Blair Pogue and Dwight Zscheile didn’t grow up in church—but the church changed their lives. Now, they’re passionate about helping others experience that same transformation.

In this episode, they reflect on the crisis of discipleship facing many churches today and how a lack of connection to local neighborhoods is both a symptom and a cause. They share how cultivating a mixed ecology through Fresh Expressions has helped break through stuck systems, and how the simple practice of listening can lead to deeper discipleship and real community transformation.

Pastor Matt Lake shares his journey of building a discipleship pathway and uncovering unexpected gaps that led to deep self-assessment and growth. In this candid conversation, Matt unpacks how starting Fresh Expressions reshaped his church’s understanding of following Jesus. His story offers both challenge and encouragement to leaders ready to ask hard questions and embrace transformation.

In this special bonus episode, we celebrate the release of Opening Space, the new book by Shannon Kiser, Director of Fresh Expressions. Shannon shares the inspiration behind the book, drawn from Luke 5, and what it means to "open space" for church in everyday places.

You’ll hear real-life stories, reflections from leaders, and an invitation to take faithful next steps—whether you’re a pastor, pioneer, or just feeling a holy nudge. Plus, learn how to access a free Luke 5 study guide and join our Summer Book Club.

This episode invites you to reimagine what church can be—right where you are.

Who disciples us shapes how we disciple others. In this episode, Jessie Horney and Heather Jallad explore the powerful connection between being discipled and making disciples. Jessie shares the story of launching the Wonder School—a journey that not only transformed her personal approach to disciple-making but also shifted her church’s entire posture toward mission and church planting. Whether you're rethinking discipleship or dreaming about new forms of church, this conversation offers practical wisdom and inspiration for the road ahead.

Discipleship doesn’t start in a classroom—it starts in the wild. Jessie Cruickshank shares how our brains are wired for experiential learning and how the most powerful discipleship often happens through story, movement, and Holy Spirit-led moments on the go. In this episode, we explore why God invites us to learn through real-life experiences and how time in the wilderness might just be the most transformative classroom of all.

Roz shares how the 12 Steps and the way of Jesus intersect in powerful ways—through confession, reconciliation, and the deep recognition that we can’t save ourselves. In this episode, you’ll hear how Roz’s personal journey with recovery has transformed his ministry, reshaped his church, and led to authentic connections with the recovery community. Discover how Fresh Expressions naturally makes space for healing, honesty, and hope—and why discipleship and recovery may have more in common than you think.

Anne shares how a quick pivot during the pandemic became a global digital community where people are finding connection and experiencing daily discipleship. In this episode, you’ll hear the story of unexpected innovation, the challenges of digital ministry, and how the Spirit is forming authentic faith communities—even online. Whether you're exploring new ways to do church or wondering what digital discipleship can really look like, Anne’s story offers encouragement, insight, and a fresh take on what’s possible.

How has the Fresh Expressions movement transformed discipleship in the inherited church over the past two decades? In this episode, Dave shares insights from the UK on how Fresh Expressions not only reaches new people but also activates discipleship in fresh ways, empowering the priesthood of all believers.

We explore how Fresh Expressions fosters a culture of disciple-making and why the Church of England’s Fruitfulness Framework is pushing the conversation toward new metrics for measuring church impact. If you're passionate about church renewal, this conversation will challenge and inspire you!

What if discipleship wasn’t a program, but a way of life?

In this episode, Heather Jallad and David Sunde explore how moving from programmatic discipleship to incarnational rhythms can lead to real multiplication. David unpacks what discipleship truly means, breaking it down into the seven rhythms from his book Small Batch Disciplemaking, and challenges the inherited church’s current models. What does discipleship look like in the everyday? How can we create space for organic, relational, and transformative disciple-making? Join the conversation and discover a fresh approach to following Jesus in the rhythms of daily life.

David Sunde collaborates with an ecosystem of faith-based, community organizations, pastors, and spiritual leaders as a Spiritual Director, thought Partner, and Missional Catalyst. He has been involved in professional non-profit and spiritual leadership for over 20 years. He is a native son of San Franciso, the son of an immigrant, and learned to make a lower level of assumption about culture, class, race, and religion against a backdrop of diversity. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration from SanDiego State University and a Master’s Degree from Azusa Pacific University. He is currently working on a Doctorate in Semiotics, Cultured, and the Church through George Fox University.

David and his wife Laurel, have two children, Bjorn, and Annika and live in Austin, Texas.

www.davidsunde.com - There’s a link to the NavPress site for 30% off, including bulk discounts.

People can follow me on IG @small_batch_disciplemaking and @davidsunde 

In this episode, Eun Strawser—church planter, physician, professor, and author of Centering Discipleship—joins Heather to explore how pastors and church leaders can shift discipleship from the periphery to the core of their church life. They discuss moving from program-based approaches to discipleship as a pathway, a shift that has transformed Eun’s ministry and personal walk with Jesus. Whether you’re a pastor, leader, or disciple-maker, you’ll walk away with practical insights on creating a culture where discipleship is woven into the very fabric of your community.