Real Life Theology Podcast

How to Disciple People into Repentance and Baptism (feat. Kerry Cox)

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Creating a Culture of Discipleship: Insights from The Crossings Church
In this episode, Kerry shares a detailed journey about fostering a culture of discipleship at The Crossings Church. Beginning with a prayer, he outlines his family's history in church planting, the growth of The Crossings Church since 2004, and their unique approach to making disciples. Discussing the importance of repentance, baptism, and the relational component in discipling, he emphasizes the need for leaders to model these practices. The video includes insights into their structured Bible study process, small group dynamics, and intentional church practices. Practical advice is given for churches seeking to emulate this model and address doctrinal adherence and growth challenges.
https://reallifetheologypodcast.supercast.com/ 
Key Takeaways 
00:00 Opening Prayer and Introduction
00:49 Personal Background and Church Planting Journey
01:55 Growth and Challenges at The Crossings Church
04:03 Cultural Shifts in the Restoration Movement
10:31 The Importance of Relational Discipleship
18:07 Teaching Repentance and Baptism
19:26 Bible Study Practices at The Crossings
30:01 Training New Disciples
31:57 The Importance of Repentance
33:43 Understanding Baptism
34:34 Challenges in Discipleship
38:07 Addressing Doctrinal Differences
45:09 Small Group Dynamics
47:54 Maintaining Church Culture
58:17 Concluding Thoughts
"Farming vs. Factory Work in Ministry"
In this episode, Kerry Cox shares lessons from his ministry journey, focusing on church planting, discipleship, and creating a culture of genuine spiritual growth. He opens with a prayer, setting the tone for a conversation centered on God’s guidance and the power of community.
Kerry reflects on his early exposure to church life, shaped by his parents starting a home church when they grew disillusioned with traditional ones. From a young age, he witnessed how the unchurched came to faith and became disciple-makers themselves—a foundation that shaped his approach to ministry.
In 2004, Kerry and about 30 others moved west of St. Louis to plant Crossings Church. Over the next 20 years, it grew to around 650 members, especially connecting with youth and people new to church. Crossings stood out from typical Churches of Christ by building a culture that prioritized relationships, authenticity, and active discipleship.
A key theme Kerry emphasizes is the need to move beyond a baptism-centered model to one that fully integrates faith, repentance, and ongoing discipleship. He challenges the tendency in some Restoration Movement churches to treat baptism as the end goal, arguing instead for a holistic, relational approach to spiritual growth.
Throughout the episode, Kerry shares stories that bring this vision to life—like the high schooler who brought his troubled brother, TC, to church. Though TC’s commitment was doubted at first, he went on to help lead their first church plant. Stories like this underscore the power of relational ministry and long-term investment in people.
Kerry also breaks down how Crossings Church puts these values into practice. Every member joins a small group and engages in a foundational Bible study process that covers topics from seeking God to discipleship and baptism. Leaders are trained to model this lifestyle, creating a culture where disciple-making starts at the top and flows through the entire church.
He answers audience questions on how to integrate new believers, tailor small groups, and avoid turning church into a checklist of activities. His central point: everything the church does should point back to its mission—making real, multiplying disciples.
Kerry wraps up by urging churches to shift their culture—away from routine, and toward deep, intentional, Spirit-led relationships. His insights, drawn from years of hands-on ministry, offer a practical and inspiring roadmap for building vibrant, disciple-making communities.

Matt Reagan’s “Farm vs Factory

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Today’s episode will help us rethink how we approach ministry by trading a factory mindset for a more organic, relational, and patient way of cultivating spiritual growth.
Farm vs. Factory: Embracing Gospel Principles in Ministry
In this insightful session, Matt Reagan explores the concept of 'Farm vs. Factory' in the context of ministry. Focusing on the differences between organic, life-giving ministry and the high-demand, high-output factory model, Matt aims to guide attendees toward practices that are nourishing for the soul and effective for the kingdom of God. Drawing parallels between farming principles and gospel teachings, Matt emphasizes the importance of deep, transformational relationships, the power of seed-growing, and the commitment to kingdom values. Through a Socratic method, prayer, and interactive discussion, attendees are encouraged to reflect on their ministry experiences and realign with life-giving practices. The session also delves into the challenges of modern church structure and offers practical advice for maintaining spiritual health and focus amidst complexity.
https://reallifetheologypodcast.supercast.com/ 
Key Takeaways 
00:00 Introduction and Purpose
04:32 The Power of Seeds and the Kingdom of God
09:05 Challenges of Ministry: Feeling Like a Factory
14:28 Brainstorming Session: Factory-Like Aspects of Ministry
33:03 Mass Production and Church Concerns
35:16 Church Policies and Discipleship
36:04 Job Comparisons: Church vs. Farm
40:48 Farm Life and Ministry
42:48 Challenges and Rewards of Farming
47:42 Farm Life Lessons and Spiritual Growth
56:25 Final Reflections and Encouragement
"Farming vs. Factory Work in Ministry"
 
