The New Year is right around the corner! With the new year comes some sad but exciting changes. Today's episode features Dave Stovall Host of The Disciple Makers Podcast and Josh Howard Director of Vision and Mobilization for Discipleship.org. 

In this episode of the Disciple Makers Podcast, Dave Stovall bids an emotional farewell while introducing the new host, Josh Howard. Josh, who is the new Director of Vision and Mobilization at Discipleship.org, discusses his role and shares insights on the impact of disciple making both locally and globally. The conversation dives into the importance of creating a disciple-making culture in churches and features personal anecdotes and future visions for the organization. They also touch on the significance of contextualizing the gospel to reach various cultures and the exciting developments expected from Discipleship.org in the coming years. Tune in to hear about the changes coming to the podcast and to get inspired about making disciples.

Key Takeaways 

00:00 Introduction and Farewell Announcement

Visit RENEW.org: https://renew.org/ 

Today’s episode will help us understand the dynamics of church planting, including the challenges, distinctives, and importance of collaboration to ensure successful and sustainable growth in the movement.

Church Planting Masterclass: Insights from Todd Wilson, Patrick Bradley, and Brett Andrews

Join Todd Wilson, Patrick Bradley, Brett Andrews, and various other church leaders in an in-depth discussion on church planting and disciple-making. Drawing from experiences with New Life Christian Church, Passion for Planting, and Exponential, this session explores the importance of fostering a disciple-making culture, theological grounding, and healthy support systems for church planters. Discover valuable insights on overcoming common challenges, the significance of early involvement, and the power of collaborative efforts. With practical advice and real-world examples, this episode is filled with essential tips for effective church reproduction and multiplication.

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

Key Takeaways 

00:00 Introduction and Marine Background

00:07 Family Military History

00:59 Personal Military Service

01:18 Grandfather's War Stories

03:30 Community and Local Connections

08:31 Church Planting Introduction

10:16 Interactive Session and Introductions

21:33 Challenges in Church Planting

45:32 Paul and Barnabas: Church Planting Pioneers

46:09 The Power of Multiplication in Church Planting

46:45 Preparing for Q&A: Introducing Renew Movement

48:44 The Importance of Theological Grounding

51:31 Disciple Making and Reproduction

56:18 Healthy Support Systems and Accountability

58:44 Collaboration in Church Planting

01:01:07 Encouragement and Next Steps

01:15:02 Interactive Session: Introductions and Discussions

01:25:55 Introduction to Patrick Bradley and Passion for Planting

01:26:26 The Origin Story of Passion for Planting

01:27:25 Interactive Q&A Session

01:28:01 The Importance of Church Planting

01:29:53 Challenges in Church Planting

01:31:19 National Studies on Church Planting

01:33:22 The Bell Curve of Church Life

01:35:19 Reproduction vs. Addition in Church Growth

01:45:05 Overcoming Fear in Church Planting

01:50:36 The Role of Collaboration in Church Planting

01:53:35 Six Distinctives of Renew Movement

02:08:58 Final Thoughts and Q&A

Resources on Discipleship  

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

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 titled "RENEW Movement 1" presents a detailed discourse on various aspects of church planting, particularly through the lens of the Renew Movement. The session begins with an informal group interaction, setting a relaxed yet engaging environment for the participants. Todd Wilson, the main facilitator, invites all to share their names, locations, and their interest or involvement in church planting. The participants hail from different regions and backgrounds, bringing diverse perspectives to the discussion.

Todd Wilson introduces himself as someone who transitioned from the marketplace to ministry over 20 years ago. He mentions his association with New Life Christian Church and his involvement with Exponential, a significant church planting initiative. Wilson, along with other leaders like Patrick Bradley and Paul, emphasizes the collaborative nature of the Renew Movement, highlighting their aims to foster disciple-making and church planting initiatives.

Wilson outlines two major national studies that illustrate current challenges in the U.S. church planting landscape: less than 5% of U.S. churches have a disciple-making culture, and less than 7% are actively planting new churches. These statistics underscore a significant disciple-making and reproduction problem within American churches. This orientation sets the stage for discussing solutions and best practices in church planting.

