Into the Harvest

Every disciple has a story—and your testimony may be one of the most effective tools you have for helping someone take a step toward Jesus. In this episode, John talks with Richard Iwuagwu about why every disciple should be prepared to share their testimony. Using Paul’s defense before King Agrippa in Acts 26, they introduce a simple framework for telling your story: Before, Encounter, After, and Response. Your testimony does not need to be dramatic or perfectly polished. It simply needs to show who you were, how you encountered Jesus, what he is changing in your life, and how your story can invite someone else into a conversation about faith. Richard also shares his testimony—from searching for acceptance and living a double life to discovering the unconditional love of Jesus and finding purpose as his ambassador. This conversation will help you move beyond giving a gospel presentation and begin having natural, personal conversations centered on Jesus. In This Episode 00:00 The 18-wheeler illustration: real encounters produce change 01:19 Why every disciple should be ready to tell their story 03:08 Your testimony as a tool for sharing the gospel 05:32 The context of Paul’s testimony in Acts 26 10:49 Learning a testimony framework from Scripture 11:41 Before: What were you living for? 14:34 Encounter: How did you meet Jesus? 21:06 After: What has Jesus changed? 24:04 Response: Turning your story into a conversation 25:50 Richard shares his testimony 34:17 Resources and next steps Resources Sharing Your Testimony Worksheet Use the Before, Encounter, After, and Response framework to write and practice sharing your story. https://www.intotheharvest.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/Sharing-Your-Testimony.pdf The Absolute Best Place to Share Your Faith Learn how to recognize natural opportunities to talk about Jesus in the everyday places where you live, work, and play. https://www.intotheharvest.org/absolute-best-place-share-faith/ More Discipleship Resources Find practical tools to help you follow Jesus and help others do the same. https://www.intotheharvest.org/ Harvest Life Continue with the members-only conversation, where John and Richard give practical tools to help us keep perspective sharing our faith: https://www.intotheharvest.org/harvestlife/ Use code CODE50 to receive 50% off your first three months. Take the Next Step: 1. Download the Sharing Your Testimony worksheet. 2. Write your story using Before, Encounter, After, and Response. 3. Practice sharing it in two or three minutes. 4. Ask God for an opportunity to share it with someone. 5. Read The Absolute Best Place to Share Your Faith for practical ideas about where to begin. Connect with Us Website · Shop · Newsletter · YouTube · Instagram The post #273 – How Every Disciple Can Share Their Story with Richard Iwuagwu appeared first on Into the Harvest

Women are called to follow Jesus and make disciples—but that calling may look different in each season of life. In this episode, John is joined by Jess Snyder and Sarah Beth Kreitzer to discuss why women sometimes stop growing or making disciples as their responsibilities, capacity, and pace of life change. They explore how Jesus valued women, welcomed them as disciples, and gave them a meaningful role in his mission. Using the four seasons as a framework, Jess and Sarah Beth discuss the opportunities and challenges women face as young adults, wives, mothers, professionals, mentors, caregivers, and older women. The pace may change, but the calling remains. This conversation offers practical encouragement for staying connected to Jesus, adjusting expectations, choosing relationships wisely, and practicing creative obedience. Disciple-making does not have to happen outside everyday life. It can happen around the dinner table, during nap time, at work, in your home, or wherever God has placed you. In This Episode 00:00 — Women have a role in making disciples 01:42 — How seasons of life shape women’s discipleship 02:22 — Why women need a clear model to follow 06:18 — How Jesus valued and included women 07:57 — Women were disciples of Jesus too 08:24 — Jesus gave women a seat at the table 11:54 — Ministry happens wherever God has placed you 13:26 — A tree looks different in every season 14:00 — Adjusting expectations without abandoning the mission 15:46 — Spring: building a foundation and making wise choices 19:34 — Summer: adjusting to marriage, family, and greater responsibility 21:17 — Making the best use of limited time 23:48 — Fall: using greater capacity and life experience 26:05 — Investing in younger women who are hungry for Jesus 27:30 — How each season builds on the one before it 30:16 — Winter: selecting wisely and remaining faithful 32:08 — The value of older women who have walked faithfully with Jesus 35:25 — Practical ways to disciple women while raising children 36:44 — Prioritizing time with Jesus in busy seasons 37:30 — Practicing creative obedience 38:35 — Inviting women into your real, everyday life Resources Back to the Basics: God's Design for Gender Roles Explore what Scripture teaches about God’s design for men and women and how both can faithfully serve his purposes: https://www.intotheharvest.org/back-to-the-basics-gods-design-for-gender-roles/ Harvest Life Continue with the members-only conversation, where John, Jess and Sarah Beth unpack a four-step framework for whole life discipleship: https://www.intotheharvest.org/harvestlife/ Use code CODE50 to receive 50% off your first three months. Connect with Us Website · Shop · Newsletter · YouTube · Instagram The post #272 – How Women Can Make Disciples In Every Season Of Life with Jess Snyder And Sarah Beth Kreitzer appeared first on Into the Harvest