In this episode, Matt Raegan draws a sharp contrast between two approaches to ministry: farming and factory work. Using humor, personal stories, and scripture, he challenges church leaders to embrace a slower, more organic model of spiritual growth.
He opens with a light moment—encouraging people to connect with those around them, even if it’s awkward—before diving into a deeper reflection on how the Gospel grows like a seed. Drawing from a Chipotle ad romanticizing farming, Matt uses it as a metaphor for how ministry should look: relational, patient, and rooted in care.
He shares his son’s journey into ministry as a living example of how faith takes time to develop. Like Jesus’ farming parables, Matt emphasizes that the Kingdom of God isn’t built on production lines but through nurturing environments where people can truly grow.
He contrasts this with the "factory" model—rigid, impersonal, and driven by output—which can lead to burnout and disconnection. Ministry, he argues, should be more like tending a farm: slow, intentional, and deeply personal.
Throughout, Matt invites the audience to reflect on their own experiences—acknowledging the emotional weight of ministry and the fulfillment that comes from doing the hard, faithful work of cultivating people’s hearts.
He closes with a powerful call to action: commit to the farming model. Plant seeds. Nurture the soil. Trust God with the growth. A final prayer ties it all together, asking for the strength to lead with patience, love, and a long-term vision rooted in the Kingdom.
This episode is a call to return to ministry that feels less mechanical—and more alive.

Discipleship & Technology (feat. Chris Jefferson)

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In this episode, Chris Jefferson delivers an engaging workshop on how churches can leverage digital tools to enhance evangelism, discipleship, and community engagement, offering practical strategies for building a robust online presence and using technology to support spiritual growth.
Leveraging Digital Tools for Church Growth: Insights from Chris Jefferson
In this engaging workshop, Chris Jefferson, Executive Director of Spire Network, addresses a diverse group from various states, guiding them on how to leverage technology for church growth. Chris focuses on the importance of digital presence, discussing tools like Church Post for social media management, VisitorReach for targeted ad campaigns, and Tether and Mission17 for discipleship initiatives. He underscores the need for churches to improve their digital visibility and engage more effectively with their communities. From addressing common challenges in church marketing to providing practical solutions for better engagement, this workshop is a comprehensive guide for church leaders aiming to thrive in the digital age.
https://reallifetheologypodcast.supercast.com/ 
Key Takeaways 
00:00 Meet and Greet: Getting to Know Each Other
02:01 Interactive Session: Preparing for the Presentation
04:16 Introduction to Technology and Discipleship
08:06 The Importance of Digital Presence for Churches
15:36 Assessing Your Church's Digital Health
23:42 Outsourcing Social Media with Church Post
27:34 Introduction to Visitor Reach
28:42 Digital Health Check: Enhancing Visibility
29:34 Targeted Ad Campaigns: Precision Outreach
30:32 AI-Powered Mobile App: Real-Time Engagement
31:47 Visitor Reach: A Comprehensive Solution
33:43 Special Offer and Pricing
34:29 Introducing Tether: Discipleship Tools
37:14 Mission 17: Accelerating Discipleship
42:40 StoryPath: Customized Church Engagement
48:03 Final Thoughts and Q&A
See below for a longer description:
In this episode, Chris Jefferson delivers a dynamic and comprehensive workshop focused on leveraging digital tools and strategies for church growth and connectivity. He begins with a lively introduction, meeting and greeting attendees, establishing a rapport, and swiftly moving into the session's core message: the importance of embracing digital technology for evangelism, discipleship, and church development.
The first significant topic Chris discusses is the assessment of a church's digital health. He emphasizes the importance of knowing where the church stands in the digital realm, mentioning a variety of platforms and metrics crucial for church visibility and accessibility. Chris introduces the idea of a “digital health check,” which audits a church’s online presence across platforms like Google, Facebook, and more to ensure accurate and optimized listings that improve discoverability, including compatibility with voice recognition searches using Siri and Alexa.
Chris addresses common concerns and questions from the attendees. He provides guidance on managing digital platforms with limited resources and emphasizes the effectiveness of outsourcing to specialized services for tasks like social media management and digital health checks. For instance, if a church doesn’t have the bandwidth internally, he advises leveraging services like Church Post to maintain a consistent online presence.
Chris concludes by emphasizing the necessity of churches embracing digital transformation, stressing that it is not a change in the church’s message but rather an adaptation of the medium. He highlights the potential of these tools to position churches competitively in the digital space, thus maximizing their reach and impact in their communities.