A noteworthy part of the session explores the normative measures of success within the church context. Wilson emphasizes that while adding members (level 3) is common and celebrated, true success entails reproduction (level 4) and multiplication (level 5). He argues that the focus should be on churches reproducing themselves, akin to the natural life cycle where reproduction ensures continuity and growth. However, he points out that current data shows only a small percentage of churches actually engage in these higher levels of multiplication, emphasizing the need for more robust disciple-making cultures within churches.

One significant barrier to church planting identified by Wilson is fear—namely, fears related to resources and expertise. Churches often hesitate to plant new congregations due to concerns over insufficient financial and human resources. Brett Andrews echoes this sentiment, stressing the importance of overcoming these fears through a deeper trust in God’s provision and the practice of risk-taking in faith.

The session also touches on practical aspects, offering six key distinctives that the Renew Movement adheres to, which can serve as a guideline for other churches or networks looking to engage in church planting:

The session further emphasizes the concept of planting collaboratively. By doing so, churches can pool their resources and experience, thereby mitigating the individual limitations concerning expertise and funding. Collaboratives like the Renew Movement focus on creating a supportive network where newer or smaller churches can engage in planting efforts alongside more experienced ones.

Moreover, practical pathways for involvement are discussed. The Renew Movement offers initiatives like the Multipliers Journey and the MOS (Multiplication Operating System) cohort, tailored programs aimed at equipping existing churches and new planters with customized church planting plans and disciple-making strategies. These cohorts provide structured support, from initial training to ongoing coaching, fostering a hands-on approach to planting new churches.

The session concludes with an affirmation of the urgency and necessity of church planting as a strategic mission. Wilson and Andrews encourage participants to discern specific actionable steps they can take to engage in church planting endeavors. The overarching message is clear: churches need to move beyond addition and strive for reproduction and multiplication to ensure the continuity and health of their congregations.

In summary, the "RENEW Movement 1" episode is a rich dialogue revolving around the pressing need for disciple-making and church planting within the American church landscape. The conversation, led by experienced ministry leaders, provides insightful strategies, addresses common fears, and presents practical solutions for engaging in collaborative church planting efforts. Through this comprehensive approach, the Renew Movement aims to cultivate a robust disciple-making culture and encourage a substantial increase in church planting activities nationwide.

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

Visit RENEW.org: https://renew.org/ 

Today’s episode will help us understand the process and importance of effective discipleship and ministry within the church community.

Mastering Intentional Discipleship: Insights and Strategies for Church Leaders

Join us as we dive into the journey of intentional discipleship, featuring Ashlee's personal experiences and practical advice. Discover the growth of her family's church, the dynamics of their two-on-one discipling model, and the importance of creating a culture of discipleship at all levels. Learn about managing small group discipleship, the challenges of splitting established groups, and strategies for training new leaders. This episode offers valuable insights into connecting, mentoring, and continuously supporting new believers, complete with personal anecdotes and practical tips for integrating discipleship into everyday life.

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

Key Takeaways 

00:00 Introduction and Initial Setup

00:24 Unexpected Room Host

01:13 Casual Conversations and Introductions

02:42 Personal Journey and Ministry Background

04:30 Challenges and Overcoming Adversity

06:19 Discipleship and Ministry Philosophy

09:21 Connecting with People

12:03 Intentional Outreach and Community Events

16:40 Two-on-One Discipling Model

23:27 Bible Studies and Spiritual Growth

42:13 Balancing Personal Life and Discipleship

42:25 Intentional Mentoring and Relationship Building

42:59 Church Unity Through Shared Reading

43:52 Weekly Group Activities and Their Impact

45:03 Connecting Disciples to Service and Ministry

53:52 Handling Group Dynamics and Multiplication

01:00:28 One-on-One Discipleship and Personal Growth

01:03:47 Q&A Session and Practical Advice

01:05:28 Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

Resources on Discipleship  

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

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

Becoming a Disciple Maker

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

This episode features a detailed, conversational discussion led by a speaker named Ashlee, who has extensive experience in ministry, particularly in youth and discipleship work. The script presents a narrative-style engagement with an audience, involving multiple segments, including shared personal stories, explanations of ministry practices, and interactive question-and-answer periods.

The episode begins with a casual, almost chaotic introductory scene, as Ashlee and participants settle into the environment, which could be a seminar or a workshop. Ashlee humorously acknowledges the informal start, mentioning mishaps and sharing light-hearted exchanges with attendees. This laid-back, relatable opening sets the tone, making the audience feel comfortable and engaged.

