The Disciple Maker‘s Podcast

Discipleship.org
The Disciple Maker‘s Podcast

The Disciple Makers Podcast exists to tell stories about disciples of Jesus who make disciples. Discipleship.org, who sponsors the podcast, exists to Champion Jesus‘ way of disciple making. Episodes are published in thematic seasons. To learn more, visit www.discipleship.org or email us at info@discipleship.org.

  1. 6D AGO

    The Foundation of Prayer and Fasting

    Join us at the 2025 National Disciple Making Forum: https://discipleship.org/national-disciple-making-forum/    Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/  Today’s episode will help us understand the power of prayer and fasting, how to incorporate them into our daily lives, and why they are essential for personal and community transformation. Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr Leading by Example: Principle #3 of Disciple Making The Power of Radical Prayer and Fasting | Disciple Makers Podcast Join Jason Ishmael and Josh Howard as they dive deep into the fourth core disciple-making principle: the significance of a radical prayer and fasting culture. This episode covers the impact of prayer and fasting on spiritual movements and personal transformation, backed by biblical insights and historical examples. Learn practical tips to incorporate these practices into your life and community to see profound spiritual breakthroughs. Perfect for anyone looking to deepen their spiritual journey and impact the world for Christ. Get Discipleship.org's premium Podcast Feed: https://disciplemakerspodcast.supercast.com/    Key Takeaways  00:00 Introduction and Banter 03:09 Disciple Making Principles Overview 03:38 Principle 4: Radical Prayer and Fasting 04:18 Practical Applications of Prayer and Fasting 04:36 Biblical Foundation for Fasting 07:41 Personal Reflections and Encouragement 10:31 Tips for Starting Fasting 13:20 Examples of Fasting in Ministry 16:23 Practical Steps to Begin Fasting 17:46 Pressing into God's Presence 18:27 Physical Actions with Spiritual Implications 19:43 The Benefits of Fasting 20:52 Practical Tools for Prayer and Fasting 26:14 Evaluating and Adjusting Your Cravings 28:33 Intentionality in Prayer and Fasting 32:20 Conclusion and Call to Action   Check out our Blogs: https://discipleship.org/blog/  See Below for a longer description: In this episode, hosts Josh Howard and Jason Ishmael dive into the power of prayer and fasting in a disciple’s life and their impact on spiritual movements. They break down the biblical foundation, historical examples, and practical ways to incorporate these practices into daily life and ministry. The conversation kicks off with lighthearted banter before shifting to the episode’s core theme: cultivating a culture of radical prayer and fasting. Josh emphasizes that some of the most impactful church movements rely on these disciplines, citing historical revivals that began with a few dedicated people seeking God through prayer and fasting. Referencing Matthew 6, the hosts discuss how Jesus taught about fasting—not for public recognition, but as a way to deepen one’s connection with God. Jason points out a common misunderstanding: fasting isn’t just about giving up food—it’s about creating space for God to work. He shares how his church’s 21-day prayer and fasting tradition before Easter fosters spiritual renewal. Josh and Jason offer practical tips for getting started, urging listeners to begin with small steps—like skipping one meal a week to focus on prayer. They highlight the story of Charles Finney and Pastor Nash, who fasted and prayed before Finney’s revivals, underscoring how essential these practices were to their ministry’s success. The hosts also touch on the scientific benefits of fasting, such as increased mental clarity and discipline. They introduce tools like Dick Eastman’s "prayer wheel" to help structure prayer time and emphasize the importance of silence in prayer—something Jason admits was a struggle for him initially. As the episode wraps up, Josh challenges listeners to take action—whether by fasting a meal a week, dedicating focused prayer time, or involving their community in these spiritual disciplines. They encourage listeners to share their experiences and reach out for support, reinforcing the idea that prayer and fasting aren’t just personal practices but catalysts for t

