Run With Horses

Barriers for a Disciple Maker

Rwh13sep Ep.381 – Run With Horses Podcast –  3 Barriers Disciple Makers FacePodcast: rwh.podbean.comWebsite: www.runwithhorses.netYoutube:  https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcastFacebook:  https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcastTwitter:  https://twitter.com/RWH_podcastAuthor pages with links to all books on Amazon.https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smithhttps://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith
Barriers to Disciple-Making
Part 1: Why These Things Are a Problem
1. Busyness ( • Define it: Activity without intentionality. • Luke 10:41–42:2. Apathy • A lack of concern for spiritual needs. • Revelation 3:15–16:
3. Lack of Discipline • Inconsistent rhythms of prayer, Word, and mission. • 1 Corinthians 9:27 (: Part 2: What We Can Do About It
1. Countering Busyness with Margin • Ephesians 5:15–16:
2. Countering Apathy with Love and Prayer • Matthew 9:37–38: 3. Countering Lack of Discipline with Spiritual Good Habits • Luke 9:23 : 

5 Traits of a Disciple Maker

Rwh06sep Ep.380 – Run With Horses Podcast –  5 Traits of Disciple Makers
Podcast: rwh.podbean.com
Website: www.runwithhorses.net
Youtube:  https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcast
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast
Author pages with links to all books on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smith
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith
 
1.. The Call to Discipleship
•Jesus’ Invitation
•Mark 1:17
•Goal of Discipleship
•Romans 8:29
 
2.. Theological Foundation of Spiritual Growth
•The Seed Growing
•Matthew 13:31–32
•Athletes Training
•1 Corinthians 9:24–27
•Endurance in the Race
•Hebrews 12:1–2
 
3.. Core Virtues in the Journey
 
1. Discipline
•1 Timothy 4:7–8
2. Perseverance
•James 1:2–4
 
3. Risk-Taking (Faith in Action)
•Jonathan and His Armor-Bearer (1 Samuel 14:6–7)
•Risk: Attacking a Philistine garrison with just two men.
•Faith: Jonathan trusted that God was not limited by numbers or strength.
•Outcome: God gave them victory, sparking courage in Israel.
 
 
4. Curiosity (A Holy Hunger)
•Acts 17:11
 
Zacchaeus Seeking Jesus
•Luke 19:3–4
•Curiosity: Zacchaeus was determined to see Jesus.
•Outcome: His seeking led to salvation coming to his house.
 
Godly curiosity:
•Is fueled by humility (acknowledging we don’t know everything).
•Leads to greater revelation (God meets seekers with truth).
•Results in deeper faith and obedience, not mere intellectual satisfaction.
 
5. Integrity (Wholeness and Consistency)
•Matthew 5:37
 
6.. Conclusion
•Philippians 1:6
•Return to Jesus’ words: “Follow Me, Fish for men.”
 
– “Thank you for listening today! 
-If you enjoyed the show you can listen to all the past shows wherever you listen to podcasts. A good place to start is at runwithhorses.net. You can also write me at norman@runwithhorses.net or leave a comment on the Run With Horses Podcast facebook page.
Day by day, God is transforming us into the image of His Son. Be encouraged that He will complete His work! And Until next time, keep your eyes on Jesus and never stop running."

Supporting Your Pastor's Wife

Rwh30aug Ep.379 – Run With Horses Podcast –  Supporting Your Pastor’s WifePodcast: rwh.podbean.comWebsite: www.runwithhorses.netYoutube:  https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcastFacebook:  https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcastTwitter:  https://twitter.com/RWH_podcastAuthor pages with links to all books on Amazon.https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smithhttps://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith

Following Jesus is a Journey, Part 2

Rwh23aug Ep.378 – Run With Horses Podcast –  Following Jesus is a Journey, Part 2
Podcast: rwh.podbean.com
Website: www.runwithhorses.net
Youtube:  https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcast
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast
Author pages with links to all books on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smith
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith
 
**(24:00)**
If you feel like the spiritual life is an uphill battle sometimes you are probably in the right place. It is a journey of a lifetime that brings trials, and joys, that reveal your heart condition and point you to Christ. God is at work in the details and walks with you on the journey.
 
