Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/ 

Today’s episode will help us move from self-reliance to Spirit-empowered living by embracing daily surrender and rediscovering the power of the Holy Spirit in our walk with Jesus.

Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr

Empowering Every Believer: Activating the Priesthood of All Believers - Disciple Maker's Podcast Ep. 7

Unlocking the Power of the Holy Spirit: A Call to Bold Witness and Total Surrender

In this impactful episode, Josh Howard and Jason dive deep into the significance of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer. They discuss the challenges modern Christians face, including the startling statistic that 98% of Christians in America never share their faith outside of their immediate families. They highlight two main problems: the lack of witnessing and the often forgotten role of the Holy Spirit in many churches. Through scriptural examples, particularly from the Book of Acts, they showcase the transformative power of the Holy Spirit and the necessity of full surrender and consecration to experience true spiritual empowerment. They argue that without daily dying to oneself and being filled afresh with the Spirit, believers cannot effectively witness or make disciples. The conversation underscores the critical need for revival and a personal challenge to be a true burnt offering for God’s glory. Join them in a heartfelt prayer of surrender, and take the first steps toward becoming a vessel for the Spirit’s power in your life.

Get Discipleship.org's premium Podcast Feed: https://disciplemakerspodcast.supercast.com/ 

Key Takeaways 

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage

00:52 The Role of the Holy Spirit in the Church

03:01 The Power of Witnessing and the Holy Spirit

05:57 Daily Surrender and Empowerment

12:18 Living Sacrifice and Community Support

22:35 The Demands of Discipleship

23:14 The Reasonableness of Total Surrender

24:27 Living as a Burnt Offering

30:02 The Power of the Holy Spirit

32:17 A Call to Radical Transformation

37:42 Prayer of Surrender

45:00 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Check out our Blogs: https://discipleship.org/blog/ 

See Below for a longer description:

Podcast Recap: S3 Ep. 2 – Life in the Spirit

In this episode, Jason and Josh dive into a real, honest conversation about what it means to live a life empowered by the Holy Spirit. They go back and forth between light-hearted banter and weighty truths, creating a natural rhythm that feels both grounded and inspiring.

They kick things off with a laugh, joking about how hard it can be to start episodes smoothly—before easing into the heart of the conversation.

The big focus? The Church’s need to make more room for the Holy Spirit—not just in Sunday services, but in everyday life. Jason shares how some churches unintentionally sideline the Spirit, joking about the tendency to worship “God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Bible.” Josh jumps in to remind us that real power—boldness, witness, and transformation—comes from the Holy Spirit.

They unpack Acts 1:8, where Jesus tells His followers they’ll receive power when the Holy Spirit comes. Josh points out a sobering stat: 98% of American Christians never share their faith outside their family. The answer isn’t trying harder—it’s surrendering deeper.

Josh describes how the disciples went from hiding in fear to boldly preaching the gospel after being filled with the Spirit. He draws from Romans to say the same power that raised Jesus now lives in us—meaning we’re equipped for far more than we realize.

A key theme in the episode is daily surrender. Josh shares a vivid metaphor: believers “leak,” so we need to keep coming back for a fresh filling. They talk about how true revival starts when we lay ourselves down—day after day—like living sacrifices.

They also explore the idea that you can’t have Pentecost without Calvary. In other words, the power of the Spirit comes through death to self. Drawing on Old Testament sacrifices, they paint a picture of what it means to live fully surrendered—acknowledging our tendency, like a goat, to crawl off the altar.

Community plays a big role here too. Josh emphasizes how we need each other to keep living that surrendered life—through encouragement, accountability, and prayer.

Toward the end, they call out how the Western Church often gets caught up in debates and performance, losing sight of the simple, powerful truth: Jesus rose, and His Spirit lives in us. They warn against letting the flesh take the lead again and call for a return to Spirit-led living.

The episode wraps with lyrics from a Casting Crowns song that challenge superficial faith and call for genuine heart change. It’s a fitting close to a conversation all about real transformation—from the inside out.

Jason and Josh finish with a heartfelt prayer, asking for the Spirit’s guidance, power, and presence to shape every part of our lives.

Bottom line: If you’re hungry for deeper discipleship and lasting impact, it all starts with surrender—and the Holy Spirit is ready to lead the way.