Do you struggle to read the Bible consistently or understand what you are reading? Explore our practical guide, How to Read the Bible: https://www.intotheharvest.org/how-to-read-the-bible/ Our culture constantly feeds us content—but are we developing an appetite for the voice of God? In this episode, John talks with author, podcaster, and disciple-maker Renée Sproles about how disciples can grow in their desire for God’s Word. Together, they discuss the voices shaping us, the danger of living on “predigested” spiritual food, and why sermons, podcasts, and social media can never replace personally meeting with Jesus in Scripture. Using Matthew 4 and other passages, they explore how Jesus used Scripture to answer lies with truth. They also share practical ways to establish a Bible-reading rhythm, learn alongside a mature believer, keep returning when Scripture is difficult, and engage the Bible in partnership with the Holy Spirit. If this conversation helps you, please like this episode and subscribe to the Into the Harvest YouTube channel. It helps more people discover practical resources for following Jesus and making disciples. In This Episode 00:00 Why disciples need solid spiritual food 00:53 Meet Renée Sproles 01:15 How can we develop an appetite for God’s Word? 05:27 The voices and algorithms shaping our desires 06:25 A practical guide for reading the Bible 07:17 Asking God to speak while ignoring the Bible 08:05 How Jesus responded to temptation with Scripture 12:01 Replacing lies with biblical truth 13:25 How our appetite changes over time 14:17 Inviting someone to read the Bible with you 15:11 Learning Scripture through life-on-life discipleship 16:28 A simple plan for reading through the Bible 18:47 Learning to appreciate difficult passages 22:00 Moving beyond predigested spiritual food 23:10 Why solid food requires constant practice 25:52 Taking Scripture as seriously as other media 26:41 Moving from the Bible to life—and life to the Bible 27:17 Engaging Scripture with the Holy Spirit 30:22 “No Bible, no breakfast; no Bible, no bed” 31:58 Begin building your Bible-reading rhythm 32:07 Continue the conversation in Harvest Life Resources How to Read the Bible Learn a simple, repeatable approach for reading Scripture, connecting with God, and applying his Word to everyday life: https://www.intotheharvest.org/how-to-read-the-bible/ Harvest Life Continue with the members-only conversation, where John and Renée unpack a four-step framework for building a life centered on Jesus, Scripture, and the Holy Spirit: https://www.intotheharvest.org/harvestlife/ Use code CODE50 to receive 50% off your first three months. Connect with Us Website · Shop · Newsletter · YouTube · Instagram The post #271- A Disciple Grows Hunger for the Word with Renee Sproles appeared first on Into the Harvest

Jesus did more than teach his disciples. He shared life with them, involved them in ministry, watched them practice, and eventually sent them out to carry on his mission. In this episode, John and Andrew explore what it means to be “fully trained” by Jesus and introduce a simple disciple-making process: Model, Assist, Watch, and Launch. This framework helps us move beyond merely giving people information and begin training them through life-on-life relationships and guided experience. Using Luke 6:40, Mark 3:14, and examples from the ministry of Jesus, they explain how disciples become more like their teacher and grow into faithful disciple-makers. You will also learn why mature leaders must give people real opportunities to practice ministry—and why disciple-making is incomplete if we never release people to lead. In This Episode 00:00 Faith is the beginning of a new life 01:35 Why disciple-making must be Jesus-centered 02:48 The Master Plan of Evangelism 04:36 The Disciple-Maker’s Journey 05:04 What does it mean to be fully trained? 07:12 Becoming like Jesus—not merely gaining information 07:52 Why discipleship must be life-on-life 09:29 Jesus called the Twelve to be with him 10:11 Training disciples who can faithfully represent Jesus 11:38 Showing someone how to walk with God 13:02 Model, Assist, Watch, and Launch 13:36 Why modeling comes before instruction 15:01 Passing on your aim and way of life 17:43 The cost of modeling a life of devotion 20:12 Assist: involving disciples in real ministry 23:11 Watch: coaching and correcting as they practice 24:55 Launch: preparing disciples to lead without you 28:37 How soon should someone begin assisting? 32:24 Continue the conversation in Harvest Life Resources MAWL Tool: https://www.intotheharvest.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/MAWL-Disciple-Making-Guide-1.pdf Free Master Plan of Evangelism Study Guide Explore eight disciple-making principles from the life and ministry of Jesus—and learn how to put them into practice: https://www.intotheharvest.org/master-plan-study-guide/ The Master Plan of Evangelism by Robert Coleman Read the classic book that inspired the study guide and helped shape our understanding of Jesus’ method of disciple-making: https://link.amazon/B0dxFopv7 As an Amazon Associate, Into the Harvest earns from qualifying purchases. Harvest Life Continue with the members-only conversation about the three essentials every disciple-maker needs: Principles, Practicals, and People. You will also receive access to our growing library of disciple-making tools and the Disciple-Maker’s Dojo: https://www.intotheharvest.org/harvestlife/ Use code CODE50 to receive 50% off your first three months. Connect with Us Website · Shop · Newsletter · YouTube · Instagram The post #270 – How Jesus Trained His Disciples—and How We Can Too appeared first on Into the Harvest

