Run With Horses

rwh04oct Ep.384 – Run With Horses Podcast – Equipping or Educating? Podcast: rwh.podbean.com Website: www.runwithhorses.net Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast Author pages with links to all books on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smith https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane The Probelm • Median age of U.S. Christians has risen (median Christian age ~54), which corresponds with an older pastoral workforce.  • Surveys show large shares of pastors have seriously considered quitting in recent years (Barna reported ~33–40% had considered quitting in the early 2020s). Covid had a huge impact and pointed out some problems. • Research finds only a small percent (about ~1% per year) actually permanently leave pastoral ministry for reasons other than retirement, but the pipeline into pastoral roles is thin and many serve bivocationally. (Lifeway and other research summarize low annual exit rates but continued recruitment shortfalls.)  • Many groups lose members (reported membership declines in recent annual reports), which affects church budgets and pastoral hiring. 

rwh27sept Ep.383 – Run With Horses Podcast – Equipping or Educating? Podcast: rwh.podbean.com Website: www.runwithhorses.net Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast Author pages with links to all books on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smith https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith (24:00) Our churches are great at teaching Biblical truth. But sometimes I wonder if we do as well at equipping people for the work of teh ministry. That’s topic of today’s show! Welcome to Run With Horses! My name is Norman and my goal is to help you thrive as a follower of Jesus. The spiritual life is simple in many ways, but potentially the most difficult part of your life. God invites you to grow, to live intentionally and to join in His mission. It’s very cool that we can do that together! Thank you for joining me today! “If you’re new here, you can check out past episodes at runwithhorses.net. As always, I appreciate your feedback, questions, and reviews!” *(23:00 – 0:00) * PART 1 Run With Horses is on the radio! If you are enjoying Run With Horses, would you let someone know? Contact the radio station or leave a review on your favorite app. We want to hear from you! Teaching and Equipping I. Introduction • Many churches excel at teaching but struggle with equipping. The result is knowledge without action, or action without foundation. • How do teaching and equipping differ, and how should they work together in the life of the church? ⸻ II. Defining the Terms A. Teaching • Imparting knowledge, doctrine, and biblical truth. • Scripture: B. Equipping • Preparing believers with tools, skills, and confidence to serve and live out their faith. VI. The Role of Leaders and Members A. Leaders’ Responsibility • To both teach and equip. • 1 Timothy 4:11–12 – “These things command and teach. Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” B. Members’ Responsibility • To move from being hearers to active participants in ministry. • Hebrews 10:24–25 – “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” ⸻ VII. Practical Challenges • Overemphasis on knowledge can create spiritual spectators. • Overemphasis on activity without grounding leads to burnout or error. • Baptist churches must intentionally integrate both for effective discipleship. ⸻ Teaching informs; equipping transforms. Teaching fills the mind; equipping activates the hands and heart. Both are necessary for a healthy, missional church. ⸻ Teaching Transfers Information; Equipping Shapes People • Teaching is about what you know. Equipping is about who you become and what you do. • Example: The Pharisees were excellent teachers of the Law, but they failed to equip people to live it (Matthew 23:3). 👉 Knowledge is relatively easy to pass on in a classroom; transformation requires walking with people in real life. ⸻ Equipping Requires Application and Practice • Teaching can stop at hearing; equipping demands doing. • James 1:22 – “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” • Equipping means giving people opportunities to serve, make mistakes, and grow — which is harder than just lecturing. ⸻ Equipping Requires Relational Investment • Teaching can happen from a pulpit; equipping usually happens through discipleship, mentoring, and modeling. • 2 Timothy 2:2 – Paul didn’t just teach Timothy; he entrusted him with responsibility to teach others. • This relational work is time-consuming and often messy. ⸻ Equipping Challenges Comfort Zones • Many believers are comfortable learning but hesitant to...