Resisting Christian Nationalism (feat. Paul Huyghebaert)

Check out the Book Following Jesus in a Politically Divided World: https://a.co/d/fl1NKij 
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Today’s episode will help us understand the dangers of Christian Nationalism and provide practical principles for Christian leaders to engage in politics in a way that prioritizes the Kingdom of God and maintains a faithful, biblically grounded witness.
Understanding and Resisting Christian Nationalism: A Renew Conference Discussion
In this episode, a lead pastor and area director at Renew discusses the potential dangers of Christian nationalism and offers a balanced theological perspective on the topic. The session begins with an invitation for senior church leaders to join a Renew learning community, emphasizing the importance of continuous engagement and shared learning. The speaker then provides a nuanced definition of Christian nationalism, explores its pitfalls, and contrasts it with a biblically-sound vision for Christian engagement in politics. Key points include the conflation of national identity with the kingdom of God, misuse of biblical prophecy, and an overemphasis on political power over Christian witness. Finally, the speaker advocates for principles like choosing theology over ideology and trust over panic, urging Christians to remain faithful to the teachings of Jesus in these challenging times.
https://reallifetheologypodcast.supercast.com/ 
Key Takeaways 
00:00 Introduction and Announcements
01:37 Understanding Christian Nationalism
07:44 Defining Christian Nationalism
17:07 Problems with Christian Nationalism
30:17 Living in Western Europe: A Personal Reflection
30:44 Monocausal Explanations and Simplistic Thinking
31:45 Resource Rich Nation: A Complex Reality
32:53 Christian Nationalism and Horseshoe Theory
34:18 Post-Liberal Right and Left: A Convergence
37:44 The Pitfalls of Christian Nationalist Thought
41:09 Principles for Christian Engagement in Politics
47:50 Choosing Trust Over Panic
52:34 Final Thoughts and Audience Q&A

BONUS -- The Disciple Making Grandparent

Check out the Book The Disciple Making Grandparent: A Guidebook for Helping Your Grandchild Trust and Follow Jesus: https://a.co/d/dvtMAJX 
 
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The Disciple Making Grandparent: How to Guide Your Grandkids in Faith
In this special episode, Daniel McCoy interviews David Upchurch about their new book, 'The Disciple Making Grandparent,' published by Renew.org. They discuss the importance of grandparents in the faith formation of their grandchildren, using scripture as a foundation. David shares personal experiences, practical advice, and unique advantages grandparents have in discipling their grandkids. The episode also highlights chapters of the book focused on creating meaningful connections and speaking truth to grandchildren. For those interested in becoming more intentional disciple-making grandparents, David Upchurch offers trainings at churches. Tune in to learn how to leave a lasting legacy of faith. Check the description for a link to preview the book and stay tuned for our next session on 'Resisting Christian Nationalism' with Paul Hugo Bart.
https://reallifetheologypodcast.supercast.com/ 
Key Takeaways 
00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
00:35 Meet the Authors: Daniel McCoy and David Upchurch
01:00 The Importance of Being a Disciple-Making Grandparent
02:33 Personal Reflections on Grandparenting
05:06 Unique Advantages and Challenges for Grandparents
16:31 Core Principles from the Book
17:23 How to Connect and Engage with Your Grandchildren
24:09 Speaking Truth and Leaving a Legacy
27:15 Conclusion and Contact Information
28:27 Closing Remarks and Upcoming Episodes

