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Do you struggle to read the Bible consistently or understand what you are reading? Explore our practical guide, How to Read the Bible: https://www.intotheharvest.org/how-to-read-the-bible/ Our culture constantly feeds us content—but are we developing an appetite for the voice of God? In this episode, John talks with author, podcaster, and disciple-maker Renée Sproles about how disciples can grow in their desire for God’s Word. Together, they discuss the voices shaping us, the danger of living on “predigested” spiritual food, and why sermons, podcasts, and social media can never replace personally meeting with Jesus in Scripture. Using Matthew 4 and other passages, they explore how Jesus used Scripture to answer lies with truth. They also share practical ways to establish a Bible-reading rhythm, learn alongside a mature believer, keep returning when Scripture is difficult, and engage the Bible in partnership with the Holy Spirit. If this conversation helps you, please like this episode and subscribe to the Into the Harvest YouTube channel. It helps more people discover practical resources for following Jesus and making disciples. In This Episode 00:00 Why disciples need solid spiritual food 00:53 Meet Renée Sproles 01:15 How can we develop an appetite for God’s Word? 05:27 The voices and algorithms shaping our desires 06:25 A practical guide for reading the Bible 07:17 Asking God to speak while ignoring the Bible 08:05 How Jesus responded to temptation with Scripture 12:01 Replacing lies with biblical truth 13:25 How our appetite changes over time 14:17 Inviting someone to read the Bible with you 15:11 Learning Scripture through life-on-life discipleship 16:28 A simple plan for reading through the Bible 18:47 Learning to appreciate difficult passages 22:00 Moving beyond predigested spiritual food 23:10 Why solid food requires constant practice 25:52 Taking Scripture as seriously as other media 26:41 Moving from the Bible to life—and life to the Bible 27:17 Engaging Scripture with the Holy Spirit 30:22 “No Bible, no breakfast; no Bible, no bed” 31:58 Begin building your Bible-reading rhythm 32:07 Continue the conversation in Harvest Life Resources How to Read the Bible Learn a simple, repeatable approach for reading Scripture, connecting with God, and applying his Word to everyday life: https://www.intotheharvest.org/how-to-read-the-bible/ Harvest Life Continue with the members-only conversation, where John and Renée unpack a four-step framework for building a life centered on Jesus, Scripture, and the Holy Spirit: https://www.intotheharvest.org/harvestlife/ Use code CODE50 to receive 50% off your first three months. Connect with Us Website · Shop · Newsletter · YouTube · Instagram The post #271- A Disciple Grows Hunger for the Word with Renee Sproles appeared first on Into the Harvest

Jesus did more than teach his disciples. He shared life with them, involved them in ministry, watched them practice, and eventually sent them out to carry on his mission. In this episode, John and Andrew explore what it means to be “fully trained” by Jesus and introduce a simple disciple-making process: Model, Assist, Watch, and Launch. This framework helps us move beyond merely giving people information and begin training them through life-on-life relationships and guided experience. Using Luke 6:40, Mark 3:14, and examples from the ministry of Jesus, they explain how disciples become more like their teacher and grow into faithful disciple-makers. You will also learn why mature leaders must give people real opportunities to practice ministry—and why disciple-making is incomplete if we never release people to lead. In This Episode 00:00 Faith is the beginning of a new life 01:35 Why disciple-making must be Jesus-centered 02:48 The Master Plan of Evangelism 04:36 The Disciple-Maker’s Journey 05:04 What does it mean to be fully trained? 07:12 Becoming like Jesus—not merely gaining information 07:52 Why discipleship must be life-on-life 09:29 Jesus called the Twelve to be with him 10:11 Training disciples who can faithfully represent Jesus 11:38 Showing someone how to walk with God 13:02 Model, Assist, Watch, and Launch 13:36 Why modeling comes before instruction 15:01 Passing on your aim and way of life 17:43 The cost of modeling a life of devotion 20:12 Assist: involving disciples in real ministry 23:11 Watch: coaching and correcting as they practice 24:55 Launch: preparing disciples to lead without you 28:37 How soon should someone begin assisting? 32:24 Continue the conversation in Harvest Life Resources MAWL Tool: https://www.intotheharvest.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/MAWL-Disciple-Making-Guide-1.pdf Free Master Plan of Evangelism Study Guide Explore eight disciple-making principles from the life and ministry of Jesus—and learn how to put them into practice: https://www.intotheharvest.org/master-plan-study-guide/ The Master Plan of Evangelism by Robert Coleman Read the classic book that inspired the study guide and helped shape our understanding of Jesus’ method of disciple-making: https://link.amazon/B0dxFopv7 As an Amazon Associate, Into the Harvest earns from qualifying purchases. Harvest Life Continue with the members-only conversation about the three essentials every disciple-maker needs: Principles, Practicals, and People. You will also receive access to our growing library of disciple-making tools and the Disciple-Maker’s Dojo: https://www.intotheharvest.org/harvestlife/ Use code CODE50 to receive 50% off your first three months. Connect with Us Website · Shop · Newsletter · YouTube · Instagram The post #270 – How Jesus Trained His Disciples—and How We Can Too appeared first on Into the Harvest