rwh20sept Ep.382 – Run With Horses Podcast – Podcast: rwh.podbean.com Website: www.runwithhorses.net Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast Author pages with links to all books on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smith https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith **(24:00)** The questions you ask often determine the kinds of answers you get. How do our questions impact our ability to make disciples, develop leaders and plant new churches? That’s the topic of today’s show! Welcome to Run With Horses! My name is Norman and my goal is to help you thrive as a follower of Jesus. The spiritual life is simple in many ways, but potentially the most difficult part of your life. God invites you to grow, to live intentionally and to join in His mission. It’s very cool that we can do that together! Thank you for joining me today! “If you’re new here, you can check out past episodes at runwithhorses.net. As always, I appreciate your feedback, questions, and reviews!” **(23:00 – 0:00)* * PART 1 Run With Horses is on the radio! If you are enjoying Run With Horses, would you let someone know? Contact the radio station or leave a review on your favorite app. We want to hear from you! ⸻ Multiplication Thinking Part 1: The Power of the Questions We Ask (Vision & Theology) Theme: Questions reveal what we believe about God’s mission, our role, and the future. ** 1. Why Questions Matter ** Questions expose vision (or the lack of it) Show how “addition” questions limit scope vs. “multiplication” questions which expand possibilities. Example: “How many people can I gather?” (Level 2 thinking) vs. “How many disciple-makers can I release?” (Level 4-5 thinking). .The Five Levels of Church Mutiplication 1.subtraction 2. Plateau 3.addition 4. Reproducing 5. Multiplication . *** 2. The Five Levels of Leadership (from Hero Maker) *** • Level 1: I count (thinking addition, personal results). • Level 2: I count what I do (improving programs). • Level 3: I count what we do together (team success). • Level 4: I count leaders I raise up (reproduction). • Level 5: I count leaders who multiply leaders (movement/multiplication). • Use examples of how each level asks progressively bigger questions. *** 3. Biblical and Theological Foundation *** . • Jesus modeled multiplication: He invested in 12 → sent 72 → great commission to all. • Paul’s instruction to Timothy: “Entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others” (2 Tim. 2:2). • The kingdom grows like a seed — designed for multiplication, not maintenance (parable of the mustard seed, yeast in the dough). *** 4. Why Maintenance Mindset is Dangerous *** • It keeps leaders in survival mode (protecting what is). • It makes ministries inward-focused rather than kingdom-focused. • Ultimately, it limits generational impact. *** 5. Challenge: *** • What questions are you currently asking in your ministry? • Are they addition questions or multiplication questions? • (Good interactive moment: invite participants to write down their top 2 questions they ask about ministry and assess what “level” they reflect.) ⸻ **(00:00) END PART 1** **(27:00 – 5:00) BEGIN PART 2* Part 2: Asking Multiplication Questions Leaders at every level can shift from addition to multiplication by the questions they ask. *** 1. Shifting the Question at Every Level of Leadership*** . • Sunday school teacher: Instead of “How many kids will show up?” ask “How many kids can I equip to share their faith?” • Deacon/volunteer leader: Instead of “How do I fill this need?” ask “Who can I invite and empower to step into leadership?” • Pastor: Instead of “How do we grow this church?” ask “How do we plant churches and send leaders?” • Church planter: Instead of “How do I build this church strong?” ask “How do I build this to multiply...

Rwh13sep Ep.381 – Run With Horses Podcast – 3 Barriers Disciple Makers Face Podcast: rwh.podbean.com Website: www.runwithhorses.net Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast Author pages with links to all books on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smith https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith Barriers to Disciple-Making Part 1: Why These Things Are a Problem 1. Busyness ( • Define it: Activity without intentionality. • Luke 10:41–42: 2. Apathy • A lack of concern for spiritual needs. • Revelation 3:15–16: 3. Lack of Discipline • Inconsistent rhythms of prayer, Word, and mission. • 1 Corinthians 9:27 (: Part 2: What We Can Do About It 1. Countering Busyness with Margin • Ephesians 5:15–16: 2. Countering Apathy with Love and Prayer • Matthew 9:37–38: 3. Countering Lack of Discipline with Spiritual Good Habits • Luke 9:23 :