Ready to discover who Jesus really is and what it means to follow him? Get Discovering Jesus, Book One of the Pathway Series: https://amzn.to/3UDTunH Discipleship does not begin with making disciples. It begins with recognizing Jesus for who he is and learning to live as his disciple. In this episode, John and Andrew explore the biblical titles Lord and Christ and explain why both are essential to the gospel. Jesus is the Christ—the Savior sent by God to deal with our sin. But he is also Lord—the one with the authority to lead every part of our lives. You cannot make Jesus Lord; God has already made him Lord and Christ. Our response is to recognize who he is, receive him, and live under his rule. This conversation will help you understand how following Jesus moves us from a self-directed life to a life centered on him. In This Episode: 00:00 You cannot make Jesus Lord 01:04 Becoming a disciple before making disciples 01:42 Discovering Jesus and the Pathway Series 03:28 Why discipleship must begin with Jesus 04:29 The Lord Jesus Christ Illustration 05:58 How God reveals himself through Jesus 07:28 God has made Jesus both Lord and Christ 10:05 Recognize, receive, and respond to Jesus 11:20 Receiving Jesus as Christ and Savior 13:32 Why Jesus is God’s promised Messiah 16:16 What it means to receive Jesus as Lord 19:15 You do not make Jesus Lord 20:17 Moving from a self-directed to Christ-centered life 21:05 Are we asking the wrong gospel question? 24:33 Continue the conversation in Harvest Life Resources Discovering Jesus Learn how Jesus fulfills Scripture, understand his message and mission, and discover what it means to begin following him: https://amzn.to/3UDTunH As an Amazon Associate, Into the Harvest earns from qualifying purchases. The Lord Jesus Christ Illustration Use this simple tool to help someone understand what it means to recognize and receive Jesus as both Lord and Christ: The Lord Jesus Christ Harvest Life Continue the conversation with the members-only Pie Illustration bonus episode and explore our growing library of disciple-making tools: https://www.intotheharvest.org/harvestlife/ Use code CODE50 to receive 50% off your first three months. Connect with Into the Harvest Connect with Us Website · Shop · Newsletter · YouTube · Instagram Want more practical resources to help you follow Jesus and make disciples? Visit https://www.intotheharvest.org/ #christianpodcast #followingJesus #discipleship The post #269 – Before You Make Disciples, You Must Become One appeared first on Into the Harvest

Why does the word discipleship seem to mean everything and nothing at the same time? In Episode 268, John and Andrew return to the teachings of Jesus to bring clarity to discipleship, disciple-making, and the journey Jesus invites every believer to take. Using three key passages from Matthew, John and Andrew explore the progression from Come, to Care, to Go. Jesus first calls us to center our lives on him, then transforms our hearts to care about people as he does, and finally sends us to make disciples who make disciples. You’ll also learn the important distinction between discipleship—living a life of devotion to Jesus—and disciple-making—purposefully passing that way of life on to someone else. John and Andrew discuss where people commonly get stuck along this journey and offer practical ways to keep growing, serving, and helping others follow Jesus. In This Episode 00:00 Why discipleship can feel confusing 02:33 The ACTION Plan: A roadmap for getting started 03:39 Discipleship versus disciple-making 08:47 Come: Centering your life on Jesus 12:41 Care: Developing Jesus’ heart for people 18:24 Go: Making disciples with conviction, clarity, and confidence 22:21 Where disciple-makers get stuck 27:50 Final thoughts and practical next steps 28:57 Continuing the conversation inside Harvest Life Resources ACTION Plan ► https://www.intotheharvest.org/action-plan/Build a simple, personal roadmap to help you follow Jesus, share your faith, and begin your disciple-maker’s journey. Harvest Life ► https://www.intotheharvest.org/harvest-life/Join our members-only community for practical disciple-making tools, extended podcast conversations, and the Disciple-Maker’s Dojo. Use code CODE50 to receive 50% off your first six months. Connect with Us Website · Shop · Newsletter · YouTube · Instagram The post #268 – The Disciple-Maker’s Journey appeared first on Into the Harvest