Reviving the Region

In this episode of the Disciple Maker's Podcast, we explore Acts Chapter 19, drawing modern parallels from Paul's ministry in Ephesus. Hosts discuss the concept of a 'Hall of Tyrannus' in the contemporary church, where believers are trained and equipped for radical discipleship and city-wide gospel saturation. Tune in for a powerful vision on how to create movement engines alongside traditional church models to achieve regional revival and reach the nations with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

00:00 Introduction and Opening Remarks

Get Discipleship.org's premium Podcast Feed: https://disciplemakerspodcast.supercast.com/ 

Check out the following eBooks from Discipleship.org:

-- What Is Church? And How Important Is It? 

-- Family Discipleship Blueprint: A Year-by-Year Guide to Family Discipleship

-- Becoming a Disciple Maker

-- National Study: The State of Disciple Making Churches: A 10 Minute Visual Guide

-- Reaching & Discipling Women: A Guide to Women’s Ministry in Your Church

Check out the following Books from Discipleship.org:

-- The Discipleship Gospel

-- Disciple-Making Culture

-- Recreated to Be like God: Making Disciples in the Image of Jesus

-- King Jesus and the Beauty of Obedience-Based Discipleship

-- The Disciple Maker's Handbook: Seven Elements of a Discipleship Lifestyle

Take the FREE Disciple Maker Assessment:

Come to the The National Disciple Making Forum: https://discipleship.org/national-disciple-making-forum/

Stay informed - Get our newsletter: 

Listen - Disciple Maker's Podcast: 

Reinventing the Scorecard: Principles for Effective Disciple Making

Welcome to the final episode of our series on the 10 principles of disciple making! In this episode, we celebrate your journey so far and dive into the crucial topic of reinventing the scorecard for disciple making. We discuss the traditional ways churches have measured success, such as attendance and donations, and why these metrics may not fully capture the essence of true disciple making. We explore the importance of tracking 'controllable' like sharing faith and prayer, versus 'uncontrollable' like conversions and baptisms. The conversation also delves into real-world examples from churches and movements worldwide, including impressive results from India. Whether you're looking to transform how success is measured in your church or seeking inspiration for personal disciple-making efforts, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice. Join us for an enlightening session that aims to help you and your community flourish in disciple making!

Key Takeaways 

Get Discipleship.org's premium Podcast Feed: https://disciplemakerspodcast.supercast.com/ 

Check out the following eBooks from Discipleship.org:

-- What Is Church? And How Important Is It? 

-- Family Discipleship Blueprint: A Year-by-Year Guide to Family Discipleship

-- Becoming a Disciple Maker

-- National Study: The State of Disciple Making Churches: A 10 Minute Visual Guide

-- Reaching & Discipling Women: A Guide to Women’s Ministry in Your Church

Check out the following Books from Discipleship.org:

-- The Discipleship Gospel

-- Disciple-Making Culture

-- Recreated to Be like God: Making Disciples in the Image of Jesus

-- King Jesus and the Beauty of Obedience-Based Discipleship

-- The Disciple Maker's Handbook: Seven Elements of a Discipleship Lifestyle

Take the FREE Disciple Maker Assessment:

Come to the The National Disciple Making Forum: https://discipleship.org/national-disciple-making-forum/

Stay informed - Get our newsletter: 

Listen - Disciple Maker's Podcast: 

Simple, Effective, and Reproducible: Core Disciple Making Tools & Laser Focus | Disciple Maker's Podcast

Join us on the Disciple Maker's Podcast as we dive deep into two essential principles for fostering disciple-making cultures: utilizing simple, effective, and reproducible tools and maintaining laser focus on the mission of making disciples who make disciples. Hosts Jason Ishmael and Josh explore the significance of these principles, share practical examples, and discuss a pathway for training others. They also touch on the broader impact of disciple-making and how it can transform communities. Whether you're a church leader or a passionate disciple, this episode offers valuable insights to boost your disciple-making efforts. Don't miss out!

Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr

Key Takeaways 

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

Check out the following eBooks from Discipleship.org:

-- What Is Church? And How Important Is It? 

