discipleFIRST

In this episode, Ben Borgman and Pastor Craig Etheredge revisit the true story of Saint Patrick and his lasting impact as a disciple-making missionary. Important links from this episode: DiscipleFirst Website: https://disciplefirst.com/ DiscipleFirst Resources: https://disciplefirst.com/resources/ Book Mentioned – The Celtic Way of Evangelism by George Hunter: http://amazon.com/Celtic-Way-Evangelism-Tenth-Anniversary/dp/1426711379

In this episode of the Disciple-Making Leader Podcast, Ben Borgman is joined in the studio by Pastor Craig and Pastor Glenn Underhill to discuss key insights from the State of Discipleship study by Lifeway Research. Important links from this episode: DiscipleFirst Website: https://disciplefirst.com/ DiscipleFirst Resources: https://disciplefirst.com/resources/ Lifeway Research – The State of Discipleship Study: https://research.lifeway.com/state-of-discipleship/

A special live episode from The Collective featuring Pastor Prem and Pastor Lakpa from Nepal, along with Keith Squires from CrossCreek Church. Pastor Prem and Lakpa share the powerful story of the Church in Nepal - from having no known Christians before 1950 to becoming one of the fastest-growing Christian movements in the world. Important links from this episode: DiscipleFirst Website: https://disciplefirst.com/ DiscipleFirst Resources: https://disciplefirst.com/resources/

There’s something powerful that happens when you hear real stories of leaders who are faithfully making disciples where God has placed them. In this episode of The Disciple-Making Leader Podcast, we bring you a special conversation recorded live at Disciple-Making Leader Live during last year’s Cross Creek Collective gathering. Important links from this episode: DiscipleFirst Website: https://disciplefirst.com/ DiscipleFirst Resources: https://disciplefirst.com/resources/ Youtube Episode: https://youtu.be/X1yiOHM3u48

Welcome to a special live episode of the Disciple-Making Leader Podcast, recorded at The Collective - a gathering celebrating what God is doing through disciple-making leaders across diverse contexts. In this episode, you’ll hear from Glenn Underhill, Executive Pastor at CrossCreek Church, as he shares his disciple-making philosophy and powerful stories of multigenerational impact rooted in personal investment. Important links from this episode: DiscipleFirst Website: https://disciplefirst.com/ DiscipleFirst Resources: https://disciplefirst.com/resources/ Special links from this episode: Catalyst 645: https://www.catalyst645.com/

What does it look like to follow Jesus and make disciples in the middle of one of the busiest, most influential cities in the world? In this special episode of The Disciple-Making Leader Podcast, Craig Etheredge sits down with his daughter, Leah Beth Etheredge, and executive director Josh McCaslin for a powerful conversation about living sent, embracing bold faith, and building intentional relationships in New York City. Important links from this episode: DiscipleFirst Website: https://disciplefirst.com/ DiscipleFirst Resources: https://disciplefirst.com/resources/ Special links from this episode: Learn more about "Reach Your World": https://disciplefirst.com/store/reach-your-worlda-practical-guide-for-sharing-your-faith-2nd-edition/

What does it look like to make disciples where you work every day? Craig Etheredge is joined by Josh McCaslin and Jack Springer for a dynamic and down-to-earth conversation on living as a disciple-making leader in the marketplace. Important links from this episode: DiscipleFirst Website: https://disciplefirst.com/ DiscipleFirst Resources: https://disciplefirst.com/resources/ Special links from this episode: Learn more about "Reach Your World": https://disciplefirst.com/store/reach-your-worlda-practical-guide-for-sharing-your-faith-2nd-edition/

