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.

If you want to explore more, check out resources at RENEW.org. We recommend the article “Is Discipleship Required?” — a thoughtful look at why following Jesus means embracing discipleship. You can read it here: renew.org/is-discipleship-required. Until next time, keep pursuing real life in Christ.

Today’s episode will help us see how strategic partnerships—like those formed through the Solomon Foundation—can strengthen churches, fuel growth, and create lasting impact in communities and leaders’ lives.

Doug Fultz & Ken Idleman dives into the power of partnerships in ministry, with a special focus on the work of the Solomon Foundation.

The episode kicks off with a relaxed, personal atmosphere—participants introduce themselves, share ministry backgrounds, and even chat about career goals and growing cities. From that casual start, the conversation naturally shifts into a deeper discussion about how strategic partnerships can fuel church growth and community impact.

Doug Fultz and Ken Idleman lead the way, drawing from decades of ministry experience. Ken shares how biblical partnerships—from Moses and Aaron to Jesus and the disciples—have always been key to mission success. He reflects on his own ministry journey and the critical role partnerships played in growing churches and building strong communities.

Doug focuses on the practical side—how networking among pastors and church leaders led to church plants and revitalization efforts. He highlights how the Solomon Foundation acts not just as a lender, but as a true ministry partner. With flexible financing and a heart for the local church, the Foundation helps churches grow—sometimes starting with no down payment at all.

Real-life stories bring the impact to life:

• Nathan Freeman’s church in Jacksonville grew from meeting in a funeral home to owning a $9M facility.
• Southern Hills Christian Church expanded significantly thanks to customized financial solutions.
• Even unique ministries, like a fully inmate-led church inside Angola Prison and Louisiana’s Keep It Real reentry program, are thriving with support from the Foundation.

Doug and Ken also stress that partnerships go beyond money. The Solomon Foundation invests in the spiritual health of leaders, offering mentorship, counseling, and encouragement.

They wrap up by inviting listeners to see partnership as a way to make real kingdom impact—not just financially, but relationally and spiritually. This episode is a strong reminder that ministry isn't meant to be done alone—and that with the right partners, churches can do more than just survive; they can flourish.

View the book from Renée Sproles: “Male & Female: A Biblical Look at Gender” https://renew.org/product/male-female-a-biblical-look-at-gender/

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Today’s episode will help us understand God’s design for men and women by exploring how Scripture defines their distinct yet complementary roles in leadership, the church, and the home.

Renee Sproles takes a thoughtful dive into what the Bible says about the roles of men and women, focusing on leadership, responsibility, and God’s design for both sexes.

Renee opens with gratitude and a prayer, asking for God’s guidance and recognizing Jesus as the Creator who leads with kindness, justice, and righteousness. She outlines her goal: to look at the big picture of Scripture before narrowing in on specific texts about gender roles in the home and church.

She shares her personal journey—from embracing egalitarianism (the idea that men and women have interchangeable roles) to developing a more nuanced view shaped by Scripture and life experience. Raised in a strict complementarian setting where women had little voice in church, she was struck by the contrast in her parents’ equal partnership in business. That tension sparked her curiosity and deeper study.

Renee distinguishes between circumstantial evidence (the broader biblical narrative) and specific evidence (direct instructions). Both are needed to understand gender roles fully. She likens circumstantial evidence to a feast—rich and nourishing—and specific evidence to medicine—necessary but insufficient on its own.

Starting in Genesis, she explains that male and female identities are rooted in creation. Adam, formed first, is given the priestly task of tending the garden and passing on God’s commands. Eve, created as his strong helper, reflects the same term used for God’s help to Israel—implying strength, not weakness. These archetypes—original roles, not stereotypes—set the tone for male leadership and female partnership.

Biblical women like Sarah, Abigail, and Deborah are held up as examples of faith, wisdom, and courage. While men were called to lead as priests and prophets, women also played crucial roles, though in different ways—especially in prophecy and support.

In the New Testament, Renee notes how Jesus elevated women’s status but still chose male apostles, reinforcing the pattern of male leadership. Women, however, were vital in ministry—praying, teaching, and serving alongside Jesus.

Paul’s letters, especially 1 Corinthians and 1 Timothy, are examined closely. Renee argues Paul’s teachings on male headship and women’s roles in church leadership are grounded in creation, not just cultural concerns. His call for women to learn quietly and avoid authoritative teaching over men is tied to the order established in Genesis.

She also addresses common pushbacks—like claims that Paul was only dealing with false teachers or cultural norms. Instead, she contends Paul’s instructions are rooted in timeless biblical principles.

The episode ends by framing spiritual leadership as a shepherd-like role—one that provides space, safety, and growth. In Renee’s view, male leadership in the church is meant to serve and protect, just as it was in Eden.

In short, this episode offers a deep, scripture-based look at gender roles in Christianity, encouraging men and women to live out their God-given callings with humility, grace, and mutual respect.