Rwh06sep Ep.380 – Run With Horses Podcast – 5 Traits of Disciple Makers Podcast: rwh.podbean.com Website: www.runwithhorses.net Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast Author pages with links to all books on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smith https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith 1.. The Call to Discipleship •Jesus’ Invitation •Mark 1:17 •Goal of Discipleship •Romans 8:29 2.. Theological Foundation of Spiritual Growth •The Seed Growing •Matthew 13:31–32 •Athletes Training •1 Corinthians 9:24–27 •Endurance in the Race •Hebrews 12:1–2 3.. Core Virtues in the Journey 1. Discipline •1 Timothy 4:7–8 2. Perseverance •James 1:2–4 3. Risk-Taking (Faith in Action) •Jonathan and His Armor-Bearer (1 Samuel 14:6–7) •Risk: Attacking a Philistine garrison with just two men. •Faith: Jonathan trusted that God was not limited by numbers or strength. •Outcome: God gave them victory, sparking courage in Israel. 4. Curiosity (A Holy Hunger) •Acts 17:11 Zacchaeus Seeking Jesus •Luke 19:3–4 •Curiosity: Zacchaeus was determined to see Jesus. •Outcome: His seeking led to salvation coming to his house. Godly curiosity: •Is fueled by humility (acknowledging we don’t know everything). •Leads to greater revelation (God meets seekers with truth). •Results in deeper faith and obedience, not mere intellectual satisfaction. 5. Integrity (Wholeness and Consistency) •Matthew 5:37 6.. Conclusion •Philippians 1:6 •Return to Jesus’ words: “Follow Me, Fish for men.” – “Thank you for listening today! -If you enjoyed the show you can listen to all the past shows wherever you listen to podcasts. A good place to start is at runwithhorses.net. You can also write me at norman@runwithhorses.net or leave a comment on the Run With Horses Podcast facebook page. Day by day, God is transforming us into the image of His Son. Be encouraged that He will complete His work! And Until next time, keep your eyes on Jesus and never stop running."

Rwh30aug Ep.379 – Run With Horses Podcast – Supporting Your Pastor’s Wife Podcast: rwh.podbean.com Website: www.runwithhorses.net Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast Author pages with links to all books on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smith https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith

Rwh23aug Ep.378 – Run With Horses Podcast – Following Jesus is a Journey, Part 2 Podcast: rwh.podbean.com Website: www.runwithhorses.net Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast Author pages with links to all books on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smith https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith **(24:00)** If you feel like the spiritual life is an uphill battle sometimes you are probably in the right place. It is a journey of a lifetime that brings trials, and joys, that reveal your heart condition and point you to Christ. God is at work in the details and walks with you on the journey. Welcome to Run With Horses! My name is Norman and my goal is to help you thrive as a follower of Jesus. The spiritual life is simple in many ways, but potentially the most difficult part of your life. God invites you to grow, to live intentionally and to join in His mission. It’s very cool that we can do that together! Thank you for joining me today! “If you’re new here, you can check out past episodes at runwithhorses.net. As always, I appreciate your feedback, questions, and reviews!” **(23:00 – 0:00)* * PART 1 ### *2: Expect Seasons of Slow Growth and Struggle • Psalm 13:1-2 – “How long, O Lord? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? How long will my enemy be exalted over me?” Key • Struggles don’t indicate lack of growth; God often strengthens faith in hidden ways during hard times. Applications for Disciple Makers •Prepare disciples for inevitable dry seasons—normalize them. •Teach perseverance; encourage trust in God’s timing. •Model honesty about struggles (Psalms as a prayer guide). Illustrations •Israel in the wilderness (Deuteronomy 8:2). •Winter season for a tree—growth still occurs underground. •Missionary biographies (e.g., Adoniram Judson’s long seasons of waiting). ⸻ ### *3: Be an Active Participant in Growth (Spiritual Disciplines) • God provides growth, but believers must cooperate through obedience and spiritual disciplines. • Abiding in Christ sustains transformation. * Daily pursuit of godliness as Paul challenged Timothy Philippians 2:12-13 – “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” Hebrews 5:14 –“But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” John 15:4-5 –“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” #### Key • Growth is not passive; disciplines keep us aligned with God’s transforming work. Applications for Disciple Makers •Practice spiritual disciplines: prayer, Scripture study, fellowship, serving. At their simplest, the spiritual disciplines are habits that support your spiritual life on your journey toward Christ-likeness. •Encourage sustainable habits, not legalistic checklists. •Train disciples to feed themselves spiritually and disciple others. Illustrations •Athlete training for a race (1 Corinthians 9:24-27). •Garden analogy: We water and tend, but God gives the increase (1 Corinthians 3:6). •Example of early church practices (Acts 2:42). **(00:00) END PART 1** **(27:00 – 5:00) BEGIN PART 2* ### •4. Growth is a Shared Journey Key idea: Progressive, Seasonal, Participatory Growth is God’s Plan #### • Progressive – Growth is ongoing; we are being transformed into Christ’s image step by step. • “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the...