Ashlee dives into her background, sharing her journey in ministry, which began when she was two years old as her parents started a church. She describes how she grew up in this environment, eventually moving to St. Charles County with her husband to establish their first church plant. Ashlee emphasizes her lengthy experience in youth ministry, discussing her personal and professional background, including raising her own children and adopting another.

The episode's core focuses on discipleship and outreach. Ashlee shares practical insights and strategies for engaging with different demographics, from young children to adults. She details her approach to building and sustaining meaningful relationships with community members, highlighting the importance of creating opportunities for connection. This involves being intentional about interactions, whether at work, school, or in casual settings like sports events or coffee shops.

Ashlee emphasizes the concept of intentional discipleship, where every interaction is viewed as an opportunity to connect people with Christ. She discusses using various methods to nurture these connections, including creating events that draw people into the church community, like "Rock the Block" or "Spooktacular" events. She also mentions practical tools such as cook-offs or tech classes for seniors to create more engagement points.

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to explaining the structured studies Ashlee's ministry uses to teach new believers. She outlines a multi-step discipleship process, starting with a "Seeking God" study to communicate God's desire for a personal relationship with individuals. This leads into a "Word" study, emphasizing the reliability and authority of the Bible. They then proceed to studies on "Sin and the Cross," explaining the nature and consequences of sin and the significance of Christ's sacrifice.

Ashlee introduces the concept of a two-on-one discipleship model used in her church. This method involves pairing two mentors with one new believer to ensure thorough teaching and relational support. She explains how this method helps train new disciples while providing them with immediate relational connections within the church. This dual focus on teaching and relationship-building is presented as a key to successful discipleship, ensuring that new believers have the support and guidance they need to grow in their faith.

The script transitions to a part where Ashlee elaborates on the cultural challenges of her generation and how many young people drift away from faith due to a lack of discipleship and direction. She stresses the difference between simply attending church and truly embodying discipleship, which requires understanding and living out the mission of God.

In answering questions from the audience, Ashlee provides insights into managing small groups, the challenges of splitting groups to maintain effective discipleship, and the importance of relational connections. She shares practical examples of how her ministry runs small groups and the different activities they employ to ensure ongoing engagement and growth among members.

The closing part of the episode includes a prayer session, reinforcing the spiritual focus of the discussion. Despite technical issues and personal anecdotes that add a genuine, relatable layer to her presentation, Ashlee consistently brings the conversation back to the central theme of intentional discipleship and the practical ways her ministry implements this.

Overall, this episode is a comprehensive guide on practical discipleship and relational ministry. It offers valuable insights and actionable strategies for anyone involved in church leadership or interested in improving their approach to building and nurturing faith communities. Through storytelling, detailed examples, and interactive dialogue, Ashlee paints a vivid picture of a dynamic and effective ministry focused on creating passionate followers of Christ.

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

Visit RENEW.org: https://renew.org/ 

Effective Discipleship: Strategies and Frameworks

Today’s episode will help us learn about discipleship, identity formation, and integrating spiritual principles into daily life to foster personal transformation and community growth.

In this video, Renee Sprouls shares her insights on effective discipleship, particularly focusing on discipling women. The discussion includes practical methods and spiritual practices to equip and support individuals in their faith journey. Key topics include understanding the right and left brain approaches, the Fish M. framework, and the importance of heart-focused community. Renee also highlights the necessity of spiritual healing, identity work, and walking in the Spirit, providing personal anecdotes and experiences to illustrate these points.

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

Key Takeaways 

00:00 Getting Started: Turning On and Off

00:48 Spills and Small Talk

02:40 Technical Troubles and Personal Updates

06:28 Morning Greetings and Introductions

07:49 Discipling Women: Initial Thoughts

11:05 Understanding Right Brain Attachment

14:44 Stories of Women in Discipleship

18:31 The Clogged Well: A Metaphor for Discipleship

21:19 Framework for Discipling Women

38:47 The Importance of Heart-Focused Community

39:21 Understanding Identity and Mission

40:59 Practical Discipleship Practices

46:13 The Power of Spiritual Biographies

50:14 Concluding Thoughts and Encouragement

55:59 Addressing Group Dynamics and Challenges

Resources on Discipleship  

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

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 begins with an introductory segment where the speaker, Renee Sprouls from Renew.org, is setting up and dealing with some technical details. She then engages in a friendly and relaxed conversation with the attendees, setting a casual atmosphere.

