45 Degree Shifts: From Addition to Multiplication in Disciple Making

Key takeaways

Small shifts in approach can lead to significant growth in disciple-making.
Discipleship should focus on obedience, not just knowledge.
Churches need to transition from teaching to training for effective disciple-making.
Prioritizing God's kingdom is essential for true growth and impact.
Deploying leaders into the community is crucial for multiplication in discipleship.

Summary

Introduction to the 45 Degree Shift

Josh Howard opens the podcast by introducing the concept of '45-degree shifts' that churches must make to move from addition to multiplication in disciple-making. He illustrates this idea by comparing the addition sign to the multiplication sign, emphasizing that a small shift can have a significant impact in the life of individuals and churches.

Shift 1: From Knowledge-Based to Obedience-Based Discipleship

The first shift discussed is the transition from a knowledge-based approach to an obedience-based discipleship. Josh argues that merely transferring knowledge does not create true disciples. He references scripture, particularly the parable of the wise and foolish builders, to highlight the importance of putting faith into action and obeying Jesus’s teachings.

Shift 2: Transition from Teaching Center to Training Center

Josh emphasizes the need for churches to evolve from being primarily teaching centers to training centers. He draws on biblical examples, particularly from Paul's ministry in Acts, to illustrate that effective disciple-making involves training and equipping communities rather than just delivering sermons.

Shift 3: Focusing on God's Kingdom over Personal Church Growth

The third shift highlights the need to prioritize God's kingdom rather than personal or church growth strategies. Josh encourages church leaders to focus on expanding the kingdom of God and reaching the lost, rather than solely measuring success by their congregational numbers.

Shift 4: Employing People Versus Deploying People

The final shift discusses the contrast between employing individuals for church roles versus deploying them into the community to make an impact. Josh stresses the importance of sending out trained leaders like Paul and Barnabas did in Antioch, advocating for a model where churches empower their members to engage in service and outreach.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Josh concludes by summarizing the importance of these 45-degree shifts in fostering a disciple-making culture. He invites listeners to reach out for support in implementing these changes and emphasizes the goal of gospel saturation in society.

Show notes

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Transforming Churches: 45-Degree Shifts from Addition to Multiplication - Disciple Maker's Podcast

Join Josh Howard in this solo episode of the Disciple Maker's Podcast as he discusses the essential '45-degree shifts' churches need to make to transition from addition to multiplication in discipleship. Josh outlines four key shifts: moving from knowledge-based to obedience-based discipleship, transforming churches from teaching centers to training centers, focusing on God's kingdom over personal church growth, and shifting from employing to deploying people. Drawing from his 16+ years of experience on the mission field in India, Josh offers practical insights for creating a disciple-making culture within churches. Reach out to Josh for further engagement and support in making these pivotal changes. Email: josh@discipleship.org.

00:00 Introduction and Overview 00:24 Understanding the 45 Degree Shift 03:05 Shift 1: Knowledge to Obedience 05:23 Shift 2: Teaching Center to Training Center 09:08 Shift 3: My Kingdom to God's Kingdom 13:19 Shift 4: Employing to Deploying 19:32 Conclusion and Call to Action