Women's discipleship is essential to the health of the Church, but many women have never experienced intentional, life-on-life discipleship. In this episode, John talks with Jess Snyder and Sarah Beth Kreitzer about how women can help one another follow Jesus through every season of life. They discuss why women's discipleship involves more than attending a Bible study or staying busy with church activities. Drawing from the example of Jesus, the relationship between Ruth and Naomi, and Paul's instructions in Titus 2, they present a biblical vision for older women investing in younger women. They also offer practical encouragement for women who want to find someone to disciple them or begin investing in someone else. In This Episode 00:00 Introduction 05:15 Why there is a gap in discipling women 17:20 How Jesus interacted with women 22:00 Women's discipleship in Scripture 33:50 Everyday tensions women face 41:00 Discipleship through different seasons 52:00 How women can get started 57:40 What "older" and "younger" women means Resources Discipleship 101 Grow as a disciple and learn to help others do the same. Eight lessons on discipleship and disciple-making with Bible study, reflection questions, application exercises, and companion teaching videos. The Pathway Series Want to make disciples like Jesus? The Pathway Series gives you a simple framework you can use to help someone begin following Jesus and grow to maturity. Connect with Us Website · Shop · Newsletter · YouTube · Instagram The post #267 – Discipling Women Changes The Course Of History appeared first on Into the Harvest

Following Jesus is not separate from everyday life. In this episode, John, Andrew, and Renée explore Colossians 3–4 and explain how our homes, workplaces, relationships, and ordinary responsibilities can become places where we live on mission and help others see Jesus. Paul challenges believers to set their minds on things above, put off the old self, and put on the character of Christ. That transformation changes how we love others, approach our work, respond to difficult circumstances, and use the opportunities God gives us. The conversation also explores how prayer, gracious speech, and intentional relationships help ordinary believers make disciples. You do not need to travel somewhere special to join Jesus on mission—you are called to follow him right where you are. In This Episode 00:00 Introduction to the final Colossians Bible study 05:27 Putting off the old self and putting on the new 10:33 Setting your mind on things above 17:37 Practical ways to grow in love for others 23:20 Word, worship, and work 25:32 Following Jesus in everyday relationships 29:04 Finding eternal purpose in ordinary work 36:08 Living as someone sent by God 37:23 Prayer, gracious speech, and gospel opportunities 46:23 Practical habits for taking anxiety to God 48:55 Joining Jesus and others in his mission Resources Discipleship 101 Grow as a disciple and learn to help others do the same. Eight lessons on discipleship and disciple-making with Bible study, reflection questions, application exercises, and companion teaching videos. The Pathway Series Want to make disciples like Jesus? The Pathway Series gives you a simple framework you can use to help someone begin following Jesus and grow to maturity. Connect with Us Website · Shop · Newsletter · YouTube · Instagram The post #266 – Living Sent: Making Disciples In Everyday Places with Renée Sproles appeared first on Into the Harvest

Understanding spiritual maturity is essential for your walk with God. Learn how ancient biblical truths apply to modern emotional health. Many people struggle to connect their faith with their daily reactions. This episode focuses on the connection between spiritual maturity and emotional maturity, examining why God's word remains the standard for our growth. We look at the biblical directive to be taught and warned, ensuring we are presented mature in Christ regardless of the era we live in. If you have ever felt that your faith life and emotional life are disconnected, this episode provides some clarity. By aligning your inner development with scripture, you can gain a steadier perspective on life's challenges. We breakdown why Christ remains the ultimate goal of all teaching and how you can apply these principles to your own walk today.

Want to help your church find focus in its disciple-making efforts? We've created an 8-part resource called Discipleship 101 to help. Learn more at https://www.intotheharvest.org/discipleship-101/ Need a simple framework to help you make disciples like Jesus? Check out The Pathway Series to learn more: https://www.intotheharvest.org/pathway Shop ► https://www.intotheharvest.org/shop/ Instagram ► instagram.com/intotheharvest Facebook ► facebook.com/intotheharvest Newsletter ► https://www.intotheharvest.org/newsletter Our study of Ephesians continues with chapters 4-6! In this episode we cover what it means to actually be the Body of Christ, how we are supposed to function in our spiritual gifts; husbands loving and leading their wives; and spiritual warfare. If you want to learn more about walking with Christ and others, this is a do not miss episode. Original Release Date 7/2/26 Want more great resources to help you be a disciple and make disciples? Visit us at https://intotheharvest.org​ The post #264 – The Pressure Points Every Believer Must Face with Renée Sproles appeared first on Into the Harvest