The Known Disciple Project

A lot of Christian men are not losing their faith because of one huge mistake, they are drifting. Slowly. Quietly. Without even realizing it. One distracted morning turns into a missed quiet time. One missed prayer becomes a pattern. One season of isolation turns into spiritual distance, lost purpose, and a life that feels flat. In this episode of The Known Disciple Project podcast, Mark Hummel and Justin talk about spiritual drift, biblical masculinity, Christian discipline, responsibility, prayer, Scripture, and how men can come back to God when they feel distracted, disconnected, or spiritually stuck. This conversation is for Christian men who know they were made for more, but feel pulled away by social media, busyness, chaos, isolation, lack of purpose, or passive living. You’ll hear real examples of how drift shows up in faith, fitness, relationships, work, family, and spiritual habits. More importantly, you’ll learn how to recognize drift early, anchor yourself again, take responsibility, build small habits, sharpen your spiritual axe, and stop trying to follow Jesus alone. Highlights: → You’ll learn what spiritual drift really is and why it often looks less like rebellion and more like distraction, passivity, and slowly taking your hands off the wheel. → Mark and Justin break down how Christian men drift from prayer, Scripture, relationships, fitness, purpose, and responsibility without noticing until they feel isolated or spiritually empty. → You’ll hear practical ways to rebuild your spiritual life through five-minute disciplines, Scripture reading, prayer, journaling, asking better questions, and creating protected time with God. → The conversation also covers why men need brotherhood, accountability, and other strong Christian men around them if they want to stay anchored and keep growing in biblical masculinity. Want to learn more about Mark Hummel? Check out the links below. Facebook LinkedIn Instagram Want to learn more about The Known Disciple Project? Check out the links below. Facebook Instagram TikTok YouTube Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you trying to lead before God has formed you? In this episode of The Known Disciple Project Podcast, Mark Hummel and Justin Rhodes talk about Christian leadership, spiritual formation, identity in Christ, and why great leaders must first become great followers. If you feel called to lead in your family, business, church, ministry, marriage, team, or personal life, this conversation will challenge you to slow down, stop performing, and ask the deeper question: who am I becoming? Too many Christian leaders rush from calling to influence without allowing God to build character, humility, prayer, discipline, and self-awareness first. That shortcut often leads to burnout, ego-driven leadership, control, weak culture, and painful failure. Mark and Justin unpack biblical leadership through the lives of Jesus, Paul, Peter, David, and others, showing why formation always comes before faithful leadership. This episode is for growth-minded Christians who want to lead with conviction, follow Jesus more deeply, build healthier culture, and become the kind of leader God can trust. You’ll learn: → Why leadership starts with followership. → How ego and performance can quietly shape the way you lead. → Why prayer and Scripture are essential for spiritual formation. → How identity work helps close the gap between who you think you are and who God says you are. Want to learn more about Mark Hummel? Check out the links below. Facebook LinkedIn Instagram Want to learn more about The Known Disciple Project? Check out the links below. Facebook Instagram TikTok YouTube Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Comfort feels safe, but it can quietly weaken your faith, your discipline, your leadership, and your ability to endure when life gets hard. In this episode of The Known Disciple Project Podcast, Mark and Justin talk about why Christian men must choose hard things on purpose, build spiritual strength, and stop living passively. This conversation is for men of faith who know they are called to more: stronger leadership, deeper discipleship, better marriage, greater self-control, and a more disciplined walk with Jesus. If you have ever felt stuck, isolated, spiritually lazy, or comfortable when you know God is calling you higher, this episode will challenge and encourage you. You’ll hear why doing hard things builds endurance, why accountability with other Christian men matters, how suffering can produce character and hope, and how small steps can rebuild your spiritual life. From men’s groups and Bible reading to marriage, fitness, rucking, self-control, and leadership, this episode gives a practical look at what it means to grow as a fully devoted follower of Christ. You’ll learn: → How discipline prepares men for future trials → Why isolation makes Christian men more vulnerable → How to start building accountability with other men → Why spiritual growth often begins with simple basics like prayer, Scripture, and one small act of obedience Want to learn more about Mark Hummel? Check out the links below. Facebook LinkedIn Instagram Want to learn more about The Known Disciple Project? Check out the links below. Facebook Instagram TikTok YouTube Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you feel ashamed of repetitive sin, spiritually stuck, or far from God, this episode is for you. In this episode, we talk about what to do when you drift away from God, how to deal with guilt and shame as a Christian, and how to come back to Christ with humility and faith.  So many believers struggle with spiritual drift, repeated sin, loss of momentum in their walk with Jesus, and the feeling that they are not worthy to pray, worship, or even open their Bible. But the truth of the gospel is that Jesus is bigger than your drift, bigger than your guilt, and bigger than the shame that keeps telling you to hide. This episode is a practical and biblical encouragement for Christians who want to refocus on Jesus, rebuild spiritual momentum, overcome condemnation, and return to a close relationship with God.  If you have ever wondered how to get back to God after sin, how to stop drifting spiritually, or how to follow Jesus again after falling, this conversation will remind you that grace is real, repentance matters, and the way back starts by turning your eyes toward Christ. You’ll Learn:  → Why shame often pushes Christians away from God when Scripture calls us to run toward Him instead.  → How the prodigal son reveals the heart of the Father toward those who return after drifting.  → How Peter’s failure did not cancel his calling, and why your struggle does not mean you are disqualified from being used by God.  → Why humility, confession, accountability, and daily refocusing on Jesus are essential for overcoming repetitive sin and rebuilding a strong Christian walk. Want to learn more about Mark Hummel? Check out the links below. Facebook LinkedIn Instagram Want to learn more about The Known Disciple Project? Check out the links below. Facebook Instagram TikTok YouTube Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Where are You, God? If you’ve ever prayed, if you’ve ever felt spiritually numb, distant, or like God went silent, this episode is for you. Many disciples of Jesus hit seasons where prayer feels empty, worship feels dry, and the Bible feels like words on a page. And if you’re not careful, doubt grows into a terrifying lie: “God isn’t in my life.” But Scripture tells a different story.  In this episode of The Known Disciple Project with Mark Hummel, we walk through biblical proof that God is always present with His people, and that His desire has always been to dwell with you. This isn’t about trying harder, performing better, or “earning” closeness with God. That performance mindset will exhaust you and keep you chasing God like He’s running away. Instead, the Bible reveals a consistent theme: God moves toward humanity. From the Garden of Eden, to the tabernacle, to the temple, to Jesus as Emmanuel, to the Holy Spirit living in you, God’s presence is covenantal. It’s His promise, not your emotional roller coaster.  If you feel far from God, it doesn’t mean God is far. It means you’re being invited to wake up to what’s already true. Highlights → You’ll learn why “feeling distant” doesn’t equal “God is distant,” and how the enemy’s greatest win is convincing you that God is absent.  → We’ll unpack the dangerous “performance lens” that makes you believe closeness with God depends on perfect habits, perfect prayer, or perfect obedience.  → You’ll see the storyline of God’s presence across Scripture, from Genesis to Revelation, so you can rebuild confidence in God’s nearness even when emotions are quiet.  → A practical shift: discipline doesn’t summon God; it simply orients your heart to recognize the God who’s already there. Want to learn more about Mark Hummel? Check out the links below. Facebook LinkedIn Instagram Want to learn more about The Known Disciple Project? Check out the links below. Facebook Instagram TikTok YouTube Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’ve ever committed your life to Jesus and still felt stuck, like your beliefs don’t match your habits, this episode is for you.  Many Christians try to grow spiritually by doing “Christian things” (Bible reading, church, prayer)… but still feel the tension of temptation, relapse, shame, and double-minded living. In James 4:7, God gives a simple but powerful blueprint for real transformation: submit yourself to God and resist the devil, two active commands, not one. When we only submit without resisting, we stay vulnerable and confused. When we resist without submitting, we rely on willpower and burn out.  In this podcast, we break down what submission to God looks like in real life, what it means to resist temptation in your thought life and routines, and how to rebuild after failure through grace. If you want spiritual maturity, daily discipline, and a faith that shows up in your actions, not just your intentions, this message will help you live with clarity, strength, and joy while following Jesus. Highlights: → You’ll learn the practical meaning of biblical submission—how to trust God with outcomes while taking responsibility for effort in your work, family, health, and daily decisions.  → You’ll hear why resisting the devil is an active stance, not passive avoidance, and how Scripture frames spiritual warfare as standing firm with intentional habits and boundaries.  → You’ll also discover the HALT vulnerability pattern (hungry, alone, lonely, tired) and how to build safeguards that make obedience easier than compromise.  → Finally, you’ll learn what to do when you fail, how repentance, confession, and getting back up quickly (Proverbs 24:16, 1 John 1:9) keep you moving forward without drowning in shame. Want to learn more about Mark Hummel? Check out the links below. Facebook LinkedIn Instagram Want to learn more about The Known Disciple Project? Check out the links below. Facebook Instagram TikTok YouTube Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’re grinding through life on sheer willpower, working harder, waking up earlier, chasing goals, trying to stay disciplined, but still feeling burned out, lonely, and stuck in busy work… this episode is for you. As a Christian entrepreneur (and as a disciple of Jesus), you weren’t designed to live in hustle culture and constant exhaustion. Jesus said His yoke is light, so if your life feels heavy, it’s time to stop and rebuild the order of how you’re living.  In this episode of The Known Disciple Project Podcast, we walk through the Identity → Life Vision → Life Alignment model we coach inside Known Disciple Project. Most people live backwards: they obsess over habits, routines, goals, grit, and grind… then try to create a vision… and eventually crash into identity confusion, fraud syndrome, and burnout.  This conversation helps you flip the equation so your goals actually align with who God says you are. If you want more impact by doing fewer things, more clarity, more peace, and a meaningful life built on biblical identity, press play. You’ll Learn: → You’ll learn why grind culture creates the burnout cycle and disconnects you from your purpose.  → You’ll discover how biblical identity in Christ becomes the filter for your habits, goals, routines, and non-negotiables.  → You’ll learn how to build a life vision that matches your gifts and calling to love God and serve others.  → And you’ll get a practical journaling exercise using four simple questions to expose the gap between your current lifestyle and what Scripture teaches, so you can close that gap with intention. Want to learn more about Mark Hummel? Check out the links below. Facebook LinkedIn Instagram Want to learn more about The Known Disciple Project? Check out the links below. Facebook Instagram TikTok YouTube Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever felt the frustrating tension between who God says you are and how you actually live? Like you know you’re a new creation, but your life still reflects old patterns, doubts, or shame? You're not alone, and you're not broken. You're a disciple in progress. In this episode of The Known Disciple Project, Mark Hummel takes us into one of the most crucial and overlooked struggles for modern Christians: the identity gap, the space between our God-given identity and our real-life behavior. Drawing from personal experience, deep biblical truth, and years of discipleship, Mark names the problem we all feel but rarely know how to solve. You’ll learn what biblical identity really means, why knowing the truth isn't enough to change your behavior, and most importantly, how intentional discipleship is the pathway to living like you actually believe what God says about you. With raw honesty and practical insight, Mark guides you through not only understanding the gap, but beginning to close it, step by step. Key Takeaways: → Your identity in Christ is given, not earned, and it’s unchanging. → There’s a gap between who God says you are and who you believe yourself to be. → Knowing the truth doesn’t automatically lead to transformation. → Discipleship is the ongoing, active process that closes the identity gap. → You can begin closing the gap today by asking three key questions about alignment. “Discipleship is how we close the identity gap, it’s not passive. It’s active, chosen, and Spirit-led.” Grab a journal and answer the three reflection questions Mark shares, then share this episode with your small group or a friend who’s ready to grow. And don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a chance to grow as a known disciple. Want to learn more about Mark Hummel? Check out the links below. Facebook LinkedIn Instagram Want to learn more about The Known Disciple Project? Check out the links below. Facebook Instagram TikTok YouTube Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever feel like you’re reading your Bible consistently… but your understanding isn’t getting deeper and your life isn’t changing the way you hoped? You’re not alone. In this episode, we’re talking about how to study Scripture (not just skim it), so God’s Word moves from your eyes → to your mind → to your heart → to your actions. Because Bible study isn’t about checking a box, it’s about spiritual formation, building a life that’s rooted in truth, and creating space for the Holy Spirit to renew your thinking. We’ll look at why Scripture calls us to rightly handle the word of truth, why intentional participation matters for spiritual growth, and why “more reading” isn’t always the answer. You’ll learn a practical Bible study method you can use today, how to connect prayer and Bible reading, and how to build a Bible study habit that actually sticks, whether you have 15 minutes or an hour. If you’ve been wondering why your Bible time feels shallow, this will give you a clear, simple path to go deeper. What You’ll Learn: → The difference between reading the Bible and studying Scripture → Why growth requires intentional participation (not passive habits) → How to combine prayer + Scripture for deeper understanding → The 4-question Bible study method you can use with any passage → How to “go deep, not long” in 15–30 minutes → How curiosity (writing questions) unlocks stronger retention and insight → Helpful tools like BiblicalTraining.org and Bible Hub → Why Bible study is formation, not just information (Romans 12:2) Want to learn more about Mark Hummel? Check out the links below. Facebook LinkedIn Instagram Want to learn more about The Known Disciple Project? Check out the links below. Facebook Instagram TikTok YouTube Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’ve ever felt fired up to change, promised God you’d be different, started reading your Bible, praying more, showing up to church… and then quietly drifted back to the same habits, this episode is for you. The problem isn’t that you don’t “want it” badly enough. The problem is that motivation fades, and when pain or inspiration disappears, your actions disappear too. In this episode of The Known Disciple Project, we open James 1:22–24 and unpack why so many Christians become hearers of the Word but not doers, and why that leads to feeling stuck, lukewarm, and spiritually stalled. You’ll learn the biblical definition of spiritual growth (it’s not information, it’s transformation), why learning can feel productive without producing obedience, and how to build a daily plan that creates real follow-through as a disciple of Jesus. If you want consistent spiritual discipline, deeper connection with God, and a faith that shows up in your life, not just your head, this is your practical, Scripture-based reset. What You’ll Learn: → Why spiritual growth = transformation, not just Bible knowledge → The “mirror” warning in James 1 and what it reveals about discipleship → Why pain and inspiration start change, but rarely sustain it → How to stop relying on feelings and start relying on discipline + self-control → The right order: salvation → transformation → actions as evidence → A simple “bookend your day” routine (morning + evening with Jesus) → 2 journaling questions to expose where you’re stuck → The “one thing this week” method to build obedience into habit Want to learn more about Mark Hummel? Check out the links below. Facebook LinkedIn Instagram Want to learn more about The Known Disciple Project? Check out the links below. Facebook Instagram TikTok YouTube Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Spiritual growth can feel invisible, slow, or like it’s not happening at all. In this episode of the Known Disciple Project, we break down exactly how to know if you’re actually growing spiritually, beyond self-help, hustle, and religious performance.If you’ve ever wondered, “Am I really changing, or just checking boxes?” this one’s for you. Highlights: → Why decades of self-help and “know yourself, grow yourself” can actually confuse spiritual growth → The danger of performance-based faith, and how it nearly took Mark out in his 20s → 3 clear signs you’re truly growing spiritually (not just getting better at Christian habits) → How to measure spiritual growth by the fruit in your life, not your feelings or intentions → A practical framework for renewing your mind (beliefs → thoughts → emotions → actions → results) → Why love, obedience, and conviction are powerful maturity markers in a Christian’s life → A simple 90-day journal exercise to track your spiritual development with Jesus Want to learn more about Mark Hummel? Check out the links below. Facebook LinkedIn