Creating Networks to Provide Synergy and Mentoring (feat. John Bliffen)

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Today’s episode will help us understand the importance of mentorship, teamwork, and strategic networking in planting Hispanic churches. It will also help us explore biblical examples and practical strategies to overcome unique challenges in these communities.
Bilingual Workshop on Mentoring and Networking in Ministry
 
Key Takeaways 
00:00 Welcome and Introduction
00:23 Bilingual Workshop Format
02:28 Biblical Examples of Teamwork and Mentoring
05:51 Paul's Relationships and Mentoring in Romans 16
08:20 Priscilla and Aquila: Tentmakers and Mentors
12:02 Paul's Networking and Mentoring Strategy
24:15 Latino Christian Movement's Mission and Vision
26:36 Importance of Networks and Regional Mentors
28:41 Interactive Discussion on Networks
33:50 Challenges in Hispanic Church Planting
34:12 Financial Sustainability and Fundraising
34:47 Cultural Differences in Giving
35:02 Extended Support for Hispanic Churches
35:29 Role of Latino Pastors
36:41 Success Stories in Church Planting
37:19 Diverse Hispanic Cultures
38:35 Bilingual and Multigenerational Challenges
39:29 Partnerships with Anglo Churches
42:50 Personal Experiences and Testimonies
45:05 Addressing the Needs of the Hispanic Community
53:55 Long-term Integration and Cultural Identity
59:24 Final Thoughts and Prayer
See below for a longer description: 
In this episode, John Bliffin, director of the Latino Christian Movement, leads a bilingual workshop on mentoring, teamwork, and networking for church planting in Hispanic communities. He shares insights from his 38 years as a missionary, diving into biblical examples of mentorship, such as the relationships in Romans 16 and Acts 18. John explores the importance of mentorship in Paul’s ministry and the principle of 2 Timothy 2:2, emphasizing the necessity of passing on teachings to others. He also discusses the Latino Christian Movement’s vision of building networks of Hispanic churches across the U.S. and highlights the unique challenges, including finances, cultural diversity, and bilingual needs. The episode concludes with practical strategies for overcoming these challenges, along with testimonies and reflections on fostering cultural integration in church planting efforts.

Preaching Towards Saving Faith (feat. Micah Odor and Dr. Billy Strother)

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Today’s episode will help us understand the urgency of disciple-making and transformational preaching, equipping us with practical strategies to foster a culture where faith is not just preached but multiplied.
Transformational Preaching and Disciple Making: Insights from Dr. Billy and Micah Odor
In this episode, Dr. Billy Strother from Central Christian College of the Bible and Micah Odor discuss the importance of integrating preaching with disciple making. Dr. Billy highlights the need for preaching to be text-based, Christocentric, doctrinal, storied, simple, and transformational. They explore the challenges of modern congregations, citing various statistics about beliefs, and the crucial role of continual engagement through mentorship and discipleship. Micah Oter shares practical insights on cultivating faith beyond the sermon, emphasizing the importance of personal investment and replicable disciple-making systems.
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Key Takeaways 
00:00 Introduction and Opening Prayer
03:44 Personal Journey and Theological Insights
10:10 Understanding Disciple Making
15:41 Current Socio-Political Biblical Landscape
21:36 Effective Biblical Preaching
31:12 The Power of Storytelling in Preaching
31:51 Simplicity in Sermon Delivery
32:27 The Importance of a Central Theme
33:52 Transformational Preaching
34:43 The Art of Persuasion in Sermons
36:59 Challenges in Evangelism and Discipleship
42:14 Mentorship and Follow-Up in Ministry
47:56 Investing in People Over Systems
51:10 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
See below for a longer description: 
This episode, dives into the challenges and urgency of disciple-making and transformational preaching in today’s churches. Micah Odor and Dr. Billy Strother explore the decline in biblical literacy, the need for Christ-centered, text-driven sermons, and the importance of equipping believers to mentor and replicate disciples. Through personal stories, research insights, and practical strategies, they challenge church leaders to move beyond systems and invest in people, fostering a culture where faith is not just preached but multiplied.

