The Disciple-Making Church Podcast

What happens when a church moves beyond Bible study and fully commits to making disciples?In this episode of the Disciple Making Podcast, Ken Adams sits down with leaders from Greenbrier Church in Alabama to share how God transformed their church culture through intentional disciple-making.What started as a desire to grow deeper turned into a movement—where new believers are being discipled immediately, small groups are multiplying, and lives are being changed both locally and globally.You’ll hear powerful, real-life stories of: • Life change happening in small groups • New believers stepping into leadership • A church reaching people far from God—not just transferring members • Disciple-making spreading internationally, from Alabama to AfricaThis conversation will challenge and encourage pastors, leaders, and believers to rethink what it truly means to follow the Great Commission.If you're ready to see real transformation in your church or ministry, this episode will inspire your next step.👉 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/JkM8bPVIpok5

What happens when ordinary men commit to intentional discipleship in the context of a local church?In this episode of the Disciple Making Church Podcast, Ken Adams is joined by Glenn Howell and Chris Thomas—two faithful church members at Crossroads Church in Newnan, Georgia—who share their experience of walking through a two-year Impact Group together.They talk about what the group looked like week to week, how studying Scripture and living life together deepened relationships, and the real-life changes they saw in their homes, marriages, parenting, and spiritual growth. This conversation is a powerful reminder that disciple making is not just for pastors or ministry staff—it’s for everyday believers who are willing to follow Jesus and help others do the same.You’ll hear:What an Impact Group actually looks likeWhy intentional discipleship creates deeper spiritual growthHow transparency and accountability strengthen men in the churchThe difference disciple making can make in families, workplaces, and church lifeWhy multiplication—not just addition—is the goalTo learn more about Impact Ministries, disciple-making training, and resources for your church, visit impactdisciples.com.

The key to effective disciple making isn't found in programs or strategies, but in our love relationship with Jesus. Statistics show that 80-90% of Christians have never shared the gospel, not primarily due to lack of training, but because they aren't deeply in love with Christ. We naturally talk about what we love - sports, family, hobbies - so if we're not talking about Jesus, we need to examine our relationship with Him. True disciple making flows from delighting in God, declaring the gospel, and discipling others in reproducible relationships. When we fall deeply in love with Jesus, sharing our faith and investing in others becomes the natural overflow of our hearts.

One Summit, One Story, One Life ChangedWhat happens when ordinary people spend time with Jesus?Their lives are transformed—and so are churches.In this month’s episode, Ken Adams sits down with Ethan Thompson, who shares a powerful, honest story of how God used the Disciple Making Summit, community, and discipleship to radically change his life. From brokenness and searching… to faith, growth, and purpose—Ethan’s testimony is a reminder that God still uses everyday people to change the world (Acts 4:13).This conversation is real, hopeful, and deeply encouraging for anyone:• Exploring faith• Walking through hard seasons• Leading or building a disciple-making church Share this with someone who needs hope today And don’t forget—Disciple Making Summit | January 30–31Learn more & register at https://impactdisciples.com/summit/2026

Join Ken Adams and Kathryn Rahn on the Disciple Making Church Podcast as they walk through the heart and vision behind the Disciple Making Summit 2026—Impact Ministries’ largest discipleship event of the year.In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why the Summit exists and who it’s for • This year’s theme: Ordinary Disciple Makers (Acts 4:13) • Keynote speakers and breakout sessions • How to register and plan your Summit experienceWhether you’re a pastor, church leader, or disciple maker, this episode will inspire and equip you to grow a culture of disciple making in your local church.Register for the Summit: https://impactdisciples.com/summit/2026 Watch the full podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/zHrQuNf1MiI

Discovery Groups are small, home-based outreach groups designed to connect with people far from God by addressing real-life needs like marriage challenges. These 5-6 week groups bring together couples from the same neighborhood to discuss practical marriage tools in a safe, welcoming environment. Led by volunteer couples without special training, they use structured materials that encourage authentic sharing and relationship building. The approach combines evangelism and discipleship, often leading to gospel conversations and lasting friendships. Many groups result in people coming to faith or connecting with local churches, making this a powerful strategy for community outreach that has been producing fruit for over twenty years.