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Today’s episode will help us discover how consistent, community-driven Bible reading can transform our faith, deepen our understanding of Scripture, and build a culture of spiritual growth.

The Transformative Power of Reading the Bible: Tina's Approach

In this insightful video, Tina shares her profound experience and method of integrating daily Bible reading into her spiritual routine and church culture. She emphasizes the importance of not just relying on second-hand teachings but committing to reading the entire Bible from Genesis to Revelation annually. Highlighting her own journey from biblical illiteracy to spiritual transformation, Tina discusses the impact of understanding scripture contextually and the benefits of a disciplined Bible study routine. She introduces her book 'Step Into Scripture' as a guide to help others embark on this life-changing journey. Tina also delves into practical ways her church has successfully structured Bible studies to foster community, accountability, and deeper biblical understanding among their members. Join Tina in exploring how the Word of God can transform lives through dedicated, intentional, and strategic Bible reading.

https://reallifetheologypodcast.supercast.com/

Key Takeaways

00:00 Introduction and Housekeeping

01:31 Getting to Know Each Other

09:00 Personal Testimony and Spiritual Growth

12:24 The Importance of Reading the Whole Bible

19:26 Warnings Against Simplicity

31:00 Wisdom vs. Folly

33:49 Personal Journey of Discernment

34:57 The Birth and Growth of Glacier Church

36:18 The Importance of Teachability

37:44 Commitment to Biblical Literacy

39:22 Introducing 'Step Into Scripture'

40:29 Structure and Benefits of the Book

47:31 Implementing the Study in Church

56:20 Q&A Session

01:06:18 Closing Prayer and Final Thoughts

In this episode, titled “Tina Wilson,” Tina shares her journey of discovering the power of daily Bible reading and how it's transformed her personal faith and ministry.

She opens with some housekeeping for the live podcast recording and a light, friendly chat with the audience about their backgrounds, setting a warm, welcoming tone. Tina then gets personal, reflecting on a turning point in high school when her now-husband challenged her to back up her beliefs with scripture. That challenge led her to read the Book of Acts—and later, the entire Bible—revealing how much she didn’t know, even after growing up in church.

In college, with no church community around, scripture became her anchor. She’s now read the Bible every year since, a habit that’s deeply shaped her walk with God and inspired her to help others do the same. Tina makes a strong case for reading the whole Bible, warning against spiritual simplicity—what Proverbs describes as naivety or lack of discernment—which can open the door to deception and division. Instead, she encourages a posture of teachability: humility, openness, and the willingness to grow.

Tina also introduces her Bible reading guide, Step Into Scripture, designed to help people engage the Bible chronologically in a year. The four-part structure—Shadows, Signposts, Sounds, and Source—traces key biblical themes and how they point to Jesus.

She shares how her church has embraced this model through small group discussions, daily readings, and communal celebrations every 14 weeks. These gatherings not only deepen biblical understanding but build spiritual momentum and lasting community.

Tina wraps up with a Q&A, offering practical tips and encouragement for building a culture of Bible reading wherever you are. Her story is a powerful reminder that consistent engagement with God’s Word can radically change lives—and communities.

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Today’s episode will help us rethink how we approach ministry by trading a factory mindset for a more organic, relational, and patient way of cultivating spiritual growth.

Understanding Spiritual Warfare and Discipleship with Shodankeh Johnson

In this insightful talk, Shodankeh Johnson, an experienced church planter and disciple maker from Sierra Leone, shares his journey and challenges in advancing the Kingdom of God. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing spiritual warfare, using the Word of God, prayer, and love to overcome obstacles and make disciples. Shodankeh recounts personal stories of facing threats, persecution, and miraculous transformations, illustrating the reality of spiritual battles and the power of faith. Join us to learn about the critical aspects of spiritual warfare, the nature of the enemy, and how to stand firm as a disciple maker.

https://reallifetheologypodcast.supercast.com/

Key Takeaways

00:00 Introduction and Gratitude

01:36 Personal Background and Ministry

03:50 Understanding Spiritual Warfare

06:19 The Reality of Spiritual Warfare

11:22 Stories of Faith and Transformation

15:30 Critical Insights on Spiritual Warfare

24:38 Divine Weapons and Love in Action

32:26 The Armor of God: Spiritual Warfare Essentials

35:22 Faith and Perseverance in Adversity

37:01 Facing Persecution with Courage

42:05 Understanding Satan's Tactics

54:22 Identifying and Overcoming Strongholds

58:32 The Power of the Word and Prayer

01:01:40 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

This episode opens with Shodankeh Johnson thanking the audience and leading a prayer, inviting God’s presence and wisdom. He briefly introduces himself, sharing his background in disciple-making and church planting across the globe—especially in Sierra Leone, where he’s seen God move in powerful ways, even in dangerous situations. Coming from a Creole father and a Muslim Shabro mother, Shodanke brings a deeply personal and cross-cultural perspective to his mission.

