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.
Host Ben Borgman and producer Dallas Harvey introduce two leaders whose lives reflect the beauty – and the challenge – of disciple-making in very different contexts. You’ll hear from Luke Calvert, serving faithfully in Harlem with Cultivate NYC, and Kayleigh Farnan, a homegrown leader whose journey from growing up in the church to serving on staff highlights the impact of intentional investment over time.
From the urban streets of New York City to familiar church hallways, this episode reminds us that disciple-making is always relational, always intentional, and always worth it. Luke shares how patience, trust-building, and consistent presence open doors in a dynamic and diverse city like Harlem. Kayleigh reflects on the leaders who invested in her when she was young – and how that steady, faithful pouring into her life helped shape her calling today.
Their stories reinforce a truth we talk about often at discipleFIRST: movements of multiplication begin when leaders choose to invest deeply in a few. When we walk with people, train them in the way of Jesus, and release them to do the same, the impact echoes far beyond what we can see.
Whether you’re leading in a large city, a small town, or somewhere in between, this conversation will encourage you to stay faithful, think long-term, and keep your focus on making disciples who make disciples.
Let’s listen in and be reminded that Jesus’ way still works.
Overview:
- 00:00 “Discipleship and Ministry Challenges”
- 05:29 “Patience in Disciple-Making”
- 07:39 “Building Trust to Make Disciples”
- 10:24 “Bible Study at Columbia”
- 14:24 “Finding Faith Through Community”
- 16:12 “Faith Journey Through Mentorship”
- 19:27 “Gratitude for Cultivate’s Impact”
Discussion Questions:
- What stood out to you about Luke Calvert’s experience with disciple-making in Harlem, and how is it different from more familiar ministry contexts?
- Luke discussed the importance of building trust within the community before making disciples. What are some practical ways to build trust in your own community or context?
- Patience was highlighted as a key attribute for ministry in difficult places. How has patience played a role in your own leadership or disciple-making efforts?
- How do you think diversity and different backgrounds influence the approach to disciple-making, as seen in Luke’s context in New York City?
- Kayleigh Farnan shared her journey from being discipled in her local church to eventually joining the staff. How important is the role of mentors and encouragers in someone’s spiritual development?
- Kayleigh talked about ‘life-on-life discipleship.’ What does that mean to you, and how can it be intentionally modeled in your environment?
- Discuss how serving practical needs (like literacy programs and family days) can lead to open doors for disciple-making. Do you have any examples from your context?
- Both Luke and Kayleigh emphasized flexibility in ministry. Why is adaptability important for disciple-making leaders?
- Kayleigh spoke about the impact of people who weren’t necessarily staff but still invested in her life. What does that say about the role of lay leaders in the church?
- After hearing these stories, what next step do you feel inspired to take in your own disciple-making journey?