Welcome to Run With Horses! My name is Norman and my goal is to help you thrive as a follower of Jesus. The spiritual life is simple in many ways, but potentially the most difficult part of your life. God invites you to grow, to live intentionally and to join in His mission. It’s very cool that we can do that together!
Thank you for joining me today! “If you’re new here, you can check out past episodes at runwithhorses.net. As always, I appreciate your feedback, questions, and reviews!”
 
**(23:00 – 0:00)* *  PART 1
 
### *2: Expect Seasons of Slow Growth and Struggle
• Psalm 13:1-2 – “How long, O Lord? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? How long will my enemy be exalted over me?”
 
Key • Struggles don’t indicate lack of growth; God often strengthens faith in hidden ways during hard times.
 
Applications for Disciple Makers
•Prepare disciples for inevitable dry seasons—normalize them.
•Teach perseverance; encourage trust in God’s timing.
•Model honesty about struggles (Psalms as a prayer guide).
 
Illustrations
•Israel in the wilderness (Deuteronomy 8:2).
•Winter season for a tree—growth still occurs underground.
•Missionary biographies (e.g., Adoniram Judson’s long seasons of waiting).
 
⸻
 
### *3: Be an Active Participant in Growth (Spiritual Disciplines)
• God provides growth, but believers must cooperate through obedience and spiritual disciplines.
• Abiding in Christ sustains transformation.
* Daily pursuit of godliness as Paul challenged Timothy
 
Philippians 2:12-13 – “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.”
 
Hebrews 5:14 –“But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”
 
John 15:4-5 –“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.”
 
#### Key • Growth is not passive; disciplines keep us aligned with God’s transforming work.
 
Applications for Disciple Makers
•Practice spiritual disciplines: prayer, Scripture study, fellowship, serving. 
At their simplest, the spiritual disciplines are habits that support your spiritual life on your journey toward Christ-likeness.
•Encourage sustainable habits, not legalistic checklists.
•Train disciples to feed themselves spiritually and disciple others.
 
Illustrations
•Athlete training for a race (1 Corinthians 9:24-27).
•Garden analogy: We water and tend, but God gives the increase (1 Corinthians 3:6).
•Example of early church practices (Acts 2:42).
 
**(00:00) END PART 1**
**(27:00 – 5:00) BEGIN PART 2*
 
### •4. Growth is a Shared Journey
Key idea: Progressive, Seasonal, Participatory Growth is God’s Plan
 
#### • Progressive  – Growth is ongoing; we are being transformed into Christ’s image step by step.
• “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 3:18 NKJV)
• “Till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” (Ephesians 4:13 NKJV)
 
#### • Seasonal – Growth happens in different seasons: planting, pruning, waiting, harvesting.
• “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1 NKJV)
• “Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.” (John 15:2 NKJV)
God accomplishes different things in different seasons. What lessons are available in the trial you are facing now?
 
#### • Participatory – We cooperate with God’s work in us; He grows us as we yield and obey.
 1 Timothy 4:7-8 :“But reject profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness. For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.”
 
• “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:12-13 NKJV)
• “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.” (1 Corinthians 3:6 NKJV)
 
⸻
 
### 5. Emphasize God’s Faithfulness: He Completes What He Starts
• God initiates and sustains our growth.
• “Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6 NKJV)
• Jesus is the Author and Finisher of our faith.
• “…looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2 NKJV)
• Even in failure, God restores and uses us. (Peter’s example: Luke 22:31-32; John 21:15-19)
 
⸻
 
### 6. Practical Steps: How to Walk the Journey Together
 
#### *1. Identify Where You Are
• Be honest about your current stage: new believer, maturing, struggling, or discipling others.
• “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves.” (2 Corinthians 13:5 NKJV)
• Use prayer, Scripture, and counsel from mature believers to discern areas of growth.
* Ask: What is my next step of faithfulness?
 
