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.
Leah Beth shares how God led her from growing up in a ministry family in Texas and Oklahoma to stepping into her calling as both an artist and a disciple-maker in NYC’s vibrant creative community. Her journey hasn’t been easy, marked by seasons of fear, waiting, and stretching faith, but through it all, she’s learned to trust God’s leadership and lean into His mission.
You’ll hear how the Lord opened doors in unexpected ways and how a simple act of obedience sparked the formation of The Hang, a grassroots gathering that started in a small apartment and has grown into a thriving ministry helping creatives grow socially, professionally, and spiritually.
This episode is an invitation to see how disciple-making is possible anywhere, when we choose to follow Jesus’ model. Whether you’re in a fast-paced urban center, a rural town, or somewhere in between, this conversation will challenge and encourage you to keep going, stay rooted, and invest in the few.
No matter your location, the calling is the same: make disciples who make disciples. Tune in and be reminded that His way still works, even in the most unexpected places.
Overview:
- 00:00 Skydiving: Conquering Fear at 14,000ft
- 06:11 Childhood Conversion and Spiritual Journey
- 07:20 Faith Challenge and Renewal
- 10:12 “Unexpected Journey to New York”
- 16:05 Choosing Theater Over Basketball
- 18:49 Unexpected Community Embrace
- 22:16 City Lockdown: An Apocalyptic Feel
- 26:08 Ministry Leadership and Growth Vision
- 27:59 The Hang: Artist Support Network
- 31:37 Creativity and Faith Coexistence
- 35:45 “Pressure Cooker of Spiritual Growth”
- 36:31 Discipleship Challenges in NYC
- 40:21 “Defining ‘Follower of Jesus'”
- 45:37 “Finding Rest in the Lord”
- 48:55 Disciple-Making Mission Journey
- 50:25 “Inspirational Service: The Hang NYC”
Discussion Questions:
- Leah Beth shared her journey of conquering fear through experiences like skydiving. How do you think facing fears relates to spiritual growth and disciple-making?
- What lessons can we learn about the importance of organic community versus structured programs in disciple making?
- Leah Beth emphasized the significance of relationships over programs in effective ministry. In what ways can churches and leaders prioritize relationships in their own contexts?
- What are some ways disciple makers can adapt to high turnover and constant change?
- Leah Beth and her co-leaders have had to contextualize their discipleship for artists in NYC. How have you needed to adapt your message or methods to fit your own culture or community?
- How does meeting practical needs open doors for spiritual conversations or growth?
- Leah Beth talked about low biblical literacy among her peers and the simplicity needed in discipleship. How do you balance simplicity with helping people dig deeper in their faith journey?
- What role does vulnerability (like sharing personal struggles with fear or doubt) play in leadership and disciple making, based on what Leah Beth shared about her own story?
- Discouragement was identified as a key weapon of the enemy. What practical habits or rhythms help you persevere through discouragement in ministry or disciple making?
- Personal health, silence, and solitude were highlighted as essential for sustaining long-term ministry. How do you build these practices into your life, and what impact have they had on your leadership?
