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What does it look like to build communities where people can discover and live from their true identity in Christ? In this episode, Julia, Jessie, and Jacob explore the difference between being and doing, why transformation can’t be reduced to a strategy, and how healthy community creates space for people to hear from Jesus, experience healing, and learn to see one another as God does.— FREE RESOURCE:Not sure where you are in your faith development — or how to walk alongside someone who’s in a different place than you? Download the Identity Formation Theory chart free and see all six phases of how humans grow spiritually and psychologically.→ whoology.co/identity—TAKE THE COURSE:Ordinary Discipleship — 8 sessions that will change how your community makes disciples. Built for the 75% that most discipleship materials miss.→ Small Group Course ORDER THE BOOKS:Becoming Good News: Reimagining Discipleship Through Identity, Story, and Science→ Becoming Good News Ordinary Discipleship: How God Wires Us for the Adventure of Transformation→ Ordinary Discipleship FOLLOW WHOOLOGY:Instagram: instagram.com/ordinarydiscipleshipFacebook: facebook.com/ordinarydiscipleship FOLLOW JESSIE:Instagram: instagram.com/yourbrainbyjessFacebook: facebook.com/jessica.s.cruickshank ABOUT JESSIE:Jessie Cruickshank holds a Master’s degree in experiential education from Harvard and has spent 30 years studying how the brain actually learns, grows, and changes. She’s the author of Ordinary Discipleship and the architect of Identity Formation Theory, a framework for understanding where people are in their spiritual and psychological development. She believes discipleship was never meant to be a solo journey, and neuroscience backs her up.

What if the parts of your story you’ve always seen as failures or flaws aren’t the end of the story? In this episode, we explore Jacob’s journey, the lifelong process of identity formation, and how God meets us in our wrestling to reinterpret, redeem, and reveal who we were created to be. — FREE RESOURCE:Not sure where you are in your faith development — or how to walk alongside someone who’s in a different place than you? Download the Identity Formation Theory chart free and see all six phases of how humans grow spiritually and psychologically.→ whoology.co/identity—TAKE THE COURSE:Ordinary Discipleship — 8 sessions that will change how your community makes disciples. Built for the 75% that most discipleship materials miss.→ Small Group Course ORDER THE BOOKS:Becoming Good News: Reimagining Discipleship Through Identity, Story, and Science→ Becoming Good News Ordinary Discipleship: How God Wires Us for the Adventure of Transformation→ Ordinary Discipleship FOLLOW WHOOLOGY:Instagram: instagram.com/ordinarydiscipleshipFacebook: facebook.com/ordinarydiscipleship FOLLOW JESSIE:Instagram: instagram.com/yourbrainbyjessFacebook: facebook.com/jessica.s.cruickshank ABOUT JESSIE:Jessie Cruickshank holds a Master’s degree in experiential education from Harvard and has spent 30 years studying how the brain actually learns, grows, and changes. She’s the author of Ordinary Discipleship and the architect of Identity Formation Theory, a framework for understanding where people are in their spiritual and psychological development. She believes discipleship was never meant to be a solo journey, and neuroscience backs her up.

This episode explores what happens when we stop making ourselves the center of the story and learn to see our lives within the larger story God is telling. Jacob, Jessie Cruickshank, and Julia Schmaltz talk about sin, shame, identity, and our limitations—and how these things can become invitations to deeper relationship with God rather than reasons to hide from Him. — FREE RESOURCE:Not sure where you are in your faith development — or how to walk alongside someone who’s in a different place than you? Download the Identity Formation Theory chart free and see all six phases of how humans grow spiritually and psychologically.→ whoology.co/identity—TAKE THE COURSE:Ordinary Discipleship — 8 sessions that will change how your community makes disciples. Built for the 75% that most discipleship materials miss.→ Small Group Course ORDER THE BOOKS:Becoming Good News: Reimagining Discipleship Through Identity, Story, and Science→ Becoming Good News Ordinary Discipleship: How God Wires Us for the Adventure of Transformation→ Ordinary Discipleship FOLLOW WHOOLOGY:Instagram: instagram.com/ordinarydiscipleshipFacebook: facebook.com/ordinarydiscipleship FOLLOW JESSIE:Instagram: instagram.com/yourbrainbyjessFacebook: facebook.com/jessica.s.cruickshank ABOUT JESSIE:Jessie Cruickshank holds a Master’s degree in experiential education from Harvard and has spent 30 years studying how the brain actually learns, grows, and changes. She’s the author of Ordinary Discipleship and the architect of Identity Formation Theory, a framework for understanding where people are in their spiritual and psychological development. She believes discipleship was never meant to be a solo journey, and neuroscience backs her up.