#### *2. Walk Alongside Others
• Support others in their stage without comparison or judgment.
• “We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves.” (Romans 15:1 NKJV)
• “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2 NKJV)
• Follow Jesus’ model: He lived closely with His disciples, teaching and encouraging them daily.
 
#### *3. Commit to Ongoing Growth Through Disciplines and Community
• Disciplines: Prayer, Bible study, worship, fasting, service, confession.
• “As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby.” (1 Peter 2:2 NKJV)
• Community: Growth happens best with others.
• “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24-25 NKJV)
 
⸻
 
### 7. Vision: Why Shared Growth Matters, We are Disciple Makers
• Our growth equips us for the mission of making disciples.
• “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations… teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20 NKJV)
• The world sees Christ in a community that grows together in love.
• “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35 NKJV)
• Growth in community fosters perseverance and joy.
• “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 NKJV)
 

Following Jesus is a Journey, Part 1

Rwh16aug Ep.377 – Run With Horses Podcast –  Following Jesus is a Journey, Part 1Podcast: rwh.podbean.comWebsite: www.runwithhorses.netYoutube:  https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcastFacebook:  https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcastTwitter:  https://twitter.com/RWH_podcastAuthor pages with links to all books on Amazon.https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smithhttps://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith
**(24:00)**Pastor’s wives are often a forgotten link in a healthy church. What can you do to support your pastor’s wife in her role? That’s the topic of today’s show.
Welcome to Run With Horses! My name is Norman and my goal is to help you thrive as a follower of Jesus. The spiritual life is simple in many ways, but potentially the most difficult part of your life. God invites you to grow, to live intentionally and to join in His mission. It’s very cool that we can do that together!Thank you for joining me today! “If you’re new here, you can check out past episodes at runwithhorses.net. As always, I appreciate your feedback, questions, and reviews!”
**(23:00 – 0:00)* *  PART 1
Following Jesus is a Journey
⸻
Pilgrimage, marathon, wilderness journey, The Pilgrim’s Progress. • spiritual growth: Ongoing transformation into Christ’s likeness (Romans 8:29). • Growth is neither instantaneous nor stagnant; it is a progressive walk empowered by the Spirit. • Our Goal: Equip disciple makers to understand, model, and guide others on this journey.
⸻
*1 Spiritual Growth is Progressive, Not Instantaneous • Growth is lifelong; sanctification happens progressively as believers are conformed to Christ. • Conversion is the starting line, not the finish line. • Philippians 1:6 –“Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” • 2 Corinthians 3:18 –“But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” • Colossians 2:6-7 –“As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.”
Key • God initiates growth, but we must remain rooted and allow Him to complete the work.
Applications for Disciple Makers • Help new believers understand growth takes time—avoid unrealistic expectations. • Celebrate progress, not perfection. • Encourage consistent abiding rather than instant change. * Be obedient in the little things each day, it adds up.
Illustrations • Seed to tree imagery (Mark 4:28). • Personal testimony of gradual transformation. * Bike Ride across Iowa _ RAGBRAI⸻
*2: Expect Seasons of Slow Growth and Struggle • Growth is not linear; dry seasons and struggles are part of God’s process. • Waiting and hardship often deepen roots unseen. • Ecclesiastes 3:1 –“To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.” • Galatians 6:9 –“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”

Staying on Target, Part 2

Rwh09aug Ep.376 – Run With Horses Podcast –  Staying on target
Podcast: rwh.podbean.com
Website: www.runwithhorses.net
Youtube:  https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcast
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast
Author pages with links to all books on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smith
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith
 
.5 Do Spiritual Mapping (Know the Needs)
 
Where is God calling us to focus?
•Acts 16:6-10 – Paul’s vision to go to Macedonia.
•Matthew 9:36-38 – Jesus saw the crowds, had compassion, and called for workers.
•Goals:
•Study community needs (demographics, unreached groups, underserved population).
•Pray for discernment: Where is the Spirit leading?
•Identify new areas or groups (subcultures) needing gospel engagement.
 