-- Family Discipleship Blueprint: A Year-by-Year Guide to Family Discipleship

-- Becoming a Disciple Maker

-- National Study: The State of Disciple Making Churches: A 10 Minute Visual Guide

-- Reaching & Discipling Women: A Guide to Women’s Ministry in Your Church

Check out the following Books from Discipleship.org:

-- The Discipleship Gospel

-- Disciple-Making Culture

-- Recreated to Be like God: Making Disciples in the Image of Jesus

-- King Jesus and the Beauty of Obedience-Based Discipleship

-- The Disciple Maker's Handbook: Seven Elements of a Discipleship Lifestyle

Take the FREE Disciple Maker Assessment:

Come to the The National Disciple Making Forum: https://discipleship.org/national-disciple-making-forum/

Stay informed - Get our newsletter: 

Listen - Disciple Maker's Podcast: 

Join us at the 2025 National Disciple Making Forum: https://discipleship.org/national-disciple-making-forum/ 

Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/ 

Today’s episode will help us understand how to activate the priesthood of all believers and empower everyday people to step into their God-given calling.

Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr

Empowering Every Believer: Activating the Priesthood of All Believers - Disciple Maker's Podcast Ep. 7

In this episode of the Disciple Maker's Podcast, hosts dive into the seventh principle of disciple making – the equipping and releasing of the priesthood of all believers. Drawing from studies by Bobby Harrington and insights from Ephesians 4, they emphasize the importance of lowering the bar for entry into ministry while increasing support and accountability. The discussion highlights the need to break down the professional laity divide, allowing everyone to participate fully in God's work. Personal anecdotes illustrate how ordinary individuals, regardless of their backgrounds or roles, can be used powerfully by God. The episode closes with a call to action for both church leaders and individual believers to embrace their roles in the Kingdom and equip others to do the same.

Get Discipleship.org's premium Podcast Feed: https://disciplemakerspodcast.supercast.com/ 

Key Takeaways 

00:00 Welcome Back to The Disciple Maker's Podcast

00:36 Introduction to Disciple Making Principles

01:12 Principle #7: Equipping and Releasing the Priesthood

01:51 The Shift from Old Covenant to New

02:46 Breaking Down Professional Ministry

04:35 Practical Steps for Church Leaders

06:12 Encouraging and Empowering Believers

06:37 Personal Testimonies and Experiences

11:32 The Importance of Speaking Life into Others

12:20 Early Preaching Experiences

13:58 The Rat Trap Illustration

14:25 Early Preaching Experiences

14:57 Mentorship and Opportunities

15:49 Equipping and Releasing the Priesthood

18:11 Lowering the Bar of Entry

18:21 Personal Responsibility in Ministry

19:31 Empowering Individuals for Ministry

24:33 The Power of God in Everyone

26:41 Encouraging Initiative in Ministry

29:34 Conclusion and Resources

Check out our Blogs: https://discipleship.org/blog/ 

See Below for a longer description:

The episode kicks off with Josh and Jason having some fun, channeling their inner newscasters as they introduce The Disciple Maker's Podcast. Right away, they hit on the heart of the conversation: the Church isn’t just for professionals — every believer is called and equipped to take part in the mission.

This episode dives into one of the ten core disciple-making principles: activating the priesthood of all believers, a concept drawn from Bobby Harrington and Discipleship.org. Josh and Jason unpack how the Church often sidelines most people, treating ministry like a spectator sport — a few “professionals” on the court, while the rest just watch from the stands. But Jesus calls everyone to get in the game, and the Holy Spirit gives us all what we need to play.

They explore the shift from the Old Covenant, where only priests (Levites) had access to God, to the New Covenant — where all believers are invited to serve and represent Him directly. It’s a powerful reminder that ministry isn’t reserved for a select few.

Josh also highlights the common “professional vs. laity” gap in churches and argues for lowering the barriers so anyone can step into ministry, with the right support and accountability along the way.

He shares his own story — starting as a nervous, underprepared teenager giving his first sermon with a makeshift object lesson — and how mentors spotted potential and gave him room to grow. That experience shaped his path and reinforced the power of empowering others before they feel “ready.”

Josh and Jason also push church leaders to create meaningful opportunities beyond simple Sunday roles like handing out bulletins. The goal? Equip people to share the gospel and make disciples, not just fill a slot.

One story really drives this home: Josh tells of a woman in his church who felt called to serve in nursing homes. When she asked if she needed permission, Josh simply told her to go for it — God had already called her.

They wrap up by encouraging leaders to remove obstacles, invest in people, and hold them accountable as they step into ministry — because when the Church unleashes the priesthood of all believers, lives change.