What if your church could return to the simple but powerful mission Jesus gave 2,000 years ago? Impact Ministries is helping churches worldwide move from event-driven programming to relationship-driven discipleship. From building training centers in Zambia to reaching 2,000 leaders in Uganda, this global movement is creating eternal impact. How is your church currently making disciples? What would transformation look like in your community?

Many churches scramble for leaders—but Jesus showed a better way. He didn’t tell us to make leaders; He told us to make disciples. From discipleship flows leaders who know the mission, embody Christ’s character, and develop others.Learn how intentional discipleship creates a “stock pond” of ready-to-lead, Christ-centered leaders. Strong disciples = strong leaders. 🚀🎧 Learn more at impactdisciples.com. Check out the podcast!

Is your church just offering discipleship as one option on the menu, or is your entire church the pathway to spiritual growth? Jesus didn't have a discipleship program—He WAS the pathway. What if everything your church does moved people intentionally toward becoming disciples who make disciples? Discover the game-changing shift from having a pathway to being one!

What if we could recapture Jesus' original blueprint for church growth? He didn't build with programs or buildings—He built through disciples who made disciples. Are your evangelism and discipleship efforts separated or integrated as Jesus intended? Discover how returning to His simple but revolutionary approach could transform your ministry and unleash exponential growth.

Church planting should focus on establishing disciple-making communities that follow Jesus' original model, not just starting new gatherings. Jesus planted the first church by embedding Himself in a community, building a leadership team, attracting followers, creating small groups, developing disciples, and raising reproducible leaders. Effective church planting requires training, community, resources, mentorship, and financial support. The ultimate goal isn't merely increasing the number of churches but creating movements of multiplying disciples who transform communities and fulfill the Great Commission as Jesus intended.

Jesus didn't just hang out with His disciples—He intentionally taught them theology, Scripture, prayer, and mission. Are we creating informed Christians or transformed disciples who can multiply? Discover the critical elements of effective discipleship that creates not just followers, but disciple-makers who reflect Christ's character and continue His mission

In this episode of the Impact Discipleship Podcast, we dive into a personal story of transformation—how one conversation in 2016 shifted the direction of my faith journey forever.I share how I went from simply volunteering with teens to leading intentional small groups of men focused on making disciples who make disciples. You'll hear how God used a simple truth to inspire lasting impact:"Anyone can count the seeds in an apple, but only God can count the apples in a seed."We talk legacy, leadership, spiritual multiplication, and the calling each of us has to invest in others.✅ Whether you're new to disciple making or leading your 5th group, this episode will encourage and challenge you to step into your calling.🔗 Learn more about our mission at: https://impactdisciples.com 📱 Follow us on Instagram: @impactdisciples

In this episode of the Impact Discipleship Podcast, we dive into a personal story of transformation—how one conversation in 2016 shifted the direction of my faith journey forever.I share how I went from simply volunteering with teens to leading intentional small groups of men focused on making disciples who make disciples. You'll hear how God used a simple truth to inspire lasting impact:"Anyone can count the seeds in an apple, but only God can count the apples in a seed."We talk legacy, leadership, spiritual multiplication, and the calling each of us has to invest in others.✅ Whether you're new to disciple making or leading your 5th group, this episode will encourage and challenge you to step into your calling.🔗 Learn more about our mission at: https://impactdisciples.com 📱 Follow us on Instagram: @impactdisciples

Discipleship is a transformative journey that begins when someone invests in our spiritual growth. Through consistent Bible study, mentorship, and intentional relationships, disciples learn to pour into others' lives while deepening their own faith. This multiplication effect creates generations of believers who understand and apply God's Word. The key to successful discipleship lies in making it a non-negotiable priority, focusing on younger generations, and creating sustainable patterns of spiritual growth and leadership development.

