The Disciple-Making Leader
This podcast focuses on helping churches cultivate disciple-making leaders. Through practical discussions, interviews with current ministry leaders, and real-life examples, it provides guidance on developing leaders. The aim is to inspire listeners to adopt Jesus' strategy for raising up leaders, growing the church, and multiplying movements. It encourages a transformative approach to leadership development.
Episodes
Jesus’ Strategy Through Miracles: Water to Wine : S4E17
What can we learn from the way Jesus strategically developed His first followers? In this episode, Ben Borgman and Pastor Craig look at Jesus' first recorded miracle - the wedding at Cana - and place it within the chronological story of His ministry.
Important links from this episode:
DiscipleFirst Website: https://disciplefirst.com/ - Find the book His way Still Works and use code HISWAY20 for
One Brick at a Time | Building a Foundation for Family Discipleship : S4E16
Family discipleship doesn't happen in one big moment. It is built over time, one brick at a time. In this episode, Ben Borgman joins Dallas and Martha Harvey for a practical conversation about how parents can disciple their kids through the ordinary moments they already have. From car rides and dinner tables to mornings, bedtime, and even bath time, they explore how everyday life can become an opp
Why Disciple‑Making at Home Matters | The Case for Family Discipleship : S4E15
The church plays an essential role in making disciples, but parents cannot outsource the spiritual formation of their children to the church.
Important links from this episode:
WITH Families: https://withfamilies.co/
Free WITH Families Resources: https://withfamilies.co/
DiscipleFirst Website: https://disciplefirst.com/
Evaluating Ministry Effectiveness | How Healthy Churches Measure Success : S4E14
How do you know if your ministry is actually accomplishing what it's intended to do? Attendance numbers only tell part of the story.
Important links from this episode:
DiscipleFirst Website: https://disciplefirst.com/
DiscipleFirst Coaching: https://disciplefirst.com/coaching/
Download the Ministry Evaluation Resources:
Ministry Alignment Exercise (free download)
Purpose & Passion Matrix (free
Hiring Disciple-Makers | Building a Staff That Multiplies : S4E13
Hiring the right staff member isn't just about filling an open position. It's about building a team that will strengthen your church's disciple-making culture for years to come.
Important links from this episode:
DiscipleFirst Website: https://disciplefirst.com/
DiscipleFirst Coaching: https://disciplefirst.com/coaching/
The Disciple Making Leader Podcast: https://disciplefirst.com/podcast/
Why Disciple-Making Efforts Die | Sustaining a Healthy Disciple-Making Culture : S4E12
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.
Important links from this episode:
DiscipleFirst Website: https://disciplefirst.com/
DiscipleFirst
The Disciple-Making Model for Every Church and Context : S4E11
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?
Important links from this episode:
DiscipleFirst Website: https://disciplefirst
The Church Planting Blind Spot | Why Multiplication Often Stalls : S4E10
In this episode of the Disciple-Making Leader Podcast, Ben Borgman, Craig Etheredge, and Gibson Largent tackle an important question facing churches and church planters today: Why are church planting and disciple making so often treated as separate ministries?
Important links from this episode:
DiscipleFirst Website: https://disciplefirst.com/
DiscipleFirst Coaching: https://disciplefirst.com/co
The Silent Epidemic | Fighting Pornography and Guarding Your Heart in Ministry : S4E9
In this episode of the Disciple-Making Leader Podcast, Ben Borgman, Craig Etheredge, and JT Thornton tackle one of the most hidden and destructive struggles impacting the church today: pornography.
Important links from this episode:
DiscipleFirst Website: https://disciplefirst.com/
DiscipleFirst Coaching: https://disciplefirst.com/coaching/
Catalyst 645: https://www.catalyst645.com/
The Weight of Ministry | Navigating Burnout, Isolation, and Leadership Challenges in the Local Church : S4E8
In this episode of the Disciple-Making Leader Podcast, Ben Borgman and Craig Etheredge are joined by Pastor JT Thornton of Trinity Baptist Church and Catalyst 645 for an honest conversation about the real challenges pastors and ministry leaders face today.
