The Disciple Maker‘s Podcast

What if the key to building a thriving church isn't attracting bigger crowds, but making disciples who make disciples? In this episode of the Disciple Makers Podcast, Josh Howard sits down with Joey McLaughlin, pastor of Elevate City Church, to unpack how his church transitioned from traditional, attractional ministry methods to a culture centered on intentional disciple making and multiplication. When Elevate City launched in 2020, Joey and his team initially focused on creating engaging Sunday experiences, growing attendance, and building a successful church. But after several years, Joey began asking a different question: Were they actually making disciples the way Jesus commanded? That question sparked a major transformation. Joey shares how his church began reevaluating its priorities, simplifying ministry programs, and developing a clear, reproducible discipleship pathway designed to help everyday believers grow in their relationship with Jesus and disciple others. At the center of this transformation is Elevate City's Know, Follow, Lead discipleship pathway, which includes practical outreach, spiritual formation, intentional relationships, and leadership development. Joey also explains how their Equip and Equip X programs are helping believers move beyond simply attending church to actively sharing their faith, investing in others, and multiplying disciples across multiple generations. Josh and Joey discuss why disciple making must begin with church leaders personally living out the mission, why churches sometimes need to eliminate good programs to prioritize the best things, and how a simple, repeatable process can lead to lasting spiritual transformation. This conversation is filled with practical insights for pastors, ministry leaders, and anyone passionate about fulfilling the Great Commission. The challenge is simple: Are we building churches filled with attendees, or are we making disciples who will make more disciples? Discover what it looks like to move beyond church growth and build a culture of disciple making that multiplies. Learn More: Discipleship.org: https://discipleship.org Elevate City Church: https://elevatecc.church

What if the darkness we see in the world today isn't a sign that the church is losing, but an opportunity for God to move in extraordinary ways? In this episode of the Disciple Makers Podcast, Josh Howard sits down with his good friend Jason Ishmael at the Spire Conference in Indianapolis for an encouraging conversation about sin, repentance, revival, and the life-changing power of Jesus. As Christians, it's easy to become discouraged by the brokenness around us. From addiction and destructive habits to the struggles that impact families and communities, the challenges can feel overwhelming. But Jason challenges us to reconsider our perspective: What if these very struggles are opportunities to witness the transforming power of the gospel? Josh and Jason explore why disciple making must be rooted in the belief that Jesus still changes lives. Following Christ isn't simply about receiving forgiveness or waiting for eternal victory. It's about experiencing genuine transformation, walking in freedom, and growing in holiness through the power of the Holy Spirit. The conversation also examines the powerful connection between repentance and revival. Throughout history, movements of God have been marked by people turning away from sin and surrendering their lives to Jesus. But repentance isn't just a one-time decision. It's a daily posture of humility, confession, and obedience that transforms individuals, relationships, churches, and entire communities. Ultimately, this episode challenges every follower of Jesus to approach discipleship with renewed hope and expectation. Do we truly believe Jesus can break the chains of sin, transform lives, and bring revival to our communities? Because if we do, it changes everything about how we make disciples. Learn More: https://discipleship.org

What if one of the biggest challenges facing the church today is that we've separated two things Jesus never intended to be apart: evangelism and discipleship? In this episode of the Disciple Makers Podcast, Josh Howard sits down with Bart Rendel of Intentional Churches and Vince Antonucci, church planter, author, and evangelist, for a powerful conversation about bringing evangelism and disciple making back together. While many churches focus on either reaching people who don't know Jesus or helping existing believers grow in their faith, Josh, Bart, and Vince make the case that true disciple making requires both. Following Jesus means sharing the gospel, walking alongside new believers, and equipping them to reach and disciple others. Vince challenges the church to confront a difficult reality: many Christians rarely share their faith. But rather than accepting that as normal, churches have an opportunity to intentionally equip everyday believers to confidently engage their friends, neighbors, and communities with the gospel. The conversation also highlights an exciting collaboration between Intentional Churches, Vince Antonucci, and Discipleship.org to help churches develop a culture of evangelism and discipleship. Through practical training, coaching, resources, and leadership development, their shared goal is to help churches move beyond programs and create lasting cultures of disciple making. Ultimately, this episode challenges pastors, ministry leaders, and everyday Christians to ask a bigger question: What would happen if every believer was equipped to reach the lost, make disciples, and multiply the kingdom of God? It's not just about growing churches. It's about seeing entire communities transformed by the gospel. Learn More: Discipleship.org: https://discipleship.org Intentional Churches: https://intentionalchurches.com