How do we learn to recognize God’s voice? In this episode of the Ordinary Discipleship Podcast, Jacob, Jessie, and Julia explore what it means to listen for God, become attuned to His voice, and discern what we’re hearing through Scripture, our emotions, our identity, and community. They talk about why God’s voice is deeply personal, how intimacy with God helps us recognize His tone, why discernment is something we do together, and the danger of confusing our own agendas or desires with God’s voice. Most importantly, they consider how ordinary discipleship can help people hear God for themselves rather than becoming dependent on someone else to tell them what God is saying. Order Jessie and Julia's book Becoming Good News: Reimagining Discipleship Through Identity, Story, and Science ORDER Jessie’s book, Ordinary Discipleship: How God Wires Us for the Adventure of Transformation For more great stuff, check out: Ordinary Discipleship by Whoology: https://whoology.co Follow us on social media:https://instagram.com/ordinarydiscipleshiphttps://facebook.com/ordinarydiscipleship Follow Jessie on social media:Instagram: https://instagram.com/yourbrainbyjessFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessica.s.cruickshank/Twitter: https://twitter.com/yourbrainbyjess

What if your emotions aren't obstacles to spiritual growth, but invitations into deeper discipleship? In this episode of the Ordinary Discipleship Podcast, Jacob, Jessie Cruickshank, and Julia Schmaltz explore why emotions are a good part of God's design, how they can give us important information about what is happening within us, and why we need to feel in order to heal. Together, they discuss how anxiety, grief, anger, fear, and other emotions can become invitations to curiosity, prayer, healing, and a deeper encounter with God. Rather than suppressing or elevating our emotions, what might it look like to receive them, listen to what they are telling us, and allow the Holy Spirit to bring the fuller story? Order Jessie and Julia's book Becoming Good News: Reimagining Discipleship Through Identity, Story, and Science ORDER Jessie’s book, Ordinary Discipleship: How God Wires Us for the Adventure of Transformation For more great stuff, check out: Ordinary Discipleship by Whoology: https://whoology.co Follow us on social media:https://instagram.com/ordinarydiscipleshiphttps://facebook.com/ordinarydiscipleship Follow Jessie on social media:Instagram: https://instagram.com/yourbrainbyjessFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessica.s.cruickshank/Twitter: https://twitter.com/yourbrainbyjess

What does it actually look like to disciple children in everyday life? In this episode, Jessie Cruickshank sits down with Natalie Werking to explore how parents and churches can partner together to nurture lasting faith in the next generation. They discuss why simple, everyday faith conversations matter more than having all the right answers, how discipleship changes as children grow, practical "Velcro habits" that weave spiritual practices into daily routines, and why creating space for curiosity and questions is essential. Whether you're a parent, pastor, or ministry leader, this conversation offers practical encouragement and a hopeful vision for helping children discover and follow Jesus. Pre-Order Jessie and Julia's book Becoming Good News: Reimagining Discipleship Through Identity, Story, and Science ORDER Jessie’s book, Ordinary Discipleship: How God Wires Us for the Adventure of Transformation For more great stuff, check out: Ordinary Discipleship by Whoology: https://whoology.co Follow us on social media:https://instagram.com/ordinarydiscipleshiphttps://facebook.com/ordinarydiscipleship Follow Jessie on social media:Instagram: https://instagram.com/yourbrainbyjessFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessica.s.cruickshank/Twitter: https://twitter.com/yourbrainbyjess

What if the key to disciple-making isn't a new program, but returning to the way Jesus did it? In this episode, Jessie Cruickshank talks with Peyton Jones about his new book Discipology and the three rhythms Jesus used to form disciples: time, teaching, and tactics. Together they explore why many churches have focused on information over mobilization, how leaders can unintentionally become bottlenecks, and why ordinary believers are God's primary strategy for kingdom movement. Whether you're a pastor, church planter, or everyday follower of Jesus, this conversation will challenge you to slow down, trust the Holy Spirit, and take practical steps toward making disciples who make disciples. In this episode: The three rhythms of disciple-making Jesus modeledWhy mobilization leads to multiplicationHow to activate everyday believers for missionThe role of the Holy Spirit in disciple-makingPractical next steps for making disciples in your everyday lifePre-Order Jessie and Julia's book Becoming Good News: Reimagining Discipleship Through Identity, Story, and Science ORDER Jessie’s book, Ordinary Discipleship: How God Wires Us for the Adventure of Transformation For more great stuff, check out: Ordinary Discipleship by Whoology: https://whoology.co Follow us on social media:https://instagram.com/ordinarydiscipleshiphttps://facebook.com/ordinarydiscipleship Follow Jessie on social media:Instagram: https://instagram.com/yourbrainbyjessFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessica.s.cruickshank/Twitter: https://twitter.com/yourbrainbyjess