Renee addresses the group, appreciating their attendance at an early morning session and introduces herself, explaining her affiliation with Renew.org. She discusses the resources available through Renew.org, such as newsletters, free ebooks, and other valuable materials for church planting and discipleship. She encourages the attendees to join the mailing list for more information and emphasizes the variety of resources available.

The central focus of the session is on discipling women. Renee starts with a prayer, asking for the Holy Spirit's guidance and blessings for the session. The prayer acknowledges the importance of spiritual rejuvenation, gratitude for God’s gifts, and a commitment to love and steward those gifts well.

To gauge the audience's current feelings about discipling women, Renee conducts an interactive session where she asks attendees to rate their preparedness on a scale of one to ten. Some rate themselves as a six, citing a general understanding but a sense of unpreparedness in some critical areas. This leads to a discussion about real-life challenges and feelings associated with discipling women and how to overcome them.

Renee shares personal stories of women she has discipled, detailing their varied backgrounds and unique challenges. These stories include women dealing with broken relationships, adoption struggles, fears of motherhood, and overcoming past traumas. Each story illustrates different aspects of discipleship and the various ways women might struggle, feel inadequate, or carry wounds from their past.

The session then transitions into exploring a conceptual framework for discipleship called "Fish M." This framework comprises several key elements:

Renee also lays out practical ways to implement this framework, including:

- **Praying and Fasting** to seek God's guidance in forming discipleship groups.

- **Serving and Eating** together to build community.

- **Taking Sabbaths and Studying** together for rest and spiritual growth.

She also mentions the role of spiritual biographies in building deep connections within the group. A spiritual biography involves creating a timeline of significant life events and reflecting on how God has worked through those experiences. This practice helps group members to understand each other better and fosters a supportive environment.

Issues concerning group dynamics are also discussed. For example, handling dominating group members involves addressing the issue

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

Visit RENEW.org: https://renew.org/ 

Transformative Women's Discipleship: Delving into Deep Theological Studies with Tina Wilson

Today’s episode will help us understand how comprehensive Bible study can transform our spiritual lives and foster a resilient faith community through practical discipleship methods.

Join Tina Wilson in an inspiring session that explores a comprehensive method for discipling women through deep Bible study from Genesis to Revelation. Tina shares her personal journeys, biblical insights, and practical approaches for integrating daily scripture reading into personal and community life. Discover how to cultivate spiritual growth using 'Step Into Scripture' and how committed, rigorous theological studies generate lasting engagement and a deeper hunger for God's word. This session also covers essential strategies for leading effective women's Bible studies and ensuring meaningful, transformational discipleship.

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

Key Takeaways 

00:00 Introduction and Setup

00:28 Casual Conversations and Humor

08:21 Event and Speaker Introduction

11:04 Defining Discipleship

12:49 The Importance of Biblical Reading

15:55 Teaching and Testifying in Discipleship

25:18 Authenticity in Discipleship

32:28 Historical Lessons and Testimonies

35:07 Planting Ecclesia Christian Church

36:45 Lessons from Church Planting

37:33 Catalysts for Faith

38:15 Discipling the Next Generation

39:32 Psalm 78 and God's Faithfulness

41:07 Step into Scripture: A Bible Study Model

42:01 Implementing the Bible Reading Plan

49:55 Overcoming Challenges in Discipleship

59:25 Q&A: Effective Discipleship Strategies

Resources on Discipleship  

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

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, we join a women's discipleship workshop led by a speaker who dives deep into the topic of discipling women through the comprehensive study of the Bible.

The session begins with an informal setup and introductions, creating a welcoming atmosphere. The speaker introduces "Renew," highlighting its collaborative groups, daily digital communications, free e-books, and mentoring programs.

She emphasizes the importance of grounding discipleship in the Word of God, sharing personal stories to make her points relatable. One key message is the transformative power of reading the entire Bible systematically. The speaker shares how daily Bible reading has profoundly shaped her faith, revealing new insights each time.