Ready to discover who Jesus really is and what it means to follow him? Get Discovering Jesus, Book One of the Pathway Series: https://amzn.to/3UDTunH Discipleship does not begin with making disciples. It begins with recognizing Jesus for who he is and learning to live as his disciple. In this episode, John and Andrew explore the biblical titles Lord and Christ and explain why both are essential to the gospel. Jesus is the Christ—the Savior sent by God to deal with our sin. But he is also Lord—the one with the authority to lead every part of our lives. You cannot make Jesus Lord; God has already made him Lord and Christ. Our response is to recognize who he is, receive him, and live under his rule. This conversation will help you understand how following Jesus moves us from a self-directed life to a life centered on him. In This Episode: 00:00 You cannot make Jesus Lord 01:04 Becoming a disciple before making disciples 01:42 Discovering Jesus and the Pathway Series 03:28 Why discipleship must begin with Jesus 04:29 The Lord Jesus Christ Illustration 05:58 How God reveals himself through Jesus 07:28 God has made Jesus both Lord and Christ 10:05 Recognize, receive, and respond to Jesus 11:20 Receiving Jesus as Christ and Savior 13:32 Why Jesus is God’s promised Messiah 16:16 What it means to receive Jesus as Lord 19:15 You do not make Jesus Lord 20:17 Moving from a self-directed to Christ-centered life 21:05 Are we asking the wrong gospel question? 24:33 Continue the conversation in Harvest Life Resources Discovering Jesus Learn how Jesus fulfills Scripture, understand his message and mission, and discover what it means to begin following him: https://amzn.to/3UDTunH As an Amazon Associate, Into the Harvest earns from qualifying purchases. The Lord Jesus Christ Illustration Use this simple tool to help someone understand what it means to recognize and receive Jesus as both Lord and Christ: The Lord Jesus Christ Harvest Life Continue the conversation with the members-only Pie Illustration bonus episode and explore our growing library of disciple-making tools: https://www.intotheharvest.org/harvestlife/ Use code CODE50 to receive 50% off your first three months. Connect with Into the Harvest Connect with Us Website · Shop · Newsletter · YouTube · Instagram Want more practical resources to help you follow Jesus and make disciples? Visit https://www.intotheharvest.org/ #christianpodcast #followingJesus #discipleship The post #269 – Before You Make Disciples, You Must Become One appeared first on Into the Harvest

Why does the word discipleship seem to mean everything and nothing at the same time? In Episode 268, John and Andrew return to the teachings of Jesus to bring clarity to discipleship, disciple-making, and the journey Jesus invites every believer to take. Using three key passages from Matthew, John and Andrew explore the progression from Come, to Care, to Go. Jesus first calls us to center our lives on him, then transforms our hearts to care about people as he does, and finally sends us to make disciples who make disciples. You’ll also learn the important distinction between discipleship—living a life of devotion to Jesus—and disciple-making—purposefully passing that way of life on to someone else. John and Andrew discuss where people commonly get stuck along this journey and offer practical ways to keep growing, serving, and helping others follow Jesus. In This Episode 00:00 Why discipleship can feel confusing 02:33 The ACTION Plan: A roadmap for getting started 03:39 Discipleship versus disciple-making 08:47 Come: Centering your life on Jesus 12:41 Care: Developing Jesus’ heart for people 18:24 Go: Making disciples with conviction, clarity, and confidence 22:21 Where disciple-makers get stuck 27:50 Final thoughts and practical next steps 28:57 Continuing the conversation inside Harvest Life Resources ACTION Plan ► https://www.intotheharvest.org/action-plan/ Build a simple, personal roadmap to help you follow Jesus, share your faith, and begin your disciple-maker’s journey. Harvest Life ► https://www.intotheharvest.org/harvest-life/ Join our members-only community for practical disciple-making tools, extended podcast conversations, and the Disciple-Maker’s Dojo. Use code CODE50 to receive 50% off your first six months. Connect with Us Website · Shop · Newsletter · YouTube · Instagram The post #268 – The Disciple-Maker’s Journey appeared first on Into the Harvest