    32 min
  2. MAR 24

    Leading From the Front

    Join us at the 2025 National Disciple Making Forum: https://discipleship.org/national-disciple-making-forum/    Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/  Today’s episode will help us embrace authentic disciple-making by leading from the front, aligning our actions with our faith, and relying on the Holy Spirit for daily obedience. Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr   Leading by Example: Principle #3 of Disciple Making   In this episode of 'The Makers of Disciples' podcast, we delve into the third principle of disciple making: leaders must lead from the front and model disciple making. Hosts discuss the challenges of practicing what is preached, the importance of personal and public alignment, and how to combat the dangers of 'charade mode.' Drawing upon personal anecdotes, biblical teachings, and the transformative power of living authentically, this discussion is a call to action for church leaders and individuals alike to repent, realign, and genuinely live out the teachings of Jesus. Join the conversation to be inspired and equipped to model true disciple making in your own community.   Get Discipleship.org's premium Podcast Feed: https://disciplemakerspodcast.supercast.com/    Key Takeaways    00:00 Introduction and Welcome 01:05 Principle Three: Leading from the Front 01:52 The Challenge of Authentic Leadership 04:48 The Danger of the Charade 09:39 Alexander the Great's Lesson 14:52 Reflecting on Missed Opportunities 15:28 Choosing Priorities Over God's Commands 16:37 Awakening to Reality: The Matrix Analogy 17:52 Modeling Discipleship in Everyday Life 19:17 Rediscovering Ancient Principles 20:36 The Power of Scripture and Jesus' Teachings 25:58 The Importance of Repentance 28:38 Striving for Obedience and Dependence on God 29:38 Closing Thoughts and Prayer   Check out our Blogs: https://discipleship.org/blog/  See Below for a longer description: In this episode of the Makers of Disciples podcast, Josh Howard and Jason Ishmael dive into Principle 3: Leading From the Front—the tough but essential call for leaders to model disciple-making, not just talk about it. They kick off with some lighthearted banter before getting real about the challenge of practicing what you preach. They revisit the first two principles: reclaiming disciple-making as the church’s core mission and having a clear, biblical definition of discipleship. But this third principle? It’s where the rubber meets the road. Josh shares a hard truth—many church leaders, behind closed doors, admit they’re not actively leading people to faith outside of the pulpit. This gap between what’s preached and what’s practiced creates what they call “charade mode”—a dangerous disconnect where leaders appear to be disciple-makers but aren’t living it out. The discussion gets practical. Jesus warned against performing faith for show, and Josh and Jason emphasize that leading from the front means real, everyday disciple-making. It’s not just for pastors—every Christian is called to model it at home, at work, and in their communities. They illustrate this with a powerful story about Alexander the Great. When a young soldier named Alexander fled from battle, the general told him: Change your name or change your ways. The message? If we call ourselves disciples of Jesus, we need to live like it. Josh highlights the need for daily repentance—not just for major sins, but as a constant realignment with Jesus. Jason stresses soaking in the Gospels, letting Jesus’ life shape our own. They remind listeners that disciple-making isn’t about striving alone; it’s fueled by the Holy Spirit, who empowers believers to walk this out every day. They also acknowledge the internal struggle—Paul himself wrestled with doing what’s right (Romans 7). But leaning on God's grace and being intentional about obedience is the key. As the episode wraps up, Josh challenges listeners to commit to modeling disciple