Instagram Want to learn more about The Known Disciple Project? Check out the links below. Facebook Instagram TikTok YouTube Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stuck in the same bad habits? It’s not laziness, it’s your brain’s safety mode. In this episode, learn how to break bad habits by rewiring your mind with neuroscience and Scripture so you can live like the disciple you’re becoming in Christ. Perfect for growth-minded Christians ready for real, sustainable change. What You’ll Learn: → A clear definition of “bad habit” (and why not all bad habits are sin) → The Habit Loop (cue → craving → routine → reward) and how to interrupt it → Romans 12:2 + 2 Corinthians 10:5: renewing your mind and taking thoughts captive → Why beliefs drive behaviors (belief → thoughts → emotions → actions) → Replacement > removal: swap routines while keeping the same cue/reward → Practical swaps: late-night scrolling, stress-drinking, and more (prayer, worship, journaling, movement) → 3 journal prompts + one identity-based affirmation to start today Want to learn more about Mark Hummel? Check out the links below. Facebook LinkedIn Instagram Want to learn more about The Known Disciple Project? Check out the links below. Facebook Instagram TikTok YouTube Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the one thing holding you back isn’t real at all? As growth-minded disciples of Jesus, many of us carry invisible chains, thoughts that whisper we’re not enough, not equipped, not ready. But what if those thoughts are lies? What if the very thing holding you back from your God-given calling is a belief planted by the enemy, not the truth of Scripture? In this episode of The Known Disciple Project, we tackle the powerful, often hidden force of limiting beliefs. These aren't just mental roadblocks, they’re spiritual warfare. Drawing from the GAELS framework, today’s focus is the “L” for Limiting Beliefs: lies that convince us we don’t have what we need to do what God has called us to do. You'll hear a raw personal story of how one such belief, rooted in fear of rejection, once kept the host from building meaningful relationships, only to be shattered by the truth of God’s Word. We’ll also break down the neuroscience behind why these beliefs stick, how they shape our identity, and most importantly, how to replace them with Christ-centered truths. In this episode, you’ll learn: → The true definition of a limiting belief, and why it’s more dangerous than you think → How repetition + emotion hardwire these lies into your mind → Why spiritual identity is the starting point for freedom and growth → Practical, faith-based strategies to expose and replace limiting beliefs → A journaling exercise that can unlock healing and clarity in just 7 days "If God has called you to it, He has already given you access to what you need. He will develop in you the rest as you are obedient to that calling." Don’t let lies dictate your destiny. Subscribe, share this episode with someone battling self-doubt, and take time today to journal through the prompt at the end of the show. Start shifting your mindset from limitation to liberation, grounded in Christ. Want to learn more about Mark Hummel? Check out the links below. Facebook LinkedIn Instagram Want to learn more about The Known Disciple Project? Check out the links below. Facebook Instagram TikTok YouTube Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever caught yourself in a heated argument… that never actually happened? You built a whole scene in your head, what they said, what you should have said, and walked away frustrated, victorious, or even wounded. But none of it was real. In this episode of The Known Disciple Project, we’re digging deep into the sneaky mental habit we all fall into: interpretation. Interpretations are the stories our minds tell to make sense of what we see, hear, and feel, especially when there are gaps. But here’s the catch: those stories are often wrong, and they shape how we treat others, how we handle conflict, and even how we see ourselves. This episode in the G.A.L.E.S. series (Gremlins, Assumptions, Interpretations, Limiting Beliefs) reveals why unchecked interpretations damage relationships, especially in marriage and business partnerships, and how disciples of Jesus can renew their minds by embracing curiosity over judgment. Host and high-performance coach Mark Hummel shares powerful examples from coaching couples in business, scripture-backed insights on how Jesus modeled curiosity, and a simple but life-changing mental shift you can make today. Whether you're leading a family, team, or just trying to better follow Jesus in daily life, this episode gives you tools to think more clearly, love more freely, and act more like Christ. Key Takeaways: → Interpretations are fast, subconscious stories we tell ourselves, often wrong, but powerfully influential. → Misinterpretation is a leading cause of breakdowns in communication, especially in marriages. → Curiosity is a spiritual weapon that disrupts negative thought loops and fosters clarity. → Jesus asked over 300 questions in the Gospels, curiosity was one of His most powerful tools. → Scripture, prayer, and godly community can reshape the stories your mind creates. “Curiosity is the opposite of just believing lies.”  Try this today: Journal one moment when you interpreted someone’s actions negatively. Then ask: What else might be true? Want to grow even more? Subscribe, share this episode with a friend, and come back next week for a deep dive into Limiting Beliefs. Be curious. Be courageous. Be known. Want to learn more about Mark Hummel? Check out the links below. Facebook LinkedIn Instagram Want to learn more about The Known Disciple Project? Check out the links below. Facebook Instagram TikTok YouTube Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the story you’re telling yourself… is completely wrong? In this eye-opening episode of The Known Disciple Project, host Mark Hummel dives into one of the sneakiest traps in both spiritual growth and everyday life: assumptions. We all make them, about people, situations, even God, and often without realizing it, they begin to shape how we see the world, ourselves, and our faith. Continuing in our GAIL series (Gremlins, Assumptions, Interpretations, Limiting beliefs), Mark unpacks what assumptions really are, why our brains rely on them, and how unchecked assumptions can become spiritual landmines. With powerful stories (including a vulnerable one from his own marriage), biblical insight, and even some nerdy neuroscience (hello, dual process theory!), this episode equips you to pause, get curious, and choose truth over assumption. You’ll discover how Romans 12:2 and 2 Corinthians 10:5 offer more than just spiritual inspiration, they’re real tools for rewiring your thinking and renewing your mind daily. Takeaways: → Assumptions are mental shortcuts, but they often pull from incomplete or false information. vOur brains use fast (system 1) and slow (system 2) thinking, assumptions happen in fast thinking. → Assumptions are influenced by what we consume, social media, culture, and past experiences. → Curiosity is a spiritual discipline that can help interrupt automatic, harmful thoughts. → Asking “Is this true?” can transform the way you respond to challenges and relationships. “Pausing doesn’t make you passive, it makes you wise.” -Mark Hummel  Your challenge this week: Identify one assumption you often make. Write it down, ask “What if this isn’t true?” and explore what else might be happening beneath the surface. If this episode spoke to you, share it with a friend, subscribe, and don’t forget to journal your thoughts, because transformation starts with awareness. Want to learn more about Mark Hummel? Check out the links below. Facebook LinkedIn Instagram Want to learn more about The Known Disciple Project? Check out the links below. Facebook Instagram TikTok YouTube Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever poured your heart into something, your marriage, your calling, your work, only to hear that little whisper in the back of your mind saying, “You’re not good enough”? If so, you’re not alone. That voice, that inner critic, has a way of showing up at the worst times, and for many disciples of Jesus, it becomes a barrier to living fully into our calling. In this episode of The Known Disciple Project Podcast, we’re diving into how to recognize, name, and overcome that voice, not by ignoring it, but by reframing it through both psychology and Scripture. Host Mark Hummel shares his own raw story of battling the gremlin in his head, hiding from TV cameras as a young paramedic, convinced no one wanted to hear his voice. He unpacks where this “not enough” message comes from, why it’s so convincing, and how it plays out as spiritual warfare. More importantly, you’ll learn practical and biblical tools to quiet that gremlin and replace lies with truth. By the end of this conversation, you’ll have three actionable strategies to shift your thinking, renew your mind, and lean deeper into your true identity in Christ. Key Takeaways: → Your inner critic is not your identity, it’s a thought pattern shaped by past experiences. → Naming your gremlin helps strip it of power and influence. → Scripture calls us to “take captive every thought” and reframe it in truth. → Gratitude and identity statements are powerful tools for rewiring your thought patterns. → You were created in the image of God, not in the image of doubt. “You are not the voice in your head saying you’re not good enough, you are the one who hears it, which means you get to decide what to do with it.” Don’t forget, subscribe, share this episode with a growth-minded friend, and join us again for part three of the GALES series. Want to learn more about Mark Hummel? Check out the links below. Facebook LinkedIn Instagram Want to learn more about The Known Disciple Project? Check out the links below. Facebook Instagram TikTok YouTube Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you really being judged, or just believing you are? We all feel it, that sting of judgment from others, whether it’s a disapproving glance at church or a quiet voice in our own heads. But what if the real weight of judgment doesn’t come from the outside… but from within? In this kickoff episode of a powerful five-part series, host Mark Hummel takes us into the heart of one of the most quietly destructive forces in the life of a disciple: internal judgment. Mark shares raw, personal stories, from childhood field day heartbreak to deep-rooted feelings of abandonment, and helps listeners recognize how these early moments shape the way we interpret judgment today. Through biblical truth and psychological insight, he unpacks how our thoughts, not others’ opinions, are often the loudest voices condemning us. This episode introduces the framework of GAILs, Gremlins, Assumptions, Interpretations, and Limiting Beliefs, and invites you to examine the internal scripts that may be holding you back from authentic connection, growth, and mission. Takeaways: → Judgment hurts most when it echoes what we already fear about ourselves. → God’s judgment is rooted in truth and love, not shame. → Internal judgment often comes from hidden mental filters formed early in life. → The GAILs framework reveals how your mind might be sabotaging your relationships and self-worth. → Awareness is the first step toward freedom and spiritual maturity. “The weight of judgment is rarely about what people say, it's about what we believe.” - Mark Hummel Take 15 minutes this week to journal through your own GAILs. Ask yourself: Where am I letting old beliefs shape my current reality? Then, subscribe and share this episode with someone who’s ready to break free from the invisible chains of internal judgment. Want to learn more about Mark Hummel? Check out the links below. Facebook LinkedIn Instagram Want to learn more about The Known Disciple Project? Check out the links below. Facebook Instagram TikTok YouTube Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever feel like there's never enough time, energy, or focus to grow spiritually? You’re not lazy. You’re just spent. And you're not alone. In this episode of The Known Disciple Project, Mark Hummel pulls back the curtain on one of the most common struggles among growth-minded disciples of Jesus: mental fatigue and chronic distraction. If you’ve ever said, “I want to grow, I just don’t have the bandwidth,” this one’s for you. Mark shares his personal journey from content zombie to focused disciple, breaking down how we can reclaim our capacity and get serious about the habits that lead to transformation. With biblical insights and practical strategies, this episode is packed with tools to help you protect your time, refuel your soul, and create rhythms that actually support spiritual growth. From high-performance hacks to Sabbath rest, you’ll learn how to stop running on empty and start growing with purpose. What You’ll Learn: → Why multitasking is killing your energy, and what to do instead → How time blocking and batching can give you back hours of focus → What it means to truly refuel (hint: it’s not just sleep) → The difference between solitude and isolation, and why it matters spiritually → How to create a Sabbath rhythm that refreshes your soul “The amount of things we consume is completely irrelevant to what we do with those things.” -Mark Hummel Write down one or two spiritual rhythms you want more time and energy for. What’s robbing you of that time? Pick one strategy from this episode and implement it this week. Then, journal how it changes your energy and focus.  