Women's discipleship is essential to the health of the Church, but many women have never experienced intentional, life-on-life discipleship. In this episode, John talks with Jess Snyder and Sarah Beth Kreitzer about how women can help one another follow Jesus through every season of life. They discuss why women's discipleship involves more than attending a Bible study or staying busy with church activities. Drawing from the example of Jesus, the relationship between Ruth and Naomi, and Paul's instructions in Titus 2, they present a biblical vision for older women investing in younger women. They also offer practical encouragement for women who want to find someone to disciple them or begin investing in someone else. In This Episode 00:00 Introduction 05:15 Why there is a gap in discipling women 17:20 How Jesus interacted with women 22:00 Women's discipleship in Scripture 33:50 Everyday tensions women face 41:00 Discipleship through different seasons 52:00 How women can get started 57:40 What "older" and "younger" women means Resources Discipleship 101 Grow as a disciple and learn to help others do the same. Eight lessons on discipleship and disciple-making with Bible study, reflection questions, application exercises, and companion teaching videos. The Pathway Series Want to make disciples like Jesus? The Pathway Series gives you a simple framework you can use to help someone begin following Jesus and grow to maturity. Connect with Us Website · Shop · Newsletter · YouTube · Instagram The post #267 – Discipling Women Changes The Course Of History appeared first on Into the Harvest

Following Jesus is not separate from everyday life. In this episode, John, Andrew, and Renée explore Colossians 3–4 and explain how our homes, workplaces, relationships, and ordinary responsibilities can become places where we live on mission and help others see Jesus. Paul challenges believers to set their minds on things above, put off the old self, and put on the character of Christ. That transformation changes how we love others, approach our work, respond to difficult circumstances, and use the opportunities God gives us. The conversation also explores how prayer, gracious speech, and intentional relationships help ordinary believers make disciples. You do not need to travel somewhere special to join Jesus on mission—you are called to follow him right where you are. In This Episode 00:00 Introduction to the final Colossians Bible study 05:27 Putting off the old self and putting on the new 10:33 Setting your mind on things above 17:37 Practical ways to grow in love for others 23:20 Word, worship, and work 25:32 Following Jesus in everyday relationships 29:04 Finding eternal purpose in ordinary work 36:08 Living as someone sent by God 37:23 Prayer, gracious speech, and gospel opportunities 46:23 Practical habits for taking anxiety to God 48:55 Joining Jesus and others in his mission Resources Discipleship 101 Grow as a disciple and learn to help others do the same. Eight lessons on discipleship and disciple-making with Bible study, reflection questions, application exercises, and companion teaching videos. The Pathway Series Want to make disciples like Jesus? The Pathway Series gives you a simple framework you can use to help someone begin following Jesus and grow to maturity. Connect with Us Website · Shop · Newsletter · YouTube · Instagram The post #266 – Living Sent: Making Disciples In Everyday Places with Renée Sproles appeared first on Into the Harvest

Understanding spiritual maturity is essential for your walk with God. Learn how ancient biblical truths apply to modern emotional health. Many people struggle to connect their faith with their daily reactions. This episode focuses on the connection between spiritual maturity and emotional maturity, examining why God's word remains the standard for our growth. We look at the biblical directive to be taught and warned, ensuring we are presented mature in Christ regardless of the era we live in. If you have ever felt that your faith life and emotional life are disconnected, this episode provides some clarity. By aligning your inner development with scripture, you can gain a steadier perspective on life's challenges. We breakdown why Christ remains the ultimate goal of all teaching and how you can apply these principles to your own walk today.

Want to help your church find focus in its disciple-making efforts? We've created an 8-part resource called Discipleship 101 to help. Learn more at https://www.intotheharvest.org/discipleship-101/ Need a simple framework to help you make disciples like Jesus? Check out The Pathway Series to learn more: https://www.intotheharvest.org/pathway Shop ► https://www.intotheharvest.org/shop/ Instagram ► instagram.com/intotheharvest Facebook ► facebook.com/intotheharvest Newsletter ► https://www.intotheharvest.org/newsletter Our study of Ephesians continues with chapters 4-6! In this episode we cover what it means to actually be the Body of Christ, how we are supposed to function in our spiritual gifts; husbands loving and leading their wives; and spiritual warfare. If you want to learn more about walking with Christ and others, this is a do not miss episode. Original Release Date 7/2/26 Want more great resources to help you be a disciple and make disciples? Visit us at https://intotheharvest.org​ The post #264 – The Pressure Points Every Believer Must Face with Renée Sproles appeared first on Into the Harvest

