The Practitioners Podcast: Applying Jesus Style Disciple Making in Every Day Life

Disciple as a Priest with a Parish

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 08:29:08 -0500

“When Scripture calls God’s people a kingdom of priests, it’s describing a way of life. Disciple-making is what priesthood looks like when it’s lived out in ordinary relationships.

Takeaway: Disciple-making is what priesthood looks like when it’s lived out in ordinary relationships.

Action Step: Live out your priesthood this week by identifying your parish, sharing God’s Word w/ at least one person, and caring them in prayer to God.”

Show Notes:

Justin’s Book Notes on Practicing the Way

Book Review: Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 03:00:00 -0500

Anecdote: Why we are doing this 1st ever book review: This isn’t a book that’s going to lead to wide spread disciple making progress in your church.

Takeaway: Good book about discipleship, not great for disciple making.

Action Step: Regularly read DM books!

Show Notes:

Disciple Making in Mega-Churches

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 03:00:00 -0500

The solution isn’t abandoning systems—it’s recovering personal ownership.

Takeaway: A church system that does not explicitly require relational obedience will unintentionally produce passive Christians.

Action Step: Examine your church’s outcomes and identify which ones require relational obedience versus which ones do not.

Show Notes:

Connecting Your Relationship with God and Your Fruitfulness

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 03:00:00 -0500

Takeaway: Transformation precedes transmission. What hasn’t changed you can’t change others.

Action Step: Walk the road to greater fruitfulness by becoming more like Jesus.

Show Notes:

Join Justin at the Disciple Making Summit!

Contexts of Disciple Making: One-to-One

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 03:00:00 -0500

Takeaway: One-to-one discipling works best when it’s clear, connected, and multiplying.

Action Step: Take a step towards discipling one person by praying, starting a conversation, or sharing a meal.

Show Notes:

Get The Free Prayer Guide HERE

Praying for Those You Disciple

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 03:01:00 -0500

Takeaway: Disciples are shaped through prayer.

Action Step: Evaluate how you pray for those you disciple. Make the changes that need to be made.

Show Notes:

https://www.justingravitt.com/blog/3demands-of-transformation

The Difficulty of Transformation

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 03:00:00 -0500

Takeaway: Transformation starts with a clear vision, that moves us to action, and ends with completion.

Action Step: Ask God to help you see what He’s forming in you. Write down one area where your “old map” is still guiding you, and pray for a new one.

Show Notes:

https://www.justingravitt.com/blog/2disciple-making-roads

Two Disciple Making Roads

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 03:00:00 -0500

Anecdote: https://www.justingravitt.com/blog/2disciple-making-roads

Story: The road you choose shapes the disciples you make.

Takeaway: Choose your path, don’t drift down it.

Action Step: Map your current DM Path and evaluate if that’s where you want to be.

Show Notes:

https://www.justingravitt.com/blog/7tests-disciplemakinghow

7 Tests to Help You Choose How to Make a Disciple

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 03:00:00 -0400

Takeaway: Methods are meant to multiply disciples, not manage them. (The right method is the one that releases disciples to reproduce, not binds them to that one model.)

Action Step: Pray over your method and ask for a fresh vision.(Begin with prayer: “Lord, show me where my method is missing You.)

Show Notes:

The Disciple Making Decision Most Never Make

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 03:05:00 -0400

Takeaway: One decision can change everything.

Action Step: Develop your convictions on HOW you will disciple moving forward.

Show Notes:

Article on this Topic

https://biblehub.com/topical/g/glory.htm#:~:text=Biblical%20Usage%20and%20Themes:,1.

Connecting Disciple Making to What’s Most Important to God

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 03:00:00 -0400

Takeaway: Know His priority. Focus yours.

Action Step: Spend time in the Word searching out God’s #1 priority, reflect on how your priorities and DM may need to change.

Show Notes:

Connecting the Disciple to the Vision

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 03:00:00 -0400

Matthew 28:19-20 - Go and make disciples of all nations…

HOW do we do this?? Explicit, Excited, and Expectant!

Be Explicit about the CALL– the WHY again and again - How can you reach the nations from here?
Be Excited about and call out who they are BECOMING!
Be Expectant about the realities of the Kingdom. God is at work! God cares about this more than both of us! We can expect Him to SHOW UP!

Personal, local, and global.

Global : How can you reach the nations from here?

Local : What would it take to reach this city?

Personal: Who is God calling you to become? Why? Why is there such a distance between YOU now and who YOU envision yourself being? God wants to reach into you and then through you.

Must work it through each of these levels.

Story: One of the most important parts of disciple making that people don’t talk enough about.

Takeaway: A strong vision gets the disciple to GO!

Action Step: Evaluate your own vision? Evaluate how you’re doing setting vision in those you disciple!

Show Notes:

Context and Connection in Disciple Making

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 02:00:00 -0400

Shift Age (no longer the information age). Everything is shifting.

We live in an age of disruption. Disruption means things disconnect.

We live in an age of disconnection:

Morals have been disconnected religion

Gender has been disconnected physical bodies

Relationships have been disconnected from both physical presence & intimacy

“When disciple making gets disconnected, the results are shallow, fragmented, and lacking power.”

Takeaway: In a season of shift, we must be careful not to drift.

Action Step: Pay attention to what’s being disrupted and disconnected

Show Notes:

We’re Back For Season 5! - Trailer Episode

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 03:00:00 -0400

So excited to be back with you! Join Justin and Tony as they get us all caught up and share a bit of vision about where the podcast is heading this year.

An Update Episode!

Tue, 03 Sep 2024 19:30:00 -0400

In this episode of the podcast Justin and Tony share about their summer, the current status of the podcast, and the future of the pod!

How to Develop Faithful People

Tue, 21 May 2024 19:30:00 -0400

Takeaway: Faithful people come from faithful tending.

Action Step: Are you faithful? If so, who are you tending?

SUMMER BREAK for the PODCAST COMING!