⸻
 
.6 Remember Your Kingdom Job – Disciple Making
 
What is the primary calling of every church member?
•Matthew 4:19 – “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
•2 Corinthians 5:18-20 – Ministry of reconciliation; ambassadors for Christ.
•Goals:
•Remind constantly: Disciple-making is not optional.
•Fight mission drift (avoid letting programs replace mission).
•Help every believer see themselves as sent where they live, work, play. Our capacity may be different but our purpose is the same. To see Jesus glorified everywhere by everyone.
 
⸻
 
.7 Develop and Maintain a Feedback System
 
How do we track and celebrate disciple-making progress?
•Acts 14:27 – Paul and Barnabas reported what God had done.
•Philippians 1:3-5 – Partnership in the gospel brings joy. Paul remembered, prayed and was full of joy because of others who partnered with him on the mission.
•Goals:
•Share regular reports/testimonies in services or meetings.
•Encourage peer accountability (who are you discipling, who disciples you?).
•Offer resources and coaching for active disciple-makers. Invite people to join the mission regularly.
 
⸻
 
.8 Keep the Systems Simple (Reproducible)
 
How do we ensure multiplication is possible?
•2 Timothy 2:2 – Train faithful people who will train others.
•Matthew 10:5-10 – Jesus sent disciples simply, focusing on relationships.
•Goals:
•Keep training clear and reproducible (simple Bible studies, gospel tools).
•Start with baby steps (one habit at a time, one disciple at a time).
•Design everything for multiplication, not just addition.
 
⸻
 
 A Call to Action
•Revisit Matthew 28:18-20 – Christ’s authority, command, and promise.
•Challenge: What is your next step in personal disciple-making?
•Corporate call: What is our next step as a church?

Staying on Target

 Ep.375 – Run With Horses Podcast –  Staying on targetPodcast: rwh.podbean.comWebsite: www.runwithhorses.netYoutube:  https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcastFacebook:  https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcastTwitter:  https://twitter.com/RWH_podcastAuthor pages with links to all books on Amazon.https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smithhttps://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith
**(24:00)**We are still talking about keeping our eyes on the target that Jesus has set before us. To be ambassadors for Christ on the mission of reconciliation, making disciples of the nations. Sound like a big job? Thankfully we are in this together and the Holy Spirit is doing His work in and through us.
Welcome to Run With Horses! My name is Norman and my goal is to help you thrive as a follower of Jesus. The spiritual life is simple in many ways, but potentially the most difficult part of your life. God invites you to grow, to live intentionally and to join in His mission. It’s very cool that we can do that together!Thank you for joining me today! “If you’re new here, you can check out past episodes at runwithhorses.net. As always, I appreciate your feedback, questions, and reviews!”
**(23:00 – 0:00)* *  PART 1
The Biblical Mandate • Matthew 28:18-20 – Jesus commands us to make disciples of all nations. • Key Question: Why does the church exist? • Not just for programs, services, or buildings—It exist as the body of Jesus to Cary out his mission of reconciliation in the world, practically, for disciple-making. • Every believer is called to participate (not just pastors).
⸻
.1 Clarify the Win for the Team
Question: What does success look like for our church? • Colossians 1:28-29 – “Present everyone mature in Christ.” • Ephesians 4:11-13 – Equip saints until maturity and unity in faith. • Goals: • Define “disciple” (follower of Jesus growing in obedience, reproducing). Everyone needs to know the goal of Christ-likeness and have some idea of the path that leads there. • Create a shared vision and language (everyone knows what the goal is). It is a team effort, we need each other and simple, clear communication is important. • Success = transformed lives, not just attendance numbers.
⸻
.2 Give Them Tools for the Win
How do we equip every believer to evangelize and disciple? • 2 Timothy 3:16-17 – Scripture equips believers for every good work. • Ephesians 4:12 – Leaders equip saints for ministry. • Acts 1:8 – Empowered by the Spirit to witness. • Goals: • Provide simple gospel tools (testimony, “3 Circles,” Romans Road, DBS). • Train in basic disciple habits (prayer, Bible, fellowship, serving). • Help members discover spiritual gifts (Romans 12; 1 Corinthians 12).
⸻
.3 Radical Clarity About Mission
How do we keep the vision in front of us? • Habakkuk 2:2 – “Write the vision; make it plain.” • John 20:21 – “As the Father has sent me, I send you.” • Matthew 5:13-16 – Salt and light in the world. • Goals: • Constantly repeat the mission (sermons, meetings, ministries). • Celebrate wins (testimonies, baptisms, gospel impact stories). • Evaluate ministries: Does this move us toward Christ-likeness and help us make disciples?
⸻
.4 Create Systems that Self-Correct and stay on task
How do we design processes that keep us on mission? • Acts 6:1-7 – Church creates structure to meet needs and continue growth. • 1 Corinthians 14:40 – “Do all things decently and in order.” • Goals: • Build reproducible models (small groups, one-on-one mentorship). • Review regularly and adjust to stay on mission. • Systems should serve people, not the other way around.