Josh closes with a reminder: the same Spirit that raised Jesus lives in every believer, so there’s no need to wait for permission. He invites listeners to check out resources at Discipleship.org and teases the next episode, where the conversation will continue

Join us at the 2025 National Disciple Making Forum: https://discipleship.org/national-disciple-making-forum/ 

Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/ 

Today’s episode will talk about scripture as the core of disciple-making by showing how simple obedience to God’s Word—guided by the Holy Spirit—can transform lives and communities.

Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr

Disciple Maker's Podcast: The Power of Scripture in Disciple Making

Join us on the Disciple Maker's Podcast as we dive into the sixth principle of disciple making: making Scripture the central curriculum. Hosts Jason Ishmael and Josh Howard explore the significance of using the Bible as the primary source for disciple making, highlighting the transformative power of reading, studying, and obeying God's word. They discuss the simplicity and effectiveness of Discovery Bible Study, a method used globally to facilitate deeper understanding and application of Scripture. Packed with practical insights and heartfelt discussions, this episode challenges listeners to reassess the role of the Bible in their lives and ministries. Don't miss this deep dive into how Scripture can be a game changer in disciple making movements worldwide.

Get Discipleship.org's premium Podcast Feed: https://disciplemakerspodcast.supercast.com/ 

Key Takeaways 

00:00 Welcome to the Disciple Maker's Podcast

Check out our Blogs: https://discipleship.org/blog/ 

Scripture as the Curriculum:

Misuse and Misunderstanding:

Obedience Matters:

Keeping It Simple:

Discovery Bible Study (DBS):

Practical Steps:

A Global Perspective:

Resources:

Join us at the 2025 National Disciple Making Forum: https://discipleship.org/national-disciple-making-forum/ 

Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/ 

Today’s episode will help us understand the power of prayer and fasting, how to incorporate them into our daily lives, and why they are essential for personal and community transformation.

Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr

The Power of Abundantly Sowing Gospel Seeds - Disciple Maker's Podcast

In this episode of the Disciple Maker's Podcast, hosts Jason Ishmael and Josh Howard dive into the fifth principle of disciple making: 'Overseeding the Gospel.' They discuss the importance of abundantly sowing seeds of the gospel, drawing on farming principles and illustrating how evangelism is about sharing the beauty and goodness of Jesus. They also highlight the need for gospel seed to be shared in its full form and challenge listeners to have Jesus regularly on their lips. The episode offers practical tools for evangelism and urges believers to engage in intentional gospel sharing to see a bountiful harvest.

Get Discipleship.org's premium Podcast Feed: https://disciplemakerspodcast.supercast.com/ 

Key Takeaways 

00:00 Introduction and Drum Roll

00:26 Introducing the 10 Principles of Disciple Making

00:49 Principle 5: Overseeding the Gospel

02:02 The Importance of Abundant Gospel Sowing

04:04 Illustration: Evangelism and Relationships

05:15 Challenges in Modern Evangelism

07:52 Sowing Gospel Seeds in Today's Culture

11:59 The Full Gospel vs. Partial Gospel

16:51 A New Commandment: Love One Another

17:02 The Authority of Jesus Christ

17:21 Misconceptions About Salvation

19:31 The Importance of Unity in Mission

22:41 Abundant Seed Sowing and Harvest

27:41 Practical Tools for Evangelism

30:43 Encouragement and Final Thoughts

Check out our Blogs: https://discipleship.org/blog/ 

See Below for a longer description:

In this episode of the Disciple Maker’s Podcast, Josh Howard and Jason Ishmael break down the concept of “overseeding the gospel” — the fifth principle in their disciple-making series. Kicking things off with some lighthearted banter, they dive into why spreading the gospel abundantly is crucial for effective evangelism.

Josh explains that overseeding is like a farmer scattering seeds generously—more seeds mean a greater harvest. This principle fuels disciple-making movements worldwide, especially in places like India and China, where rapid growth happens because believers share the gospel frequently and widely.

A key takeaway? Repetition matters. In the West, gospel-sharing is often sporadic, but Josh emphasizes that the more we sow, the more we reap. Jason clears up a common misconception: good marketing isn’t the same as evangelism. True gospel sowing happens through personal, intentional conversations—not just inviting people to church.

Josh uses a relatable analogy: if he wanted to set his son up with Jason’s daughter, he wouldn’t start by criticizing her. Instead, he’d highlight his son’s best qualities. Evangelism should be the same—helping people see Jesus’ beauty, not just pointing out their flaws.