Show Notes:

Centerville Grace Disciple Making

Helping Pastors Make Disciples with special guest - Pastor Dave Holmes of Centerville Grace Church

Tue, 07 May 2024 19:34:00 -0400

Show Notes:

Get The Bicycle Illustration

The Bicycle Part 3

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 19:29:00 -0400

Takeaway: You have what you need to make disciples right now!

Action Step: It’s time to face the fear, get on the disciple making bike and become a disciple maker!

Show Notes:

Get The Bicycle Illustration

The Bicycle Illustration Part 2

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 10:03:17 -0400

Takeaway: Disciple making doesn’t have to be weird or awkward. It’s held together by proper framing!

Action Step: Memorize the two triangles and what they stand for.

Show Notes:

Get The Bicycle Illustration

The Bicycle Illustration Part 1

Tue, 02 Apr 2024 19:30:00 -0400

Story: The front and back wheel.

Takeaway: The power of your life as a disciple comes from your relationship with God.

Action Step: How is the air in your tires? (Go Download the Pdf!)

Show Notes:

Follow 2 Lead Podcast

A love or THE Love?

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 19:30:00 -0400

The Goal: His life in ours…

Little Christ

Gal. 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave his life for me.”

HOW TO HELP ANOTHER DO IT? Disciple’s cultivate their appetites and interests

Modeling

Vision casting

Pruning / Challenge

Takeaway: Disciples cultivate their lives to grow the love they have for the Master.

Action Step: Self- assess and ask at least one other about what they see in your loves and interests.

Show Notes:

The Follow 2 Lead Podcast

Does Everyone always need a Discipler?

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 19:30:00 -0500

Takeaway: You may not always need an active discipler, but you do need people in your life to speak God’s wisdom.

Action Step: Evaluate your council and evaluate your definition of disciple making.

Follow 2 Lead Podcast

Developing a Pathway of Disciple Making Part 3

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 19:30:00 -0500

Summary of 3 Episodes:

Pathway won’t make disciples, but it will provide direction and movement.
Steps to a Pathway:

Step 1: Determine Your Values.

Step 2: Describe the destination.

Step 3: Discuss the Reality of Your Current Culture.

Step 4: Decide what practices everyone will do.

Step 5: Design a step-by-step process that outlines WHAT will happen WHEN.

Step 6: Dig up and discard barriers.

Step 7: Discern how to continually improve your pathway.

Takeaway: Every movement faces mistakes, don’t be surprised when you see one.

Action Step: Evaluate your discipleship pathway, put it on paper, and share it with your team of disciple makers.

Show Notes:

https://www.justingravitt.com/blog/marks-of-a-disciple-making-culture-discipleship-pathway

Developing a Pathway of Disciple Making Part 2

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 19:00:00 -0500

Takeaway: Every pathway begins with the first step be bold enough to take it!

Action Step: Evaluate where you are in developing a disciple making pathway–and take your next step!

Show Notes:

Step 1: Determine Your Values.

Step 2: Describe the destination.

Step 3: Discuss the Reality of Your Current Culture.

Step 4: Decide what practices everyone will do.

Step 5: Design a step-by-step process that outlines WHAT will happen WHEN.

Step 6: Dig up and discard barriers.

Step 7: Discern how to continually improve your pathway.

A Discipleship Pathway Solves THIS Problem, but not THIS One

Developing a Pathway of Disciple Making Part 1

Tue, 23 Jan 2024 16:39:52 -0500

Takeaway: The first step of building a disciple making pathway is to develop clarity on what problems you expect it to solve.

Action Step: Take the time to evaluate or plan your pathway. Get clear about what you expect from it once it’s complete?

Show Notes:

Picture of a Disciple Article

Picture of a Disciple

Tue, 09 Jan 2024 19:30:00 -0500

The purpose of having a clear picture of a disciple BEFORE a pathway!

Takeaway: You can’t make it or be it if you can’t see it.

Action Step: Take time to collaboratively develop and share your picture of a disciple.

Show Notes:

Emotionally Healthy Spirituality - Scazzero

Recalibrating as Abiding

Tue, 26 Dec 2023 15:33:31 -0500

Recalibrate: to calibrate again. To check or adjust by comparison with a standard. To mark the scale of a measuring instrument.

“We may want God, but we want something else more, and we will get what we want the most.” AW Tozer

“We fail to reach our goals, not because of obstacles, but because of a clear path to lesser goals.” -Robert Brault

Takeaway: Recalibration is essential to abiding. It involves resting, rooting, and pruning

Action Step: Take at least 3-4 hours to recalibrate this holiday season.

Show Notes:

Jer. 17:7-8

Disciple Towards Proficiency or Creativity?

Tools and Inquiry Based Disciple Making

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 21:50:55 -0500

We are trying to make CREATIVE DISCIPLES, not simply PROFICIENT DM.

Concepts: Open Faith, Open Bible, Open Life

Takeaway: Disciple making requires us to become something and for us to help others become something.

Action Step: What are you doing to become an equipped disciple maker?

Show Notes:

Consumerism Articles from Justin

Historical Context for Jesus’ Way of Disciple Making Part 2

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 17:22:34 -0500

Disciple making DID NOT happen outside of an INVITATION, A CONFIRMATION, A DESTINATION, and a MISSION OF REPRODUCTION (we cannot reproduce what happens below the water line of our awareness).

Takeaway: Common context creates common movement which creates common culture.

Action Step: Evaluate the context of your disciple making relationships.

Show Notes:

Historical Context for Jesus’ Way of Disciple Making Part 1

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 18:24:11 -0500

Takeaway: Jesus’ style matters because His style is to be our style.

Action Step: Discuss with the person you are in a DM relationship with: Do you engage Jesus as a true disciple would? Do you disciple others like Jesus would?