Don’t forget to subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave a review so more disciples can grow with us. Until next week, be known. Want to learn more about Mark Hummel? Check out the links below. Facebook LinkedIn Instagram Want to learn more about The Known Disciple Project? Check out the links below. Facebook Instagram TikTok YouTube Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if your doubts weren’t a threat to your faith, but an invitation to grow it? In this episode of The Known Disciple Project, host Mark Hummel dives deep into a topic most of us wrestle with but rarely voice: doubt. Whether it’s doubt about God, your calling, your business, or even your own worth, it can feel like a silent signal that something’s broken. But what if that’s not true? Mark unpacks how doubt is more than just uncertainty, it’s an opportunity. Drawing from the story of “Doubting Thomas” in John 20, we’re shown a biblical model where Jesus doesn’t condemn doubt, He meets it with grace. This episode offers a powerful mindset shift: curiosity, not certainty, is the antidote to doubt. You'll learn how to stop fearing your doubt and start exploring it with purpose. Mark walks through three transformative truths: → Doubt is not evil, it’s a signal to go deeper. → Curiosity opens the door to clarity. → Better questions can lead to breakthrough understanding. Key Takeaways: → Doubt thrives in silence and avoidance, but withers in the light of curiosity. → Jesus modeled how to engage doubt with compassion, not condemnation. → Certainty isn’t always possible, but curiosity keeps us growing. → Great questions are tools for transformation; use them to explore, not escape. → Generative, open-ended questions deepen your walk with God and clarify your calling. “Doubt is not a sign something’s broken, it’s a sign something’s waiting to be explored.” - Mark Hummel Subscribe, share this episode with a fellow disciple, and this week, journal your doubts, turn them into questions, and bring them to God. This is the way. Want to learn more about Mark Hummel? Check out the links below. Facebook LinkedIn Instagram Want to learn more about The Known Disciple Project? Check out the links below. Facebook Instagram TikTok YouTube Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most of us have a powerful picture of the life we want, a vision that stirs our hearts, fills us with purpose, and feels aligned with God’s call. But when it comes to turning that vision into a real, actionable plan? That’s where the wheels fall off. Sound familiar? In this episode of The Known Disciple Project, Mark Hummel tackles one of the most frustrating roadblocks for growth-minded Christians: how to bridge the gap between having a compelling vision and actually living it out. Whether you’re dreaming of a life that honors God, impacts others, and makes the most of your gifts, or you’re just tired of feeling stuck and directionless, this episode will help you start building your personal roadmap. Mark shares his journey from simply discovering his vision to actually pursuing it, one step at a time. He introduces a powerful 1-3-5 year vision framework, explains why most goal-setting fails, and offers a deeply practical approach to creating life momentum without burning out. This isn’t just strategy; it’s discipleship with intentionality. In this episode, you’ll learn: → Why most Christians feel stuck between where they are and where they want to be → How to create a vivid and emotionally compelling vision for your life → The 1-3-5 framework for mapping your future → Why who you become matters more than what you achieve → The power of eliminating distractions to make room for what matters “High performance is almost never about adding more things to our plate. It’s almost always about focusing on less things and having more impact.” – Mark Hummel Your move: Take 15 minutes today to write out your 1-, 3-, and 5-year life vision and the kind of person you need to become to live it out. Then subscribe, share this episode with your community, and let’s build lives that make Jesus known. Want to learn more about Mark Hummel? Check out the links below. Facebook LinkedIn Instagram Want to learn more about The Known Disciple Project? Check out the links below. Facebook Instagram TikTok YouTube Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why is lasting change so hard? Why do we set goals, crave transformation, and yet months later feel stuck in the same patterns? In this episode of The Known Disciple Project Podcast, host Mark Hummel tackles one of the most frustrating experiences for any growth-minded follower of Jesus: the gap between our desire to change and the reality of unchanged habits. But what if the problem isn’t lack of motivation, but too much complexity? Mark introduces the life-changing concept of the keystone habit, a single, powerful practice that can cause a cascade of other positive changes. Drawing from both Scripture and habit research, this episode shows how you can simplify your personal and spiritual growth plan, stop being overwhelmed, and start making real, visible progress. You’ll learn: → What a keystone habit is, and why it matters more than any checklist → How to identify your personal keystone habit → Why most people fail to change (hint: it’s not laziness) → How to spot and remove roadblocks before they stop you → The secret power of a 15-minute weekly goal review“You don’t need ten new habits, you need one that makes everything else easier.” If you’re ready to simplify your path to transformation, this episode will give you a clear framework you can start using today. 