ABOUT THIS EPISODE
Scott Sullivan and Robbie Norman conducted a podcast interview discussing intentional multiplication in discipleship, focusing on the fourth element of the FORMED: A Discipleship Culture Blueprint. They explored how to assess whether gospel preaching, and church culture produce multiplying disciples rather than just attendees, with Robbie sharing how First Baptist Statesboro tracks spiritual fruit through stories of transformation rather than just counting attendance numbers. The conversation covered practical steps for creating multiplying environments, including finding third-generation disciple makers and making multiplication visible through storytelling. They discussed challenges churches face when disciple-making processes break down, emphasizing the importance of having biblical, scalable, and reproducible systems. The interview concluded with practical suggestions for implementing multiplication, including highlighting disciple-making in membership classes and regularly training church members in discipleship practices.
Discipleship Multiplication Effectiveness Measurement
Scott and Robbie discussed the fourth element of the FORMED: A Discipleship Culture Blueprint, focusing on intentional multiplication. They explored how to measure the effectiveness of discipleship efforts beyond just attendance numbers, with Robbie sharing how First Baptist Statesboro tracks both metrics and stories of spiritual growth. The conversation highlighted the importance of evaluating fruit rather than just activity, and the need to identify where God is working in the church to join and support those efforts.
Church Discipleship Process Improvement
Scott and Robbie discussed how to assess and improve disciple-making processes in churches. Robbie emphasized the importance of having a biblical, scalable, and reproducible discipleship process and suggested diagnosing where people are dropping out in the process. They also discussed the need for clear communication of the process to church members. Scott highlighted the challenge of low baptism numbers in some churches and encouraged perseverance, noting that God may be working behind the scenes.
Disciple-Making Environment Evaluation Strategies
Scott and Robbie discussed evaluating disciple-making environments and preventing stagnation. Robbie shared how he identifies multiplication by looking for third-generation disciple makers, contrasting this with stagnant Sunday school classes. Scott recommended two resources for leaders seeking to implement effective discipleship strategies: the ReFocus Pathfinder revitalization plan through Rob Peters and upcoming regional cohorts launching in April 2026.
Discipleship Culture Strategy Discussion
Scott and Robbie discussed strategies for creating a discipleship culture in churches, focusing on making multiplication simple and repeatable. Robbie suggested sharing stories of multiplication through videos and social media to inspire others and emphasized the importance of lead pastors discipling others. They also discussed outreach methods, with Robbie sharing First Baptist Statesboro’s approach of leveraging everyday interactions rather than traditional visitation programs. The conversation concluded with Robbie highlighting the importance of training disciple-makers and incorporating discipleship into the new member process.