Renewed Vitality: Strategies for Church Leaders to Conquer Anxiety and Burnout in Changing Times (feat. Christian and Deb Flores)

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Today’s episode will help us recognize the root causes of burnout and equip us with practical routines, faith-based strategies, and mindset shifts to prevent it and lead with strength.
Conquering Burnout and Leading Powerfully: Insights from Christian and Deb Flores
In this episode, Christian and Deb Flores share their experiences and insights on conquering burnout and leading powerfully. They discuss the sources of burnout, such as stress, circumstances, and lack of resources, and offer practical solutions for managing stress, finding direction, and becoming resourceful. The session includes personal stories, practical advice, and audience interaction to help viewers understand and overcome burnout by establishing healthy routines, immersive learning, and continuous growth. Tune in to learn how you can transform your life and lead effectively by mastering stress management and embracing personal and professional development.
Get our Premium podcast feed featuring all the breakout sessions from the RENEW gathering early. 
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Key Takeaways 
00:00 Welcome and Introduction
03:13 Understanding Burnout
07:38 Phases of Burnout
10:19 Personal Stories of Burnout
19:18 Managing Stress and Finding Solutions
23:33 The Win the Day Practice
31:47 The Power of Daily Rituals
33:20 The Importance of Self and Soul Care
34:17 Weekly Rhythms and Sabbath Practices
36:45 Family Mission Trips and Vacations
37:40 Avoiding Burnout and Managing Stress
42:28 The Role of Circumstances in Stress
42:58 The Importance of Direction and Speed
45:21 Immersive Learning and Overcoming Gaps
47:43 The Power of Clarity and Consistent Action
57:40 Resourcefulness Over Resources
See below for a longer description: 
In this episode, Christian and Deb DeFlores tackle burnout—how to overcome it and lead with strength. Christian opens with a prayer, setting a reflective tone before he and Deb share their backgrounds, highlighting their diverse work in church leadership, nonprofits, digital marketing, and coaching. Their firsthand experiences with high demands make them well-equipped to discuss burnout from multiple angles.
They identify three key burnout triggers: stress, circumstances, and resources—with stress coming from external pressures, circumstances being life’s misalignments, and resources reflecting a lack of support or tools to manage challenges. Rather than just treating symptoms, Christian emphasizes the need to address burnout at its root for lasting change.
A core takeaway is the “Win the Day” practice—starting the day with structured routines including physical activity, contemplation (prayer, scripture, journaling), and learning. This approach shifts the mind from anxiety to creativity and productivity, helping prevent burnout.
The discussion moves to goal-setting and clarity as antidotes to feeling stuck, a common side effect of burnout. Christian explains that having a clear direction reduces stress and that immersive learning—actively filling gaps in knowledge and skills—helps maintain forward momentum.
Christian also challenges the idea that burnout stems from a lack of resources, arguing that more often, it's about not leveraging existing resources effectively. He suggests that when used wisely, resources tend to multiply.
Closing with a Scriptural perspective, Christian references Romans 12:2, emphasizing the power of a renewed mind in transforming one’s life. The episode reinforces the idea that while stress is unavoidable, burnout is preventable through intentional routines, clear goals, and a mindful approach to spiritual and personal well-being.
This conversation blends practical strategies with personal stories and faith-based insights, offering listeners a roadmap to resilience, balance, and empowered leadership.

How Your Church Can Plant a Church (feat. Renew Movement)