What does it look like to make disciples in the boardroom—not just the sanctuary? In this episode of The Disciple-Making Leader Podcast, Craig Etheredge, Zach Towery, and Josh McCasland sit down with Jack Springer—a seasoned CEO, board member, and bold disciple-maker in the marketplace. Important links from this episode: DiscipleFirst Website: https://disciplefirst.com/ DiscipleFirst Resources: https://disciplefirst.com/resources/ Special links from this episode: Learn more about "Reach Your World": https://disciplefirst.com/store/reach-your-worlda-practical-guide-for-sharing-your-faith-2nd-edition/

If the mission of the church is to make disciples who multiply, why are so many leaders stuck in systems that don’t? In this episode, Glenn Underhill and Craig Etheredge sit down with special guest Zach Towery to unpack a game-changing truth: church multiplication doesn’t happen through programs - it happens through intentional disciple-making groups. Important links from this episode: DiscipleFirst Website: https://disciplefirst.com/ DiscipleFirst Resources: https://disciplefirst.com/resources/ Special links from this episode: Learn more about the Grow Series: https://disciplefirst.com/store/the-grow-series-2nd-edition-three-book-bundle-pack/

Disciple-making rarely follows a straight line. It’s often forged in the quiet, behind-the-scenes moments of obedience, through closed doors, difficult seasons, and the faithful investment in others. That’s the kind of life Shannon Deloach is living. Important links from this episode: DiscipleFirst Website: https://disciplefirst.com/ DiscipleFirst Resources: https://disciplefirst.com/resources/ Special links from this episode: Learn more about the Cross Creek Network: https://www.crosscreekchurch.com/crosscreeknetwork

Sometimes the best leadership lessons come from stories you didn’t expect. In this episode, Ben Borgman and Craig Etheredge sit down with Kaleigh Farnan, stepping into her first full-time ministry role, and Tommy Adams, reflecting on a year of growth since completing the Cross Creek Residency. Important links from this episode: DiscipleFirst Website: https://disciplefirst.com/ DiscipleFirst Resources: https://disciplefirst.com/resources/ Special links from this episode: Learn more about the Cross Creek Residency: https://www.crosscreekchurch.com/crosscreek-residency

What does it really take to raise up the next generation of disciple-making leaders? In today’s episode of The Disciple-Making Leader Podcast, hosts Ben Borgman and Craig Etheredge sit down with Dr. Gary Chevalier, director of the Cross Creek Residency, to unpack how intentional investment is transforming emerging leaders from the inside out.  Important links from this episode: DiscipleFirst Website: https://disciplefirst.com/ DiscipleFirst Resources: https://disciplefirst.com/resources/ Special links from this episode: Learn more about the Cross Creek Residency: https://www.crosscreekchurch.com/crosscreek-residency

What if sharing your faith didn’t feel awkward or forced but natural, relational, and even joyful? In this powerful episode of The Disciple-Making Leader Podcast, hosts Craig Etheredge, Ben Borgman, and Glenn Underhill dive into the real-life challenges and opportunities of living out a lifestyle of relational evangelism. Go to the episode webpage to download the accompanying listening guide: https://disciplefirst.com/podcast/real-world-evangelism-moving-beyond-surface-level-conversations-s3e7/ Important links from this episode: DiscipleFirst Website: https://disciplefirst.com/ DiscipleFirst Resources: https://disciplefirst.com/resources/ Special links from this episode: The Grow Series: https://disciplefirst.com/store/the-grow-series-2nd-edition-three-book-bundle-pack/

What does it look like to preach with purpose instead of pressure? This timely conversation brings clarity to the sermon planning process. Ben Borgman, Craig Etheredge, and Glenn Underhill step into the studio during Holy Week to tackle one of the most practical and pressing challenges pastors face: sermon planning. Go to the episode webpage to download the accompanying listening guide: https://disciplefirst.com/podcast/sermon-planning-101-s3e6/ Important links from this episode: DiscipleFirst Website: https://disciplefirst.com/ DiscipleFirst Resources: https://disciplefirst.com/resources/ Special links from this episode: DiscipleFirst Coaching: https://disciplefirst.com/coaching/