Important links from this episode:
DiscipleFirst Website: https://disciplefirst.com/
DiscipleFirst Coaching: https://disciplefirst.com/coachi
The Pathway | Moving from Confusion to Clarity in Disciple-Making : S4E7
In this episode of the Disciple Making Leader Podcast, Ben Borgman, Craig Etheredge, and Glenn Underhill move from identifying the problem in discipleship to offering a clear solution: a defined pathway rooted in the life of Jesus.
Important links from this episode:
DiscipleFirst Website: https://disciplefirst.com/
Closing the Gap | Why Discipleship Falls Short : S4E6
In Part 2 of this series, Ben Borgman, Pastor Glenn Underhill, and Pastor Craig Etheredge continue unpacking the State of Discipleship study from Lifeway Research, focusing on solutions to the challenges facing churches today.
Important links from this episode:
DiscipleFirst Website: https://disciplefirst.com/
DiscipleFirst Resources: https://disciplefirst.com/resources/
Lifeway Study – The
Reclaiming Saint Patrick | The Disciple-Making Legacy of St. Patrick : S4E5
In this episode, Ben Borgman and Pastor Craig Etheredge revisit the true story of Saint Patrick and his lasting impact as a disciple-making missionary.
Important links from this episode:
DiscipleFirst Website: https://disciplefirst.com/
DiscipleFirst Resources: https://disciplefirst.com/resources/
Book Mentioned – The Celtic Way of Evangelism by George Hunter: http://amazon.com/Celtic-Way-Evan
Closing the Gap: Why Many Churches Value Discipleship but Struggle to Practice It : S4E4
In this episode of the Disciple-Making Leader Podcast, Ben Borgman is joined in the studio by Pastor Craig and Pastor Glenn Underhill to discuss key insights from the State of Discipleship study by Lifeway Research.
Important links from this episode:
DiscipleFirst Website: https://disciplefirst.com/
DiscipleFirst Resources: https://disciplefirst.com/resources/
Lifeway Research – The State of Di
The Disciple Making-Leader LIVE: Part Three with Pastor Prem, Pastor Lakpa, and Keith Squires : S4E3
A special live episode from The Collective featuring Pastor Prem and Pastor Lakpa from Nepal, along with Keith Squires from CrossCreek Church. Pastor Prem and Lakpa share the powerful story of the Church in Nepal - from having no known Christians before 1950 to becoming one of the fastest-growing Christian movements in the world.
Important links from this episode:
DiscipleFirst Website: https:/
The Disciple-Making Leader LIVE: Part Two with Luke Calvert and Kayleigh Farnan : S4E2
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.
Important links from this episode:
DiscipleFirst Website: https://di
The Disciple-Making Leader LIVE: Part One with Glenn Underhill and JT Thornton : S4E1
Welcome to a special live episode of the Disciple-Making Leader Podcast, recorded at The Collective - a gathering celebrating what God is doing through disciple-making leaders across diverse contexts. In this episode, you’ll hear from Glenn Underhill, Executive Pastor at CrossCreek Church, as he shares his disciple-making philosophy and powerful stories of multigenerational impact rooted in person
Disciple-Making Leaders in Action: An Interview with Leah Beth Etheredge : S3E14
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 relatio
Engaging the Workplace for Kingdom Impact : S3E13
What does it look like to make disciples where you work every day? Craig Etheredge is joined by Josh McCaslin and Jack Springer for a dynamic and down-to-earth conversation on living as a disciple-making leader in the marketplace.
Important links from this episode:
DiscipleFirst Website: https://disciplefirst.com/
DiscipleFirst Resources: https://disciplefirst.com/resources/
Special links from
Disciple-Making Leaders in Action: An Interview with Jack Springer : S3E12
What does it look like to make disciples in the boardroom—not just the sanctuary? In this episode of The Disciple-Making Leader Podcast, Craig Etheredge, Zach Towery, and Josh McCasland sit down with Jack Springer—a seasoned CEO, board member, and bold disciple-maker in the marketplace.