Jason brings up the parable of the sower, reminding us that we can’t control how people receive the gospel, but we’re called to plant seeds everywhere. The discussion then shifts to a major issue in modern Christianity: the watered-down “salvation-only” gospel. Josh and Jason push for a full gospel message—one that includes both forgiveness and submission to Jesus as King.

Josh warns against separating salvation from Jesus’ lordship, a mindset that has led to consumer-driven Christianity with little real transformation. He even describes a needed “second conversion,” where believers fully commit to Jesus’ authority. Jason paints a vivid picture: accepting Jesus’ sacrifice but refusing His leadership is like enjoying a lavish meal He paid for but not inviting Him to the table.

The episode also tackles the common debate over the “minimum entrance requirements” for heaven, arguing that this mindset misses the point. Instead of asking, “What’s the least I can do?” they encourage listeners to pursue full devotion to Jesus.

For practical application, Josh introduces tools like the "15-second testimony" and the "three circles gospel presentation," designed to help believers share their faith naturally in everyday conversations. The key? Talk about Jesus as easily as you’d recommend a great restaurant or movie.

They wrap up with a challenge: tell someone why following Jesus is good news, and ask if they’ve considered it. Many people are just waiting for someone to bring it up.

Bottom line? Evangelism isn’t about technique—it’s about loving Jesus so much that talking about Him becomes second nature. Sow seeds generously, trust God with the harvest, and watch what He does.

Join us at the 2025 National Disciple Making Forum: https://discipleship.org/national-disciple-making-forum/ 

Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/ 

Today’s episode will help us understand the power of prayer and fasting, how to incorporate them into our daily lives, and why they are essential for personal and community transformation.

Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr

Leading by Example: Principle #3 of Disciple Making

The Power of Radical Prayer and Fasting | Disciple Makers Podcast

Join Jason Ishmael and Josh Howard as they dive deep into the fourth core disciple-making principle: the significance of a radical prayer and fasting culture. This episode covers the impact of prayer and fasting on spiritual movements and personal transformation, backed by biblical insights and historical examples. Learn practical tips to incorporate these practices into your life and community to see profound spiritual breakthroughs. Perfect for anyone looking to deepen their spiritual journey and impact the world for Christ.

Get Discipleship.org's premium Podcast Feed: https://disciplemakerspodcast.supercast.com/ 

Key Takeaways 

00:00 Introduction and Banter

03:09 Disciple Making Principles Overview

03:38 Principle 4: Radical Prayer and Fasting

04:18 Practical Applications of Prayer and Fasting

04:36 Biblical Foundation for Fasting

07:41 Personal Reflections and Encouragement

10:31 Tips for Starting Fasting

13:20 Examples of Fasting in Ministry

16:23 Practical Steps to Begin Fasting

17:46 Pressing into God's Presence

18:27 Physical Actions with Spiritual Implications

19:43 The Benefits of Fasting

20:52 Practical Tools for Prayer and Fasting

26:14 Evaluating and Adjusting Your Cravings

28:33 Intentionality in Prayer and Fasting

32:20 Conclusion and Call to Action

Check out our Blogs: https://discipleship.org/blog/ 

See Below for a longer description:

In this episode, hosts Josh Howard and Jason Ishmael dive into the power of prayer and fasting in a disciple’s life and their impact on spiritual movements. They break down the biblical foundation, historical examples, and practical ways to incorporate these practices into daily life and ministry.

The conversation kicks off with lighthearted banter before shifting to the episode’s core theme: cultivating a culture of radical prayer and fasting. Josh emphasizes that some of the most impactful church movements rely on these disciplines, citing historical revivals that began with a few dedicated people seeking God through prayer and fasting.

Referencing Matthew 6, the hosts discuss how Jesus taught about fasting—not for public recognition, but as a way to deepen one’s connection with God. Jason points out a common misunderstanding: fasting isn’t just about giving up food—it’s about creating space for God to work. He shares how his church’s 21-day prayer and fasting tradition before Easter fosters spiritual renewal.

Josh and Jason offer practical tips for getting started, urging listeners to begin with small steps—like skipping one meal a week to focus on prayer. They highlight the story of Charles Finney and Pastor Nash, who fasted and prayed before Finney’s revivals, underscoring how essential these practices were to their ministry’s success.