Want to help your church find focus in its disciple-making efforts? We've created an 8-part resource called Discipleship 101 to help. Learn more at https://www.intotheharvest.org/discipleship-101/ Need a simple framework to help you make disciples like Jesus? Check out The Pathway Series to learn more: https://www.intotheharvest.org/pathway Shop ► https://www.intotheharvest.org/shop/ Instagram ► instagram.com/intotheharvest Facebook ► facebook.com/intotheharvest Newsletter ► https://www.intotheharvest.org/newsletter   Define your Christian identity through scripture. Learn how to anchor your faith in Jesus and understand your role in God's kingdom. This conversation explores the core of Christian identity and how the Book of Ephesians provides a foundation for self-understanding. Whether you are seeking clarity on your beliefs or looking to deepen your walk with God, this discussion offers practical biblical insights. We examine the concept of spiritual neutrality, specifically how faith in Jesus requires a choice between the kingdom of darkness and the kingdom of light. By applying a clear spiritual worldview, you can better navigate your daily walk and align your decisions with your convictions. Join us as we take a deep dive into the books of Ephesians and Colossians over the next few weeks. Original Release Date 6/18/26 Want more great resources to help you be a disciple and make disciples? Visit us at https://intotheharvest.org​ The post #263 – The Identity Crisis Christians Don’t Know They Have with Renée Sproles appeared first on Into the Harvest

Want to help your church find focus in its disciple-making efforts? We've created an 8-part resource called Discipleship 101 to help. Learn more at https://www.intotheharvest.org/discipleship-101/ Need a simple framework to help you make disciples like Jesus? Check out The Pathway Series to learn more: https://www.intotheharvest.org/pathway Shop ► https://www.intotheharvest.org/shop/ Instagram ► instagram.com/intotheharvest Facebook ► facebook.com/intotheharvest Newsletter ► https://www.intotheharvest.org/newsletter It is by the grace of the Holy Spirit that any of us are following Jesus. But are there areas of our lives that we have not surrendered to Him? Have we tried to put Him in a box, to fit into our lives? Or have we jumped in with both feet into the abundant life that He has for us? John talks to Jon Martin about what stops us from fully surrendering to Christ, and a lack of humility is at the core. Original Release Date 4/23/26 Want more great resources to help you be a disciple and make disciples? Visit us at https://intotheharvest.org​ The post #262 – Responding to Jesus – Why Humility Matters with Jon Martin appeared first on Into the Harvest

Want to help your church find focus in its disciple-making efforts? We've created an 8-part resource called Discipleship 101 to help. Learn more at https://www.intotheharvest.org/discipleship-101/ Need a simple framework to help you make disciples like Jesus? Check out The Pathway Series to learn more: https://www.intotheharvest.org/pathway Shop ► https://www.intotheharvest.org/shop/ Instagram ► instagram.com/intotheharvest Facebook ► facebook.com/intotheharvest Newsletter ► https://www.intotheharvest.org/newsletter This week, Andrew is joined by Cecil Bean, who took us on a great journey through Genesis 5-15. He and Andrew examined the promises of Noah, Abraham, and Abraham's descendants. They also talked about who God chooses to use, and God's criteria. It doesn't usually line up with our criteria... RESOURCES MENTIONED The Pathway Series Original Release Date 3/26/26 The post #261 – Lessons From Genesis – Decades In The Making with Cecil Bean appeared first on Into the Harvest

Want to help your church find focus in its disciple-making efforts? We've created an 8-part resource called Discipleship 101 to help. Learn more at https://www.intotheharvest.org/discipleship-101/ Need a simple framework to help you make disciples like Jesus? Check out The Pathway Series to learn more: https://www.intotheharvest.org/pathway Shop ► https://www.intotheharvest.org/shop/ Instagram ► instagram.com/intotheharvest Facebook ► facebook.com/intotheharvest Newsletter ► https://www.intotheharvest.org/newsletter This week, we’re joined by disciple-making leader Ben Nugent for a powerful conversation about vision. Too often, our view of ministry is shaped by cultural norms, institutional patterns, or personal ambition. But Jesus gives us a different way. In this episode, we’ll: Examine the most common models of ministry and what they miss Refocus our lens on Jesus—his way, his walk, and his vision for the world Unpack how vision shapes everyday disciple-makers to live on mission Hear Ben’s favorite go-to tools and messages for casting vision that sticks Explore why world vision isn’t optional—and how it fuels faithfulness at home Whether you’re leading a ministry, launching a disciple-making movement, or just trying to be faithful where you are, this conversation will help you dream with God—and do something about it. RESOURCES MENTIONED The Pathway Series Original Release Date 3/12/26 The post #260 – Vision that Changes History with Ben Nugent appeared first on Into the Harvest