What kind of disciple are we making?

rwh26july -  Ep.374 – Run With Horses Podcast –  What kind of disciples are we making?
Podcast: rwh.podbean.com
Website: www.runwithhorses.net
Youtube:  https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcast
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast
Author pages with links to all books on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smith
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith
 
**(24:00)**
If the disciple you make doesn’t make disciples, have you fully made a disciple?  True disciple making is inherently a process of multiplication and That is the topic of our show today.
 
Welcome to Run With Horses! My name is Norman and my goal is to help you thrive as a follower of Jesus. The spiritual life is simple in many ways, but potentially the most difficult part of your life. God invites you to grow, to live intentionally and to join in His mission. It’s very cool that we can do that together!
Thank you for joining me today! “If you’re new here, you can check out past episodes at runwithhorses.net. As always, I appreciate your feedback, questions, and reviews!”
 
**(23:00 – 0:00)* *  PART 1
 
**(00:00) END PART 1**
**(27:00 – 5:00) BEGIN PART 2*
 
Part 1: What Are We Making?
 
Big Idea: Churches often aim for “converts” or “Christians” in name, but not reproducing disciple-makers.
 
1. I’m still processing the lessons from the GARBC Conference and today I a focusing on some of the comments by Tim Walker - Pastor of Restored Church in WIlkes-Barre, PA.
 
•Raise the contrast: “Are we making churchgoers or Christ-followers?”
 
If the disciple you make doesn’t make a disciple, have you fully made a disciple?
The question is really, what are you making? 
Often I think the answer is, we are making Christians, and that means something different than genuine followers of Jesus. And definitively something less than disciple makers.
 
2. Clarifying Definitions
•Disciple: Apprentice of Jesus.
•Not just knowledge, but obedience and transformation.
•Not just attending, but multiplying.
•Disciple-maker: Someone who walks alongside others to help them become more like Jesus — and teaches them to do the same.
 
3. Judo Illustration
•Great visual! Consider structuring like this:
1.Knowledge – Learning the basics of Jesus’ teaching.
2.Training – Spiritual disciplines, habits, community.
3.Practice – Real-life obedience, failure, growth.
4.Engagement – Helping others through the same path.
 
Jesus’ model — He taught, demonstrated, let disciples try, corrected them, then sent them.
 