The heart of the conversation centers on spiritual warfare. Shodanke stresses that spiritual warfare is real and unavoidable—like gravity, it’s in effect whether we acknowledge it or not. He’s witnessed the influence of darkness across cultures and emphasizes the need to preach the Word boldly and make disciples who are grounded in truth and equipped for battle.

He invites the audience to share what comes to mind when they think of spiritual warfare—responses include prayer, fasting, and confronting evil. From there, he unpacks the spiritual conflict believers face: an invisible but fierce battle between the Kingdom of God and the forces of darkness, aimed at disrupting our relationship with Christ and stopping the spread of the Gospel.

Quoting Ephesians 6:12, Shodankeh shares stories of personal threats, persecution, and near-death experiences—yet also moments of miraculous transformation, where former enemies of the faith became devoted followers of Jesus. These testimonies highlight God’s power and the impact of responding with love and prayer.

He outlines four truths every disciple-maker must grasp about spiritual warfare:

You are in a war.

The fight is spiritual, not physical.

God provides powerful, non-carnal weapons.

You must put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:13–18).

Shodankeh also breaks down Satan’s tactics—affliction, accusation, and destruction—designed to weaken believers and distract them from their mission (John 10:10, Revelation 12:10). He describes three types of spiritual strongholds:

He concludes by encouraging listeners to tear down these strongholds through Scripture, the Holy Spirit, and disciplined prayer and fasting (2 Corinthians 10:5). The battle may be spiritual, but God’s power is real and available to all who seek Him.

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Creating a Culture of Discipleship: Insights from The Crossings Church

In this episode, Kerry shares a detailed journey about fostering a culture of discipleship at The Crossings Church. Beginning with a prayer, he outlines his family's history in church planting, the growth of The Crossings Church since 2004, and their unique approach to making disciples. Discussing the importance of repentance, baptism, and the relational component in discipling, he emphasizes the need for leaders to model these practices. The video includes insights into their structured Bible study process, small group dynamics, and intentional church practices. Practical advice is given for churches seeking to emulate this model and address doctrinal adherence and growth challenges.

https://reallifetheologypodcast.supercast.com/

Key Takeaways

00:00 Opening Prayer and Introduction

00:49 Personal Background and Church Planting Journey

01:55 Growth and Challenges at The Crossings Church

04:03 Cultural Shifts in the Restoration Movement

10:31 The Importance of Relational Discipleship

18:07 Teaching Repentance and Baptism

19:26 Bible Study Practices at The Crossings

30:01 Training New Disciples

31:57 The Importance of Repentance

33:43 Understanding Baptism

34:34 Challenges in Discipleship

38:07 Addressing Doctrinal Differences

45:09 Small Group Dynamics

47:54 Maintaining Church Culture

58:17 Concluding Thoughts

"Farming vs. Factory Work in Ministry"

In this episode, Kerry Cox shares lessons from his ministry journey, focusing on church planting, discipleship, and creating a culture of genuine spiritual growth. He opens with a prayer, setting the tone for a conversation centered on God’s guidance and the power of community.

Kerry reflects on his early exposure to church life, shaped by his parents starting a home church when they grew disillusioned with traditional ones. From a young age, he witnessed how the unchurched came to faith and became disciple-makers themselves—a foundation that shaped his approach to ministry.

In 2004, Kerry and about 30 others moved west of St. Louis to plant Crossings Church. Over the next 20 years, it grew to around 650 members, especially connecting with youth and people new to church. Crossings stood out from typical Churches of Christ by building a culture that prioritized relationships, authenticity, and active discipleship.

A key theme Kerry emphasizes is the need to move beyond a baptism-centered model to one that fully integrates faith, repentance, and ongoing discipleship. He challenges the tendency in some Restoration Movement churches to treat baptism as the end goal, arguing instead for a holistic, relational approach to spiritual growth.

Throughout the episode, Kerry shares stories that bring this vision to life—like the high schooler who brought his troubled brother, TC, to church. Though TC’s commitment was doubted at first, he went on to help lead their first church plant. Stories like this underscore the power of relational ministry and long-term investment in people.

Kerry also breaks down how Crossings Church puts these values into practice. Every member joins a small group and engages in a foundational Bible study process that covers topics from seeking God to discipleship and baptism. Leaders are trained to model this lifestyle, creating a culture where disciple-making starts at the top and flows through the entire church.

He answers audience questions on how to integrate new believers, tailor small groups, and avoid turning church into a checklist of activities. His central point: everything the church does should point back to its mission—making real, multiplying disciples.

Kerry wraps up by urging churches to shift their culture—away from routine, and toward deep, intentional, Spirit-led relationships. His insights, drawn from years of hands-on ministry, offer a practical and inspiring roadmap for building vibrant, disciple-making communities.