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Today’s episode will help us understand how churches can move beyond growth to true multiplication by embracing disciple-making, overcoming common barriers, and leveraging collaborative church planting strategies.
Understanding the Renew Movement: Church Planting and Multiplication
Join Todd Wilson and Brett Andrews in an in-depth discussion about the Renew Movement and its mission to address issues in church planting and disciple making. Discover crucial findings from national studies showing less than 7% of U.S. churches are involved in church planting, and understand the five-level framework used to measure church multiplication. Learn about the six distinctives of Renew Movement, focusing on sound theology, disciple making, healthy support, accountability, reproduction, and collaboration. Understand the practical pathways for church planting and how churches can affiliate with Renew Movement to make immediate and impactful decisions. The session also introduces new opportunities for church planters and churches through multipliers' journey and MSO cohorts, aiming for robust disciple making and church multiplication.
Get our Premium podcast feed featuring all the breakout sessions from the RENEW gathering early. 
https://reallifetheologypodcast.supercast.com/ 
Key Takeaways 
00:00 Introduction and Overview
01:36 Current State of Church Planting
04:09 Framework for Measuring Church Growth
07:49 Challenges in Church Reproduction
10:13 Importance of Multiplication
27:38 Renew Movement's Mission and Distinctives
29:30 Renew Faith Statement: A Theological Distinctive
31:04 Reproduction: Planting Churches that Plant Churches
32:38 Immediate Involvement in Church Planting
35:50 Pathways for Planting: Collaborative, Parent, Pioneer, and Affiliate
38:32 Affiliation with Renew Movement
44:49 Legacy Churches: Revitalization and Rebirth
48:03 Multipliers Journey and MOS Cohorts
 
Renew Movement – Workshop Episode
In this episode, Todd Wilson, Brett Andrews, Patrick Bradley, and Dave Putman break down the Renew Movement’s approach to church planting and affiliation. They explore key strategies, current challenges, and how churches can shift from growth to true multiplication.
Todd Wilson kicks things off by outlining the session’s focus: understanding today’s church planting landscape, how to affiliate with Renew Movement, and tackling common obstacles. He notes that their audience includes both new church planters and existing churches seeking affiliation. A Q&A session follows, with lunch providing an opportunity for extended discussions.
The State of Church Planting
The team examines two national studies revealing troubling trends: fewer than 5% of U.S. churches actively make disciples, and only 7% are engaged in reproducing or planting new churches. Wilson stresses the connection between disciple-making and church planting—strong discipleship fuels sustainable church growth.
They introduce a five-level framework for church growth:
Level 1: Declining churches (35%)
Level 2: Plateaued churches
Level 3: Growing churches
Level 4: Reproducing churches
Level 5: Multiplying churches 
The challenge? Most churches never move beyond growth to reproduction, and true multiplication is rare.
Addition vs. Reproduction
Wilson clarifies a crucial distinction: adding services or campuses isn’t the same as planting new, self-sustaining churches. Many multisite models expand attendance but don’t create independent church-planting movements.
Brett Andrews tackles the biggest barriers to church reproduction—fear of scarcity (lack of resources) and fear of inadequacy (lack of wisdom). He encourages leaders to trust God’s provision and lean on collaborative church networks.
Six Core Distinctives of Renew Movement
Sound Theology – Ensuring doctrinal integrity in church planting.
Disciple-Making – Making disciples the foundation of church growth.
Healthy Support Systems – Offering coaching, training, and assessment.
Reproduction DNA – Embedding multiplication into new churches.
Accountability – Maintaining mission alignment and integrity.
Collaboration – Encouraging churches to work together in planting efforts.
Wilson highlights that every church is just one decision away from church planting, thanks to Renew’s collaborative model. He introduces four planting pathways—Collaborative, Parent, Pioneer, and Affiliate—each designed to meet different needs.
For struggling churches, Renew also provides a path for legacy churches to transition their resources and vision into new church plants.
Closing Thoughts
Wilson and his team emphasize the importance of theological alignment and accountability in the evolving church planting landscape. They invite attendees to engage with Renew by affiliating, joining learning sessions, and embracing collaborative planting strategies.
At its core, this episode underscores Renew Movement’s mission: moving churches beyond simple growth into true multiplication, equipping them to disciple and reach more people effectively.
Interested in more content from RENEW? Sign up for our newsletter: https://renew.org/resources/newsletter-sign-up/ 
Today’s episode will help us understand how churches can move beyond growth to true multiplication by embracing disciple-making, overcoming common barriers, and leveraging collaborative church planting strategies.
Understanding the Renew Movement: Church Planting and Multiplication
Join Todd Wilson and Brett Andrews in an in-depth discussion about the Renew Movement and its mission to address issues in church planting and disciple making. Discover crucial findings from national studies showing less than 7% of U.S. churches are involved in church planting, and understand the five-level framework used to measure church multiplication. Learn about the six distinctives of Renew Movement, focusing on sound theology, disciple making, healthy support, accountability, reproduction, and collaboration. Understand the practical pathways for church planting and how churches can affiliate with Renew Movement to make immediate and impactful decisions. The session also introduces new opportunities for church planters and churches through multipliers' journey and MSO cohorts, aiming for robust disciple making and church multiplication.
Get our Premium podcast feed featuring all the breakout sessions from the RENEW gathering early. 
https://reallifetheologypodcast.supercast.com/ 
Key Takeaways 
00:00 Introduction and Overview
01:36 Current State of Church Planting
04:09 Framework for Measuring Church Growth
07:49 Challenges in Church Reproduction
10:13 Importance of Multiplication
27:38 Renew Movement's Mission and Distinctives
29:30 Renew Faith Statement: A Theological Distinctive
31:04 Reproduction: Planting Churches that Plant Churches
32:38 Immediate Involvement in Church Planting
35:50 Pathways for Planting: Collaborative, Parent, Pioneer, and Affiliate
38:32 Affiliation with Renew Movement
44:49 Legacy Churches: Revitalization and Rebirth
48:03 Multipliers Journey and MOS Cohorts
 
