Deepen with Pastor Joby Martin

Episode: S18E1 – "Practical Approaches to Discipleship"
Date: January 6, 2025
Host: Pastor Joby Martin
Podcast Description: Weekly deep-dive conversations on the sermon and practical application for deeper relationship with Jesus Christ.

Episode Overview

This episode kicks off the new year (2025) at The Church of Eleven22 by focusing on discipleship, what it means to disciple and be discipled, and practical approaches for individuals and the church community. Pastor Joby Martin and his co-hosts discuss the church’s vision for the year, the biblical model of discipleship, and the essential ingredients of grace, mercy, and peace in the Christian life.

Main Themes

• Vision for discipleship at Eleven22 in 2025
• The biblical/relational model of discipleship vs. Western/knowledge-based models
• Practical experiences and examples from Pastor Joby’s own discipleship journey
• The importance of grace, mercy, peace, and love as fruits of discipleship
• Guidance on starting, sustaining, and measuring discipleship relationships

Key Discussion Points, Insights, & Timestamps

1. Vision Weekend and the Year Ahead

[00:26 – 02:07]

• Purpose: The year begins with Vision Weekend, setting clear targets for the church’s direction and emphasis, especially positioning men to lead and grow as disciples.
• Insight: It's “a preparation year” for ministry expansion in the years ahead by focusing on discipling men through the study of Timothy and Titus.
• Quote:

  "I always thought it'd be a really good idea to paint the target on the wall at the beginning of each year as opposed to kind of flinging the arrow and trying to draw the target around it." – Pastor Joby Martin [01:06]

2. Discipleship is for All – Not Just Men

[02:32 – 03:39]

• Even though Timothy is being used to particularly focus on men, Pastor Joby clarifies all Scripture applies to everyone.
• Support and involvement of both men and women are crucial; everyone in the church is connected.

3. Launching The Daily Blade Podcast

[03:44 – 04:47]

• Purpose: A short, practical tool primarily for men, styled as "locker room talk" versus traditional devotionals.
• Quote:

  "Think more like locker room talk. Five minutes. Here's a few verses, here's what they say, here's what they mean, here's what you should do. Ready? Break." – Pastor Joby Martin [03:58]

4. Paul’s Greeting: The Legitimacy of Apostleship

[05:08 – 07:51]

• Paul's greetings in letters serve to legitimize his ministry and apostleship, especially given his background and the presence of imitators.
• Background: Paul’s story of encountering the resurrected Christ as the basis for his authority.

5. The Family Model of Discipleship

[08:42 – 12:19]

• Contrast: Western discipleship is info-transfer; biblical/Middle Eastern discipleship is “become who I am.”
• Pastor Joby shares personal stories of being discipled by coaches and pastors—"get in the truck" as discipleship strategy.
• Quote:

  "Our Western idea of discipleship is, 'Let me teach you what I know.' This Middle Eastern idea is you become who I am... Paul says in 1 Corinthians 11:1: Follow me as I follow Christ." – Pastor Joby Martin [09:18]

6. Parenting and Discipleship Lessons

[12:19 – 18:44]

• The parallel between parenting and discipling others: it's more about facilitating questions and self-discovery than transmitting information.
• Being an "illuminator" vs. a "diminisher": fostering strengths and growth through encouragement, not mere criticism.
• Quote:

  "Questions and self discovery are more important than information transmission." – Pastor Joby Martin [12:42]
  "I want to be an illuminator. And I think that is a gospel intention, because I think that's much of what Paul does with Timothy..." – Ryan Britt [13:18]

7. The Role of Mercy and Patience in Discipling

[20:43 – 27:01]

• Emphasizes a posture of mercy—avoiding assumptions about others’ motives, showing patience in their growth.
• Quote:

  "When you realize how merciful God is...you’ve got to have like a merciful posture towards people to allow them to figure this thing out." – Pastor Joby Martin [20:43]

8. Measuring Discipleship: Fruit, Not Just Knowledge

[28:46 – 30:25]

• Western churches often measure by knowledge; true discipleship is reflected in changed life and character (kindness, love, fruit of the Spirit).
• Real discipleship involves walking with people even through disappointment and failure.
• Quote:

  "Knowledge for the sake of knowledge puffs up." – Ryan Britt [29:02]
  "You have not truly discipled a person until you have been thoroughly frustrated...walk with people through life. And a huge part of discipleship is how to confess and repent after sin..." – Pastor Joby Martin [27:13]

9. Love as the Foundation of Discipleship

[30:37 – 35:25]

• Loving God and others is the root and aim of biblical discipleship—not merely correct behavior or doctrine.
• Past wounds and hypocrisy in the church can be traced to a lack of true love for God and each other.
• Encourages integration of the heart, soul, mind, and strength in pursuing God.