In this episode, Jessie Cruickshank talks with Dr. Angie Richey, President of Life Pacific University and licensed therapist, about the intersection of psychology, discipleship, and spiritual authority. Together they explore anxiety, trauma, identity, Gen Z's mental health crisis, and how ordinary believers can help others find freedom by breaking agreement with lies and embracing the truth of God's Word. This practical and hope-filled conversation will encourage you to walk in greater freedom, deepen your spiritual authority, and participate in the healing work God wants to do in your life and community. Pre-Order Jessie and Julia's book Becoming Good News: Reimagining Discipleship Through Identity, Story, and Science ORDER Jessie’s book, Ordinary Discipleship: How God Wires Us for the Adventure of Transformation For more great stuff, check out: Ordinary Discipleship by Whoology: https://whoology.co Follow us on social media:https://instagram.com/ordinarydiscipleshiphttps://facebook.com/ordinarydiscipleship Follow Jessie on social media:Instagram: https://instagram.com/yourbrainbyjessFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessica.s.cruickshank/Twitter: https://twitter.com/yourbrainbyjess

In this episode, Jessie talks with Nathan Brewer about fivefold ministry, APEST, and how apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds, and teachers help us see the fullness of Jesus in the world. Nathan shares how these gifts are not just ministry roles or another personality test, but part of our identity, vocation, and wiring in Christ. Together they explore how our passions, frustrations, energy, and limits can reveal the way God has shaped us, and how communities can help one another grow into those gifts with clarity, humility, and joy. Next Steps: Subscribe to the Fivefold Newsletter to receive free coaching tips, inspiration and practical exercises.  Order Nathan's book The Pulse of Christ: A Fivefold Training ManualDiscover & Activate your Fivefold Spiritual Gifts with the Online Course (Enroll and start for free)Contact Nathan directly: [email protected]  Pre-Order Jessie and Julia's book Becoming Good News: Reimagining Discipleship Through Identity, Story, and Science ORDER Jessie’s book, Ordinary Discipleship: How God Wires Us for the Adventure of Transformation For more great stuff, check out: Ordinary Discipleship by Whoology: https://whoology.co Follow us on social media:https://instagram.com/ordinarydiscipleshiphttps://facebook.com/ordinarydiscipleship Follow Jessie on social media:Instagram: https://instagram.com/yourbrainbyjessFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessica.s.cruickshank/Twitter: https://twitter.com/yourbrainbyjess

In this episode of the Ordinary Discipleship Podcast, Jessie talks with Daniel Yang of World Relief about refugees, immigrants, trauma, enemy mode, and what it means to follow Jesus in a time when fear and suspicion are shaping so much of our public life. Daniel shares his own family’s refugee story, the work of World Relief, and how the church is called not only to welcome the vulnerable but to receive them as gifts from God. Together, Jessie and Daniel explore why loving our enemy is not an optional ideal but a core spiritual discipline, how proximity breaks down fear, and how ordinary disciples can practice welcome, prayer, courage, and embodied love in their own communities. Pre-Order Jessie and Julia's book Becoming Good News: Reimagining Discipleship Through Identity, Story, and Science ORDER Jessie’s book, Ordinary Discipleship: How God Wires Us for the Adventure of Transformation For more great stuff, check out: Ordinary Discipleship by Whoology: https://whoology.co Follow us on social media:https://instagram.com/ordinarydiscipleshiphttps://facebook.com/ordinarydiscipleship Follow Jessie on social media:Instagram: https://instagram.com/yourbrainbyjessFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessica.s.cruickshank/Twitter: https://twitter.com/yourbrainbyjess

Timmy and 'Tisha Hensel share the real story of co-pastoring a church through pain, transition, and slow transformation. They talk about moving from busy, program-driven ministry to a culture of shared ownership, collaborative leadership, and deep, relational discipleship—where more voices are heard and more people carry the weight together. This conversation gets into what it actually costs to lead this way—loss of control, hard conversations, and letting go of outcomes—but also what it produces: healing, trust, freedom in worship, and a community where discipleship is lived, not just taught. Pre-Order Jessie and Julia's book Becoming Good News: Reimagining Discipleship Through Identity, Story, and Science ORDER Jessie’s book, Ordinary Discipleship: How God Wires Us for the Adventure of Transformation For more great stuff, check out: Ordinary Discipleship by Whoology: https://whoology.co Follow us on social media:https://instagram.com/ordinarydiscipleshiphttps://facebook.com/ordinarydiscipleship Follow Jessie on social media:Instagram: https://instagram.com/yourbrainbyjessFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessica.s.cruickshank/Twitter: https://twitter.com/yourbrainbyjess