Want to help your church find focus in its disciple-making efforts? We've created an 8-part resource called Discipleship 101 to help. Learn more at https://www.intotheharvest.org/discipleship-101/ Need a simple framework to help you make disciples like Jesus? Check out The Pathway Series to learn more: https://www.intotheharvest.org/pathway Shop ► https://www.intotheharvest.org/shop/ Instagram ► instagram.com/intotheharvest Facebook ► facebook.com/intotheharvest Newsletter ► https://www.intotheharvest.org/newsletter There were three types of people surrounding Jesus during His life: the crowds, the disciples, and the apostles. In this episode, Andrew and John dissect each type of person, how Jesus met them where they were, and how He called them to respond. RESOURCES MENTIONED The Pathway Series W.A.L.K Workshop Luke 6 Visual Original Release Date 2/26/26 The post #259 – Why They Came, Why They Stayed: Understanding the Crowds Around Jesus appeared first on Into the Harvest

Want to help your church find focus in its disciple-making efforts? We've created an 8-part resource called Discipleship 101 to help. Learn more at https://www.intotheharvest.org/discipleship-101/ Need a simple framework to help you make disciples like Jesus? Check out The Pathway Series to learn more: https://www.intotheharvest.org/pathway Shop ► https://www.intotheharvest.org/shop/ Instagram ► instagram.com/intotheharvest Facebook ► facebook.com/intotheharvest Newsletter ► https://www.intotheharvest.org/newsletter In this episode we had the chance to interview some disciple-makers and ask them some pointed questions. We hope you are encouraged and spurred on by these stories from the harvest!   Original Release Date 2/12/26 The post #258 – Stories from the Harvest appeared first on Into the Harvest

Want to help your church find focus in its disciple-making efforts? We've created an 8-part resource called Discipleship 101 to help. Learn more at https://www.intotheharvest.org/discipleship-101/ Need a simple framework to help you make disciples like Jesus? Check out The Pathway Series to learn more: https://www.intotheharvest.org/pathway Shop ► https://www.intotheharvest.org/shop/ Instagram ► instagram.com/intotheharvest Facebook ► facebook.com/intotheharvest Newsletter ► https://www.intotheharvest.org/newsletter What happens when truth feels slippery, hope feels distant, and the next generation is caught in the middle? In this episode of Into the Harvest, John sits down with Joel Woodard, author of In Pursuit of a Better World, and Ethan Zimmerman, a disciple-maker working with first responders. Together, they unpack what it means to bring the gospel into a culture shaped by skepticism, uncertainty, and longing for authenticity—the Meta-Modern Generation. Joel shares the “Islands” analogy he uses in the book to describe the fragmented ways people experience life and identity today—and why we need new maps if we want to bring people to Jesus. Ethan reflects on how the book helped him better love, listen to, and reach people who often live with trauma, doubt, or spiritual disconnection. Whether you’re leading in the church, at home, or in everyday places of life, this episode will equip you to engage with grace and truth, build bridges, and offer lasting hope. Joel and his wife Amy spent nearly seven years in Slovenia, pioneering youth ministries in two local churches and pouring their lives into the next generation. In 2010 the Lord brought them back to Oregon, where Joel pastored Cornerstone Church in Gresham for nine years and then, starting in 2019, took on the adventure of replanting Hollyview Church in Boring. After more than twenty years of ministry in the Pacific Northwest and Europe, God recently led Joel, Amy, and their family to a fresh chapter in the Carolinas. Today Joel serves with South America Mission, recruiting, equipping, and sending out missionaries who will carry the gospel throughout Latin America for years to come. During college, God gripped Ethan's heart with a passion to know Christ Jesus, make Him known, and help others do the same. At the same time, Ethan worked as an EMT where God grew in him a desire to see first responders reached and equipped with the hope of the Gospel. Since graduating college in 2017, Ethan has worked in full time disciple-making ministry. His first four years on staff were spent making disciples among college students in Auckland, New Zealand. Since moving back to the United States in late 2021, the Lord has led Ethan to Portland, OR where God is raising up spiritual generations of disciples of Jesus among first responders. RESOURCES MENTIONED: In Pursuit of a Better World The Pathway Series Original Release Date 1/29/26 The post #257 – Bridging the Gap: Reaching the Meta-Modern Generation with Gospel Hope appeared first on Into the Harvest