Using Psalms 78 and Deuteronomy 6, she defines discipleship as teaching and testifying about God's deeds and commandments. Practical advice includes integrating spiritual discussions into everyday life, adopting a "walk along, talk along" approach from Deuteronomy.

The speaker underscores authenticity in discipleship by sharing personal struggles and failures, encouraging vulnerability. She cautions against idealizing the past and promotes acknowledging shortcomings to prepare future generations better.

For structured Bible study, she recommends a chronological reading plan that spans a year, highlighting its impact with just 15 minutes of daily reading. She shares her experience facilitating large group Bible studies, which offer accountability and a supportive environment for spiritual growth.

The speaker advocates for resources like "Step into Scripture," which provides commentary and guidance for a year-long Bible reading journey. She concludes by sharing the profound impact this disciplined approach to discipleship has had on her life and ministry, encouraging participants to invest deeply in fostering a community rooted in strong biblical literacy and genuine spiritual growth.

In summary, the episode underscores that discipleship grounded in comprehensive Bible study leads to profound spiritual transformation, nurturing a resilient and deep faith community through teaching, testifying, and authentic sharing.

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

Visit Legacy Coalition: https://legacycoalition.com/ 

Intentional Christian Grandparenting: Overcoming Barriers and Building Relationships

Today's episode will help us understand how to be intentional Christian grandparents, using practical tips and biblical principles to overcome common barriers and leave a lasting spiritual legacy.

In this session, we explore the significance of intentional Christian grandparenting, emphasizing the need for grandparents to be involved in the spiritual lives of their grandchildren. The speaker discusses the challenges faced by grandparents, such as geographical and relational distances, and offers practical solutions to overcome these barriers. Highlighting biblical principles from Deuteronomy 4:9 and Psalm 71:18, the session encourages grandparents to forge strong, faith-driven relationships with their grandchildren. Through personal anecdotes and actionable advice, the speaker underscores the importance of being a forgiving, intentional, and proactive grandparent, aiming to leave a lasting spiritual legacy.

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

Key Takeaways 

00:00 Introduction to the Compass Illustration

06:00 The Importance of Biblical Grandparenting

12:39 Overcoming Grandparenting Barriers

19:05 Practical Tips for Geographical Distance

20:19 Building Relationships with Grandchildren

31:56 Creating Memories and Special Events

35:24 Responding to Relational and Spiritual Distance

35:53 Reflecting on Past Mistakes and Moving Forward

37:49 The Power of Humble Admission and Forgiveness

39:57 Reconciliation Steps and Biblical Guidance

42:53 Initiating Reconciliation with Adult Children

56:03 The Importance of Forgiveness in Relationships

01:02:40 Intentional Christian Grandparenting

01:06:33 Closing Remarks and Personal Stories

Resources on Discipleship  

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

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 of "Legacy Coalition 4," the speaker offers a practical guide on intentional Christian grandparenting. He starts with a story about using a compass to illustrate the unchanging word of God, setting the stage for discussing the vital role grandparents play in their grandchildren's spiritual growth.

Highlighting the lack of church ministries for grandparents, he shares how a sermon on Deuteronomy 4:9 transformed his understanding and led him to advocate for this cause. He recounts his journey from a music-focused career to pastoral care, despite losing his hearing, and discusses Bible verses like Psalms 71:18 and 103 that emphasize the blessings of grandparenting.

The speaker addresses common barriers to grandparenting, such as geographical distance, and suggests using technology like FaceTime and BeReal to stay connected. For relational distance caused by strained family relationships, he advises forgiveness, humility, and practical reconciliation steps. To tackle spiritual distance, he recommends patience and respect for parental boundaries while finding ways to influence grandchildren spiritually.

He offers practical tips like organizing family reunions and Cousin's Camps to create bonding opportunities. Emphasizing the benefits of forgiveness, he provides reflective questions and steps for reconciliation, sharing personal anecdotes and biblical principles to underscore its importance.

The session concludes with Larry Fowler's concept of "intentional Christian grandparenting," guiding grandchildren with grace, respecting parental roles, and exemplifying a Christ-centered life. The open Q&A allows participants to share experiences and seek further advice.

This episode highlights that intentional Christian grandparenting is about living a Christ-centered life and leaving a spiritual legacy, playing a crucial role in nurturing a vibrant faith in the next generation.