Show Notes:

Ray Vander Laan

Practicing the Way - John Mark Comer

Developing Appropriate Tension in a Disciple Making Relationship

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 18:37:18 -0400

Developing Appropriate Tension in a Disciple Making Relationship

HOW: 1. Listen - For values, priorities, how time in being spent, beliefs about self and God 2. Ask Questions - About time with God, those they are discipling, inconsistencies/incongruences you hear. Places where they can do something/more to make a difference. 3. Walk them to the application. What are you going to do about it? What are you taking with you from our time today? Revisit those when you get back together.

Takeaway: If your disciple making relationship doesn’t have dynamic tension in the relationship you’ll end up stuck.

Action Step: Evaluate the level of the tension in the disciple making relationship, what tools do you need to start using?

Show Notes:

Difference Between Disciple Making and Friendship

Tue, 17 Oct 2023 19:30:00 -0400

Takeaway: Friendship and disciple making are not the same, but they may overlap. It’s important to understand the difference!

Action Step: Evaluate your disciple making relationships and make sure you aren’t stuck in the friend zone.

Show Notes:

Matthew 4:19

Luke 10:1

God’s Role in Disciple Making

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 17:10:00 -0400

4 Things We Know God Does in Disciple Making:

Entrusts someone to us. (John 17:6,”I have revealed you to those you gave me out of the world. They were yours, but you gave them to me and they obeyed your every word.”)

Moves their heart. (Proverbs 21:1, “The king’s Heart is in the hand of the Lord, He directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases.)

Guides, Counsels, and Convicts from within through the Holy Spirit.

(John 14:26, “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” John 16:8, “...he will convict the world of sin and guilt in regard to sin, righteousness, and judgment.”)

Provides Growth.

( 1 Cor. 3:5-6 What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe--as the Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.”)

2 Tim. 2:21 (“Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.”)

Takeaway: The work of making disciple makers is one that God shares with us. He will occasionally do it on His own, but it’s intended to be a collaborative work.

Action Step: Pray and Trust God to do His part in those you are discipling.

Show Notes:

John 17:6, Prov. 21:1, John 14:26, John 16:8, 1 Cor. 3:5-6, 2 Tim. 2:21

Finding Someone to Disciple Part 2

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 19:30:00 -0400

Takeaway: The person God wants you to disciple is someone you probably already know.

Action Step: Set an alarm on your phone for 10:02 am or pm (from Luke 10:2, “the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few) as a reminder to pray for your oikos map

-Believers who need to be discipled

-People far from God in your life

Show Notes:

Luke 10:1-11

John 17:20

Acts 17:26-27

Finding Someone to Disciple Part 1

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 19:30:00 -0400

Takeaway: Finding someone to disciple takes intentional prayer and discernment.

Action Step: Pray about who in your life is ready to be discipled, then make a list of a couple of names that you can begin praying over.

Show Notes:

Luke 16:10, 2 Tim. 2:2

SEASON 4 Practitioners Podcast: Jesus Style Disciple Making

Tue, 22 Aug 2023 20:00:00 -0400

So excited to kick off season four of the podcast!

Vision, Heart, and Skill in DM.

Several Series: Finding someone to disciple, DM Pathway, Bicycle Illustration, Jesus’ Way of DM.

Show Notes:

Bonus Episode: 4 Truths for Building a Disciple Making Culture

Wed, 12 Jul 2023 11:55:59 -0400

Justin and Tony discuss four important truths to help church leaders build a disciple making culture. Towards the end, they are joined by Pastor Mike Tuttle as he shares about the difference a disciple making culture is making at his church.

Show Notes:

Watch Episode on YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8QsVjRKKbOg

Bonus Episode: Tony on The Disciple Dilemma

Tue, 13 Jun 2023 19:30:00 -0400

Check out this bonus episode with Tony on the Disciple Dilemma.

The Disciple Making Difference Illustration

The Disciple Making Difference Illustration

Tue, 30 May 2023 22:06:33 -0400

Going small helps us go big!

Takeaway: If you want to reach the world, reach your neighbor.

Action Step: Who is the ONE PERSON you can add to your funnel?

Show Notes:

Who Cares - General William Booth

Who Cares?

Tue, 16 May 2023 19:30:00 -0400

Perfect for: Disciples who get distracted by the demands of life.

Takeaway: Don’t lose sight of the people Jesus had His sights set on.

Action Step: Identify your non-Christian friends and begin to pray for which relationship can go deeper. Read the article!

Show Notes:

The Importance of Holiness in Disciple Making

Tue, 02 May 2023 20:00:00 -0400

Holiness in Disciple Making is important because it Impacts our:

1. Motivation - Who we are and thus WHY we do.

2. Vision - How we see

3. Reflection - How others see Jesus.

Takeaway: You are the chosen instrument by God. How useful you are to do the work correlates to your holiness.

Action Step: Seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness.

Show Notes:

Matt. 6:33

2 Corinthians 6:15-18

https://www.justingravitt.com/blog/shepherding-vs-disciplemaking

The Difference Between Shepherding and Disciple Making

Tue, 18 Apr 2023 19:00:00 -0400

Perfect for: Anyone who is or has been confused about the difference between shepherding and disciple making.

Takeaway: Shepherding and disciple making are not the same.

Action Step: “Take some time to evaluate your ministry and ask the question, am I shepherding people or am I making disciples.”

Show Notes:

John 10:11, John 21:15-17, Hosea 13:6, Psalm 23, Luke 19:10

Serving Training Illustration

Tue, 04 Apr 2023 20:26:00 -0400

In this episode, we explore the Serving/Training Illustration!

Takeaway: Jesus spent most of His time, focus, and energy training, but He often did it in the context of serving.

Action Step: Take a look at how you use your time, focus, and energy. Does it look like Jesus?

Show Notes:

Serving Training Illustration - Downloadable

https://www.justingravitt.com/blog/5symptoms-unhealthyculture

5 Symptoms of an Unhealthy Culture

Wed, 22 Mar 2023 05:41:56 -0400

This episode is perfect for someone in or leading culture!

Vision Division

Jesus observed that a house divided against itself cannot stand (Matt. 12:25). Unhealthy cultures have division over the vision. When people disagree on the desired destination they are unable to see a shared future. The lack of a common vision and shared future can give birth to every other symptom on this list.

