The Disciple Maker‘s Podcast

Discipleship.org
The Disciple Maker‘s Podcast

The Disciple Makers Podcast exists to tell stories about disciples of Jesus who make disciples. Discipleship.org, who sponsors the podcast, exists to Champion Jesus‘ way of disciple making. Episodes are published in thematic seasons. To learn more, visit www.discipleship.org or email us at info@discipleship.org.

  1. 4 DAYS AGO

    Building Relationships as Spiritual Grandparents (feat. George Posthumus)

    Visit Legacy Coalition: https://legacycoalition.com/  “Today’s episode will help us actively engage in our grandchildren’s spiritual growth with practical strategies and biblical insights on being intentional, grace-filled Christian grandparents.” Intentional Grandparenting: Equipping Grandparents with Legacy Coalition   In this comprehensive seminar, a seasoned pastor and grandparent passionately discusses the crucial role of grandparents in the spiritual growth and mentorship of their grandchildren. Starting with the foundational concepts from Deuteronomy 4:9, the session emphasizes the importance of intentional grandparenting and offers practical advice on building strong, positive relationships with grandchildren. The speaker encourages grandparents to transition from a role of control to one of influence and highlights the significance of using positive affirmations, sharing personal testimonies, and spending quality one-on-one time with grandchildren. Additionally, resources, such as children's books and structured activities like Cousin's Camp, are suggested to help reinforce these relationships. The seminar also addresses challenging family dynamics and provides strategies for navigating broken relationships with adult children. The session concludes with a discussion on the available resources and the importance of integrating grandparenting ministries into churches. Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/    Key Takeaways  00:00 Introduction and Setup 01:13 Welcoming the Participants 07:50 Grandparenting Foundations 08:54 Personal Background and Ministry 10:15 The Importance of Deuteronomy 4:9 12:32 The Role of Grandparents 14:53 Building Relationships with Grandchildren 30:25 Practical Tips and Blessings 38:14 Expressing What's Most Important 38:37 Introducing a Special Book 39:38 Reading 'Wherever You Go, I Want You to Know' 43:18 Positive Affirmation and Intentional Grandparenting 46:56 The Control Influence Principle 50:15 Repairing Broken Relationships 55:41 Practical Activities for Grandparents 01:03:47 Resources and Support for Grandparents 01:06:52 Launching Grandparenting Ministries in Churches Resources on Discipleship   Reaching & Discipling Women: A Guide to Women’s Ministry in Your Church What Is Church? And How Important Is It?   Family Discipleship Blueprint: A Year-by-Year Guide to Family Discipleship   Becoming a Disciple Maker Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr In this episode, "Legacy Coalition 2," the focus is on how grandparents can actively and intentionally engage in their grandchildren’s spiritual growth. It starts with a brief setup and a warm welcome from the speaker, who introduces the seminar's theme. The core message is about the unique and proactive role grandparents play in their grandchildren’s lives, supported by biblical references like Deuteronomy 4:9. Grandparents are encouraged to move beyond being passive figures and instead actively engage in teaching, sharing personal testimonies, and living out their faith. The speaker, along with his wife Linda, shares personal stories and practical methods, including using the Levitical blessing from Numbers 6:24-26 to positively impact grandchildren. They emphasize that while parents set rules, grandparents should focus on guiding with grace and love, akin to the role of Jesus in the Bible. Practical tips include spending one-on-one time with each grandchild, sharing personal stories, using mealtimes for deep conversations, creating special memories, and using "Let's Talk" cards for meaningful dialogue. The episode also addresses challenges, such as dealing with rebellious grandchildren and maintaining healthy relationships with adult children, stressing the importance of avoiding criticism and fostering reconciliation. For those interested in expanding these principles into their churches, resources like the “Grandparenting Matter

    57 min
  2. 6 DAYS AGO

    The Biblical Basis for Grandparenting (feat. George Posthumus)

