Discipleship is a word that gets tossed around in Christian circles—but what does it actually mean? In this episode, Pastor Brad Stille, senior pastor at Wixom Baptist Church and Exchange Trainer, joins George Binoka to break down what real discipleship looks like in everyday life.

This conversation dives deep into the difference between casual spiritual conversations and intentional disciple-making. Pastor Brad shares practical ways to create a discipleship culture instead of just running a program, and how to avoid burnout while staying faithful to Great Commission living.

Whether you’re a pastor, small group leader, or just someone who wants to help others grow in Christ, this episode will equip you to take the next step.

✅ Defining Discipleship

Why discipleship is more than just friendship—and how to keep Jesus at the center of every relationship.

✅ Evaluating Discipleship Relationships

Are you really discipling someone, or just hanging out? Learn how to assess the spiritual direction of your conversations.

✅ Overcoming Challenges in Discipleship

What do you do when someone you're discipling hits a wall or stops following? When is it time to press pause, and when is it time to move on?

✅ The Role of Pastoral Leadership

Why church leaders must model discipleship personally, not just promote it publicly.

✅ Creating a Discipleship Culture

How to move from a "program mentality" to a church-wide lifestyle of disciple-making.

✅ Encouragement During Fruitless Seasons

What to do when you're sowing spiritual seed but not seeing results.

✅ Guarding Against Burnout

Practical advice for staying spiritually healthy while pouring into others.

✅ Empowering Lay Leaders

You don’t need a title to make disciples. Learn how regular Christians can help shift the culture of their church by simply living out the Great Commission.

00:00 – Understanding Discipleship

03:58 – Evaluating Discipleship Relationships

08:24 – Navigating Challenges in Discipleship

12:14 – The Role of Pastoral Leadership

17:23 – Creating a Discipleship Culture

21:48 – Encouragement in Fruitless Seasons

25:47 – Guarding Against Burnout

27:52 – Empowering Lay Leaders

Visit exchangemessage.org to learn more about relational evangelism and discipleship resources from The Exchange.

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