What if the biggest challenge facing churches today isn't a lack of teaching, but a failure to make disciples the way Jesus did? In this episode of the Disciple Makers Podcast, Josh Howard sits down with Moose Bright of the Relational Discipleship Network (RDN) to explore what it really takes to build a church culture focused on making disciples who make disciples. Moose shares a powerful conviction: somewhere along the way, churches separated the teachings of Jesus from the methods of Jesus. While we've become skilled at communicating biblical truth, we've often overlooked the relational, intentional approach Jesus modeled when He invested in His disciples. Together, Josh and Moose discuss why church leaders must shift from doing all the ministry themselves to equipping everyday believers to carry out the mission. They explore the importance of prioritizing disciple making over programs, developing mature leaders who can reproduce themselves, and building relationships that lead to lasting spiritual growth. Moose also shares practical insights from nearly three decades of experience helping churches make this transition through the Relational Discipleship Network, including coaching cohorts, leadership development, and immersive training experiences designed to help churches put relational discipleship into practice. Whether you're a pastor, ministry leader, or everyday follower of Jesus, this conversation will challenge you to evaluate your priorities and take practical steps toward a lifestyle of intentional disciple making. Are we simply teaching people about Jesus, or are we actually making disciples the way Jesus did? Learn More: Relational Discipleship Network: https://rdn.org Discipleship.org: https://discipleship.org Join us for the 2027 National Disciple Making Forum: https://discipleship.org/2027-national-disciple-making-forum/ Stay informed - Get our newsletter:  http://eepurl.com/hPViAr 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?  https://discipleship.org/shop/what-is-church-and-how-important-is-it/ -- Family Discipleship Blueprint: A Year-by-Year Guide to Family Discipleship https://discipleship.org/shop/family-discipleship-blueprint-a-year-by-year-guide-to-family-discipleship/ -- Becoming a Disciple Maker https://discipleship.org/shop/becoming-a-disciple-maker/ -- National Study: The State of Disciple Making Churches: A 10 Minute Visual Guide https://discipleship.org/shop/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 https://discipleship.org/shop/reaching-discipling-women-a-guide-to-womens-ministry-in-your-church/ Check out the following Books from Discipleship.org: -- Recreated to Be like God: Making Disciples in the Image of Jesus https://a.co/d/6DDvUrC -- King Jesus and the Beauty of Obedience-Based Discipleship https://a.co/d/7d85z6T -- The Disciple Maker's Handbook: Seven Elements of a Discipleship Lifestyle https://a.co/d/4ZHIbQz Take the FREE Disciple Maker Assessment: https://church-multiplication.com/disciplemaker/ Come to the The National Disciple Making Forum: https://discipleship.org/national-disciple-making-forum/ Listen - Disciple Maker's Podcast:  https://discipleship.org/resources/podcast/

In this special on-location episode from the Spire Conference in Indianapolis, Josh Howard is with Chris Goulard to explore an area of discipleship churches can sometimes hesitate to address: money and financial stewardship. Chris makes the case that the way we handle our resources is deeply connected to our relationship with Jesus. Drawing from Jesus’ parable of the soils in Mark 4, Josh and Chris discuss how the deceitfulness of wealth, the cares of this world, and the desire for other things can choke out spiritual growth and keep believers from becoming fruitful disciples. But stewardship is about far more than encouraging people to give more to the local church. It’s about helping followers of Jesus recognize that everything they have belongs to God. When stewardship becomes part of our identity in Christ, generosity becomes a natural response—not only with our finances, but with our time, energy, talents, and every resource God has entrusted to us. The conversation also explores practical ways churches can make financial health and stewardship part of their disciple-making culture, including financial education, estate planning, and other ministries that address real needs within both the church and the surrounding community. Ultimately, Josh and Chris challenge leaders to begin with themselves: Are we faithfully stewarding what God has given us? And are we helping the people we disciple surrender every area of their lives—including their finances—to the lordship of Jesus? Join us for the 2027 National Disciple Making Forum: https://discipleship.org/2027-national-disciple-making-forum/ Stay informed - Get our newsletter:  http://eepurl.com/hPViAr 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?  https://discipleship.org/shop/what-is-church-and-how-important-is-it/ -- Family Discipleship Blueprint: A Year-by-Year Guide to Family Discipleship https://discipleship.org/shop/family-discipleship-blueprint-a-year-by-year-guide-to-family-discipleship/ -- Becoming a Disciple Maker https://discipleship.org/shop/becoming-a-disciple-maker/ -- National Study: The State of Disciple Making Churches: A 10 Minute Visual Guide https://discipleship.org/shop/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 https://discipleship.org/shop/reaching-discipling-women-a-guide-to-womens-ministry-in-your-church/ Check out the following Books from Discipleship.org: -- Recreated to Be like God: Making Disciples in the Image of Jesus https://a.co/d/6DDvUrC -- King Jesus and the Beauty of Obedience-Based Discipleship https://a.co/d/7d85z6T -- The Disciple Maker's Handbook: Seven Elements of a Discipleship Lifestyle https://a.co/d/4ZHIbQz Take the FREE Disciple Maker Assessment: https://church-multiplication.com/disciplemaker/ Come to the The National Disciple Making Forum: https://discipleship.org/national-disciple-making-forum/ Listen - Disciple Maker's Podcast:  https://discipleship.org/resources/podcast/