    32 min
  3. MAR 17

    Definition of Disciple Making

    Join us at the 2025 National Disciple Making Forum: https://discipleship.org/national-disciple-making-forum/  Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/    What is a Disciple? A disciple is someone following Jesus, being changed by Jesus, and joining the mission of Jesus. Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr The Disciple Makers Podcast: Understanding Clear Biblical Definitions   In this episode of the Disciple Makers Podcast, hosts delve into the second principle of disciple making: the importance of using clear biblical definitions. Featuring mega church pastor Jason Ishmael and prolific disciple maker Josh Howard, this episode explores what it truly means to be a disciple and the transformative journey of following Jesus. The hosts discuss the definitions from Matthew 4:19, emphasizing the three core components of being a disciple: following Jesus, being changed by Jesus, and joining Jesus's mission. They also examine the implications for church leaders and the necessity of creating pathways that lead to effective disciple making. The episode concludes with practical advice for stepping out in faith and taking actionable steps to live out these principles. For more resources, visit discipleship.org and join upcoming events for further learning.   Get Discipleship.org's premium Podcast Feed: https://disciplemakerspodcast.supercast.com/    Key Takeaways    00:00 Introduction to the Disciple Makers Podcast 00:54 Defining Disciple Making 02:20 The Core Mission of Disciple Making 02:54 The Transformative Work of Jesus 06:12 The Cost and Worth of Following Jesus 12:57 Personal Reflection on Discipleship 13:41 Personal Reflection on Discipleship 13:57 Challenges for Church Leaders 14:14 Defining Discipleship 15:33 Head, Heart, and Hands Discipleship 16:28 The Power of Clear Definitions 17:22 The Reality of Change 19:40 Disciple Making Defined 23:28 Practical Steps for Disciple Making 28:25 Encouragement and Resources   Check out our Blogs: https://discipleship.org/blog/  See Below for a longer description: Defining Disciple-Making In this episode of the Disciple Makers Podcast, Josh Howard and Jason Ishmael explore the second disciple-making principle: the importance of clear biblical definitions. Their lighthearted yet insightful conversation focuses on what it means to be a disciple and the core responsibilities involved in disciple-making. Why Clear Definitions Matter Josh emphasizes that without a clear definition of discipleship, confusion and inconsistency arise. He notes that asking 100 Christians for their definition of a disciple would likely yield 100 different answers. Clarity, he argues, is essential for effective disciple-making. What is a Disciple? A disciple is someone following Jesus, being changed by Jesus, and joining the mission of Jesus. Josh breaks this down into three key components—following, transformation, and mission—highlighting their central role in discipleship. Day-One Calling and Transformation Jason reflects on Jesus's call to His first disciples in Matthew 4:19, stressing that this transformative calling happened on day one—not after years of refinement. Following Jesus involves an ongoing process of change and closeness to Him. Challenges in Modern Christianity Josh points out that many Christians treat following and being transformed by Jesus as optional. He urges believers to move beyond shallow engagement and pursue genuine transformation through repentance, confession, and surrender. Head, Heart, and Hands Discipleship Jason shares Bobby Harrington’s framework for holistic discipleship: Head: Intellectual surrender to Jesus Heart: Experiencing transformation Hands: Actively engaging in Jesus's mission This framework aligns with the greatest commandment—to love God with all heart, mind, soul, and strength—and provides a balanced approach to discipleship. Defining Disciple-Making Jason underscores that disci