What happens when a business leader catches a vision for making disciples? In this powerful conversation, Craig Etheredge and Ben Borgman sit down with Chad Alvarez—an accomplished entrepreneur, faithful family man, and a board member at discipleFIRST—to explore how leaders can align their influence with Jesus’ model for ministry. Important links from this episode: DiscipleFirst Website: https://disciplefirst.com/ DiscipleFirst Resources: https://disciplefirst.com/resources/ Special links from this episode: DiscipleFirst Coaching: https://disciplefirst.com/coaching/

Craig Etheredge and Ben Borgman sit down with Cameron Bundy—a seasoned ministry practitioner and trusted discipleFIRST trainer—for a conversation that hits at the heart of a challenge every leader faces: staying focused on what matters most. Go to the episode webpage to download the accompanying listening guide: https://disciplefirst.com/podcast/productivity-as-a-disciple-making-leader-s3e4/ Important links from this episode: DiscipleFirst Website: https://disciplefirst.com/ DiscipleFirst Resources: https://disciplefirst.com/resources/ Special links from this episode: DiscipleFirst Coaching: https://disciplefirst.com/coaching/

In this powerful conversation, hosts Ben Borgman and Glenn Underhill connect with David Pothier, senior pastor of La Chapelle Church in Montreal, to unpack what it looks like to ignite a disciple-making movement in one of the most secular, post-Christian environments in North America. Important links from this episode: DiscipleFirst Website: https://disciplefirst.com/ DiscipleFirst Resources: https://disciplefirst.com/resources/ Special links from this episode: DiscipleFirst Coaching: https://disciplefirst.com/coaching/ CrossCreek Network: https://www.crosscreekchurch.com/crosscreeknetwork

What happens when a leader stops trying to do it all and starts empowering others to lead? In this episode of The Disciple-Making Leader Podcast, Craig Etheredge and Ben Borgman sit down with Cameron Bundy, Adult Ministry Pastor at Cross Creek Church, to unpack a powerful shift in ministry leadership. Go to the episode webpage to download the accompanying listening guide: https://disciplefirst.com/podcast/cultivating-leaders-of-leaders-in-your-church/ Important links from this episode: DiscipleFirst Website: https://disciplefirst.com/ DiscipleFirst Resources: https://disciplefirst.com/resources/ Special links from this episode: DiscipleFirst Coaching: https://disciplefirst.com/coaching/

Ben Borgman and Craig Etheredge launch Season Three with a powerful conversation featuring special guest, Pastor Israel Iluz. In this compelling episode, Pastor Israel shares his extraordinary journey of planting a church in northern Israel—an area marked by spiritual resistance, war, and political instability. Important links from this episode: DiscipleFirst Website: https://disciplefirst.com/ DiscipleFirst Resources: https://disciplefirst.com/resources/ Special links from this episode: DiscipleFirst Coaching: https://disciplefirst.com/coaching/ CrossCreek Network: https://www.crosscreekchurch.com/crosscreeknetwork

In this episode, host Ben Borgman is joined by Craig Etheredge and Glenn Underhill to discuss one of the most critical aspects of leadership: casting a compelling vision. Building on a previous conversation about crafting vision, this episode explores how leaders can communicate their God-given mission effectively at every level of their organization. Go to the episode webpage to download the accompanying listening guide: https://disciplefirst.com/podcast/how-to-cast-an-intentional-vision/ Important links from this episode: DiscipleFirst Website: https://disciplefirst.com/ DiscipleFirst Resources: https://disciplefirst.com/resources/ Special links from this episode: DiscipleFirst Coaching: https://disciplefirst.com/coaching/

In today's episode, we dive deep into the art of crafting an intentional vision. Focusing on simplicity and practicality, they explore the critical balance between inspirational, long-term goals and actionable, short-term plans. Go to the episode webpage to download the accompanying listening guide: https://disciplefirst.com/podcast/crafting-an-intentional-vision/ Important links from this episode: DiscipleFirst Website: https://disciplefirst.com/ DiscipleFirst Resources: https://disciplefirst.com/resources/ Special links from this episode: https://disciplefirst.com/coaching/