2. Relational Isolation

The lack of relational depth and connection contributes to people thinking ME instead of WE. When individuals care more about themselves than the mission, their culture feels prickly. Such cultures choose to regulate rather than relate.

3. Communication Chaos

Secrecy, gossip, poorly addressed or unaddressed conflict, and debate about what’s factually true are great examples of communication chaos. There are also well-known elephants and sacred cows around every corner that aren’t discussed or acknowledged. Communication symptoms take many forms, but each one leaves individuals feeling unsafe and vulnerable. At its worst communication chaos leads to a lack of trust and cycles of conflict.

4. Act, Don’t Ask

Instead of a culture that invites cooperation and co-creation, unhealthy cultures draw bold lines between the leaders and the led. Leadership isn’t interested in robust dialogue, discussion, or co-creation. Instead their focus is to get people to act and submit to the plan. Some contexts call for such leadership (a battlefield, natural disasters, etc.) Normally though, such cultures suffocate and inhibit personal development. Often such cultures see individual development as a threat to output. Potential is secondary to production

5. Affinity Based Authority

marked by leadership being transitioned from one to the next based on personal affinity rather than performance. In such cultures, character and fruitfulness are secondary to current leadership’s similarity and relational connection to future leadership. When authority is affinity-based rather than earned, it leads to inauthentic styles of relating.

Takeaway: Culture is what most people do most of the time. Unhealthy culture will infect the movement you are trying to lead.

Action Step: Do a cultural check-up to examine these aspects of culture and look for symptoms that indicate bigger problems.

Show Notes:

Two Types of Deception

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 19:20:00 -0500

Right Theology leads to Right Living

1 Tim. 4:16, “Watch your life and your doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do you will save both yourself and your hearers.”

Community keeps us from being deceived…

Takeaway: On their own, doctrine and doing are dangerous. Healthy disciples need both doctrine and application to become like Jesus.

Action Step: Watch your life and doctrine closely AND invite others to keep watch with you!

Show Notes:

James 1:22

1 Cor. 8:1-3

Matthew 7:22-23

Proverbs 19:2

1 Tim. 4:16

https://www.justingravitt.com/blog/accountability-disciplemaking

The Difference Between Accountability and Disciple Making

Tue, 21 Feb 2023 20:00:00 -0500

Perfect for: Anyone who is or has been confused about the difference between accountability and disciple making.

Takeaway: Accountability and disciple making are not the same.

Action Step: Take some time to evaluate your disciple making relationship and ask the question, am I making disciples or just doing accountability?

Show Notes:

The Questions of a Disciple Maker

Tue, 07 Feb 2023 20:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Tony and Justin explore one of the best tools in a disciple makers toolbox - how to ask good questions!

Takeaway: We can’t make disciples like Jesus did if we don’t use questions like Jesus did.

Action Step: Develop some regular questions that will help you as you make disciples

Show Notes:

Luke 2:46-47

Mark 8:27-30

Tony’s Book

The Grace Gap Illustration

Tue, 24 Jan 2023 17:45:14 -0500

Perfect for: Anyone who struggles with the sin in their life.

Takeaway: God’s grace is big enough to cover the gap between what you know you should do and what you actually do.

That gap should still be

Action Step: Spend some time thinking about the progress you’ve made in obedience over the past year. Then praise God for His grace to you!

Show Notes:

Grace Gap Illustration - Downloadable link

1 Corinthians 15:9-10

https://www.justingravitt.com/blog/5-levels-obedience

5 Levels of Obedience

Tue, 10 Jan 2023 20:00:00 -0500

Takeaway: Mature disciples always move towards obedience that’s driven by surrender.

Action Step: Reflect and identify which level of obedience best describes your walk with Jesus.

Show Notes:

Jeremiah 10:23

https://www.justingravitt.com/blog/coaching-disciplemaking

The Difference Between Coaching and Disciple Making

Thu, 29 Dec 2022 08:43:53 -0500

Perfect for: Anyone who is or has been confused about the difference between coaching and disciple making.

Coaching is non-directive, but disciple making is directive.

Disciple making however is directive, but don’t mistake directive with inflexible. Disciple makers are experts/models for what it means to follow Jesus. A disciplee is someone who recognizes his need to learn from the discipler.

Disciple making requires faithfulness to Jesus, coaching requires faithfulness to a process.

A discipler can’t develop someone further than she’s developed. She must not only be a maturing disciple, she must also know how to help another become a maturing disciple.

Coaching however depends on the process of listening and inquiry. This allows a coach to coach doctors without being a doctor or lawyers without being a lawyer.

Coaching assumes you know what you need to know, disciple making assumes you don’t.

Disciple making assumes you know some things and don’t know others.

Coaching is primarily self-focused, but disciple making is primarily others centered.

Disciple making relationships begin because the discipler wants to help another grow to maturity.

Takeaway: Coaching and disciple making are not the same.

Action Step: “Take some time to evaluate your disciple making relationship and ask the question, am I coaching or am I making disciples.”

Show Notes:

Luke 6:40, Matthew 4:19, 1 Cor. 11:1

The Key to a Movement

Tue, 13 Dec 2022 18:30:46 -0500

This episode is perfect for anyone who wants to see movement in their church or in their life!

Takeaway: God’s movements start with our surrender.

Action Step: Go home draw a circle around yourself, get on your knees, and don’t leave until He answers.

Show Notes:

Hosea 13:6

Matthew 4:17

Acts 1:1-8

2 Chronicles 36:22-23

www.instagram.com/navigatorchurch

Disciples Who Struggle With Consistency in their Devotional Life

Tue, 29 Nov 2022 19:00:00 -0500

In this episode, we talk about devotionals and time with the Lord.

Takeaway: It’s ok to eat differently from others.

Action Step: Commit to daily nourishment.