This episode explores how naming shapes identity and discipleship at a deep level—spiritually, relationally, and even neurologically. Drawing from Scripture, lived experience, and the themes of Becoming Good News, the conversation traces how the names we receive—both true and false—form our sense of self, and how God invites us into a different story through His voice. They unpack how false identities take root, why our “I am” statements matter, and how practices like confession, repentance, and listening to God can lead to real transformation and a reclaimed identity grounded in truth. Pre-Order Jessie and Julia's book Becoming Good News: Reimagining Discipleship Through Identity, Story, and Science ORDER Jessie’s book, Ordinary Discipleship: How God Wires Us for the Adventure of Transformation For more great stuff, check out: Ordinary Discipleship by Whoology: https://whoology.co Follow us on social media:https://instagram.com/ordinarydiscipleshiphttps://facebook.com/ordinarydiscipleship Follow Jessie on social media:Instagram: https://instagram.com/yourbrainbyjessFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessica.s.cruickshank/Twitter: https://twitter.com/yourbrainbyjess

Are we actually good—or just calling something broken “good” and hoping it sticks? In this conversation, we wrestle with sin, identity, and the stories we believe about ourselves, and why discipleship isn’t about behavior management or positive thinking. Julia and Jessie reframe sin as disconnection and false narrative, not just rule-breaking, and show how Jesus meets us there to restore relationship, renew our minds, and reshape our identity from the inside out. We explore why joy—not perfection—might be the truest marker of transformation, and how learning to listen to God rewrites the story we live by. Pre-Order Jessie and Julia's book Becoming Good News: Reimagining Discipleship Through Identity, Story, and Science ORDER Jessie’s book, Ordinary Discipleship: How God Wires Us for the Adventure of Transformation For more great stuff, check out: Ordinary Discipleship by Whoology: https://whoology.co Follow us on social media:https://instagram.com/ordinarydiscipleshiphttps://facebook.com/ordinarydiscipleship Follow Jessie on social media:Instagram: https://instagram.com/yourbrainbyjessFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessica.s.cruickshank/Twitter: https://twitter.com/yourbrainbyjess

In this episode, we explore the difference between discipleship as doing and discipleship as receiving—and why that shift changes everything. Jessie and Julia share their own stories of burnout, identity loss, and the quiet invitation to stop striving and start receiving from God’s presence. We talk about anxiety, formation, confession, and how true growth begins not with what we do, but with who God is and how we learn to respond to Him. Pre-Order Jessie and Julia's book Becoming Good News: Reimagining Discipleship Through Identity, Story, and Science ORDER Jessie’s book, Ordinary Discipleship: How God Wires Us for the Adventure of Transformation For more great stuff, check out: Ordinary Discipleship by Whoology: https://whoology.co Follow us on social media:https://instagram.com/ordinarydiscipleshiphttps://facebook.com/ordinarydiscipleship Follow Jessie on social media:Instagram: https://instagram.com/yourbrainbyjessFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessica.s.cruickshank/Twitter: https://twitter.com/yourbrainbyjess

Discipleship isn’t just about learning more about God, it’s about discovering who we are in relationship with Him. In this episode, Jacob, Jessie Cruikshank, and Julia Schmaltz explore how our understanding of God shapes our understanding of ourselves, and why identity is formed through relationship rather than self-invention. Drawing on Scripture, science, and the story of Moses, they discuss how fear, shame, and false narratives distort identity and how encountering the living God restores our true story. If discipleship is more than a program or a list of beliefs, what does it look like to let God redefine who we are? Pre-Order Jessie and Julia's book Becoming Good News: Reimagining Discipleship Through Identity, Story, and Science ORDER Jessie’s book, Ordinary Discipleship: How God Wires Us for the Adventure of Transformation For more great stuff, check out: Ordinary Discipleship by Whoology: https://whoology.co Follow us on social media:https://instagram.com/ordinarydiscipleshiphttps://facebook.com/ordinarydiscipleship Follow Jessie on social media:Instagram: https://instagram.com/yourbrainbyjessFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessica.s.cruickshank/Twitter: https://twitter.com/yourbrainbyjess