Facing Pitfalls in Disciple-Making

Today’s episode will help us face sin and temptation with honesty, accountability, and reliance on the Holy Spirit so we can grow as disciples and make disciples who walk in freedom.

 

Join Discipleship.org at one of our fall events:

https://discipleship.org/one-day-events/ 

 

The Deeper Walk Experience | Franklin, TN | Aug. 15-16, 2025: https://deeperwalk.com/sp/dw-experience-franklin/ 

 

Discipling Men | Dallas, TX | Sept. 11, 2025:

https://discipleship.org/one-day-events/dallas-2025-regional/ 

 

The Discipleship Gospel | Oceanside, CA | Oct. 9, 2025:

https://discipleship.org/one-day-events/2025-west-coast-conference/ 

 

Check out Discipleship.org for resources on disciple-making: https://discipleship.org/resources/ 

 

Stay Informed - Get our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hPViAr

 

Overcoming Temptation in Discipleship: Strategies and Insights

 

In this episode of the Disciple Makers Podcast, hosts Josh Howard and Jason Ishmael delve into the common pitfalls in the journey of disciple making, with a focus on overcoming temptation and sin. They emphasize the importance of creating safe spaces for confession, addressing habitual sin early, and relying on the power of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. The episode highlights practical steps for fostering genuine, accountable discipleship relationships, and offers insights into how to empower disciples to conquer sin with divine help. Tune in for valuable strategies to strengthen your disciple-making efforts and personal faith journey.

 

Get Discipleship.org's premium Podcast Feed: https://disciplemakerspodcast.supercast.com/ 

 

Key Takeaways 

00:00 Welcome and Introductions

00:37 Discussing Pitfalls in Disciple Making

01:43 Addressing Temptation and Sin

03:45 The Importance of Confession and Accountability

09:05 Creating Safe Spaces for Openness

13:27 The Baby Dragon Analogy

14:20 The Importance of Early Confession

15:14 The Enemy's Intent and Church Culture

16:39 Discipleship and Dragon Slaying

18:59 The Power of the Holy Spirit

19:50 Misinterpretation of Scripture

22:26 Heeding Warnings and God's Deliverance

25:24 The Role of the Holy Spirit in Conviction

28:49 Encouragement and Consistent Rhythms

30:16 Final Thoughts and Invitation

 

Check out our Blogs: https://discipleship.org/blog/ 

 

Join us for our 2026 National Disciple Making Forum: https://discipleship.org/2026-national-disciple-making-forum/ 

See Below for a longer description:

In this episode of the Disciple Makers Podcast, hosts Josh Howard and Jason Ishmael dive into a real and often overlooked challenge in disciple-making: dealing with sin and temptation. The episode kicks off with some light banter, but quickly shifts to a deep, honest conversation about the struggles that come with following Jesus—and helping others do the same.

Facing the Hard Stuff

Josh opens by naming the elephant in the room: temptation is part of life, even in ministry. While it’s tempting (no pun intended) to focus only on wins and high points, the guys make it clear—ignoring sin doesn’t make it go away. In fact, it makes things worse. Confronting it directly is key to personal integrity and faithful disciple-making.

Everyone Struggles—Even Jesus Was Tempted

Drawing from Hebrews, they remind us that even Jesus faced temptation. That truth doesn’t excuse sin—it encourages us. If He faced it and overcame, we can lean on Him in our fight too. Disciple-making isn’t about being perfect, but about staying honest and dependent on Jesus.

Don’t Go It Alone

Jason pushes back on the myth of solo Christianity. Isolation is dangerous, especially when struggling with sin. They paint a biblical picture of community—like the body, vine and branches, shepherd and sheep—where honest relationships offer support, accountability, and light in dark places.

Confession Brings Healing

Confession isn’t just a religious duty—it’s a path to healing (James 5). The hosts use a striking image: sins are like baby dragons. Small at first, but dangerous if fed and hidden. Naming them early—through confession