    Visit Legacy Coalition: https://legacycoalition.com/    “Today’s episode will help us understand the crucial, biblically mandated role of grandparents in nurturing their grandchildren's Christian faith and provide practical strategies for active spiritual engagement.”   The Role of Grandparents in Christian Discipleship | Featuring George Postumus   George Postumus, a pastor with 39 years of experience and a staff member of Legacy Coalition, discusses the vital role of grandparents in Christian discipleship. Addressing a room of grandparents, Postumus emphasizes that the Bible commands Christians to teach both their children and grandchildren. He shares personal experiences, Scripture references, particularly Deuteronomy 4:9 and Psalm 78, and offers practical advice on intentional Christian grandparenting. Throughout the video, George addresses common misconceptions and cultural barriers, urging grandparents to actively share their faith with their grandchildren. The session includes prayers, personal anecdotes, and an invitation to integrate this ministry into church life.   Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/    Key Takeaways  00:00 Introduction and Initial Setup 00:07 Counting Grandchildren and Ministry Introduction 01:01 Opening Prayer and Speaker Introduction 01:47 Personal Background and Ministry Importance 03:57 Family Introduction and Long-Distance Grandparenting 05:51 Biblical Perspective on Grandparenting 07:15 Discovering the Role of Christian Grandparents 11:27 The Importance of Passing Down Faith 16:03 Challenges and Strategies in Grandparenting 25:28 Generational Decline and the Role of the Church 31:28 The Rise of Grandparenting Ministry 32:03 The Biblical Mandate for Grandparents 33:14 Preparing Grandkids for the Future 34:00 The Influence of Grandparents 34:40 Passing on Your Faith 36:04 Communicating Spiritual Joy 41:47 The Importance of the Soul 44:03 Types of Grandparents 47:46 Launching Grandparenting Ministries in Churches 58:22 Engaging with Grandkids Spiritually Resources on Discipleship   Reaching & Discipling Women: A Guide to Women’s Ministry in Your Church What Is Church? And How Important Is It?   Family Discipleship Blueprint: A Year-by-Year Guide to Family Discipleship   Becoming a Disciple Maker Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr In this episode, titled "Legacy Coalition 1," George Postumus discusses the vital role of grandparents in nurturing Christian faith within their families. He begins by sharing his personal story, including his struggle with hearing loss and use of an auditory brainstem implant, which affects his speaking style. The main focus of George's message is the biblical importance of grandparents as spiritual guides. He highlights the need for grandparents to intentionally embrace their role in their grandchildren's spiritual upbringing, referencing Deuteronomy 4:9 and Psalm 78. He stresses that grandparenting is a crucial, scripturally mandated responsibility. George shares how his understanding of this role evolved after attending a conference led by Larry Fowler. He offers practical advice for grandparents, encouraging them to actively engage in their own spiritual health and in teaching their grandchildren. He refutes the cultural notion that grandparents should take a backseat in matters of faith. He emphasizes that grandparents should support parents and play an active, influential role in their grandchildren’s spiritual education. George provides practical tips such as having conversations about God, praying together, and sharing biblical stories. He highlights the ultimate goal of ensuring grandchildren's salvation and spiritual well-being. George concludes by offering resources and suggesting ways for churches to support grandparent-focused ministries, advocating for the integration of grandparents into church activities. His message is a powerful call for gran

    51 min
  3. NOV 27

    How to Effectively Create Personal Spiritual Transformation in the Lives of Your Church Staff, Elders and Congregation (feat. David Roadcup)