Rwh16aug Ep.377 – Run With Horses Podcast – Following Jesus is a Journey, Part 1 Podcast: rwh.podbean.com Website: www.runwithhorses.net Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast Author pages with links to all books on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smith https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith **(24:00)** Pastor’s wives are often a forgotten link in a healthy church. What can you do to support your pastor’s wife in her role? That’s the topic of today’s show. Welcome to Run With Horses! My name is Norman and my goal is to help you thrive as a follower of Jesus. The spiritual life is simple in many ways, but potentially the most difficult part of your life. God invites you to grow, to live intentionally and to join in His mission. It’s very cool that we can do that together! Thank you for joining me today! “If you’re new here, you can check out past episodes at runwithhorses.net. As always, I appreciate your feedback, questions, and reviews!” **(23:00 – 0:00)* * PART 1 Following Jesus is a Journey ⸻ Pilgrimage, marathon, wilderness journey, The Pilgrim’s Progress. • spiritual growth: Ongoing transformation into Christ’s likeness (Romans 8:29). • Growth is neither instantaneous nor stagnant; it is a progressive walk empowered by the Spirit. • Our Goal: Equip disciple makers to understand, model, and guide others on this journey. ⸻ *1 Spiritual Growth is Progressive, Not Instantaneous • Growth is lifelong; sanctification happens progressively as believers are conformed to Christ. • Conversion is the starting line, not the finish line. • Philippians 1:6 – “Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” • 2 Corinthians 3:18 – “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” • Colossians 2:6-7 – “As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.” Key • God initiates growth, but we must remain rooted and allow Him to complete the work. Applications for Disciple Makers • Help new believers understand growth takes time—avoid unrealistic expectations. • Celebrate progress, not perfection. • Encourage consistent abiding rather than instant change. * Be obedient in the little things each day, it adds up. Illustrations • Seed to tree imagery (Mark 4:28). • Personal testimony of gradual transformation. * Bike Ride across Iowa _ RAGBRAI ⸻ *2: Expect Seasons of Slow Growth and Struggle • Growth is not linear; dry seasons and struggles are part of God’s process. • Waiting and hardship often deepen roots unseen. • Ecclesiastes 3:1 – “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.” • Galatians 6:9 – “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”

Rwh09aug Ep.376 – Run With Horses Podcast – Staying on target Podcast: rwh.podbean.com Website: www.runwithhorses.net Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast Author pages with links to all books on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smith https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith .5 Do Spiritual Mapping (Know the Needs) Where is God calling us to focus? •Acts 16:6-10 – Paul’s vision to go to Macedonia. •Matthew 9:36-38 – Jesus saw the crowds, had compassion, and called for workers. •Goals: •Study community needs (demographics, unreached groups, underserved population). •Pray for discernment: Where is the Spirit leading? •Identify new areas or groups (subcultures) needing gospel engagement. ⸻ .6 Remember Your Kingdom Job – Disciple Making What is the primary calling of every church member? •Matthew 4:19 – “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” •2 Corinthians 5:18-20 – Ministry of reconciliation; ambassadors for Christ. •Goals: •Remind constantly: Disciple-making is not optional. •Fight mission drift (avoid letting programs replace mission). •Help every believer see themselves as sent where they live, work, play. Our capacity may be different but our purpose is the same. To see Jesus glorified everywhere by everyone. ⸻ .7 Develop and Maintain a Feedback System How do we track and celebrate disciple-making progress? •Acts 14:27 – Paul and Barnabas reported what God had done. •Philippians 1:3-5 – Partnership in the gospel brings joy. Paul remembered, prayed and was full of joy because of others who partnered with him on the mission. •Goals: •Share regular reports/testimonies in services or meetings. •Encourage peer accountability (who are you discipling, who disciples you?). •Offer resources and coaching for active disciple-makers. Invite people to join the mission regularly. ⸻ .8 Keep the Systems Simple (Reproducible) How do we ensure multiplication is possible? •2 Timothy 2:2 – Train faithful people who will train others. •Matthew 10:5-10 – Jesus sent disciples simply, focusing on relationships. •Goals: •Keep training clear and reproducible (simple Bible studies, gospel tools). •Start with baby steps (one habit at a time, one disciple at a time). •Design everything for multiplication, not just addition. ⸻ A Call to Action •Revisit Matthew 28:18-20 – Christ’s authority, command, and promise. •Challenge: What is your next step in personal disciple-making? •Corporate call: What is our next step as a church?