Show Notes:

Matthew 6:33, Heb. 11:6

BONUS: Justin on the Disciple Dilemma

Wed, 23 Nov 2022 19:00:00 -0500

This Episode on Youtube

Justin joins Dennis Allen to discuss “Leaders as Disciples,” which focuses on how church leaders can turn the tide of disciple making in their local church.

https://www.navigators.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/navigators-the-word-hand.pdf

The Hand Illustration

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 19:05:00 -0500

Perfect for: Anyone who wants to get a firm grasp on the word of God.

Takeaway: Get a firm grasp on the word of God.

Action Step: Memorize the Hand and teach it to 2 others.

Show Notes:

Matthew 13:19, Rom. 10:17, Rev. 1:3, Acts 17:11, Ps. 119:9-11, Ps. 1:2-3, James 1:22

2 Timothy 3:16-17

https://www.justingravitt.com/blog/christian-disciple

The Difference Between a Christian and a Disciple

Wed, 02 Nov 2022 10:24:28 -0400

Takeaway: Every disciple of Jesus is a Christian, but not every Christian is a disciple. Disciples are willing to follow.

Action Step: Consider your language because it will impact your culture!

Show Notes:

Acts 11:26, Matthew 4:19

Bill Hull Books on this topic: The Discipleship Gospel and Conversion & Discipleship

S1. Ep. 11 “How to Invite Someone into a Disciple Making Relationship?”

The 1st Disciple Making Meeting

Wed, 19 Oct 2022 07:47:28 -0400

Perfect for: Any disciple maker who is wondering what to do in your first disciple making meeting.

Takeaway: Every first meeting is the first meeting with that disciple. So prayerfully plan what you will do.

Action Step: Write down an ideal plan that you can adapt for your next first meeting.

Show Notes:

S2. Ep. 25 “The Wheel Illustration: Where the Rubber Meets the Road”

https://www.justingravitt.com/blog/whattodo-disciple

S.2 Ep.8 Why Your Testimony Isn’t Enough

The Stories of a Disciple Maker

Tue, 04 Oct 2022 20:13:00 -0400

Ever wonder what to say when you are trying to tell God's story in your life?

We talk about the importance of stories, life on life, and so much more!

Takeaway: God wants to express His truth in your stories.

Action Step: Write out a story from the last week or two where God has impacted your life. Share it with a friend.

Show Notes:

https://www.justingravitt.com/blog/disciplemakers-loop

The Disciple Maker’s Loop

Tue, 20 Sep 2022 21:28:53 -0400

Tools are helpful when we know them, own them, and share them. This is important because a guide is different from a program. Tools are contextual, they are applied for specific purposes. They do some things well and others not-so-well.

THE Disciple maker’s Loop – a tool to help them stay focused in disciple making.

Teach him what, Tony
Tell him why, Justin
show him how,
get him started,
keep him going,
help him pass it on.

Takeaway: The DM Loop is a pocket-sized guide to helps you stay focused in disciple making.

Action Step: Memorize the tool and teach it to 2 others.

Show Notes:

Enter NCM Church Coaching Contest

https://www.justingravitt.com/blog/mentoring-disciplemaking

The Difference Between Mentoring and Disciple Making

Tue, 06 Sep 2022 21:21:18 -0400

Perfect for: Someone seeking more clarity around disciple making. Leader or the everyday person who isn’t clear on the difference between mentoring/disciple making.

Takeaway: Mentoring and disciple making are NOT the same. Mentoring is about helping someone reach their goals. DM is about helping reach Jesus’ goals for them.

Action Step: Consider your language because it will impact your culture!

Show Notes:

https://www.justingravitt.com/blog/disciplemakers-offense-defense

Matthew 4:19

Back for More: The Start of Season 3!

Wed, 24 Aug 2022 09:55:50 -0400

This is the perfect episode to listen to if you’re curious about what the future holds for the Practitioners’ Podcast.

3 Seasons 3 Shelves:

Shelf #1: Season 1 was: Vision - Why, Growth Phases of a disciple, most needed for most people

Shelf #2: Season 2 was: Culture, Consumerism, Engagement…

Shelf #3: Season 3 WILL BE: Clarity of DM, Tools of a DM, super practical

Takeaway: Going to be a GREAT season.

Action Step: Subscribe & share

Child of the King (Freedom to Be Great)

Tue, 26 Apr 2022 20:00:00 -0400

In the final episode of the season, we sit down to talk about what it means to reflect the Father.

Takeaway:

Every Christian is called to reflect their Father.

Action Step:

Identify how and where you reflect your Father and celebrate it with someone you disciple.

Show Notes:

Galatians 3:26-29

What Are We Multiplying?

Tue, 19 Apr 2022 20:06:50 -0400

What is the fruit of your disciple making ministry?

Takeaway: Jesus-style disciple making will always move out toward the lost, in towards the Church, and downward in the life of the individual believer.

Action Step: Where are you positioning yourself to reach unbelievers?

How quickly will Disciple Making Scale?

Tue, 12 Apr 2022 21:30:50 -0400

Today's episode is all about the scalability of disciple making. In today's church culture answering the question of: Will it scale? Is super important.

Takeaway: Disciple making will always scale to the level of our faithfulness.

Action Step:

Evaluate your faithfulness in disciple making: Are you multiplying or just adding?

Show Notes:

https://www.justingravitt.com/blog/disciplemakers-offense-defense

Playing Offense In Disciple Making

Tue, 05 Apr 2022 20:00:00 -0400

Offense in disciple making is using vision, intentionality, and tools to ensure the disciple ends up as a unique skilled disciple maker.

In offensive disciple making we have to make sure that the person we are discipling scores, not that I score.

Takeaway: Skilled disciple makers have the vision, the intentionality, and the tools to play offense.

Action Step: Draw up a play and run it with the person you are discipling.

Show Notes:

https://www.justingravitt.com/blog/disciplemakingmap-expedition

https://www.justingravitt.com/blog/disciplemakers-offense-defense

Playing Defense in Disciple Making

Tue, 29 Mar 2022 20:00:00 -0400

Intentional disciple making requires offense and defense. Today, Tony and Justin embark on a two-part mini-series to talk about what offensive and defensive disciple making looks like in your intentional relationship.