    30 min
  4. MAR 10

    Disciple-Making as the Core Mission of the Church

    Come to the 2025 National Disciple Making Forum: https://discipleship.org/   Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/  Today’s episode will help us understand why disciple-making should be the church’s core mission and how we can integrate it into our daily lives through prayer, intentional relationships, and simple, faithful steps. Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr Disciple Making: Making It the Core Mission  Welcome back to the Disciple Maker's Podcast! In this episode, hosts Josh Howard and Jason Ishmael embark on a new series focusing on the '10 Core Principles of Disciple Making.' This episode dives into making disciple making the core mission of the church. Jason and Josh discuss why it's important to remind the church and individuals that disciple making should be the core mission. They share personal stories, confront the common disconnect between knowledge and action, and provide practical steps on how to make disciple making integral in our personal lives and within the church. Join us as we explore the significance of intentionality, prayer, and the importance of hands-on disciple making. Stay tuned for more insights and real-life stories aimed at equipping you to fulfill the Great Commission. Don't miss out on the details of upcoming events, including the Discipleship.org National Disciple Making Forum in Houston, Texas.   Get Discipleship.org's premium Podcast Feed: https://disciplemakerspodcast.supercast.com/    Key Takeaways    00:00 Introduction and Banter 01:04 Introducing the 10 Core Principles of Disciple Making 01:41 Principle 1: Making Disciple Making the Core Mission 03:24 Challenges in Prioritizing Disciple Making 04:42 Personal Stories and Practical Applications 05:56 The Importance of Personal Commitment 10:29 Evangelism and Disciple Making: A Unified Mission 11:49 Practical Steps for Effective Disciple Making 17:05 Conviction and Commitment to Prayer 17:49 Praying for a Doctor Friend 19:25 Overcoming Fear to Pray 20:33 A Miraculous Healing 22:26 The Power of Intentional Prayer 24:20 Facing Rejection in Evangelism 27:38 Encouragement to Make Disciples 29:48 Final Thoughts and Call to Action   Check out our Blogs: https://discipleship.org/blog/  See Below for a longer description: In the first episode of the Disciple Maker’s Podcast, hosts Josh Howard and Jason Ishmael dive into the heart of disciple-making, breaking it down in a way that’s both practical and relatable. They kick things off with some lighthearted banter before getting serious about their core message: making disciple-making the central mission of both the church and individual believers. Josh introduces the podcast’s framework—10 Core Principles of Disciple-Making—developed by him and Bobby Harrington. Each episode will unpack one principle, starting with the foundational idea: disciple-making must be the church’s primary focus. While this seems obvious, they acknowledge that many churches still struggle to put it into practice. Jason challenges the audience by pointing out the gap between knowing disciple-making is essential and actually doing it. He shares his own struggles in aligning his life with Jesus’ teachings—like when his wife’s blunt question about tithing revealed an area he hadn’t fully surrendered. Moments like these highlight how disciple-making isn’t just for pastors—it’s a calling for every believer. The conversation turns to practical steps. Josh and Jason emphasize that disciple-making isn’t a lofty goal but something woven into everyday life. Josh shares a personal story about being convicted for not praying for non-believers, leading him and his wife to start praying daily. This simple act opened doors, including a surprising ministry opportunity with a previously resistant doctor. They stress that disciple-making happens in small, intentional relationships—"ones, twos, and threes," not massive crowds. It’s about praying

    34 min
  5. MAR 3

    Shifting Church Culture Towards Disciple-Making

    Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/  Today’s episode will help us understand why most churches struggle with disciple-making, how culture—not just strategy—is the key to change, and what practical steps leaders can take to spark a movement. Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr Creating a Disciple-Making Culture: Insights and Strategies from Experts Join hosts Josh Howard and Jason Ishmael in this exciting episode of the Disciple Makers Podcast as they discuss a recent study revealing that less than 5% of churches in America have a functional disciple-making culture. The hosts dive into their mission to elevate this percentage to 16%, as inspired by Malcolm Gladwell's 'Tipping Point.' Learn about the importance of shifting church culture toward disciple-making, practical tips for leaders, and the significance of leading by example. This episode is packed with insights, personal anecdotes, and practical strategies to inspire and equip churches and individuals to become effective disciple-makers. Don't miss this engaging and informative discussion! Get Discipleship.org's premium Podcast Feed: https://disciplemakerspodcast.supercast.com/  Key Takeaways  00:00 Introduction and Hosts Banter 01:23 The Disciple Making Study 02:15 The 16 Percent Goal 03:31 Challenges in Shifting Church Culture 05:17 Personal Experiences and Sarcasm 08:28 The Reality of Church Culture 13:47 Practical Steps for Culture Shift 19:52 Consumerism in Church Culture 21:11 Leadership Starts with Us 22:00 The Power of Discipleship 23:51 Catalysts and Early Adopters 26:49 Failing Forward in Ministry 28:36 Celebrating Small Wins 30:51 Real Ministry and Making Disciples 37:08 Encouragement and Resources Check out our Blogs: https://discipleship.org/blog/  See Below for a longer description: Disciple Makers Podcast: Shifting Church Culture Towards Disciple-Making In this episode, hosts Josh Howard and Jason Ishmael tackle the challenge of building a true disciple-making culture in churches. With years of ministry experience, they have an honest, practical conversation about why so many churches struggle—and what it takes to turn things around. Josh shares a startling stat from Discipleship.org—less than 5% of American churches have a functioning disciple-making culture. The problem isn’t a lack of knowledge but a lack of implementation. They explore how church culture, more than strategy or programs, is the key factor holding disciple-making back. Josh and Jason unpack Discipleship.org’s vision: increasing that 5% to 16%. Drawing from Malcolm Gladwell’s “tipping point” concept, they explain that once 16% of churches embrace disciple-making, it can trigger a larger movement across the country. The issue isn’t that people don’t know how to make disciples—it’s that they don’t want to. Josh and Jason stress that real change happens when disciple-making becomes embedded in a church’s DNA, not just another ministry program. Jason shares how his Iowa church is reshaping its culture—turning every ministry into a disciple-making opportunity. Whether serving coffee or leading worship, everything is intentionally tied to discipleship. Josh reminds leaders that culture starts at the top. Leaders must model disciple-making, celebrate progress (not just success), and reinforce the mission constantly. The hosts emphasize the importance of celebrating even small disciple-making efforts. They introduce the idea of “sucking forward”—embracing failures as part of the journey and encouraging leaders to keep pushing forward. Josh and Jason challenge leaders to be among the first to embrace disciple-making, even before it’s mainstream. These pioneers will be key to hitting the 16% tipping point and sparking a larger movement. Josh closes with a powerful analogy: Leaders shouldn’t just measure church culture; they should set it. Shaping a disciple-making culture requires intentional action, no

