doesn't breed dependency? Drawing from his experience transitioning a traditional congregation into a "hybrid church" strategy, Roy unpacks the gritty realities of planting multiplying, biblically flourishing communities. Whether you are wrestling with the limitations of consumer-driven religion or looking for ways to spark true disciple-making movements that reach people far from God, this conversation will push you to deeply rethink how, where, and why we meet.

  25. 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?