Takeaway: Skilled disciple makers play defense by using life events to move people towards Christ.

Action Step: Find one defensive skill you can improve in your disciple making relationship.

Show Notes:

www.navigators.org

https://www.justingravitt.com/blog/whattodo-disciple

The Wheel Illustration: Where the Rubber Meets the Road

Tue, 22 Mar 2022 18:38:00 -0400

In today's episode, we talk about the amazing discipleship tool known as The Wheel!

Why the Wheel is great…

Gives a picture of a disciple
Assesses familiarity with the Word - depth & dexterity in the word
Assesses understanding of key Christian concepts
Models Scripture memory and intimacy with the Word
Gives an opportunity to self-assess his life as a disciple
Gives an opportunity to take a step in growth in a weaker area
Models being in-process and an alongsider.
Naturally sets up another meeting and future expectations.

Takeaway: What makes the wheel so powerful is that it starts with Christ and that’s where all good disciple-making starts.

Action Step: Take time to learn the wheel and share it with someone this week.

Show Notes:

What does the Wheel do?

Episode 12: The Importance of Tools

Episode 09: The Disciplines of a Disciple

https://www.justingravitt.com/blog/trueforyou-principle

The True for You Principle

Tue, 15 Mar 2022 21:00:00 -0400

God's promises are true for you!

Takeaway: The answer to fear is faith. It’s about God’s fitness and your willingness.

Action Step: Write down three things in disciple making that feel too big and surrender them to God in prayer.

Show Notes:

Numbers 11:21-23

Becoming Equipped for Every Good Work (Scripture Memory)

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 05:26:35 -0500

What is the importance of Scripture memory in disciple making?

Tony and Justin dive into this topic and so much more.

Takeaway: The Word is the primary tool God has given us to make disciples.

Action Step: Start your Scripture Memory Habit now…

Show Notes:

Ephesians 2:10, 2 Timothy 3:16-17

7 Benefits of Scripture Memory

Transform through Substitution - Romans 12:2, Phil. 4:8
Keep Me from Sin - Ps. 119:9-11, Ps. 1:2-3
Help Me in Temptation - Matt. 4:1-11
Witnessing - 1 Pt. 3:15, Jeremiah 20:9, Jeremiah 23:29
Understanding - Philemon :6, Ps. 119:99
Ministry - Is. 55:11, Heb. 4:12, Jeremiah 23:29, Is. 50:4, 2 Tim. 3:16-17
Prayer - Eph. 1, Philippians 1, Romans 4:20, Joshua 23:14

Topical Memory System

The Failure Episode

Wed, 02 Mar 2022 04:58:21 -0500

Today's conversation is all about our failures in disciple making and how we can learn from them!

Takeaway: Failing is part of discipling. Fail, learn, grow!

Action Step: Reflect on what you’ve learned in your failures and apply them to your relationships today.

Show Notes:

"Success is not final; failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” - Winston Churchill

https://www.justingravitt.com/blog/consumerism-disciplemaking-impact

4 False Beliefs Consumerism Has Taught Disciple Makers

Wed, 23 Feb 2022 04:00:00 -0500

In today's conversation, we discuss the false beliefs consumerism has taught disciple-makers.

Takeaway: The culture of consumerism will seep into your disciple-making, and we must push it back..

Action Step: Take the time to reflect on how you are discipling or how you have been discipled. How do you think the core tenets of consumerism have affected your disciple making?

Show Notes:

The Impact of Consumerism on Disciple Making Part 4: Demands of Consumerism

Tue, 15 Feb 2022 20:00:00 -0500

We’ve learned a lot about consumerism so far. Notably, its three tenets, 1. Satisfaction Can Be Purchased 2. Purchasing Power is Found in Systems 3. System Participation Demands Our Identity

3 Demands of Consumers:

I must get what I want NOW. (DoorDash, everything!)
I must get what I want MY WAY. (Burger King)
I must be able to RETURN what I actually don’t want and TRY AGAIN (at your expense). (Amazon)

Takeaway: Consumers have demands because they believe the product will satisfy.

Action Step: Consider the demands you are making on your faith community. Ask the question are you a consumer or an stakeholder in your local church? (Understanding without changing never leads to growth.)

Show Notes:

Romans 5:8

https://www.justingravitt.com/blog/consumerism-demands

Global Youth Initiative / Concentric

Dan Spader - The Jesus Initiative

Wed, 09 Feb 2022 04:00:00 -0500

This is a special interview episode!

In today's conversation, Tony and Justin interview the legendary Dan Spader. This is like drinking Jesus through a firehose!

Show Notes:

Dann’s Website

Sonlife Ministry

Like Jesus Initiative & App

Dann’s Books

50-Day Study Knowing Him

https://www.justingravitt.com/blog/consumerism-identityloss

The Impact of Consumerism on Disciple Making 3. Systems Demand Our Identity

Wed, 02 Feb 2022 04:00:00 -0500

Systems dehumanize and depersonalize. They rob us of individuality, identity in favor of production.

Boredom is the result of identity loss.

Takeaway: We lose our identity in Christ when we succumb to culture.

Action Step: Turn to God’s Word and find your identity in Christ.

Show Notes:

Impact of Identity Loss in the Church?

Pervasive Passivity
Disconnection from the heart and mission
Inability to believe God desires to use us.

https://www.justingravitt.com/blog/consumerism-purchasingpower

The Impact of Consumerism on Disciple Making 2: Purchasing Power is Found in Systems

Tue, 25 Jan 2022 22:13:52 -0500

We continue our conversation around consumerism and disciple making!

Takeaway: Systems make relationships optional.

Action Step: Evaluate the system you are currently discipling in.

Show Notes:

Genesis 2:18

Questions to Consider:

Can satisfaction really be purchased?
Does purchasing power have to be found in an institution or system?
Is there a way to work within a system without becoming “systematized” in our perspective and relationships?
Where is God in all of this?

Resident Aliens by Stanley Hauerwas and William Henry Willimon

https://www.justingravitt.com/blog/consumerism-satisfactionforsale

The Impact of Consumerism on Disciple Making Part 1: Satisfaction Can Be Purchased

Tue, 18 Jan 2022 22:02:41 -0500

We begin a special four-part series on consumerism and disciple making. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss the other episodes!

Takeaway: Consumerism has fooled the church into believing that "success" is more important than righteousness.

Action Step: Reflect on your own consumerism, and repent in areas where you may lack.

Show Notes:

2 Peter 1:3-4

John 10:10

https://www.justingravitt.com/blog/7basics

7 Habits of a Disciple

Tue, 11 Jan 2022 20:23:07 -0500

Habits help us because; You can’t rush intimacy.

Intentional habits + intimate time can help lead us to an intimate relationship.

Luke 2:52, “Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature, and in favor with God & man.”

Assurance of Salvation / Gospel - The Gospel you preach determines the kind of disciple you will make. -Bill Hull
Quiet Time m
Prayer
Witnessing
Fellowship
Scripture Memory
Bible Study

Takeaway: Intentional habits + intimate time can help lead us to an intimate relationship

Action Step: Evaluate your intimacy level with God by doing an intentional habit inventory.

Show Notes:

Should Pastors Keep Their Distance from People in Church?

Tue, 04 Jan 2022 20:25:47 -0500

You have to deal with your hurt before you can help those who are hurting.

1 Thess. 2:8, “We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God, but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.

Takeaway: You can't love at a distance and you can't disciple at a distance.

Action Step: Examine what roadblocks are keeping you from loving others well.

Show Notes:

The Reclamation Podcast v

The Trumpet Principle: A Clear Call to Action

Wed, 15 Dec 2021 04:00:00 -0500

In today's conversation, Tony and Justin explore the importance of having a clear call to action in the disciple-making movement.

Takeaway: Disciple-making begins with a clear call to action.

Action Step: Clarify your clear call to action, and share it with a fellow disciple-maker.

Show Notes:

1 Corinthians 14:8

https://www.justingravitt.com/blog/the-trumpet-principle

4 Questions for churches to sound a clear call in disciple-making:

How does disciple-making differ from what the church is already doing?
How do we make disciples as a church (corporately, individually, both?)
How will we equip church members to effectively reach people in their natural contexts?
How will church leaders pastor people through resistance to personal disciple-making?

Fasting As a Way to Slow Down

Tue, 07 Dec 2021 22:18:32 -0500

In today's conversation, Tony and Justin dialogue about their experience to fast in order to hear God's voice.

Takeaway: Fasting is meant to be shared.

Action Step: Plan your next fast...

Show Notes:

Matt. 6:16-18

Mark 2:18-20

John 3:30

Acts 14:23

Phil. 1:29

How to Achieve Cultural Clarity Through Definitions

Wed, 01 Dec 2021 05:55:50 -0500

Far too often we neglect defining the important parts of our cultural thinking that it will happen on its own. In today's conversation, Justin and Tony unpack what it means to define the culture so that you can move forward with the mission.

Takeaway: Common language creates common movement that changes the individual for the corporate good.

Action Step: Define disciple making language with your community and with the people you are discipling.

Show Notes:

The Navigators 2:7 Series

A Holy Instrument An interview with Jason Johnston

Wed, 17 Nov 2021 05:45:28 -0500

In today's conversation, Justin and Tony sit down with fellow Navigator Jason Johnston. We talk about purity, reaching the next generation, and what it takes to be relevant in today's world. You aren't going to want to miss our very first interview!

Takeaway:

Its' never too early to start talking to your kids about purity!

Action Step:

Subscribe to Jason's Youtube channel.

Show Notes:

Jason’s Website

Jason’s Youtube Channel

Resources Mentioned:

Topical Memory System

Good Pictures, Bad Pictures

War of the Soul

Abiding As a Disciple

Wed, 10 Nov 2021 04:04:00 -0500

In this week's episode, Tony and Justin talk about what it means to stay in the truth when we follow Jesus!

The branch doesn’t exist for itself, but to bear fruit for the vine.

John 15:1, “I am the true vine, and my father is the gardener.”

John 15:5, “I am the vine you are the branches if a man remains in me and I in him he will bear much fruit, apart from me you can do nothing.”

Essentials for Abiding - (Disciplines)

Scripture Meditation/reflection
Prayer
The Church/Community/Fellowship

Takeaway: As a disciple our first task is to abide.

Action Step: Assess and look to improve one of your Abiding Essentials.

Show Notes:

Mark 3:14, John 15

Please Stop Sharing the Same Story: Why Your Old Testimony Isn’t Enough

Wed, 03 Nov 2021 04:00:00 -0400

Justin and Tony talk about the discipline of sharing your story, and how important it is to share it in new ways!

Takeaway: Sharing your story is a discipline, be ready to share your story today.

Action Step: Tell someone how Jesus is changing you this week.

Show Notes:

Scripture: Acts 26:4-23, 1 Peter 3:15, John 4:39, Colossians 4:5-6

How to End a Disciple Making Relationship

Wed, 20 Oct 2021 08:20:55 -0400

In the world of disciple making breaking up is hard to do! In this conversation, Tony and Justin explore how to end a relationship.

Takeaway: Clear on ramps create clear off-ramps. Clear is kind.

Action Step: Take some time to evaluate how your DM relationship is going. What adjustments need to be made?

Show Notes:

https://www.justingravitt.com/blog/fourpeople-cantdisciple

4 Types of People Who Can‘t Be Discipled

Wed, 13 Oct 2021 04:00:00 -0400

In this dialogue, Justin and Tony talk about who are the people that can't be discipled - don't even try it!

Action Step: Evaluate if the person you are trying to disciple is undisciplable. If so, we’ll be back next week to talk about how to end a DM relationship.

Show Notes:

Luke 16:10, “Whoever can be trusted with little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.”