⸻
 
Part 2: Biblical Model – 2 Timothy 2:1–7
 
2 Timothy 2:1-7 - You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. 3 You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. 5 And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. 6 The hardworking farmer must be first to partake of the crops. 7 Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things.
 
1. Paul’s Command to Timothy
•Four Generations of discipleship:
Paul → Timothy → Faithful men → Others
•Challenge: Is that chain continuing through us?
 
2. The Three Illustrations
 
Structure each one with:
•Role
•What faithfulness looks like
•How it connects to discipleship
 
⸻
 
A. The Soldier
•Characteristics: Endurance, single focus, sacrifice
•Danger of distraction: “Entangled in civilian affairs”
•Application: Have we become entangled with church programming, comfort, or cultural expectations?
 
B. The Athlete
•Characteristics: Obedience to the rules, discipline, training
•Application: Are we training people to obey everything Jesus commanded (Matt. 28:20), or just to attend services?
 
The athlete doesn’t win by enthusiasm alone—faithful repetition, intentional growth.
 
C. The Farmer
•Characteristics: Patience, seasonal awareness, daily labor
•Application: Are we cultivating spiritual lives with care, or expecting growth without effort?
 
Discipleship is often slow, messy, and deeply relational.
 
⸻
 
Part 3: What Is Our Church Producing?
 
“Every system is perfectly designed to get the results it’s getting.” – Classic truth.
 
1. Evaluate the Fruit
•What is your church or small group producing?
•Are people becoming:
•Independent consumers of content?
•Or interdependent contributors to the mission?
 
2. Cultural Distractions
•The modern pull toward:
•Safety
•Security
•Comfort
•Convenience
•Contrast with Jesus’ call:
•Deny yourself, take up your cross, follow Me (Mark 8:34)
•Intentional sacrifice is part of the pathway to becoming a disciple.
 
⸻
 
Conclusion: Future Church Insight
•Quote Will Mancini: “The American church is strong on theology, sermons, and leadership. It is weak on making disciples of Jesus who make disciples of Jesus.”
 
1. Summary
•Making disciples must include the vision of multiplication. It is teaching people how to multiply, and giving them the encouragement and support they need to live it out.
•True faithfulness means preparing others to do the work of the ministry.
 
2. Challenge
•Evaluate your life: Who are you discipling?
•Is the pathway clear, intentional, reproducible?
•Are you willing to embrace sacrifice, discipline, and slow growth?
 
⸻
 
Additional Thoughts You Could Consider Including
•Matthew 28:19-20: The Great Commission is not just evangelism. It’s teaching people to obey — long-term transformation.
 
Matthew 28:18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age
 
•Jesus’ model: He spent 3 years with 12 men. That was His “church growth strategy.”
•Barriers to Disciple-Making:
•Fear of inadequacy
•Busyness
•Over-reliance on pastors or programs
•Lack of clear models
•Encouragement: You don’t need to be a theologian — just be a step ahead and willing to walk with someone else.
 
**(1:00)** 
Disciple making is the life-long pursuit of Jesus lived out in your relationships. We all have the ongoing responsibility to invest in the lives of those around us helping them take steps towards Jesus. For some it is the first step. For many it is the next step. Pass on what you learn and live to others who will live it out and pass it on.
 
– “Thank you for listening today! 
-If you enjoyed the show you can listen to all the past shows wherever you listen to podcasts. A good place to start is at runwithhorses.net. You can also write me at norman@runwithhorses.net or leave a comment on the Run With Horses Podcast facebook page.
Let the people around you know that you see them this week. Make an effort to intentionally communicate the hope that you have, and Until next time, keep your eyes on Jesus and never stop running."
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Are we winning?