👉 Challenge: Identify your keystone habit, name three roadblocks, and schedule your weekly check-in. Then, share this episode with a friend who’s ready to grow. And don’t forget to subscribe! To learn more about Mark Hummel, use the following links: Facebook LinkedIn Instagram To learn more about The Known Disciple Project, use the following links: Facebook Instagram TikTok YouTube Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if your biggest prayer struggle isn’t a discipline issue, but a misunderstanding of what prayer is actually for? In this episode of The Known Disciple Project, Mark Hummel dives headfirst into one of the most common spiritual frustrations: Why is prayer so hard to do consistently, even when we know it’s essential? We’re told to “pray without ceasing,” but most of us barely manage five distracted minutes. So what gives? Here’s the twist: prayer might not be failing you… your expectations of prayer might be. Mark walks us through how our understanding of prayer often shapes whether or not we stick with it. And he introduces a surprisingly simple, but deeply powerful, tool to help: the Friendship Formula, a concept borrowed from behavioral psychology and applied directly to our spiritual lives. Using four elements, proximity, frequency, duration, and intensity, you’ll learn how to build a more consistent, more connected prayer life that actually feels like a relationship. You’ll discover how small shifts in your environment, mindset, and emotional honesty can transform prayer from a lifeless routine into a life-giving bond with God. This isn’t about checking boxes, it’s about becoming the kind of disciple whose heart aligns with Christ, day by day. Key takeaways: → Why our expectations of prayer often sabotage our experience → The difference between praying continually and praying on purpose → How proximity, frequency, duration, and intensity apply to your relationship with God → Why prayer is less about changing your circumstances and more about changing you → A practical journaling exercise to design your personal prayer rhythm “Intimacy with God isn’t built through effort alone, it’s built through intentional presence, honest emotion, and regular connection.” - Mark Hummel Ready to stop guessing and start growing? Take 5 minutes today to write out your personal prayer action plan using the four principles, and then give it a week. You’ll be amazed at the difference. 👉 Subscribe, share this with a friend, and help us grow more disciples who actually walk with Jesus. To learn more about Mark Hummel use the following links: Facebook LinkedIn Instagram To learn more about The Known Disciple Project use the following links: Facebook Instagram TikTok YouTube Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this powerful episode of The Known Disciple Project Podcast, host Mark Hummel gets real about one of the most underrated but essential skills for any growth-minded follower of Jesus: the ability to rebuild momentum. Whether you’ve fallen off your morning routine, stalled in your prayer life, or just feel out of sync, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and spiritual grounding to help you get back on track without shame or overwhelm. Mark shares from his own journey and coaching experience, explaining why so many people never recover their rhythm; and how you can avoid that trap with one simple tool: a four-question clarity exercise that takes less than ten minutes to reset your focus and direction. You'll learn the difference between taking a healthy break and just drifting, how boredom and stress sabotage your growth, and why writing things down is non-negotiable. If you’ve ever hit a wall in your routines or felt like giving up, this episode offers a grace-filled path forward. Rebuilding isn’t failure; it’s discipleship in motion. Don’t miss this encouraging yet no-excuses conversation that blends spiritual identity with high-performance coaching. Key Takeaways: → Most people fail to rebuild momentum because they set unrealistic expectations. → Routine boredom is normal; learn to interrupt the pattern before burnout. → There’s a difference between taking a break and unconsciously quitting. → Writing your routines down is essential for clarity and accountability. → The 4-question reset helps disciples align daily habits with identity and vision. “It’s not about never falling off; it's about knowing exactly how to get back on.” To learn more about Mark Hummel, use the following links: Facebook LinkedIn Instagram To learn more about The Known Disciple Project, use the following links: Facebook Instagram TikTok YouTube Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Known Disciple Project, Mark Hummel breaks down one of the most misunderstood words in both church and self-development spaces: discipline. Is it about white-knuckling your way to success? Or is it something deeper; something Jesus actually modeled? Mark explores the real meaning of self-discipline, not as a punishment or a grind, but as a path to spiritual growth, transformation, and resilience. Spoiler: you’re already disciplined. The question is, toward what? Mark unpacks the biblical vision of consistency over intensity, revealing how small, faithful actions train us to resist temptation, become more like Christ, and ultimately live a life that’s rooted, not restless. Whether you're hitting snooze, feeling stuck, or fighting to stay spiritually aligned, this episode gives you a clear, practical framework to anchor your days in purpose, not pressure. Key Takeaways: → Self-discipline is already present; you’re just applying it somewhere. → Micro-decisions build spiritual stamina and resilience. → Intensity fades. Consistency forms identity. → Undisciplined lives leave open doors to temptation. → Discipline isn’t who you are; it’s how you become who you are.“Discipline isn’t about handcuffs; it’s about becoming someone who’s free to live on purpose.” To learn more about Mark Hummel use the following links: Facebook LinkedIn Instagram To learn more about The Known Disciple Project use the following links: Facebook Instagram TikTok YouTube Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Known Disciple Project podcast, host Mark Hummel explores why we keep doing things we don’t want to do; like mindlessly scrolling, eating junk food, or hitting snooze; and how to break those patterns by addressing the beliefs driving them. Drawing from his early days as a Christian, Mark shares a personal story of intense spiritual habits that faded when his beliefs didn’t align with his actions. He offers three key insights to help listeners shift their identity and create lasting change, rooted in faith and practical steps. This episode is a must-listen for growth-minded Christians seeking to align their actions with their calling as disciples. Mark explains that actions stem from beliefs, not just willpower, which often fails without an identity shift. He highlights how the internal story