    Visit TCM: https://www.tcmi.org/    In this episode, David Roadcup, a professor of discipleship and spiritual formation at TCMI Institute, shares his experiences and insights on effective spiritual leadership. With over 30 years of experience and a focus on spiritual transformation, David discusses various elements crucial for fostering personal and communal spiritual growth. He touches on the importance of prayer, community, and the role of the Holy Spirit in achieving spiritual maturity. He also emphasizes the significance of having spiritually transformative practices within church staff and leadership, including consistent prayer meetings, retreats, and daily spiritual discipline. Tune in for a comprehensive guide on cultivating a spiritually enriching environment in your church.   Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/    Key Takeaways  00:00 Introduction and Setup 05:53 Introduction to David Roadcup and TCMI Institute 07:08 Challenges and Opportunities in Ministry 10:53 Workshop Introduction: Creating Spiritual Transformation 11:20 The Ultimate Goal of Church Leadership 13:10 Paul's Mission and Spiritual Maturity 20:18 Daily Commitment to Following Jesus 30:56 The Process of Spiritual Transformation 37:07 The Importance of Spiritual Disciplines 38:30 Recognizing Spiritual Transformation 40:21 Personal Testimony and Stewardship 43:21 Spiritual Growth in Church Leadership 47:35 Creating a Culture of Prayer and Content 53:25 The Value of Retreats and Fun Activities 58:14 Elder Selection and Unity 01:03:07 Final Thoughts and Encouragement   Resources on Discipleship   Reaching & Discipling Women: A Guide to Women’s Ministry in Your Church What Is Church? And How Important Is It?   Family Discipleship Blueprint: A Year-by-Year Guide to Family Discipleship   Becoming a Disciple Maker Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr The episode starts with casual conversations before David Roadcup introduces himself as a professor at TCM Institute. He discusses TCM's significant reach, with 2,600 students from 55 countries, and the impact of their work, especially in Europe and Central Asia. He also touches on challenges like the war in Russia and Ukraine affecting student visas. David shares personal stories about his marriage, family, and career path, expressing joy in his role at TCM. Shifting to the core topic of spiritual transformation, David emphasizes that the primary goal of church leadership is to present spiritually mature individuals to Jesus Christ. He cites Colossians 1:28-29 and explains the Greek term "teleos," meaning complete or mature. David highlights that spiritual transformation starts with the Holy Spirit and is a lifelong process. He shares his own journey, emphasizing the importance of the Word of God, fellowship, obedience, ministry, and spiritual disciplines. David discusses practical applications, criticizing superficial benchmarks for church members and advocating for genuine heart-and-will surrender to God. He provides indicators of spiritual transformation, such as conversation topics, priorities, attitudes, and behavior. In the latter part of his lecture, David stresses the importance of spiritual growth among church leaders, sharing his consulting experiences and the need for unity. He suggests practices like prayer sessions, retreats, and continuous learning to foster spiritual growth. David concludes with a call to action for church leaders to focus on spiritual nourishment and unity, creating a supportive and growth-oriented culture within the church. The episode ends with personal interactions and endorsements of his talk, showing that attendees resonated with his message and sought further materials to implement in their contexts. In summary, David Roadcup offers a deeply theological and practical approach to spiritual transformation, emphasizing genuine, heart-centered growth for both individuals and chu

    58 min
  4. NOV 25

    How to Prepare, Train and Motivate the Members of Your Discipling Group to Actually and Effectively Disciple Others (feat. David Roadcup)