In this episode, we'll discuss 5 proven steps to keep disciple-makers motivated. We’ll look at tools and resources available, such as books and blogs. Additionally, we'll discuss the power of a disciple-making community. Go to the episode webpage to download the accompanying free worksheet: https://disciplefirst.com/podcast/encouraging-multipliers/ Important links from this episode: DiscipleFirst Website: https://disciplefirst.com/ DiscipleFirst Resources: https://disciplefirst.com/resources/ Special links from this episode: https://disciplefirst.com/coaching/

In this episode, we dive into the power of the synergy between disciple-making and church planting, featuring hosts Ben Borgman and Craig Etheredge alongside special guest Clay Holcomb, Executive Director of CrossCreek Network. Together, we’ll explore how church planters can overcome cultural barriers utilizing the methods and model of Jesus—whether in West Africa, Israel, Cambodia, or North America. Jesus had a heart for people, invested in others to multiply himself and grow disciples who share the same mission …and so should we. Important links from this episode: DiscipleFirst Website: <a href="https://disciplefirst.com/ DiscipleFirst Resources: https://disciplefirst.com/resources/

Coaching offers pastors a fresh perspective to help them stay focused on what truly matters, work through real-world challenges, and create healthy environments for disciple-making. Learn about discipleFIRST’s approach to coaching, which goes beyond just the principles of making disciples, adapting to the individual context and needs of each leader. Special link from this episode: DiscipleFirst Coaching: https://disciplefirst.com/coaching Important links from this episode: DiscipleFirst Website: <a href="https://disciplefirst.com/ DiscipleFirst Resources: https://disciplefirst.com/resources/

In this episode, titled "Empowering Disciple-Making Women," we delve deep into the transformative journey of women within the church who are stepping into leadership and disciple-making roles. Joining our host, Ben Borgman, are esteemed guests and board members, Kyle Phillips and Andrea Murphy. Important links from this episode: DiscipleFirst Website: https://disciplefirst.com/ DiscipleFirst Resources: https://disciplefirst.com/resources/

In today’s episode, we’re delving into a crucial and often challenging aspect of leadership—conflict resolution. Join us as we explore strategies for addressing and resolving conflicts within the church by following the example set by Jesus. We’ll be discussing how to navigate the emotional undercurrents of conflict before transitioning to problem-solving, and how understanding different perspectives can lead to true reconciliation. Go to the episode webpage to download the accompanying free ebook: https://disciplefirst.com/podcast/the-right-way-through-conflict/

In today's episode, titled "The Necessity for Healthy Conflict Resolution," our host Pastor Glenn Underhill of Cross Creek Church, along with Craig Etheridge, founder of Disciple First, and Dr. Bernice Riley, a licensed professional counselor, dive deep into the essentials of managing and resolving conflict healthily within leadership. Go to the episode webpage to download the accompanying free ebook: https://disciplefirst.com/podcast/the-necessity-for-healthy-conflict-resolution/

In this episode, host Ben Borgman dives into the vital topic of maintaining spiritual health amidst the demanding responsibilities of ministry. Joined by esteemed guests, Pastor Craig Etheredge and Pastor Brent Parker, the discussion focuses on the common challenges pastors face, such as feeling overwhelmed by ministry duties, balancing family obligations, and dealing with isolation. The conversation aims to provide practical solutions for developing healthy rhythms, setting boundaries, and delegating tasks to prevent burnout. Go to the episode webpage to download the personal retreat schedule: https://disciplefirst.com/podcast/the-importance-of-a-leaders-spiritual-health/