The hosts also touch on the scientific benefits of fasting, such as increased mental clarity and discipline. They introduce tools like Dick Eastman’s "prayer wheel" to help structure prayer time and emphasize the importance of silence in prayer—something Jason admits was a struggle for him initially.

As the episode wraps up, Josh challenges listeners to take action—whether by fasting a meal a week, dedicating focused prayer time, or involving their community in these spiritual disciplines. They encourage listeners to share their experiences and reach out for support, reinforcing the idea that prayer and fasting aren’t just personal practices but catalysts for transformation in families, churches, and beyond.

Join us at the 2025 National Disciple Making Forum: https://discipleship.org/national-disciple-making-forum/ 

Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/ 

Today’s episode will help us embrace authentic disciple-making by leading from the front, aligning our actions with our faith, and relying on the Holy Spirit for daily obedience.

Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr

Leading by Example: Principle #3 of Disciple Making

In this episode of 'The Makers of Disciples' podcast, we delve into the third principle of disciple making: leaders must lead from the front and model disciple making. Hosts discuss the challenges of practicing what is preached, the importance of personal and public alignment, and how to combat the dangers of 'charade mode.' Drawing upon personal anecdotes, biblical teachings, and the transformative power of living authentically, this discussion is a call to action for church leaders and individuals alike to repent, realign, and genuinely live out the teachings of Jesus. Join the conversation to be inspired and equipped to model true disciple making in your own community.

Get Discipleship.org's premium Podcast Feed: https://disciplemakerspodcast.supercast.com/ 

Key Takeaways 

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

01:05 Principle Three: Leading from the Front

01:52 The Challenge of Authentic Leadership

04:48 The Danger of the Charade

09:39 Alexander the Great's Lesson

14:52 Reflecting on Missed Opportunities

15:28 Choosing Priorities Over God's Commands

16:37 Awakening to Reality: The Matrix Analogy

17:52 Modeling Discipleship in Everyday Life

19:17 Rediscovering Ancient Principles

20:36 The Power of Scripture and Jesus' Teachings

25:58 The Importance of Repentance

28:38 Striving for Obedience and Dependence on God

29:38 Closing Thoughts and Prayer

Check out our Blogs: https://discipleship.org/blog/ 

See Below for a longer description:

In this episode of the Makers of Disciples podcast, Josh Howard and Jason Ishmael dive into Principle 3: Leading From the Front—the tough but essential call for leaders to model disciple-making, not just talk about it.

They kick off with some lighthearted banter before getting real about the challenge of practicing what you preach. They revisit the first two principles: reclaiming disciple-making as the church’s core mission and having a clear, biblical definition of discipleship. But this third principle? It’s where the rubber meets the road.

Josh shares a hard truth—many church leaders, behind closed doors, admit they’re not actively leading people to faith outside of the pulpit. This gap between what’s preached and what’s practiced creates what they call “charade mode”—a dangerous disconnect where leaders appear to be disciple-makers but aren’t living it out.

The discussion gets practical. Jesus warned against performing faith for show, and Josh and Jason emphasize that leading from the front means real, everyday disciple-making. It’s not just for pastors—every Christian is called to model it at home, at work, and in their communities.

They illustrate this with a powerful story about Alexander the Great. When a young soldier named Alexander fled from battle, the general told him: Change your name or change your ways. The message? If we call ourselves disciples of Jesus, we need to live like it.

Josh highlights the need for daily repentance—not just for major sins, but as a constant realignment with Jesus. Jason stresses soaking in the Gospels, letting Jesus’ life shape our own. They remind listeners that disciple-making isn’t about striving alone; it’s fueled by the Holy Spirit, who empowers believers to walk this out every day.

They also acknowledge the internal struggle—Paul himself wrestled with doing what’s right (Romans 7). But leaning on God's grace and being intentional about obedience is the key.

As the episode wraps up, Josh challenges listeners to commit to modeling disciple-making and tell someone for accountability. Jason encourages leaning into God’s help and staying rooted in His Word. They close with a powerful prayer, asking God to bring conviction, expose what needs to change, and strengthen hearts for the journey ahead.

At its core, this episode is a call to authentic, everyday disciple-making—not as a concept, but as a lifestyle.

Join us at the 2025 National Disciple Making Forum: https://discipleship.org/national-disciple-making-forum/ 

Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/ 

What is a Disciple?