10. Practical, Life-on-Life Discipleship

[36:13 – 40:20]

• The most impactful discipleship happens organically—in ordinary life moments, shared boredom, and presence—not just formal teaching.
• Family stories: beach staycations, hunting trips, and garage workouts as venues for real conversations.

11. Organic vs. Structured Discipleship

[40:20 – 44:59]

• Both organic (informal, relationship-driven) and structured (formal, planned) discipleship are useful.
• Using the Shema (love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength) as a personal and relational discipleship framework.
• Having regular check-ins around these four areas—asking questions leading to self-discovery and action.

12. Getting Started as a Discipler

[45:55 – 51:29]

• If you feel called to disciple, start by leading or joining a disciple group.
• Watch for "who has God placed in your life?" and pray for opportunities; the right relationships often begin organically.
• It should be about serving and loving others—not simply "having something to say."

13. The Difference Between Coaching and Discipling

[52:03 – 54:01]

• Discipling aims to help people become more like Christ, not just a better version of themselves.
• Regularly grounding conversations in Scripture distinguishes true discipleship.

14. The Power of Paul’s Greeting—No Throwaway Verses

[55:02 – 58:28]

• Paul’s greeting—hope, grace, mercy, and peace—forms the foundation for all he will teach.
• These are the ongoing, living fruits desired for every believer.
• Quote:

  "In this world right now, I mean...I wish people would just, like, give themselves some grace. You know what I mean? Just let yourself off the mat, dude." – Pastor Joby Martin [55:33]

15. Receiving the Offer of Christ

[58:28 – 59:21]

• Christ offers hope, grace, mercy, and peace—things this world cannot ultimately provide.
• Quote:

  "What Jesus wants to give you is hope, grace, mercy, and a peace not rooted in circumstances...that transcends understanding and overcomes your circumstances. Who doesn’t want that?" – Pastor Joby Martin [58:42]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "You become who I am...Paul says, 'Follow me as I follow Christ.'" – Pastor Joby Martin [09:14]
• "You have not truly discipled a person until you have been thoroughly frustrated... true discipleship happens... not to just teach people new information, but walk with people through life." – Pastor Joby Martin [27:13]
• "The worst way to think about church is, what do I get out of this?" – Pastor Joby Martin [03:39]
• "Nothing will disciple you like discipling somebody." – Pastor Joby Martin [54:05]
• "If your first thought is, 'I've got some things to say,' I'm not exactly sure you're ready to be a disciple-maker." – Ryan Britt [46:31]

Practical Takeaways

• The best discipleship is relational, intentional, and often informal—look for disciple-making opportunities in everyday life.
• Use ongoing questions (not just answers) to encourage spiritual growth and self-discovery in those you disciple.
• Discipleship is helping others take their next step of obedience toward Jesus, not merely imparting knowledge or advice.
• Mercy, patience, and grace should mark your approach, remembering that the fruit of the Spirit grows slowly but undeniably.
• Want to disciple or be discipled? Get involved in a small group or ask someone you admire for a relationship based on learning, not lecturing.
• Anchor all discipleship in loving God fully—with heart, soul, mind, and strength—and let that love overflow into all relationships.

Closing Prayer

[59:27 – 60:01]
Pastor Joby closes with a prayer for hope, grace, mercy, and peace for all listeners, thanking God for His unending faithfulness and the peace that transcends understanding.

For Further Reflection

• How are you being discipled—and how are you discipling others—beyond just sharing information?
• Where can you show more mercy and patience, especially in your family or group?
• What next step of obedience is God calling you or someone you’re discipling to take?

Resources

• The Daily Blade podcast – Five-minute daily encouragement for men
• Church of Eleven22 Disciple Groups – Get involved or lead one to grow as a disciple or disciple-maker.
• Growth Track – New course for church membership and doctrinal clarity (mentioned at [29:04])