Renew Movement – Workshop Episode
In this episode, Todd Wilson, Brett Andrews, Patrick Bradley, and Dave Putman break down the Renew Movement’s approach to church planting and affiliation. They explore key strategies, current challenges, and how churches can shift from growth to true multiplication.
Todd Wilson kicks things off by outlining the session’s focus: understanding today’s church planting landscape, how to affiliate with Renew Movement, and tackling common obstacles. He notes that their audience includes both new church planters and existing churches seeking affiliation. A Q&A session follows, with lunch providing an opportunity for extended discussions.
The State of Church Planting
The team examines two national studies revealing troubling trends: fewer than 5% of U.S. churches actively make disciples, and only 7% are engaged in reproducing or planting new churches. Wilson stresses the connection between disciple-making and church planting—strong discipleship fuels sustainable church growth.
They introduce a five-level framework for church growth:
Level 1: Declining churches (35%)
Level 2: Plateaued churches
Level 3: Growing churches
Level 4: Reproducing churches
Level 5: Multiplying churches 
The challenge? Most churches never move beyond growth to reproduction, and true multiplication is rare.
Addition vs. Reproduction
Wilson clarifies a crucial distinction: adding services or campuses isn’t the same as planting new, self-sustaining churches. Many multisite models expand attendance but don’t create independent church-planting movements.
Brett Andrews tackles the biggest barriers to church reproduction—fear of scarcity (lack of resources) and fear of inadequacy (lack of wisdom). He encourages leaders to trust God’s provision and lean on collaborative church networks.
Six Core Distinctives of Renew Movement
Sound Theology – Ensuring doctrinal integrity in church planting.
Disciple-Making – Making disciples the foundation of church growth.
Healthy Support Systems – Offering coaching, training, and assessment.
Reproduction DNA – Embedding multiplication into new churches.
Accountability – Maintaining mission alignment and integrity.
Collaboration – Encouraging churches to work together in planting efforts.
Wilson highlights that every church is just one decision away from church planting, thanks to Renew’s collaborative model. He introduces four planting pathways—Collaborative, Parent, Pioneer, and Affiliate—each designed to meet different needs.
For struggling churches, Renew also provides a path for legacy churches to transition their resources and vision into new church plants.
Closing Thoughts
Wilson and his team emphasize the importance of theological alignment and accountability in the evolving church planting landscape. They invite attendees to engage with Renew by affiliating, joining learning sessions, and embracing collaborative planting strategies.
At its core, this episode underscores Renew Movement’s mission: moving churches beyond simple growth into true multiplication, equipping them to disciple and reach more people effectively.

The Utter Necessity of a Theological Approach (feat. Chad Harrington)

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Today’s episode will help us explore the significance of embracing a theological approach to ministry over a utilitarian mindset, fostering a deeper connection with God and individuals we serve.
Shifting from Utility to Theology: Deepening Ministry with Personal Connections
In this session, we delve into the thought-provoking ideas of theologian Christos Janaras, exploring how Western culture's current pursuit of utility over truth impacts our churches and lives. We advocate for a theological approach to ministry focused on truth and personal connections, rather than utilitarian tactics. Through historical context, personal anecdotes, and a critique of modern ministry models, this video aims to inspire a shift towards a more meaningful and person-centered ministry. Join us to understand the profound importance of connecting deeply with God and others in a true ministry of love.
 
Get our Premium podcast feed featuring all the breakout sessions from the RENEW gathering early. 
https://reallifetheologypodcast.supercast.com/ 
Key Takeaways 
00:00 Introduction to Western Culture and Truth
01:04 Impact of Utility on Churches and Lives
01:44 Advocating for Theological Approach
02:19 Personal Background and Ministry Experience
03:23 Church Growth and Trends in America
05:46 Relational Discipleship and Utility in Ministry
07:15 Theological Approach vs. Pragmatic Approach
13:10 Loving People in Ministry
15:56 Critique of Utilitarian Ministry
21:58 Economic Capitalism in Ecclesiology
26:02 Understanding Needs vs. Wants in Ministry
26:14 A Personal Approach to Ministry
26:54 A Mission Trip Experience
28:15 The Importance of Personal Connection
28:46 Advocating for Personal Ministry
31:54 The Concept of 'I and Thou'
35:24 Objectification in Ministry
40:07 Theological Foundations of Personal Ministry
49:56 The Impact of Personal Ministry
51:33 The Pitfalls of Utilitarian Ministry
52:36 The Joy of Theological Ministry
– – – – 
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Building a Disciple-Making Culture in Your Church (feat. Brandon Guindon)

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Today’s episode will help us understand the challenges and rewards of building a disciple-making culture in a church, following the model of Jesus.
Building a Disciple-Making Culture in Your Church
In this heartfelt and motivating speech, a speaker from Real Life Ministries discusses the importance of building a disciple-making culture within the church. He recounts personal stories and challenges faced, including the recent loss of a close friend and mentor. Emphasizing the need to follow Jesus' model of discipleship, he explains how to create a sustainable, intentional, and reproducible process for making disciples. The speaker stresses the importance of establishing a culture rooted in biblical principles, building intentional relational environments, and fostering a commitment to disciple-making as a lifestyle. This talk provides both inspiration and practical advice for church leaders looking to navigate the complexities of modern ministry and remain true to their mission.
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Key Takeaways 
00:00 Welcome and Introduction
00:22 Honoring a Dear Friend
01:50 The Importance of Culture in Disciple Making
04:45 Personal Journey and Church Growth
08:25 Challenges and Triumphs in Church Planting
16:21 Building a Biblical Foundation for Disciple Making
23:37 Building on a Biblical Foundation
23:45 Intentional Lifestyle for Disciple Making
24:40 The Power of Multiplication
28:31 Creating Relational Environments
30:21 A Story of Transformation: Greg's Journey
37:28 Reproducible Processes in Disciple Making
42:09 The Challenges and Rewards of Disciple Making
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Navigating Politics as a Christian (feat. Donnie Williams)

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Today's episode will help us explore how Christians can navigate political conversations while staying true to their faith and Jesus' teachings in a deeply divided world.
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Navigating Politics as a Christian: Truth, Division, and the Call to Discipleship
In this episode, we delve into the challenge of political discourse in today's divided world from a Christian perspective. The speaker reflects on the civility of past political debates and contrasts it with the current climate of anger and misinformation. The discussion explores how Christians can navigate these conversations while staying true to their faith and the teachings of Christ. Key topics include the prevalence of false teachings, the importance of upholding a biblical worldview, and practical ways to engage in political conversations effectively. Using insights from various authors and apologists, the speaker provides a comprehensive guide for Christians to remain firm in their beliefs while extending grace in discussions. The talk concludes with practical steps for churches and individuals to foster unity and discernment within their communities.
Key Takeaways 
00:00 Introduction: Reflecting on Past Elections
01:03 The Shift in Political Discourse
01:57 Christian Engagement in Politics
02:42 Challenges Facing the Church
03:44 False Teachings and Biblical Worldview
06:50 Historical Context and Church Movements
10:09 Modern Church Strategies and Their Impact
11:37 Navigating Political Conversations as Christians
12:00 Eight Ways to Navigate an Election Year
30:02 Understanding the Role of Government
37:56 Conclusion: Engaging in Spiritual Conversations
 
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