    39 min
  6. FEB 24

    Why Disciple Making Needs Both Extroverts AND Introverts

    Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/  Today’s episode will help us understand how both extroverts and introverts play vital roles in disciple making and how their unique strengths can complement each other for greater impact. Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr Introverts and Extroverts in Disciple Making | Disciple Makers Podcast In this engaging episode of the Disciple Makers podcast, hosts Josh Howard and Jason Ishmael dive into a crucial topic often overlooked in disciple making: the unique roles of introverts and extroverts. They explore the feedback and misconceptions surrounding introverts' contributions to disciple making and highlight the significant and complementary gifts present in both personality types. The discussion also includes insights on global personality studies and how these findings can enhance the effectiveness of ministry strategies. By reflecting on biblical examples and modern-day stories, they emphasize the importance of relational generosity and encourage every listener, regardless of their personality, to recognize their value in God's mission. Whether you're an introvert or an extrovert, this episode aims to inspire and equip you to make a profound impact through discipleship.   Get Discipleship.org's premium Podcast Feed: https://disciplemakerspodcast.supercast.com/    Key Takeaways  00:00 Introduction  00:20 Introverts vs Extroverts in Disciple Making 01:14 The Role of Extroverts in Ministry 03:08 The Importance of Introverts in Ministry 03:58 Global Personality Research 05:03 Understanding Energy Sources 06:09 Strengths and Weaknesses of Extroverts and Introverts 10:10 Jesus' Model of Discipleship 15:32 Unseen Parts of the Body of Christ 17:09 Encouragement for Introverts 18:13 Curtis Sargent: The Introverted Mentor 19:59 The Unsung Heroes of Discipleship 21:58 Embracing Your Unique Gifts 23:00 Challenging Traditional Church Norms 25:17 The Beauty of Diverse Contributions 28:04 Valuing Different Personalities in Discipleship 32:35 Final Thoughts and Encouragement Check out our Blogs: https://discipleship.org/blog/    See Below for a longer description: In this episode, Josh Howard and Jason Ishmael tackle a common misconception: that disciple making is better suited for extroverts. They break down how both extroverts and introverts bring unique strengths to the mission. Breaking Stereotypes Extroverts are often seen as natural disciple makers because they thrive in social settings, while introverts may feel they don’t fit the mold. But Josh and Jason challenge this idea, showing that disciple making isn't just about reaching many—it’s about going deep. Strengths of Both Personality Types Josh, an extrovert, shares how easily he connects with people but admits he struggles to build deep relationships. Introverts, on the other hand, tend to invest deeply in a few people—something just as crucial for disciple making. Jason highlights how introverts’ strength in prayer and studying the Word plays an essential role, balancing the energy extroverts bring to outreach. Biblical & Real-Life Examples Looking at Jesus’ ministry, they note how He focused on a small group of disciples, proving that deep, intentional relationships drive lasting impact. They also share the story of Curtis Sargent, a highly introverted leader who has influenced millions, showing that introverts can be just as effective in ministry. The Power of Partnership Instead of working solo, Josh and Jason encourage a team approach, where extroverts and introverts complement each other—whether it’s an extrovert helping an introvert meet new people or an introvert modeling spiritual depth. Final Encouragement Their message? No matter your personality, you have a role in disciple making. God designed you uniquely, and your strengths—whether in connecting widely or investing deeply—are essential to His mission.

    34 min
  7. FEB 17

    Where Jesus Feet Regularly Went

    Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/  Today’s episode will help us understand what true discipleship looks like by embracing solitude with God, investing deeply in a few, and being ready to make significant sacrifices, just as Jesus did. Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr Following Jesus' Footsteps: Intentional Discipleship and Deep Sacrifice | Disciple Makers Podcast Part 2 In this episode of the Disciple Makers Podcast, we dive deeper into understanding where Jesus' feet went, and what it means to truly follow Him. Building on the previous discussion, this part focuses on Jesus' practice of investing deeply into a few, the high cost of discipleship, and the ultimate sacrifice of the cross. Join us as we explore intentional relationships, the significance of proximity, and the profound accountability that comes with being a disciple-maker. Tune in to be challenged and inspired to follow Jesus with your whole heart, mind, and soul.   Get Discipleship.org's premium Podcast Feed: https://disciplemakerspodcast.supercast.com/    Key Takeaways    00:00 Welcome Back to Disciple Makers Podcast! 00:32 Recap of Part One: Following Jesus' Footsteps 01:32 The Importance of Pouring into a Few 05:00 Practical Steps for Intentional Discipleship 05:58 The Value of Proximity in Discipleship 19:47 The Ultimate Sacrifice: Following Jesus to the Cross 21:37 The Cost of Discipleship 29:29 Conclusion: Are You Ready to Follow Jesus? 31:38 Final Thoughts and Call to Action   Check out our Blogs: https://discipleship.org/blog/  See Below for a longer description: In this episode of the Disciple Makers Podcast, Josh Howard and Jason Ishmael dive into what it really means to follow Jesus and make disciples. Their conversation is energetic, deeply rooted in scripture, and sprinkled with personal stories to bring their points to life. They kick things off with some lighthearted banter before diving into a deeper discussion about Jesus' pattern for disciple-making. Reflecting on a previous episode, Josh and Jason talk about how Jesus balanced solitude with the Father, reached out to the lost, and deeply invested in a few key followers. Josh emphasizes how Jesus often stepped away from the crowds to focus on His disciples, illustrating the power of investing deeply in a few rather than spreading oneself too thin. Jason highlights how meaningful impact comes from this relational approach to disciple-making, which Jesus demonstrated by pouring into a select few instead of trying to reach everyone. The conversation then turns to the practical side of disciple-making. Josh shares how everyday activities, like driving alone, could be opportunities to invest in others. He challenges listeners to live a lifestyle where discipleship happens naturally, just as Jesus made time for His disciples wherever He went. Next, they discuss the cross—where Jesus' footsteps ultimately lead. Josh talks about the deep sacrifice and surrender discipleship requires, including being willing to give everything, even one's life, for the mission. Jason brings in Dietrich Bonhoeffer's concept of "costly grace," critiquing the watered-down gospel often preached today that skips over the true cost of following Jesus. Josh and Jason stress that real discipleship involves surrendering to Jesus as Lord and not just seeking forgiveness. Josh shares a powerful illustration from Francis Chan, explaining that true discipleship means giving Jesus full control of your life, not just being along for the ride. They wrap up by encouraging listeners to reflect on their own lives and whether their actions align with Jesus' example. They challenge their audience to make intentional, meaningful discipleship a priority and to be ready for the sacrifices it requires. This episode is a powerful reminder that true discipleship means solitude with God, reaching out to the broken, investing in a few key relations

    33 min
  8. FEB 10

    Are We Following in Jesus's Footsteps?

    Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/  Today’s episode will help us deepen our connection with God through intentional quiet time and embrace everyday opportunities to live out discipleship among the lost and broken. Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr Following the Footsteps of Jesus: Part 1 - Quiet Places & The Lost Join Jason Ishmael and Josh Howard in this thought-provoking episode as they explore what it truly means to follow Jesus by examining where His footsteps regularly lead. They discuss the importance of spending quiet time alone with the Father, and how this time overflows into being intentionally present among lost, hurting, and broken people. Learn about the significance of living life as a mission trip and how to make disciples in your everyday walk. Don't miss this engaging conversation packed with personal insights, practical advice, and profound reflections on discipleship.   Get Discipleship.org's premium Podcast Feed: https://disciplemakerspodcast.supercast.com/  Key Takeaways  00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:41 Setting the Stage: Following Jesus 03:46 The First Footstep: Quiet Time with the Father 07:49 The Importance of Consistent Time with God 14:26 Guarding Time with God 22:01 A Friend's Discipleship Class 23:08 The Power of Quiet Time 26:02 Struggles of an Extrovert 26:50 Introverts and Discipleship 28:14 Jesus Among the Lost and Broken 31:32 Isaiah's Encounter and Our Mission 35:23 Living Life as a Mission Trip 40:29 Closing Thoughts and Resources   Check out our Blogs: https://discipleship.org/blog/  See Below for a longer description: In this episode, Josh Howard and Jason Ishmael dive into what it really means to follow Jesus. They focus on two key aspects of discipleship: spending intentional time with the Father and actively engaging with the lost and broken. Josh kicks things off by highlighting how easily time with God gets squeezed out by the busyness of life. He and Jason agree—just like any important relationship, deep intimacy with God takes consistency and commitment. They discuss Jesus’ habit of retreating to quiet places for prayer, sharing personal experiences and lessons from spiritual mentors who’ve embraced this practice. But they don’t shy away from the challenges—distractions, packed schedules, and the struggle to prioritize God over daily demands. Their advice? Treat time with God like a non-negotiable appointment. The conversation then shifts to discipleship beyond the church walls. Josh and Jason emphasize that following Jesus means stepping into the messy, broken places of the world. Jesus didn’t just preach from a distance—He was present among sinners, offering grace and love. They challenge listeners to rethink their daily interactions, shifting from routine tasks to living missionally, where every moment becomes an opportunity to serve. They also reflect on the tendency in professional ministry to become isolated from non-believers. True discipleship, they argue, requires breaking out of that bubble and making mission a natural, everyday rhythm. It’s not about grand gestures but small, intentional acts that reflect Jesus' heart. As they wrap up, Josh and Jason tie everything together: the deeper your connection with God, the more naturally mission flows from your life. They encourage listeners to protect their quiet time with God while stepping boldly into the world’s brokenness. Their message is clear—discipleship isn’t just personal growth; it’s about bringing God’s love into everyday life. Tune in for a conversation that’s both challenging and inspiring, and get ready to rethink what discipleship looks like in your daily walk.

    42 min
    4.6
    out of 5
    94 Ratings

    About

    The Disciple Makers Podcast exists to tell stories about disciples of Jesus who make disciples. Discipleship.org, who sponsors the podcast, exists to Champion Jesus‘ way of disciple making. Episodes are published in thematic seasons. To learn more, visit www.discipleship.org or email us at info@discipleship.org.

      You Might Also Like

      Content Restricted

      This episode can’t be played on the web in your country or region.

      To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

      Stay up to date with this show

      Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.

      Select a country or region

      Africa, Middle East, and India

      Asia Pacific

      Europe

      Latin America and the Caribbean

      The United States and Canada