In this episode Bobby Harrington hosts Dr. Marcus De Carvalho, a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in addiction, to discuss his new book Untangling Addiction. They explain how addiction rewires the brain—through dopamine, neuroplasticity, and genetics—and how substances and behaviors like opioids and pornography hijack survival pathways. Dr. Carvalho shares practical recovery approaches rooted in discipleship: mindfulness (acceptance and commitment), value-based spiritual disciplines, and the power of transparent, supportive relationships (Celebrate Recovery/12-step models). Resources mentioned include UntangleAddiction.com, HealthyMindMD.com, and Discipleship.org. Stay informed - Get our newsletter:  http://eepurl.com/hPViAr 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?  https://discipleship.org/shop/what-is-church-and-how-important-is-it/ -- Family Discipleship Blueprint: A Year-by-Year Guide to Family Discipleship https://discipleship.org/shop/family-discipleship-blueprint-a-year-by-year-guide-to-family-discipleship/ -- Becoming a Disciple Maker https://discipleship.org/shop/becoming-a-disciple-maker/ -- National Study: The State of Disciple Making Churches: A 10 Minute Visual Guide https://discipleship.org/shop/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 https://discipleship.org/shop/reaching-discipling-women-a-guide-to-womens-ministry-in-your-church/ Check out the following Books from Discipleship.org: -- Recreated to Be like God: Making Disciples in the Image of Jesus https://a.co/d/6DDvUrC -- King Jesus and the Beauty of Obedience-Based Discipleship https://a.co/d/7d85z6T -- The Disciple Maker's Handbook: Seven Elements of a Discipleship Lifestyle https://a.co/d/4ZHIbQz Take the FREE Disciple Maker Assessment: https://church-multiplication.com/disciplemaker/ Come to the The National Disciple Making Forum: https://discipleship.org/national-disciple-making-forum/ Listen - Disciple Maker's Podcast:  https://discipleship.org/resources/podcast/

Robby Gallety challenges listeners to put Jesus' disciple-making mandate into practice, arguing believers cannot expect the blessings of Jesus' ministry while ignoring his method. He outlines two core problems—many churchgoers don't know the Great Commission and don't know where to begin—and presents a practical model rooted in Scripture: worship, life groups, D‑groups, and mission. Research on Bible engagement and group discipleship supports the approach. The episode ends with a call to equip everyday believers to make disciples who make disciples, following Jesus' inspired method and empowering lasting spiritual growth. Stay informed - Get our newsletter:  http://eepurl.com/hPViAr 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?  https://discipleship.org/shop/what-is-church-and-how-important-is-it/ -- Family Discipleship Blueprint: A Year-by-Year Guide to Family Discipleship https://discipleship.org/shop/family-discipleship-blueprint-a-year-by-year-guide-to-family-discipleship/ -- Becoming a Disciple Maker https://discipleship.org/shop/becoming-a-disciple-maker/ -- National Study: The State of Disciple Making Churches: A 10 Minute Visual Guide https://discipleship.org/shop/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 https://discipleship.org/shop/reaching-discipling-women-a-guide-to-womens-ministry-in-your-church/ Check out the following Books from Discipleship.org: -- Recreated to Be like God: Making Disciples in the Image of Jesus https://a.co/d/6DDvUrC -- King Jesus and the Beauty of Obedience-Based Discipleship https://a.co/d/7d85z6T -- The Disciple Maker's Handbook: Seven Elements of a Discipleship Lifestyle https://a.co/d/4ZHIbQz Take the FREE Disciple Maker Assessment: https://church-multiplication.com/disciplemaker/ Come to the The National Disciple Making Forum: https://discipleship.org/national-disciple-making-forum/ Listen - Disciple Maker's Podcast:  https://discipleship.org/resources/podcast/