    Visit TCM: https://www.tcmi.org/    Building an Effective Discipling Ministry: Insights from David Roadcup   Join David Roadcup, a professor at TCMI Institute, as he shares valuable insights on creating a sustainable and impactful discipling ministry within your church. In this comprehensive discussion, David covers foundational principles such as prayer, fasting, and the importance of scripture, as well as practical steps for recruiting and training leaders. He also emphasizes the significance of having church leadership on board and the power of suggestion in influencing potential leaders. David shares success stories and key strategies for growing an effective small group ministry that fosters spiritual maturity and leadership within the congregation. Whether you're a church leader or active member, this session provides actionable guidance to help your discipling ministry thrive. Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/    Key Takeaways  00:00 Introduction and Greetings 01:51 Discussion on Coastal Cities 02:33 Church Roles and Responsibilities 03:05 Challenges in Church Discipleship 07:52 Introduction to the Session 08:45 Keys to Effective Discipleship 10:21 Personal Background and Prayer 11:46 Importance of the Word and Prayer 26:10 Creating Relationships for Discipleship 27:48 Leadership Support and Vision 37:38 Overwhelming Acts of Kindness 39:05 The Power of Small Groups 39:45 Effective Leadership in Small Groups 40:49 Recruiting for Discipleship 43:06 The Covenant Commitment 53:16 The Power of Suggestion 01:04:33 Sustaining Discipleship Groups 01:08:35 A Vision for Citywide Transformation   Resources on Discipleship   Reaching & Discipling Women: A Guide to Women’s Ministry in Your Church What Is Church? And How Important Is It?   Family Discipleship Blueprint: A Year-by-Year Guide to Family Discipleship   Becoming a Disciple Maker Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr   The episode focuses on session led by David Roadcup, a professor at TCMI Institute, about developing an effective and authentic discipling ministry within the church. Roadcup shares key strategies and elements for building a lasting and impactful ministry, drawing from his extensive experience. The seminar starts with anecdotes from church life, setting the stage for a deeper dive into discipling ministries. Roadcup discusses his background at TCMI Institute and the institute's campuses in Vienna and Indianapolis, adding credibility to his insights. A major theme is the cyclical nature of discipleship, where those discipled go on to disciple others. Roadcup emphasizes the importance of a structured approach, including prayer, fasting, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. He underscores the need for church leaders to fully support and lead the disciple-making efforts, fostering a culture of discipleship through strong, trusting relationships. Roadcup also covers practical steps for recruiting leaders and participants, advising a focus on quality over quantity. He highlights the importance of a covenanted commitment from all members to ensure accountability and dedication. An interesting technique he mentions is the power of suggestion, encouraging members to consider future leadership roles without pressure. Roadcup also stresses leader care, emphasizing ongoing support and mentorship to maintain the ministry's effectiveness. To illustrate the impact, Roadcup shares success stories, including his own church group that grew exponentially and even inspired community outreach among police officers, firefighters, and teachers, showcasing the potential for widespread transformation through disciplined discipleship.   Check out our Blogs: https://discipleship.org/blog/

    1h 4m
  5. NOV 20

    The 7 Most Critical Elements of Jesus' Disciple Making Approach: How To Understand and Apply Them to Your Discipling Ministry (feat. David Roadcup)

    Visit TCM: https://www.tcmi.org/  https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=nvdt0m5XKyQ&feature=youtu.be Join Professor David Roedkup from TCMI Institute as he dives into the concept of disciple making. Taken during a morning session at our National Disciple Making Forum, this session provides an in-depth overview of how Jesus Christ trained his disciples, emphasizing the importance of selection, association, and commitment in creating effective disciple groups. David shares his personal experiences from over 57 years of marriage, nine years with TCM, and insights gained from teaching and ministry. Learn the timeless methods of discipleship, how they can be applied in modern-day settings, and how consistent dedication can lead to spiritual transformation in youth, men, and women. Perfect for church leaders, educators, and anyone passionate about fostering deep, genuine faith in their communities.   Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/    Key Takeaways  00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:50 Background and Experience 02:07 Prayer and Blessings 02:49 Jesus' Training Methods 06:37 Personal Discipling Journey 15:18 Commitment and Persistence in Discipling 19:07 Effective Discipling Strategies 23:44 Challenges and Successes 32:22 Selection of Disciples 34:03 Reflecting on Last Year's Journey 34:18 The Commitment of Discipleship 35:19 Recruiting the Right People 43:04 The Importance of Association 50:14 Teaching and Demonstration 53:48 Delegation and Supervision 56:53 Reproduction and Multiplication 01:01:11 Addressing Challenges and Questions Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViA   Check out our Blogs: https://discipleship.org/blog/

    1h 3m
  6. NOV 18

    Taking Serious Next Steps in Your Personal Spiritual Development (feat. David Roadcup)