In today's episode, Glen Underhill and Craig Etheredge dive into the seven core convictions that are essential to creating a disciple-making church, helping to develop a "Jesus-Centered" philosophy of ministry. We'll explore how Jesus' reliance on the spirit and his approach to disciple-making serves as a perfect model for us today. Our speakers emphasize the significance of prayerful dependence on the spirit for personal and leadership growth as well as the crucial phases of discipleship—from engaging spiritual explorers to multiplying followers. Go to the episode webpage to download the accompanying listening guide: https://disciplefirst.com/podcast/seven-core-convictions-of-a-disciple-making-church/

In today's episode, our host Glenn Underhill is joined by special guest Craig Etheredge, author of the new book "His Way Still Works." Together, they dive deep into the importance of adopting a Jesus-centric philosophy of ministry and the impact it has on transforming churches into movements of multiplication.

Tune in as Glenn and Craig emphasize the power of having a clear, unified philosophy of ministry based on Jesus' disciple-making model. They'll explain how this approach can lead to cohesive church leadership, drive impactful decisions, and ultimately, ignite a movement of multiplication. Plus, don’t miss out on a special discount on Craig’s new book, "His Way Still Works" by using the code: HISWAY20 when you purchase the book! And here's where you can download exclusive resources like a free listening guide: https://disciplefirst.com/podcast/the-power-of-a-disciple-making-philosophy-of-ministry/ Go to the episode webpage to download the accompanying worksheet: https://disciplefirst.com/podcast/the-power-of-a-disciple-making-philosophy-of-ministry/

We'll also discuss the weight and responsibility that comes with being a senior leader in an organization. We'll explore the different paradigms that leaders often adopt and the importance of developing and coaching those under their leadership.

In today's episode, we dive into the topic of defining a departmental leader. What does it mean to be a departmental leader in the context of a church? How can they effectively lead their department towards growth and success?

In today's episode, we explore the critical role a leader of leaders plays in the growth and development of a ministry. We dive into the teachings of Jesus, who exemplified healthy conflict resolution and skillfully elevated his disciples to become leaders themselves.

In this episode, we dive deep into the topic of team leadership. How do you define a team leader? What qualities and skills should they possess? Join us as we explore the teachings of Jesus and uncover valuable insights on how to be an effective team leader. Drawing from the story of Jesus and his disciples, we discover how Jesus challenged his team to take bold steps of faith and cultivate a shepherd's heart for people. We learn that team leaders should not only engage their teams and coach them to success, but also prioritize the well-being and spiritual growth of each team member.

On this episode, we dive into the topic of the 5-level Leadership Pipeline. Join us as we explore how Jesus dealt with negativity, the importance of investing time with volunteers, and understanding the essence of the mission. We'll also discuss the power of cultivating curiosity, creating excitement, and casting vision. Get ready to be inspired as we share practical tips and insights on how to develop and empower your team for effective disciple-making leadership. Don't miss this valuable episode!

On this episode of The Disciple-Making Leader Podcast, co-hosts Glenn Underhill and Craig Etheredge interview Josh McCasland about his experience as a disciple-making leader. Josh shares his insights on the pathway and pipeline models of leadership, and how investing in people takes time, effort, and conversations.

On this episode of The Disciple-Making Leader Podcast, Craig Etheredge and Glenn Underhill welcome guest Zach Towery to discuss the optimal trajectory of a disciple-making leader.

On this episode of The Disciple-Making Leader Podcast, Craig Etheredge and Glenn Underhill discuss the importance of having a leadership pipeline in churches and ministries.

On this episode of The Disciple-Making Leader Podcast, Craig Etheredge and Glenn Underhill discuss developing a disciple-making pathway.

This episode delves into the confusion surrounding the term disciple, and the importance of manufacturing clear specifications for discipleship. Craig & Glenn discuss disciple-making leaders and their crucial role in the church's mission to make disciples.

The Church in North America has bought into the idea of the superstar leader, and our culture is fascinated by celebrity. We are fixated on the charismatic celebrity pastor or youth pastor. However, there's a dark side.