rwh19july -  Ep.373 – Run With Horses Podcast –  Are we winning?Podcast: rwh.podbean.comWebsite: www.runwithhorses.netYoutube:  https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcastFacebook:  https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcastTwitter:  https://twitter.com/RWH_podcastAuthor pages with links to all books on Amazon.https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smithhttps://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith
**(24:00)** Are we winning? As a church? Personally? How are we doing and how do we know how we’re doing?  If we chase the wrong goal and reach it, what have we accomplished? This is the topic of today’s show!
Welcome to Run With Horses! My name is Norman and my goal is to help you thrive as a follower of Jesus. The spiritual life is simple in many ways, but potentially the most difficult part of your life. God invites you to grow, to live intentionally and to join in His mission. It’s very cool that we can do that together!Thank you for joining me today! “If you’re new here, you can check out past episodes at runwithhorses.net. As always, I appreciate your feedback, questions, and reviews!”
**(23:00 – 0:00)* *  PART 1Josh Jones - Bridgewater Church. GARBC Conference 2025Paul gave up his rights, privileges and preferences for the sake of the gospel. He had a clear goal and he sacrificed to reach it.
1 Cor. 9:19 - For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; 20 and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law; 21 to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law; 22 to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. 23 Now this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I may be partaker of it with you.
V. 24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. 25 And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. 26 Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. 27 But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.
Jesus alone has the right to define the win in the Christian life and for His church.The point is to do church well. We have created so many ministries that are just for us, within the church. It is movement without impact for the kingdom.We pay close attention to things that are not mission critical, and sometimes miss the mission altogether.How clear are we about our goal as individuals and as a local church?
Does it seem like we often just do church and hope people come?
How do we think about activity verses effectiveness? Do we consider effectiveness when planning what and how the church operates?
Our goal is not to gather a crowd but to grow the kingdom. How does that affect our decisions and activity as a church family?Equipping people for ministry outside the church walls. Encouraging them to engage in their relational networks.
In the NT church happened as a result of consistent engagement with communities resulting in the gospel being proclaimed and people trusting in Jesus. These people gathered to learn more about their Savior and His mission, to fellowship, to live life in a community with Jesus at the center and to pray with and for each other as they cared for each others needs. This special relationship kept them motivated and encouraged to reach out to others who didn’t yet know Jesus.
How is our church life today different? Should it be?
I believe we have a clear goal, given to us by Jesus. To be like HIm, following HIm as His disciples, and to intentionally engage in His mission of disciple making as we take the message of reconciliation out into every community so that every person will have repeated opportunities to respond to Jesus. The result is new church families engaged in their relational networks, making disciples. 
We will fail trying, we cannot fail due to inactivity.The mission is too important to do nothing.
Don’t just run drills. Get in the game. The Great Commission defines the win. Be faithful to do your part knowing that God is doing His part.
How do you embrace the mission personally? Are you seeking to be equipped?Gospel.1-1 disciple making - everyone can do it.Small group disciple making - most people can do it. Shepherd.Large group disciple making - a few can do it. Pastor, etc.
What is your next step?
**(1:00)** Are you in the game? Don’t be afraid to fail, Jesus is building His church and he uses us to do it. Being faithfully engaged and on the mission keeps you available for Him to use as He builds His church and expands His kingdom. 
– “Thank you for listening today! -If you enjoyed the show you can listen to all the past shows wherever you listen to podcasts. A good place to start is at runwithhorses.net. You can also write me at norman@runwithhorses.net or leave a comment on the Run With Horses Podcast facebook page.Let the people around you know that you see them this week. Make an effort to intentionally communicate the hope that you have, and Until next time, keep your eyes on Jesus and never stop running."**(00:00)**

Developing A Ministry Culture in the Church

rwh12july Ep.372 – Run With Horses Podcast Podcast: rwh.podbean.comWebsite: www.runwithhorses.netYoutube:  https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcastFacebook:  https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcastTwitter:  https://twitter.com/RWH_podcastAuthor pages with links to all books on Amazon.https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smithhttps://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith