In this episode, Dave reconnects with Sam Turner, a passionate disciple-maker from Northland, New Zealand. Sam shares his journey of faith, family, and a God-given vision to see New Zealand and the nations ignited for Jesus.

Sam’s move to Exmouth, WA, became a pivotal time of spiritual awakening (not to mention meeting his wife). He shares how a simple invitation to an Indigenous family for a meal blossomed into something deeply transformative. Sam met his German wife in WA. Married for just 3.5 years, they already had five children, including twins. Ministry isn’t just Sam’s calling—it’s a family mission.

Throughout his young adults years, Sam sensed a persistent nudge from God, with a constant inner voice saying, “have more faith in me.” This quiet yet powerful prompting drew him back to Jesus. He immersed himself in Scripture—reading through the Bible multiple times in just a year—and was deeply moved by God’s unwavering pursuit and faithfulness.

Sam’s wife, passionate about permaculture, prompted the family’s move to NZ. Arriving with a burdened heart for what they saw as a “fatherless nation,” they connected with a local church, and Sam became a pastor.

However a divine dissatisfaction stirred in Sam’s heart. He had a vision: a match striking a box, igniting flames that spread across a map of New Zealand and onto other continents. God was calling him to not hinder the Spirit and to teach the Word unapologetically.

Through a testimony of the power of prayer in Africa and the appearance of a Discovery Bible Study (DBS) sheet, Sam discovered the potential of Disciple Making Movements (DMM). Reading Contagious Disciple Making (by David and Paul Watson) confirmed his direction, and a team began to form.

“DMM is just a word we use to describe what God is doing.” – DMM Leader

Sam emphasises that DMM is not a method but Jesus’ model which continued throughout the book of Acts. This led Sam to re-evaluate the Great Commission and how teaching must be centred on obedience to Jesus, including the making of disciple-makers.

From drug dealers becoming disciples to gang members walking away from crime, Sam shares powerful stories of transformation. Social change follows spiritual obedience with families not just individuals being reached.

Sam also shares about his 12-year-old son who began a DBS with his friends. This sparked a new ministry—Kids for Kids—led by Sam’s wife, where children are now discipling other children.

Despite the fruit, Sam is still hungry for more. He sees DMM as a key to global transformation and longs to see a multiplying movement across New Zealand and beyond.

“Culture has moved, but the church hasn’t kept up.”

Sam challenges the traditional mindset of church, calling for a return to the Spirit-led, disciple-making patterns of the New Testament.

Sam leaves us with a challenge and an encouragement:

“We are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works which God prepared in advance for us to do.” – Ephesians 2:10

Reflective Questions:

God has prepared the works—He’s simply looking for a willing heart to say “yes”.

Check out more of Sam’s resources by visiting his website, disciplemakingmovement.com.