Important links from this episode:
DiscipleFirst Website: https://disciplefirst.com/
DiscipleFirst Resources:
The Grow Series: A Tool for Multiplication : S3E11
If the mission of the church is to make disciples who multiply, why are so many leaders stuck in systems that don’t? In this episode, Glenn Underhill and Craig Etheredge sit down with special guest Zach Towery to unpack a game-changing truth: church multiplication doesn’t happen through programs - it happens through intentional disciple-making groups.
Important links from this episode:
DiscipleFi
Disciple-Making Leaders in Action: An Interview with Shannon Deloach : S3E10
Disciple-making rarely follows a straight line. It’s often forged in the quiet, behind-the-scenes moments of obedience, through closed doors, difficult seasons, and the faithful investment in others. That’s the kind of life Shannon Deloach is living.
Important links from this episode:
DiscipleFirst Website: https://disciplefirst.com/
DiscipleFirst Resources: https://disciplefirst.com/resources
Raising up the Next Leaders: Hearing from the Cross Creek Residents : S3E9
Sometimes the best leadership lessons come from stories you didn’t expect. In this episode, Ben Borgman and Craig Etheredge sit down with Kaleigh Farnan, stepping into her first full-time ministry role, and Tommy Adams, reflecting on a year of growth since completing the Cross Creek Residency.
Important links from this episode:
DiscipleFirst Website: https://disciplefirst.com/
DiscipleFirst Res
Raising up the Next Leaders: The Cross Creek Residency : S3E8
What does it really take to raise up the next generation of disciple-making leaders? In today’s episode of The Disciple-Making Leader Podcast, hosts Ben Borgman and Craig Etheredge sit down with Dr. Gary Chevalier, director of the Cross Creek Residency, to unpack how intentional investment is transforming emerging leaders from the inside out.
Important links from this episode:
DiscipleFirst Webs
Real World Evangelism: Moving Beyond Surface-Level Conversations : S3E7
What if sharing your faith didn’t feel awkward or forced but natural, relational, and even joyful? In this powerful episode of The Disciple-Making Leader Podcast, hosts Craig Etheredge, Ben Borgman, and Glenn Underhill dive into the real-life challenges and opportunities of living out a lifestyle of relational evangelism.
Go to the episode webpage to download the accompanying listening guide:
ht
Sermon Planning 101 : S3E6
What does it look like to preach with purpose instead of pressure? This timely conversation brings clarity to the sermon planning process. Ben Borgman, Craig Etheredge, and Glenn Underhill step into the studio during Holy Week to tackle one of the most practical and pressing challenges pastors face: sermon planning.
Go to the episode webpage to download the accompanying listening guide:
https://
Disciple-Making Leaders in Action: An Interview with Chad Alvarez : S3E5
What happens when a business leader catches a vision for making disciples? In this powerful conversation, Craig Etheredge and Ben Borgman sit down with Chad Alvarez—an accomplished entrepreneur, faithful family man, and a board member at discipleFIRST—to explore how leaders can align their influence with Jesus’ model for ministry.
Important links from this episode:
DiscipleFirst Website: https:/
Productivity as a Disciple-Making Leader : S3E4
Craig Etheredge and Ben Borgman sit down with Cameron Bundy—a seasoned ministry practitioner and trusted discipleFIRST trainer—for a conversation that hits at the heart of a challenge every leader faces: staying focused on what matters most.
Go to the episode webpage to download the accompanying listening guide:
https://disciplefirst.com/podcast/productivity-as-a-disciple-making-leader-s3e4/
I
Disciple-Making Leaders in Action: An Interview with Pastor David Pothier : S3E3
In this powerful conversation, hosts Ben Borgman and Glenn Underhill connect with David Pothier, senior pastor of La Chapelle Church in Montreal, to unpack what it looks like to ignite a disciple-making movement in one of the most secular, post-Christian environments in North America.
Important links from this episode:
DiscipleFirst Website: https://disciplefirst.com/
DiscipleFirst Resources:
Cultivating Leaders of Leaders in Your Church : S3E2
What happens when a leader stops trying to do it all and starts empowering others to lead? In this episode of The Disciple-Making Leader Podcast, Craig Etheredge and Ben Borgman sit down with Cameron Bundy, Adult Ministry Pastor at Cross Creek Church, to unpack a powerful shift in ministry leadership.
Go to the episode webpage to download the accompanying listening guide:
https://disciplefirst.
Disciple-Making Leaders in Action: An Interview with Pastor Israel Iluz : S3E1
Ben Borgman and Craig Etheredge launch Season Three with a powerful conversation featuring special guest, Pastor Israel Iluz. In this compelling episode, Pastor Israel shares his extraordinary journey of planting a church in northern Israel—an area marked by spiritual resistance, war, and political instability.
Important links from this episode:
DiscipleFirst Website: https://disciplefirst.com/
How to cast an Intentional Vision : S2E12
In this episode, host Ben Borgman is joined by Craig Etheredge and Glenn Underhill to discuss one of the most critical aspects of leadership: casting a compelling vision. Building on a previous conversation about crafting vision, this episode explores how leaders can communicate their God-given mission effectively at every level of their organization.
Go to the episode webpage to download the a
Crafting an Intentional Vision : S2E11
In today's episode, we dive deep into the art of crafting an intentional vision. Focusing on simplicity and practicality, they explore the critical balance between inspirational, long-term goals and actionable, short-term plans.
Go to the episode webpage to download the accompanying listening guide: https://disciplefirst.com/podcast/crafting-an-intentional-vision/
Important links from this e
Encouraging Multipliers : S2E10
In this episode, we'll discuss 5 proven steps to keep disciple-makers motivated. We’ll look at tools and resources available, such as books and blogs. Additionally, we'll discuss the power of a disciple-making community.
Go to the episode webpage to download the accompanying free worksheet: https://disciplefirst.com/podcast/encouraging-multipliers/
Important links from this episode:
Disciple
The Urgency for Church-Planting : S2E9
In this episode, we dive into the power of the synergy between disciple-making and church planting, featuring hosts Ben Borgman and Craig Etheredge alongside special guest Clay Holcomb, Executive Director of CrossCreek Network. Together, we’ll explore how church planters can overcome cultural barriers utilizing the methods and model of Jesus—whether in West Africa, Israel, Cambodia, or North Ameri
Asking for Help, The Value of Coaching : S2E8
Coaching offers pastors a fresh perspective to help them stay focused on what truly matters, work through real-world challenges, and create healthy environments for disciple-making. Learn about discipleFIRST’s approach to coaching, which goes beyond just the principles of making disciples, adapting to the individual context and needs of each leader.
Special link from this episode:
DiscipleFirst
Empowering Disciple-Making Women : S2E7
In this episode, titled "Empowering Disciple-Making Women," we delve deep into the transformative journey of women within the church who are stepping into leadership and disciple-making roles. Joining our host, Ben Borgman, are esteemed guests and board members, Kyle Phillips and Andrea Murphy.
Important links from this episode:
DiscipleFirst Website: https://disciplefirst.com/
DiscipleFirst Re
The Right Way through Conflict : S2E6
In today’s episode, we’re delving into a crucial and often challenging aspect of leadership—conflict resolution. Join us as we explore strategies for addressing and resolving conflicts within the church by following the example set by Jesus. We’ll be discussing how to navigate the emotional undercurrents of conflict before transitioning to problem-solving, and how understanding different perspecti
The Necessity for Healthy Conflict Resolution : S2E5
In today's episode, titled "The Necessity for Healthy Conflict Resolution," our host Pastor Glenn Underhill of Cross Creek Church, along with Craig Etheridge, founder of Disciple First, and Dr. Bernice Riley, a licensed professional counselor, dive deep into the essentials of managing and resolving conflict healthily within leadership.
Go to the episode webpage to download the accompanying free
The importance of a Leader’s Spiritual Health : S2E4
In this episode, host Ben Borgman dives into the vital topic of maintaining spiritual health amidst the demanding responsibilities of ministry. Joined by esteemed guests, Pastor Craig Etheredge and Pastor Brent Parker, the discussion focuses on the common challenges pastors face, such as feeling overwhelmed by ministry duties, balancing family obligations, and dealing with isolation. The conversat
Seven Core Convictions of a Disciple-Making Church : S2E3
In today's episode, Glen Underhill and Craig Etheredge dive into the seven core convictions that are essential to creating a disciple-making church, helping to develop a "Jesus-Centered" philosophy of ministry. We'll explore how Jesus' reliance on the spirit and his approach to disciple-making serves as a perfect model for us today. Our speakers emphasize the significance of prayerful dependence o
Getting Your Team On Board With A Disciple-Making Philosophy of Ministry : S2E2
In today's episode, our host Glenn Underhill is joined by special guest Craig Etheredge, author of the new book "His Way Still Works." Together, they dive deep into the importance of adopting a Jesus-centric philosophy of ministry and the impact it has on transforming churches into movements of multiplication.
The Power of a Disciple-Making Philosophy of Ministry : S2E1
Tune in as Glenn and Craig emphasize the power of having a clear, unified philosophy of ministry based on Jesus' disciple-making model. They'll explain how this approach can lead to cohesive church leadership, drive impactful decisions, and ultimately, ignite a movement of multiplication. Plus, don’t miss out on a special discount on Craig’s new book, "His Way Still Works" by using the code: HISWA
Finding Inspiration in Jesus: The Ultimate Disciple-Making Leader : S1E11
We'll also discuss the weight and responsibility that comes with being a senior leader in an organization. We'll explore the different paradigms that leaders often adopt and the importance of developing and coaching those under their leadership.
Discipleship in Action: Unpacking the Definition of a Departmental Leader : S1E10
In today's episode, we dive into the topic of defining a departmental leader. What does it mean to be a departmental leader in the context of a church? How can they effectively lead their department towards growth and success?
Jesus’ Leadership Blueprint: Building and Developing Leaders of Leaders : S1E9
In today's episode, we explore the critical role a leader of leaders plays in the growth and development of a ministry. We dive into the teachings of Jesus, who exemplified healthy conflict resolution and skillfully elevated his disciples to become leaders themselves.
The Significance of a Team Leader in Growing a Disciple-Making Movement : S1E8
In this episode, we dive deep into the topic of team leadership. How do you define a team leader? What qualities and skills should they possess? Join us as we explore the teachings of Jesus and uncover valuable insights on how to be an effective team leader.
Drawing from the story of Jesus and his disciples, we discover how Jesus challenged his team to take bold steps of faith and cultivate a she
The 5-Level Leadership Pipeline : S1E7
On this episode, we dive into the topic of the 5-level Leadership Pipeline. Join us as we explore how Jesus dealt with negativity, the importance of investing time with volunteers, and understanding the essence of the mission. We'll also discuss the power of cultivating curiosity, creating excitement, and casting vision. Get ready to be inspired as we share practical tips and insights on how to de
Two Divergent Paths of a Leader : S1E6
On this episode of The Disciple-Making Leader Podcast, co-hosts Glenn Underhill and Craig Etheredge interview Josh McCasland about his experience as a disciple-making leader. Josh shares his insights on the pathway and pipeline models of leadership, and how investing in people takes time, effort, and conversations.
Unpacking the Optimal Trajectory of a Disciple-Making Leader : S1E5
On this episode of The Disciple-Making Leader Podcast, Craig Etheredge and Glenn Underhill welcome guest Zach Towery to discuss the optimal trajectory of a disciple-making leader.
Why Every Church Should Have a Leadership Pipeline : S1E4
On this episode of The Disciple-Making Leader Podcast, Craig Etheredge and Glenn Underhill discuss the importance of having a leadership pipeline in churches and ministries.
Developing a Disciple-Making Pathway : S1E3
On this episode of The Disciple-Making Leader Podcast, Craig Etheredge and Glenn Underhill discuss developing a disciple-making pathway.
What is a Disciple & Why Does It Matter? : S1E2
This episode delves into the confusion surrounding the term disciple, and the importance of manufacturing clear specifications for discipleship. Craig & Glenn discuss disciple-making leaders and their crucial role in the church's mission to make disciples.
What is a Disciple-Making Leader? : S1E1
The Church in North America has bought into the idea of the superstar leader, and our culture is fascinated by celebrity. We are fixated on the charismatic celebrity pastor or youth pastor. However, there's a dark side.
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