we tell ourselves shapes our decisions and introduces a powerful question to transform beliefs: “What do I need to believe about myself to act differently?” Supported by scriptures like Proverbs 23:7, Romans 12:2, and 2 Corinthians 10:5, Mark emphasizes renewing the mind and inviting God into the process. He also provides two daily reflection questions to build self-awareness and align actions with whom you want to become. Tune in to discover how to stop unwanted habits and grow closer to Christ. Key Takeaways: → Beliefs Drive Actions: Your behavior reflects what you believe about yourself, not just your willpower. → Shift Your Inner Story: The narrative you tell yourself shapes your decisions; change it to change your patterns. → Ask the Key Question: Reflect on “What do I need to believe about myself to act differently?” to align beliefs with desired actions. → Daily Reflection: Ask, “What did I do today that reflects who I want to become?” and “What did I do today that reveals what I believe about myself?” to build awareness. → Invite God In: Pray through these questions and rely on God’s guidance, as transformation is impossible without Him (Mark 10:27). “Transformation doesn’t start with action; it starts with belief.” – Mark Hummel To learn more about Mark Hummel use the following links: Facebook LinkedIn Instagram To learn more about The Known Disciple Project, use the following links: Facebook Instagram TikTok YouTube Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Known Disciple Project podcast, host Mark Hummel dives into the essential topic of change, a core calling for disciples of Jesus and growth-minded individuals alike. This episode offers a compelling exploration of how to make lasting change in your spiritual, personal, and professional life, drawing from Mark’s experience as a former health and wellness coach. With a focus on practical strategies, Mark unpacks why high desire alone isn’t enough and shares three actionable steps to ensure change sticks. This is a must-listen for anyone striving to live more like Jesus, overcome stagnation, and bring others along in their faith journey. Mark reveals the pitfalls of relying on willpower, changing too much at once, and believing lies about failure, using insights from coaching and scripture like Isaiah 43:19 to inspire hope. He provides a clear framework: address your beliefs, invite God into the process, and reframe negative thoughts. Whether it’s reading your Bible daily, breaking harmful habits, or growing as a leader, this episode equips you with tools to focus on the process of becoming a disciple, not just the end result. Tune in to transform your approach to change and grow in confidence as a follower of Christ. Key Takeaways: → Address Beliefs First: Identify and challenge what you believe about yourself and God to drive meaningful action. → Invite God In: Consistently engage with scripture and focused prayer to align your change with God’s truth. → Reframe Lies: Shift negative thoughts like “I’ll never change” to positive affirmations, such as “I’m in training.” → Focus on Process: Prioritize the journey of change over the end result to sustain long-term growth. → Change One Thing at a Time: Tackle major shifts gradually to avoid burnout and maintain momentum. “We worship a God that’s into helping us figure out what the steps are and go the direction that we should be, and he enjoys creating a new thing in us.” – Mark Hummel To learn more about Mark Hummel use the following links: Facebook LinkedIn Instagram To learn more about The Known Disciple Project use the following links: Facebook Instagram TikTok YouTube Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to this episode of The Known Disciple Project podcast, a transformative journey designed to bridge personal growth and spiritual development for followers of Jesus. Host Mark Hummel, a passionate disciple who gave his life to Christ at 16, shares his raw and relatable story of faith, doubt, and rediscovery. From his all-in commitment as a young Christian, leading youth groups and earning a Biblical Studies degree, to a painful season of spiraling doubt after identity-challenging conversations, this episode lays the foundation for helping listeners break through stagnation, confusion, and repetitive ceilings in faith, business, and leadership. It’s a must-listen for anyone seeking clarity and purpose in their walk with Christ. Through storytelling, Mark reveals how overemphasizing "doing" disciple things, rather than "being" a disciple, led to a shallow faith that crumbled under scrutiny. He offers hope by sharing how he rebuilt his faith on a solid identity in Christ, leading to a clear life vision and aligned goals. This podcast promises practical tools to develop both personally and spiritually, empowering listeners to articulate who they are in Christ and live with intention. Tune in to start your journey toward deeper faith and meaningful impact. Key Takeaways: → Focus on Being, Not Just Doing: Build a faith rooted in your identity in Christ, not just a checklist of Christian activities. → Embrace Doubt as Growth: Use challenging moments to deepen your understanding of who you are and what you believe. → Develop Personal and Spiritual Skills: Invest in personal growth to strengthen your spiritual alignment and life vision. → Know Your Identity in Christ: Clarity about who God says you are, unlocks purpose and resilience in all areas of life. → Align Life with Vision: Tie your habits, goals, and actions to a Christ-centered vision for a more fulfilling life. "Because I know who I am, and I can articulate that to people, I now have this awesome life vision, this clarity around what I'm here to do." – Mark Hummel To learn more about Mark Hummel use the following links: Facebook LinkedIn Instagram To learn more about The Known Disciple Project use the following links: Facebook Instagram TikTok YouTube Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to The Known Disciple Project Podcast: a show for believers ready to stop drifting and start living fully aligned with who God says they are. If you’re done with surface-level faith and want to grow in mindset, habits, discipline, and spiritual clarity, without separating your faith from your ambition, you’re in the right place. We don’t do shallow here. This is where Scripture meets strategy. Whether you’re leading a business, raising a family, or chasing a God-given vision, this is your space. This isn’t motivation. It’s spiritual formation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices