Re-Discovering E-DNA | 2025 National Disciple Making Forum (Jason Shepperd) · The Disciple Maker‘s Podcast summary

Key takeaways

The importance of re-evaluating church practices to align with original biblical principles.
Decentralization and distribution of leadership can lead to healthier church environments.
Encouraging diverse discipleship communities strengthens the overall mission of the church.
Understanding ecclesiology is essential for church growth and effectiveness.
Engaging in active disciple-making requires a commitment from all members within a community.

Summary

Introduction to the Special Series

In this episode, the hosts announce a short break for themselves but will introduce a special four-part series from the 2025 National Disciple Making Forum. This series aims to provide insight and encouragement in disciple making, beginning with a session titled 'Re-Discovering E-DNA'.

The Journey of Church Project

The speaker reflects on his 15-year journey in church founding and development, discussing his early misconceptions about the gospel within a Southern Baptist upbringing. He narrates his transition from pre-med to ministry and the frustrations that led him to establish Church Project, aiming to return to the original intent of the church as designed by Jesus.

Foundational Concepts of Church Deconstruction

The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding ecclesiology, sharing Paul’s instructions from the Book of Titus. He discusses three key commands from Paul: correcting unfinished elements in the church, appointing elders, and teaching sound doctrine, which serve as foundational elements for effective church communities.

Decentralized Church Model

A decentralized approach from the traditional primary place and priest is advocated, demonstrating how the early church functioned. The speaker illustrates how Jesus’s teachings and practices facilitate a decentralized community where leadership is distributed rather than concentrated in one individual.

Distributed Pastoral Leadership

The concept of distributing pastoral leadership is unpacked, arguing against the model where a singular pastor meets every need of a congregation. The speaker shares examples of house church pastors and how they facilitate meaningful connections and support within their communities.

Diverse Discipleship Communities

The episode concludes with a call for diversity within discipleship communities, suggesting that various demographics should come together under one church. The speaker highlights the biblical call for older and younger generations to learn from one another in a diverse setting, enhancing spiritual growth.

Show notes

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Church Project Track Session 1: Re-Discovering E-DNA

Jesus started this beautiful thing called "church," not man. And, He and His followers led and modeled how he intended for church to be lived out. Rather than the latest church growth book or contextually-based model, it is time to return to the ways Jesus intended for His Church to be lived out as seen in the example of the Early Church.

Rethinking Church: From Traditional to Transformative - A Journey of Rediscovery

In this session, the speaker shares his 15-year journey of founding and developing Church Project. Growing up in a small fundamental Southern Baptist church in Tyler, Texas, he initially misunderstood the gospel's breadth. Through years of college, internships, and pastoral work, he grappled with his frustrations and God's calling. After leaving traditional church settings, he started Church Project with a mission to return to the church's original intent. The session dives into the importance of decentralizing from primary places and priests, distributing pastoral leadership, and fostering diverse discipleship communities. Through biblical references, especially Titus chapter one, the speaker explains the foundational elements needed to create effective and healthy church communities. Join this transformative discussion that challenges conventional ecclesiology and aims to shape a more inclusive, decentralized, and dynamic church model.

Key Takeaways 00:00 The Beginnings of Church Product 00:45 Discovering the True Gospel 00:54 From Pre-Med to Ministry 01:46 A Frustrated Calling 03:46 The Birth of Church Product 04:29 Rethinking Church 05:12 Understanding Ecclesiology 05:59 Paul's Instructions to Titus 18:22 Distributed Pastoral Leadership 23:22 Diverse Discipleship Communities 26:46 Q&A Session 27:50 Introduction to the Sessions 28:10 The Role of the Building 29:11 Centralization vs. Decentralization 29:53 Gathering Spaces and Their Use 33:41 House Churches and Accountability 38:16 Challenges and Solutions in House Churches 49:43 The Importance of Corporate Gatherings 57:18 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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Re-Discovering E-DNA | 2025 National Disciple Making Forum (Jason Shepperd)