The “With Him” Principle

Wed, 06 Oct 2021 04:00:00 -0400

In today's conversation, we talk about how important it is to be intentional with time and relationship building. This is the secret sauce to any good disciple-making relationship!

Takeaway: More is caught than taught.

Action Step: Plan regular time to spend with the person you are discipling.

Show Notes:

Mark 3:14, 1 Thess. 2:8, Proverbs 27:17, 2 Tim. 3:10

Charles Causey

3 Postures of an Effective Disciple Maker: Farmer

Wed, 29 Sep 2021 04:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the podcast, we look at the final posture of the effective disciple-maker - the farmer!

Takeaway: Disciples work with God and enjoy fruit with Him

Action Step: Be Faithful! (Stop worrying and trust God to provide the growth --about your growth or the growth of the one you are discipling.)

Show Notes:

2 Timothy 2:6

Mark 4:26-29

3 Postures of an Effective Disciple Maker: Athlete

Wed, 22 Sep 2021 04:00:00 -0400

In this episode, we continue to explore the posture of disciple making. We examine what it means to have the posture of an athlete.

Takeaway: Athletes put in the practice to become something. As disciple makers it’s no different.

Action Step: Define your practice. How will you dedicate yourself to it?

Show Notes:

2 Tim. 2:2-4

1 Cor. 9:26-27, Gal 2:2, Phil. 2:16, 3:14, Col. 2:18, 2 Tim 4:8.

3 Postures of an Effective Disciple Maker: Soldier

Wed, 15 Sep 2021 04:00:00 -0400

What is posture, and why is it important? How do you view yourself and your engagement in the world??

Sometimes it’s not about skills or knowledge it’s about a posture. Standing in who we are, not simply what we know.

Takeaway: The mission requires your full attention.

Action Step: List the distractions that keep you from living out the mission of disciple making.

Show Notes:

2 Tim. 2:2-4

The Warrior Ethos

Disciples Get Uncomfortable

Mon, 06 Sep 2021 16:15:59 -0400

Following Jesus often leads us to places that make us uncomfortable!

Takeaway: Consistent Discomfort leads to Deeper Roots

Action Step: Intentionally go to uncomfortable places with God.

Show Notes:

John 12:24, Luke 5:16

3 Ways to START Disciple Making

Tue, 01 Jun 2021 04:00:00 -0400

In the final episode of season one Justin and Tony discuss the importance of starting to disciple!

Takeaway: Get started.

Action Step: Pray, Identify, then invite someone into a disciple making relationship.

Send Us Your Questions/ Topics:

https://www.justingravitt.com/blog/start-withone

https://www.justingravitt.com/blog/howtostart

3 Keys to Helping Extroverts Become Excellent Disciple Makers

Tue, 25 May 2021 04:00:00 -0400

In today's episode, Tony talks about what it means to be an extrovert disciple maker. If you are an extrovert or know an extrovert - check this out!

Disciple in Jesus’ image, not your own.
1. 1 Corinthians 11:1 1 Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.
Create a plan separate from your passion.
1. Habakkuk 2:2 Write down your vision clearly so the harolds can run with it
Listen twice as much as you speak.

Takeaway: Extroverts can be powerful disciple makers.

Action Step: Slow down, be intentional and create something reproducible.

3 Keys to Help Introverts Become Excellent Disciple Makers

Tue, 18 May 2021 04:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the podcast, Justin explores what it means to be an introvert who also makes disciples. If you are an introvert or will disciple an introvert - you need to listen!

Takeaway: Introverts Can be Powerful Disciple Makers

Action Step: Share this with an introvert you love. Discern where to apply one of the 3 A’s to YOUR Life.

Show Notes:

https://www.justingravitt.com/blog/3keys-introvertdisciplemakers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6MgIamrmd-Y

Is the Juice Worth the Squeeze?

Tue, 11 May 2021 04:00:00 -0400

In this dialogue, Tony and Justin wrestle with the age-old question: Why does disciple making have to be so hard!?

“The Church is looking for better methods; God is looking for better men.” “What the Church needs today is not more machinery or better, not new organizations or more and novel methods, but men whom the Holy Ghost can use -- men of prayer, men mighty in prayer. ... He does not anoint plans, but men -- men of prayer.” E.M. Bounds

Takeaway: Develop a vision that carries you through your weakness.

Action Step: Take the next step in developing your vision - maybe writing down, maybe memorizing a verse, maybe sharing it with someone...

Show Notes:
Luke 6:6-11
Matthew 28:20

www.justingravitt.com
www.twmilt.com

Discipleship vs Leadership

Tue, 04 May 2021 04:05:00 -0400

In this dialogue, Tony and Justin explore the differences between leadership and discipleship.

Some are called to lead, everyone is called to make disciples!

Disciple making cultures need to be led by leaders who are disciples.

Takeaway: We are called to be and make disciples, not leaders

Action Step: If you are a leader, are you a disciple? If you are filling leadership positions are you bringing in leaders who aren’t disciples or disciples who aren’t leaders? Disciple making cultures need to be led by leaders who are disciples.

Show Notes:

Romans 12:8, 1 Timothy 3, Matthew 28:18-20

https://www.justingravitt.com/blog/makingleaders-disciplemaking

What does a disciple making meeting look like?

Tue, 27 Apr 2021 06:01:02 -0400

In this conversation, Justin and Tony explore the practical application of what a disciple making meeting actually looks like.

Takeaway: Every meeting should include time for relationship building, intentional conversation, and application.

Action Step: Assess your current disciple making meetings and plan to improve them.

Show Notes:

The Biggest Obstacle to Disciple Making

Tue, 20 Apr 2021 04:00:00 -0400

In this week's conversation, we sit down to discuss the biggest obstacle to disciple making. Is it indifference? Is it culture? You'll have to listen to see if we come to a consensus.

Takeaway: The biggest obstacle we face in DM will always be internal.

Action Step: Identify your obstacle and develop a plan to address it.

Show Notes: