In this episode of the H3X Podcast, Dave Miller reflects on how an old FFA motto — “Learning to do, Doing to learn, Earning to live, Living to serve” — unexpectedly provides a framework for disciple-making and leadership development. Drawing from a recent marketplace ministry discussion, he explores the tension between training and learning, execution and essence, and how the “radical middle” bridges both worlds. Through stories of mentorship, engineering, and ministry, Dave illustrates how maturity and wisdom grow through action, reflection, and grace. Listeners will walk away with renewed clarity on how to integrate faith, work, and mission through a mindset of abundance rather than scarcity.

Referenced Concepts and Tools:

• FFA Motto: Learning to do, Doing to learn, Earning to live, Living to serve
• The “Radical Middle”: Balancing training with learning, execution with essence
• “Bucket and Drip” training approach — content download followed by long-term application
• “Practices and Principles” framework for disciple-making
• Marketplace ministry tensions: mechanics vs. maturity
• Abundance mindset vs. scarcity mindset in leadership development
• Real-life illustrations: engineering mentorship, disciple training, and multi-city collaboration

Takeaways:

• The harvest field is the great equalizer — practice reveals what training can’t.
• Wisdom is earned through the doing — grace fills the gaps.
• Unity grows when the mission focuses outward, not on competing paradigms.