    Join Matt Dabbs from discipleship.org as he engages in a conversation with David Roadcup, the professor of discipleship at TCM and partner ministry with discipleship.org. David shares his deep passion for discipleship and spiritual disciplines, highlighting foundational aspects for effective ministry and personal growth. He emphasizes the importance of a strong spiritual foundation, nurtured through practices like prayer, fasting, and solitude. David also recommends key books on spiritual disciplines and expounds on essential priorities for a Christian's daily walk. Together, they discuss the critical nature of a relationship with Jesus, God's immense love, and the need for intentionality in spiritual formation. This enriching discussion is filled with practical wisdom and heartfelt encouragement for anyone seeking to deepen their spiritual journey.   Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/    Key Takeaways  00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:55 The Importance of a Strong Foundation 03:42 The Role of Spiritual Disciplines 06:25 Recommended Books on Spiritual Disciplines 07:41 Developing a Singular Focus Priority 15:16 God's Call for Growth 26:11 Breaking Free from Legalism 26:47 God's Love and Relationship with Us 28:38 Building and Maintaining Relationships 29:32 Mental and Emotional Commitment to God 30:10 The Intimacy of God's Love 31:12 The Promise of Eternal Union with God 32:57 Overcoming Guilt and Embracing God's Love 34:06 Practical Steps for Spiritual Growth 36:13 The Power of Biblical Meditation 46:13 Intentionality in Spiritual Formation 49:26 Final Thoughts on Grace and Gratitude   Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr   Check out our Blogs: https://discipleship.org/blog/

    53 min
  7. NOV 13

    Discipleship and the Demonic (feat. Shodankeh Johnson)

    Click here to view RENEW.org – https://renew.org/  Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr Understanding Spiritual Warfare: Equipping Disciples for Battle In this session, we dive into the reality of spiritual warfare, a critical but often overlooked aspect of the Christian journey. Emphasizing its biblical foundation, the speaker discusses the necessity of acknowledging and addressing spiritual battles in disciple-making. The session covers profound insights into the nature of spiritual warfare, the importance of prayer and fasting, and the use of God-given spiritual weapons. Personal anecdotes highlight the challenges and triumphs faced, providing encouragement and practical advice for believers and disciple-makers. The speaker calls for a deeper understanding of spiritual warfare to strengthen faith and foster resilience against the enemy's attacks. 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 Prayer 02:01 Understanding Spiritual Warfare 04:14 The Reality of Spiritual Battles 05:01 The Importance of Coaching Disciples 10:09 The Power of Prayer and Worship 11:11 Personal Testimony of Loss and Faith 20:39 Practical Insights on Spiritual Warfare 28:37 Divine Weapons and Spiritual Armor 32:23 Morning Prayer and Armor of God 33:44 Understanding Satan's Activities 34:32 Accusations and Deception by Satan 35:58 The Power of Resurrection 41:00 Territorial and Ideological Strongholds 44:38 Personal Strongholds and Overcoming Fear 51:02 Spiritual Weapons and Stronghold Warfare 55:03 Questions and Practical Advice 01:00:43 Concluding Prayer and Blessings Resources on Discipleship   Reaching & Discipling Women: A Guide to Women’s Ministry in Your Church What Is Church? And How Important Is It?   Family Discipleship Blueprint: A Year-by-Year Guide to Family Discipleship   Becoming a Disciple Maker In this episode we dive into the reality of spiritual warfare in the context of discipleship. Shodankeh Johnson starts by asking everyone to pray for insight and understanding, stressing that acknowledging spiritual warfare is crucial despite its often-avoided nature. He emphasizes that spiritual warfare, as described in both the Old and New Testaments, is a constant battle between good and evil, mirroring Jesus' own encounters with the enemy. The episode highlights that neglecting spiritual warfare makes disciples vulnerable to fear and ignorance. The speaker insists that belief in spiritual warfare is as fundamental as gravity—it's real whether or not we believe in it. He stresses that the focus should be on teaching the relevance of God’s word rather than proving it. Through personal stories, the speaker illustrates the impact of spiritual warfare. He shares how the unexpected death of his son, initially seen as a defeat, ultimately strengthened many people’s faith and attracted new believers. Another story involves a life-threatening incident that was averted through divine insight. Practical steps for engaging in spiritual warfare are discussed, including the power of prayer and worship as vital tools. Ephesians 6:12 is referenced to remind us that the true battle is spiritual, not physical. The speaker outlines the essential aspects of spiritual warfare: recognizing ongoing battles, understanding the nature of the conflict, and using God’s armor effectively. He identifies five key activities of Satan—afflicting, accusing, instigating, deceiving, and causing fruitlessness—and describes three types of strongholds—territorial, ideological, and personal. Strategies to break these strongholds include using Scripture, relying on the Holy Spirit, and engaging in prayer and fasting. The episode wraps up with a Q&A session, addressing practical concerns about handling church opposition and encouraging new believers to adop

