Not every disciple-making effort lasts.
Many churches launch with enthusiasm, see early momentum, and celebrate transformed lives. Then, over time, the excitement fades. Groups stop multiplying, leaders become discouraged, and what once felt like a movement slowly becomes another ministry program.
In this episode of the Disciple Making Leader Podcast, Ben Borgman and Craig Etheredge begin a three-part coaching series by exploring one of the most common challenges they encounter while coaching churches: why disciple-making efforts lose momentum.
Drawing from decades of ministry experience, they discuss the leadership habits that keep disciple-making cultures healthy, the warning signs every pastor should watch for, and practical ways to sustain long-term multiplication. They also address common discouragements faced by pastors and disciple-makers, offering encouragement for leaders who feel stuck or wonder if their investment is making a difference.
Whether you’re leading a church, discipling a small group, or trying to build a culture of multiplication, this conversation will help you stay focused on the mission Jesus gave His Church.
Topics Covered:
- Why disciple-making movements lose momentum
- The pastor’s role in creating disciple-making culture
- Common leadership mistakes that stall multiplication
- Why chasing the “next big thing” hurts long-term ministry
- Warning signs your disciple-making culture is fading
- Encouraging disciple-makers through seasons of discouragement
- Measuring multiplication beyond attendance
- Creating a culture that produces new leaders
- The importance of consistent vision and intentional leadership
- Practical ways to sustain disciple-making over the long haul
- How discipleFIRST Coaching helps churches get unstuck
Overview:
- 00:00 Kicking Off Church Coaching Series
- 05:06 Phasing out of church initiatives
- 09:10 Leadership in Disciple Making Culture
- 10:18 Importance of pastoral longevity
- 15:53 Boosting evangelism and connection efforts
- 18:11 Challenges in disciple making movement
- 23:04 Starting and leading disciple groups
- 25:56 Encouragement and pastoral support
- 27:45 Expectations for group multiplication
- 32:53 Finding new disciples and leaders
- 34:23 Engaging newcomers outside the church
- 37:51 Gathering and Encouraging Multipliers
- 41:56 Cultivating and maintaining growth
- 44:59 Being an active and engaged leader
- 46:52 Intro to coaching series
Discussion Questions:
- Why do you think the natural tendency for disciple-making efforts to phase out over time exists, and what parallels do you see in other areas of ministry or life?
- In your context, how is leadership modeling disciple-making, and how does it affect the church culture?
- What practical ways can leaders ensure a disciple-making culture endures beyond their initial enthusiasm?
- How can churches balance innovation and consistency in disciple-making efforts?
- Have you witnessed similar challenges to the impact of pastoral turnover and leadership conflict in derailing disciple-making movements in your ministry, and how were they addressed (or not)?
- What are the main bottom-up challenges that individual disciple-makers face? How can leadership better support those in the trenches?
- How do you personally stay motivated in seasons with slow or unseen results?
- What are some effective ways your church (or group) has celebrated wins and provided encouragement to disciple-makers?
- What are the “weeds” and “fertilizers” in your own disciple-making context?
- What indicators do you personally look for to evaluate the health of disciple-making in your church or ministry? How might you address any concerns that arise?