A disciple is someone following Jesus, being changed by Jesus, and joining the mission of Jesus.

Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr

The Disciple Makers Podcast: Understanding Clear Biblical Definitions

In this episode of the Disciple Makers Podcast, hosts delve into the second principle of disciple making: the importance of using clear biblical definitions. Featuring mega church pastor Jason Ishmael and prolific disciple maker Josh Howard, this episode explores what it truly means to be a disciple and the transformative journey of following Jesus. The hosts discuss the definitions from Matthew 4:19, emphasizing the three core components of being a disciple: following Jesus, being changed by Jesus, and joining Jesus's mission. They also examine the implications for church leaders and the necessity of creating pathways that lead to effective disciple making. The episode concludes with practical advice for stepping out in faith and taking actionable steps to live out these principles. For more resources, visit discipleship.org and join upcoming events for further learning.

Get Discipleship.org's premium Podcast Feed: https://disciplemakerspodcast.supercast.com/ 

Key Takeaways 

00:00 Introduction to the Disciple Makers Podcast

00:54 Defining Disciple Making

02:20 The Core Mission of Disciple Making

02:54 The Transformative Work of Jesus

06:12 The Cost and Worth of Following Jesus

12:57 Personal Reflection on Discipleship

13:41 Personal Reflection on Discipleship

13:57 Challenges for Church Leaders

14:14 Defining Discipleship

15:33 Head, Heart, and Hands Discipleship

16:28 The Power of Clear Definitions

17:22 The Reality of Change

19:40 Disciple Making Defined

23:28 Practical Steps for Disciple Making

28:25 Encouragement and Resources

Check out our Blogs: https://discipleship.org/blog/ 

See Below for a longer description:

Defining Disciple-Making

In this episode of the Disciple Makers Podcast, Josh Howard and Jason Ishmael explore the second disciple-making principle: the importance of clear biblical definitions. Their lighthearted yet insightful conversation focuses on what it means to be a disciple and the core responsibilities involved in disciple-making.

Why Clear Definitions Matter

Josh emphasizes that without a clear definition of discipleship, confusion and inconsistency arise. He notes that asking 100 Christians for their definition of a disciple would likely yield 100 different answers. Clarity, he argues, is essential for effective disciple-making.

What is a Disciple?

A disciple is someone following Jesus, being changed by Jesus, and joining the mission of Jesus.

Josh breaks this down into three key components—following, transformation, and mission—highlighting their central role in discipleship.

Day-One Calling and Transformation

Jason reflects on Jesus's call to His first disciples in Matthew 4:19, stressing that this transformative calling happened on day one—not after years of refinement. Following Jesus involves an ongoing process of change and closeness to Him.

Challenges in Modern Christianity

Josh points out that many Christians treat following and being transformed by Jesus as optional. He urges believers to move beyond shallow engagement and pursue genuine transformation through repentance, confession, and surrender.

Head, Heart, and Hands Discipleship

Jason shares Bobby Harrington’s framework for holistic discipleship:

Head: Intellectual surrender to Jesus

Heart: Experiencing transformation

Hands: Actively engaging in Jesus's mission

This framework aligns with the greatest commandment—to love God with all heart, mind, soul, and strength—and provides a balanced approach to discipleship.

Defining Disciple-Making

Jason underscores that disciple-making is intentional and relational. It’s about forming meaningful relationships that help others follow Jesus, experience transformation, and engage in His mission.

Practical Steps for Church Leaders

Josh and Jason challenge church leaders to develop clear, actionable discipleship plans—and ensure they’re implemented effectively. They stress the importance of guiding believers through intentional spiritual growth.

Overcoming Fear and Stagnation

Jason acknowledges the fear many feel about stepping into disciple-making roles. Josh encourages listeners to embrace the process, trusting that God works through imperfections and initial missteps.

Motivating Believers

The hosts share strategies to engage believers, using personal stories and biblical examples to highlight the life-changing impact of true discipleship.

Next Steps

Josh recommends practical ways for listeners to evaluate their discipleship journey and create simple pathways for growth. He closes with an invitation to explore resources at discipleship.org and engage with the disciple-making community.

Conclusion:

This episode challenges believers and church leaders to define discipleship clearly and pursue intentional, relational disciple-making aligned with Jesus's mission. The hosts balance theological depth with practical advice, leaving listeners equipped and inspired.