Visit RENEW.org for great resources on Disciple Making and Theology.

Today’s episode will help us reimagine the future of the Churches of Christ by embracing intentional discipleship, Spirit-led community, and practical strategies for revitalizing faith in our churches.

In this episode, the speaker delivers a passionate and practical message about faith, community, and the future of the Churches of Christ. He opens with a story about visiting Brush Run, drawing a parallel between small, humble beginnings and global gospel impact—just like Christianity’s start in Israel. This sets the tone for the rest of his talk: encouraging churches to remember where they came from and look ahead with bold vision.

He reflects on how churches once held the center of community life and challenges us to confront the cultural shifts that have led to disengagement. But his message is hopeful: the best days of the Churches of Christ can still be ahead—if we commit to intentional discipleship and community-building.

A major focus is on practical tools for disciple-making. He emphasizes the need for clear pathways over a buffet of church programs, recommending approaches like Discovery Bible Study (DBS) to equip members for relational, reproducible discipleship. He shares real examples of how these methods have worked in his own ministry.

The speaker also underscores the power of small groups, especially gender-specific ones, for deeper connection and accountability. He stresses the importance of prayer and fasting—not as rituals, but as essential practices for seeking God’s direction before moving forward. Drawing inspiration from global movements like Shidonke’s ministry, he calls the church to become more Spirit-led and sacrificial.

Throughout the talk, he shares stories of surprising generosity and Holy Spirit-driven moments in his church, urging us not to settle for routine Christianity but to pursue the kind of extraordinary life described in Acts.

He closes with a passionate call to action and a heartfelt prayer—asking God for boldness, creativity, and unity to reignite a disciple-making movement in the Churches of Christ. This episode is a wake-up call to step into our mission with renewed purpose, faith, and openness to the Spirit’s leading.

Visit RENEW.org for great resources on Disciple Making and Theology.

Today’s episode will help us rediscover the heart of discipleship by reminding pastors and church leaders that spiritual growth, humility, and biblical grounding are essential—not just for those they lead, but for themselves as well.

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In this bilingual episode, John sits down with David Mieja and others to discuss life as pastors, disciples, and spiritual leaders. The conversation weaves between English and Spanish, reflecting the diverse backgrounds of the participants.

They reflect on cultural dynamics in church life, especially within Hispanic communities in the U.S., and how traditions from places like El Salvador and Cuba shape discipleship practices. Both men stress that true discipleship isn’t just about attending services—it’s about transformation, humility, and a deep connection to God’s Word.

Scriptures like Matthew 28 and Philippians 3 frame their message: making disciples is central to the church’s mission. They caution against drifting from biblical truth and highlight the need for mentorship and spiritual accountability.

The episode wraps up with a prayer for wisdom, unity, and faithfulness in ministry. Through honest stories and biblical insight, David and John offer a timely reminder: spiritual leaders never stop learning, and the church thrives when discipleship stays at the center.

If you want to dive deeper, check out Jeremey Bacon's book “Sermon on the Mount: 40 Days of Learning the Ways of the Kingdom” available at RENEW.org. It’s a great resource for anyone wanting to grow in understanding and living out Jesus’ teachings. You can find it here: renew.org/product/sermon-on-the-mount-40-days-of-learning-the-ways-of-the-kingdom. Until next time, keep living out your faith in real life.

Today’s episode will help us move beyond seeing the Sermon on the Mount as a set of rules and instead embrace its call to heart transformation and kingdom living.

In this episode, Jeremy Bacon shares his journey exploring the Sermon on the Mount. Starting with a funny travel story from Illinois and a vacation to Nova Scotia, he warmly connects with the audience before diving into the topic. Though initially hesitant—thinking the sermon was overdone—Jeremy’s deep study, sparked by teaching Maasai pastors in Kenya, transformed his view.

He explains that the Sermon on the Mount isn’t just a list of rules. Instead, it reveals God’s character and calls us to change our hearts to reflect His. For example, Jesus’ teaching on anger isn’t about hiding frustration but confronting the deeper issue of contempt that harms relationships.

Jeremy describes the sermon as a blueprint for kingdom living, showing how God’s kingdom intersects with our broken world and invites a supernatural transformation. This process takes time and requires surrender to God’s guidance.

Practically, Jeremy encourages us to seek God’s heart behind each teaching rather than focusing on rigid rules. He stresses the importance of understanding both the big picture and the details to avoid misinterpretation.

He also addresses today’s cultural tensions, urging leaders to shepherd communities with a kingdom mindset, trusting God despite fears and division. The episode wraps up with a Q&A, where Jeremy offers thoughtful advice on applying the sermon’s teachings in real life.

Overall, Jeremy’s relatable style and insights invite us to move beyond legalism and embrace the transformative power at the heart of Jesus’ message.