In this episode of the Disciple Making Leader Podcast, Ben Borgman and Craig Etheredge are joined by Gibson Largent of the CrossCreek Network to discuss one of the most important questions facing church leaders today: How do you faithfully make disciples in a ministry context that looks different from everyone else’s?
From urban centers to rural communities, from church plants to established churches, every ministry context comes with unique challenges and opportunities. Yet while methods may change, Jesus’ disciple-making model remains remarkably consistent. His way worked in first – century Galilee, and it continues to work today.
Drawing from ministry experience in Oklahoma City, Philadelphia, Montana, Africa, and beyond, the conversation explores why so many leaders fall into the trap of copying successful churches instead of learning the principles behind Jesus’ ministry. Ben, Craig, and Gibson unpack how disciple-making can be both deeply contextual and deeply biblical, helping leaders understand the difference between methods that change and principles that do not.
The discussion also highlights three characteristics of Jesus’ ministry that transcend culture, church size, and geography: intentionality, relationships, and mission. Whether you serve in a church plant, a large church, a small church, or somewhere in between, this episode offers encouragement and practical guidance for applying Jesus’ model in your unique setting.
Topics Covered
- Why every ministry context is different
- The danger of copying successful churches
- Principles versus methods in disciple-making
- Lessons from ministry in diverse cultures and communities
- Why Jesus remains the model for ministry
- The intentional nature of disciple-making
- Building ministry through relationships
- Developing a missional mindset
- The Four Fields approach to mission
- Equipping everyday believers for disciple-making
- Spiritual formation through experience and engagement
- Applying biblical principles in unique ministry settings
Overview:
- 00:00 Copying church trends in ministry
- 04:52 Craig and Gibson’s church experiences
- 09:27 Handling confrontations about faith
- 10:58 Discussing spiritual and emotional change
- 14:29 Timeless principles for personal growth
- 17:41 Discovering a pattern in Jesus’ life
- 20:38 Jesus calling the fishermen
- 26:18 Spiritual growth and personal invitations
- 28:54 Training for a Missional Lifestyle
- 32:30 Living with a missionary mindset
- 34:29 New believer’s transformation journey
- 37:32 Discussing personalized discipleship principles
- 41:23 Relying on the Holy Spirit
- 43:56 Expressing gratitude and offering help
Discussion Questions:
- What are some challenges or benefits you see in trying to apply Jesus’ model in your specific context?
- How does your church’s context shape the way you approach disciple-making?
- How do you adapt your methods when sharing the gospel with people from different cultures or backgrounds?
- What are some examples you’ve seen of the danger of copying ministry methods from other churches without considering context, and how did it work or not work?
- Which of the three core aspects of Jesus’ method (intentional, relational, and missional) do you find easiest or hardest to practice, and why?
- What are some “hidden arrows” of intentionality you’ve discovered in your own disciple-making efforts?
- How can churches foster deeper loyalty and commitment among members?
- What practical strategies does your church use to help members live missionally?
- How do you discern what to adopt and what to leave behind from ministry conferences or books?
- What steps can leaders take to discover and implement Jesus’ transferable principles in their unique ministry environments?