DA Horton argues that discipleship is essential to the life of a local church while reminding listeners that Jesus — not pastors — ultimately builds the church, releasing leaders from performance pressure. He lays out a practical three-level strategy (inner circle, intermediate council, interdependent congregation), emphasizes balancing social and spiritual obedience, and offers concrete steps to train and multiply leaders. Stay informed - Get our newsletter:  http://eepurl.com/hPViAr 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?  https://discipleship.org/shop/what-is-church-and-how-important-is-it/ -- Family Discipleship Blueprint: A Year-by-Year Guide to Family Discipleship https://discipleship.org/shop/family-discipleship-blueprint-a-year-by-year-guide-to-family-discipleship/ -- Becoming a Disciple Maker https://discipleship.org/shop/becoming-a-disciple-maker/ -- National Study: The State of Disciple Making Churches: A 10 Minute Visual Guide https://discipleship.org/shop/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 https://discipleship.org/shop/reaching-discipling-women-a-guide-to-womens-ministry-in-your-church/ Check out the following Books from Discipleship.org: -- Recreated to Be like God: Making Disciples in the Image of Jesus https://a.co/d/6DDvUrC -- King Jesus and the Beauty of Obedience-Based Discipleship https://a.co/d/7d85z6T -- The Disciple Maker's Handbook: Seven Elements of a Discipleship Lifestyle https://a.co/d/4ZHIbQz Take the FREE Disciple Maker Assessment: https://church-multiplication.com/disciplemaker/ Come to the The National Disciple Making Forum: https://discipleship.org/national-disciple-making-forum/ Listen - Disciple Maker's Podcast:  https://discipleship.org/resources/podcast/

Ariyana Rimson teaches that disciple making is Christ’s command beginning with submission to God (James 4:7). She urges executing Scripture—not personal opinion—resisting the enemy, and modeling a Christ-following life through teaching, Scripture-based advice, and accountability. Using her S.U.B.M.I.T. framework (Submit, Understand, Boldness, Mutual submission, Invitation, Temptation/pride), she shows how humility, community, and gospel-centered relationships transform lives, especially in her work with women in recovery.   Stay informed - Get our newsletter:  http://eepurl.com/hPViAr 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?  https://discipleship.org/shop/what-is-church-and-how-important-is-it/ -- Family Discipleship Blueprint: A Year-by-Year Guide to Family Discipleship https://discipleship.org/shop/family-discipleship-blueprint-a-year-by-year-guide-to-family-discipleship/ -- Becoming a Disciple Maker https://discipleship.org/shop/becoming-a-disciple-maker/ -- National Study: The State of Disciple Making Churches: A 10 Minute Visual Guide https://discipleship.org/shop/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 https://discipleship.org/shop/reaching-discipling-women-a-guide-to-womens-ministry-in-your-church/ Check out the following Books from Discipleship.org: -- Recreated to Be like God: Making Disciples in the Image of Jesus https://a.co/d/6DDvUrC -- King Jesus and the Beauty of Obedience-Based Discipleship https://a.co/d/7d85z6T -- The Disciple Maker's Handbook: Seven Elements of a Discipleship Lifestyle https://a.co/d/4ZHIbQz Take the FREE Disciple Maker Assessment: https://church-multiplication.com/disciplemaker/ Come to the The National Disciple Making Forum: https://discipleship.org/national-disciple-making-forum/ Listen - Disciple Maker's Podcast:  https://discipleship.org/resources/podcast/

Justin Gravitt and Roy of the Navigators Church Ministries discuss Jesus-style disciple making, coaching pastors, growing disciple making cultures, and partnering across denominations. They describe a three-circle process (leadership core, church culture, sending disciples), practical pathways for spiritual growth, workshops on relational discipleship, and resources to help churches become sending communities.   Stay informed - Get our newsletter:  http://eepurl.com/hPViAr 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?  https://discipleship.org/shop/what-is-church-and-how-important-is-it/ -- Family Discipleship Blueprint: A Year-by-Year Guide to Family Discipleship https://discipleship.org/shop/family-discipleship-blueprint-a-year-by-year-guide-to-family-discipleship/ -- Becoming a Disciple Maker https://discipleship.org/shop/becoming-a-disciple-maker/ -- National Study: The State of Disciple Making Churches: A 10 Minute Visual Guide https://discipleship.org/shop/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 https://discipleship.org/shop/reaching-discipling-women-a-guide-to-womens-ministry-in-your-church/ Check out the following Books from Discipleship.org: -- Recreated to Be like God: Making Disciples in the Image of Jesus https://a.co/d/6DDvUrC -- King Jesus and the Beauty of Obedience-Based Discipleship https://a.co/d/7d85z6T -- The Disciple Maker's Handbook: Seven Elements of a Discipleship Lifestyle https://a.co/d/4ZHIbQz Take the FREE Disciple Maker Assessment: https://church-multiplication.com/disciplemaker/ Come to the The National Disciple Making Forum: https://discipleship.org/national-disciple-making-forum/ Listen - Disciple Maker's Podcast:  https://discipleship.org/resources/podcast/