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

Visit Legacy Coalition: https://legacycoalition.com/ 

Today's episode will help us understand the crucial, biblically endorsed role of grandparents in their grandchildren's spiritual formation, offering practical tips and insights to nurture their faith amidst a challenging cultural landscape.

The Vital Role of Grandparents in a Changing Culture: A Guide to Intentional Christian Grandparenting

In this episode, pastor George Postumus discusses the significant role of grandparents in the spiritual development of their grandchildren. He emphasizes the lack of focus on the third generation in churches and the importance of grandparents being actively involved in their grandchildren's lives. George highlights the biblical foundation in Deuteronomy 4:9, which calls grandparents to teach both their children and grandchildren. Sharing personal stories and practical advice, he underscores the necessity of establishing strong relationships and guiding grandchildren with love and truth. He also tackles the challenges posed by the modern, rapidly changing culture and urges grandparents to be intentional in their role. The session concludes with an encouragement to seek deeper involvement and offers resources for overcoming common grandparenting barriers.

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

Key Takeaways 

00:00 Introduction and Initial Instructions

00:59 Casual Conversations and Greetings

10:11 Session Begins: Speaker Introduction

12:27 The Role of Grandparents in the Church

13:00 Biblical Foundations for Grandparenting

19:44 Navigating Cultural Challenges

27:30 The Importance of Absolute Truth

32:08 Using a Compass as a Metaphor for Truth

36:46 The Crisis of Faith Among Youth

37:07 The Role of Grandparents in Faith Formation

38:19 The Importance of Truth in Christian Life

41:14 Cultural Challenges and Biblical Responses

43:53 Timeless Truths for Right Living

47:05 Building Strong Relationships with Grandchildren

53:35 Launching a Grandparenting Ministry in Churches

56:16 Practical Tips and Resources for Grandparents

01:00:37 Q&A and Concluding Thoughts

Resources on Discipleship  

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

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, George Postumus, a former pastor with 39 years of experience, shares his insights on Christian grandparenting. Drawing from his own journey and biblical teachings, he emphasizes the significant role grandparents play in their grandchildren's spiritual upbringing.

George begins by addressing the misconception that grandparents are merely spectators in their grandchildren's lives. Instead, he points to Deuteronomy 4:9, which calls for their active involvement in passing down the teachings of the Lord.

Despite losing his hearing due to a disease, George continues to serve in the Legacy Coalition, encouraging grandparents to be spiritually active in their grandchildren's lives. He highlights the cultural challenges today’s grandchildren face and stresses the importance of "speaking the truth in love," as mentioned in Ephesians 4. In a world moving towards moral decay, he believes grandparents must be a voice of biblical truth.

To help grandparents fulfill this role, George offers practical steps:

He uses metaphors, comparing God’s word to a compass that always points north, to illustrate these points. George also advises grandparents to avoid disciplining like parents but instead to be full of grace and truth, much like Jesus.

George addresses the alarming trend of 60-70% of young people from Christian homes leaving their faith by the end of high school. He suggests that intentional Christian grandparenting can help counter this trend by reinforcing the biblical foundation taught by their parents.

The seminar includes practical advice like scheduling one-on-one time and using meal times for spiritual discussions. George also recommends resources like the "Levitical Blessing" from Numbers 6:24-26 to impart spiritual blessings.

In summary, the seminar underscores the vital, biblically endorsed role of grandparents in their grandchildren's spiritual formation. By being intentional, loving, and truth-filled, grandparents can offer essential guidance and support, helping to nurture their grandchildren’s faith amidst a challenging cultural landscape. George’s personal experiences and practical tips provide a rich framework for grandparents to embrace this ongoing, impactful mission in the kingdom of God.

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

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

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 Matters” seminar are recommended. The speaker concludes by emphasizing that while there’s no guaranteed formula for ensuring grandchildren's salvation, consistent prayer, genuine faith, and loving engagement are key.

In summary, the episode provides a comprehensive guide for grandparents, combining biblical foundations, personal anecdotes, and actionable strategies for impactful, intentional Christian grandparenting.

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

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

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

Becoming a Disciple Maker

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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 grandparents to embrace their significant influence and follow biblical guidance to support their family's faith journeys and impact future generations.

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

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

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 church leaders.

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