    1h 3m
  8. NOV 11

    Discipling People in Identity (feat. Anthony Walker)

    Click here to view RENEW.org – https://renew.org/  Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr Today’s episode will help us understand the importance of anchoring our identity in Christ amidst societal pressures and external labels, drawing on personal stories, biblical examples, and practical resources for deepening our understanding of Christian identity.   In this session Anthony Walker talked with us about discipling people in identity, specifically focusing on one's identity in Christ. Originating from their shared experiences and collaborations, including a book on the subject, he dives into scriptural teachings and personal anecdotes to emphasize the importance of knowing who you are in Christ. Anthony outlines how understanding one's identity in Christ can bring clarity, purpose, and resilience in an ever-changing world that often imposes its own identities on individuals. 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 Purpose 00:06 Understanding Identity in Christ 03:39 Personal Story: Overcoming Identity Struggles 08:37 Biblical Examples of Identity 13:36 Modern Identity Challenges 15:15 Practical Applications and Book Overview 28:57 Interactive Discussion on Personal Struggles 29:49 The Woman with the Issue of Blood 32:11 Unity in Christ Beyond Identity 34:28 Personal Story: Unauthorized Charges 36:24 No Condemnation in Christ 37:54 Youth Struggles with Identity 40:04 Political and Religious Identities 44:46 Ministry Titles and True Service 48:36 Empowering the Younger Generation 53:57 People Pleasing and True Identity 57:20 Final Thoughts and Resources Resources on Discipleship   Reaching & Discipling Women: A Guide to Women’s Ministry in Your Church What Is Church? And How Important Is It?   Family Discipleship Blueprint: A Year-by-Year Guide to Family Discipleship   Becoming a Disciple Maker In this episode of "RENEW Track Session 3," the speaker, starting with gratitude and humility, emphasizes the vital role of understanding our identity in Christ. He shares how Bobby and Michelle's collaboration led to their co-authored book on Christian identity. The discussion highlights a key moment in Matthew 16, where Jesus questions his disciples about his identity, drawing a parallel to how knowing Christ is crucial for understanding our own identity. The speaker recounts his personal experience of losing his father and facing family and societal challenges, showing how faith and his grandmother’s teachings about identity in Christ kept him grounded. Using Moses’ story, he illustrates the importance of a unified identity in Christ, free from the confusion of societal labels and roles. He also addresses how our identities can be swayed by societal expectations, gender issues, and roles, urging listeners to root their identities in Christ. The session includes practical advice on using their book for personal and group study, with interactive Q&A addressing concerns about identity, ministry roles, and societal pressures. The episode wraps up with practical resources and a call to anchor our identity in Christ despite external pressures and labels, using scripture and personal stories to underscore this transformative message.   Follow us at Discipleship.org!

    1 hr
4.6
out of 5
86 Ratings

About

The Disciple Makers Podcast exists to tell stories about disciples of Jesus who make disciples. Discipleship.org, who sponsors the podcast, exists to Champion Jesus‘ way of disciple making. Episodes are published in thematic seasons. To learn more, visit www.discipleship.org or email us at info@discipleship.org.

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