Athletics provides a powerful platform for demonstrating Christ-like character and making disciples. Through intentional discipleship in sports, individuals can model the fruit of the Spirit while competing at high levels. Effective discipleship involves regular small group meetings, systematic teaching, and practical application in competitive contexts. Athletes and coaches can significantly impact others by demonstrating Spirit-controlled responses, positively influencing teammates and opponents, and building intentional relationships focused on spiritual growth.

In this episode, Ken and Ron dive deep into the origins of the Disciple-Making Summit, an event designed to equip and train believers in the powerful art of disciple-making. With the Summit fast approaching on January 31 – February 1, 2025, Ken and Ron share the heart behind this transformative gathering and explain how it all started.You'll hear about the vision for the summit, the challenges and joys of creating such an event, and why disciple-making is essential for every believer today. Whether you’re new to disciple-making or want to sharpen your skills, this conversation will inspire and equip you to become more intentional in your calling to make disciples.

Join us as we explore the core values of a disciple-making church. In this episode, we dive into the importance of a disciple-making focus and the foundation of scriptural authority. Learn how Jesus’ mission to make disciples can transform not just your church, but the world around you. Tune in for insights on how to lead with purpose and stay grounded in God’s Word.

The Value of Prayer, Faith, & the Holy SpiritIn this episode, we dive into the power of prayer, faith, and relying on the Holy Spirit to guide the church. Discover practical steps on how to start your ministry with prayer, follow God’s calling, and serve using your unique gifts and passions. Tune in for inspiration to grow a more vibrant and fruitful ministry.

Ken shares how small groups aren’t just about numbers but about deep connections and spiritual growth. They’re the heart of intentional discipleship, fostering mature believers who multiply impact naturally.✨ Key Points:Intentional Growth: Small groups drive personal and spiritual growth.Community & Support: They build authentic relationships and accountability.Multiplication: Mature disciples naturally grow the church.👉 Dive deeper at ImpactDisciples.com for insights on leveraging small groups for impactful discipleship. Share with fellow believers passionate about disciple-making! 🚀

Excited to dive into a new episode of the Disciple Making Church podcast with Mike Keaton and Ken Adams, exploring the values guiding a disciple-making church. Today, it’s all about being "Organized for Growth." Healthy things grow, and for a church, that means growing both its people and its community. The focus? Helping individuals mature spiritually, then multiply that growth. Key? Establishing clear processes and structures for discipleship, even if it means embracing change for continued growth. Check out ImpactDisciples.com for more episodes and insights!

In this episode, Pastor Ken Adams and Mike Keaton dive deep into the value of being "relationship-centered" in ministry. They remind us that the heart of the church is all about people helping people. From evangelism to leadership, it's all driven by relationships. Let's refocus on what truly matters - connecting with one another and helping each other grow in faith.

What does it mean to be culturally relevant? We want to be a church that relates to the culture we’re trying to reach, just as Jesus related to the people He came to save.Join hosts Ron Cansler and Ken Adams, Founder and Director of Impact Discipleship Ministries, as they delve into the vital topic of values in the life of a disciple-making church.In this episode, they explore the significance of being culturally relevant, drawing parallels to how Jesus interacted with the culture of His time. Discover how a church's values can unite or divide, and gain insights on maintaining an uncompromising message in a constantly changing world.Tune in for practical examples and valuable takeaways on how your local church can authentically connect with its community without compromising its core beliefs. Don't miss out on this important conversation![Episode Length: XX:XX]

Discover How to Make a Global Impact with the Disciple-Making Church Strategy! Learn powerful strategies, real-life stories, and practical tips to create a lasting global impact.

