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What if discipleship wasn’t a program, but a way of life?
In this episode, Heather Jallad and David Sunde explore how moving from programmatic discipleship to incarnational rhythms can lead to real multiplication. David unpacks what discipleship truly means, breaking it down into the seven rhythms from his book Small Batch Disciplemaking, and challenges the inherited church’s current models. What does discipleship look like in the everyday? How can we create space for organic, relational, and transformative disciple-making? Join the conversation and discover a fresh approach to following Jesus in the rhythms of daily life.
David Sunde collaborates with an ecosystem of faith-based, community organizations, pastors, and spiritual leaders as a Spiritual Director, thought Partner, and Missional Catalyst. He has been involved in professional non-profit and spiritual leadership for over 20 years. He is a native son of San Franciso, the son of an immigrant, and learned to make a lower level of assumption about culture, class, race, and religion against a backdrop of diversity. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration from SanDiego State University and a Master’s Degree from Azusa Pacific University. He is currently working on a Doctorate in Semiotics, Cultured, and the Church through George Fox University. David and his wife Laurel, have two children, Bjorn, and Annika and live in Austin, Texas.
In Season 6, we’re diving into discipleship—exploring what it means to follow Jesus and share Jesus in our everyday lives and how churches can cultivate a culture of discipleship that is more than curriculum within their communities.
Related Resources:
David Sunde – www.davidsunde.com (follow the NavPress link for 30% off, including bulk discounts).
Follow David on Instagram at @small_batch_disciplemaking and @davidsunde
Discipleship Reset – a week-long live training experience designed to equip the leaders of the average North American church for the opportunities of 2025. You can still receive access to the replay of all sessions (for FREE!). freshexpressions.com/discipleship-reset
Email us: podcasts@freshexpressions.com
Interview Summary
What if church was more of a laboratory to experiment with our beliefs about God, rather than just a lecture hall for rehearsing static truths? -David Sunde
The Fresh Expressions Podcast will focus this season on discipleship—what it means to follow Jesus and share him in our daily lives. Our host, Heather Jallad, guides us through these conversations with church leaders and practitioners, exploring how churches can foster a culture of discipleship that transcends traditional curricula.
In this episode, we are joined by David Sunde, an influential figure in the realm of “small batch disciple-making.” David’s insights are particularly timely, reflecting a deep understanding of discipleship’s crisis in the church. He challenges the conventional frameworks of discipleship, advocating for a more relational, experimental approach that mirrors Jesus’ own methods.
Rethinking Traditional Models
In the quest to revitalize discipleship, David urges a significant shift from static teachings to a more experimental approach. He emphasizes that instead of repeating established doctrines, the church should transform into a vibrant laboratory where believers actively explore and experience their faith in real-world contexts. This model encourages continuous learning and adaptation, reflecting a dynamic relationship with God that evolves over time. By fostering an environment where questions are welcomed and exploration is encouraged, the church can create a more engaging and meaningful discipleship experience.
What if church was more of a laboratory to experiment with our beliefs about God, rather than just a lecture hall for rehearsing static truths? -David Sunde
The Importance of Relational Discipleship
David highlights the transformative power of relational discipleship, which he defines as a process of spiritual reproduction that mirrors the way Jesus mentored his disciples. He shares personal anecdotes to illustrate how impactful this approach can be, recounting stories of individuals whose lives have been changed through intimate, relational engagements rather than through formal educational settings. This method fosters deep, personal connections and allows for spiritual growth that is both individual and communal. Relational discipleship not only encourages personal transformation but also equips believers to impact others, perpetuating a cycle of growth and discipleship within the community.
More time with fewer people equals greater kingdom impact. -David Sunde
Practical Applications in Modern Church Settings
To embody the principles of relational discipleship in everyday church activities, David offers practical strategies that can be implemented by congregations. He suggests hosting community events that facilitate interactions and create spaces for meaningful conversations about faith. These activities should be designed to include various aspects of discipleship, such as service, teaching, and personal testimony, thus integrating discipleship into the fabric of church life. By adopting such inclusive and interactive approaches, churches can better engage members and encourage them to live out their faith actively and visibly within their communities.
We’ve got the teachings of Jesus well-documented, but we don’t necessarily follow the methods of Jesus, which are hyper-relational. -David Sunde
As we reflect on today’s insights, it’s clear that discipleship needs to be more than just an educational program. It is a lifelong journey of transformation and relational growth. Churches are encouraged to experiment with new forms of engagement, focusing on creating environments where relational discipleship can thrive.
Reflection Questions
- What are the barriers to implementing relational discipleship in your context and how can you overcome them?
- How does the concept of ‘laboratory’ versus ‘lecture’ change your perception of church activities?
- Can you identify someone who might benefit from a more personalized approach to discipleship? How can you initiate this journey with them?
- What role does community play in your current discipleship practices?
- How can discipleship be integrated into the daily rhythms of church life?
- What are the most significant changes you need to make in your discipleship practices?