Games and events are fun, but are they effectively engaging your students? Are your current plans strategically aligned to foster the growth of your youth groups into dedicated disciples of Jesus?In this podcast, our team member Mike Keaton, who also serves at Crossroads Church, sits down with Jesse Norton and Dominic Jacques, also staff members at Crossroads. Tune in as they offer thoughtful insights from their experience in youth ministry, providing invaluable recommendations for other churches on how to empower and uplift their youth pastors in the pursuit of multiplying disciples of Jesus.

Join us for a conversation on the role of preaching and pastoring in a disciple-making church! Check out our upcoming seminars and pastors' equipping groups at impactdisciples.com/events.

Bill Jessup was a part of the first discipleship group Ken Adams ever led that launched in the basement of Ken's parents' home. Since that time, a lot has happened in the lives and ministries of Ken and Bill. Listen in on their thoughts and insights on starting a discipleship group on the podcast now!

Impact team members Ken Adams and Lance Sumner discuss the critical role small groups play in helping your church make and multiply disciples of Jesus.“People in the church are here to support each other and build each other up. In a small group setting, individuals are much more likely to open up about the best and worst things happening in their lives in a way that would never happen in a large church service.”

We hope you were able to join us in January for one of the largest events Impact hosts annually! Looking back, here are some thoughts from our team on that weekend. “Every year, the Summit gets better and better. The main sessions, breakouts, worship - it’s all incredible. And one of the things I continually hear from people attending is, ‘I needed this.’ And it's true. I come away from the Summit every year thinking, 'We need this now more than we’ve ever needed it.’ We get revival and revitalization and renewal through going back to how Jesus originally designed His Church to be: a movement of multiplying disciples."

"Jesus made disciples and then appointed them to be leaders. That's a very different mindset of leadership development and deploying leaders. You've got to see discipleship ultimately as training for ministry."

Our team members are here to give you all the details on the Disciple Making Summit 2023! Check out our latest podcast and learn more about everything we have planned.

"Disciple Making is a process, it’s a journey. You’re going somewhere. We want to take people on a journey to becoming fully trained disciples. We’re helping them reach next 'stages of growth' through our next steps process." This month Jennifer Walker and Mike Keaton from Crossroads Church gave us all the details on their next steps process for new members and how you can set up a similar "path to spiritual growth" in your ministry!

"We exist to create these compelling environments where people encounter God and connect with Christ in His Church [...] Weekend services are a piece for us for helping people go from untrained to fully trained disciples." Learn more about how Jasper and his team create a compelling weekend experience at Crossroads Church.You can learn more about how to become a Disciple Making Church at http://impactdisciples.com/.

Join Impact team members Ken Adam and Ron Cansler as they interview Scott McInnis on his work with Crossroads Church and how he connects to the culture through his ministry with the "Five Doors" outreach strategy. Read more about this model on the blog: https://impactdisciples.com/the-five-door-church/.

Welcome to the Disciple Making Church Podcast! In this episode, Impact Team members Ken Adams and Mike Keaton introduce you to the podcast and let you know what is to come.This podcast will focus on the "nuts and bolts" of disciple making and will feature content focused on the Disciple Making Church strategy. We will interview special guests who specialize in various areas of our strategy and hear practical tips from them on how to implement a disciple making focus in your specific area of ministry.Make sure to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts and YouTube! You can find all of the links here on our website: https://impactdisciples.com/podcasts.

Ken Adams, Ron Cansler, and Lance Sumner discuss disciple making in the local church!

Ken Adams, Ron Cansler, and special guest Paul Vasquez discuss disciple making in Spanish-speaking churches and the Latina community!

"Every pastor ought to be a Disciple Making Pastor. But if pastors are not set up to pursue the mission of the Church, they are going to lose their way.” How do we set up pastors to pursue the mission of the Church? We find the best model and method for disciple making in the life of Jesus Christ, and we can look to His life to guide our goals and objectives as disciple makers. In this podcast series, we will be studying six priorities of a Disciple Making Pastor based on the model Jesus gave us. Join us as we dive into the first priority of Disciple Making Pastors: Lead Toward Mission.