Ep.375 – Run With Horses Podcast – Staying on target Podcast: rwh.podbean.com Website: www.runwithhorses.net Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast Author pages with links to all books on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smith https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith **(24:00)** We are still talking about keeping our eyes on the target that Jesus has set before us. To be ambassadors for Christ on the mission of reconciliation, making disciples of the nations. Sound like a big job? Thankfully we are in this together and the Holy Spirit is doing His work in and through us. Welcome to Run With Horses! My name is Norman and my goal is to help you thrive as a follower of Jesus. The spiritual life is simple in many ways, but potentially the most difficult part of your life. God invites you to grow, to live intentionally and to join in His mission. It’s very cool that we can do that together! Thank you for joining me today! “If you’re new here, you can check out past episodes at runwithhorses.net. As always, I appreciate your feedback, questions, and reviews!” **(23:00 – 0:00)* * PART 1 The Biblical Mandate • Matthew 28:18-20 – Jesus commands us to make disciples of all nations. • Key Question: Why does the church exist? • Not just for programs, services, or buildings—It exist as the body of Jesus to Cary out his mission of reconciliation in the world, practically, for disciple-making. • Every believer is called to participate (not just pastors). ⸻ .1 Clarify the Win for the Team Question: What does success look like for our church? • Colossians 1:28-29 – “Present everyone mature in Christ.” • Ephesians 4:11-13 – Equip saints until maturity and unity in faith. • Goals: • Define “disciple” (follower of Jesus growing in obedience, reproducing). Everyone needs to know the goal of Christ-likeness and have some idea of the path that leads there. • Create a shared vision and language (everyone knows what the goal is). It is a team effort, we need each other and simple, clear communication is important. • Success = transformed lives, not just attendance numbers. ⸻ .2 Give Them Tools for the Win How do we equip every believer to evangelize and disciple? • 2 Timothy 3:16-17 – Scripture equips believers for every good work. • Ephesians 4:12 – Leaders equip saints for ministry. • Acts 1:8 – Empowered by the Spirit to witness. • Goals: • Provide simple gospel tools (testimony, “3 Circles,” Romans Road, DBS). • Train in basic disciple habits (prayer, Bible, fellowship, serving). • Help members discover spiritual gifts (Romans 12; 1 Corinthians 12). ⸻ .3 Radical Clarity About Mission How do we keep the vision in front of us? • Habakkuk 2:2 – “Write the vision; make it plain.” • John 20:21 – “As the Father has sent me, I send you.” • Matthew 5:13-16 – Salt and light in the world. • Goals: • Constantly repeat the mission (sermons, meetings, ministries). • Celebrate wins (testimonies, baptisms, gospel impact stories). • Evaluate ministries: Does this move us toward Christ-likeness and help us make disciples? ⸻ .4 Create Systems that Self-Correct and stay on task How do we design processes that keep us on mission? • Acts 6:1-7 – Church creates structure to meet needs and continue growth. • 1 Corinthians 14:40 – “Do all things decently and in order.” • Goals: • Build reproducible models (small groups, one-on-one mentorship). • Review regularly and adjust to stay on mission. • Systems should serve people, not the other way around.

rwh26july - Ep.374 – Run With Horses Podcast – What kind of disciples are we making? Podcast: rwh.podbean.com Website: www.runwithhorses.net Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast Author pages with links to all books on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smith https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith **(24:00)** If the disciple you make doesn’t make disciples, have you fully made a disciple? True disciple making is inherently a process of multiplication and That is the topic of our show today. Welcome to Run With Horses! My name is Norman and my goal is to help you thrive as a follower of Jesus. The spiritual life is simple in many ways, but potentially the most difficult part of your life. God invites you to grow, to live intentionally and to join in His mission. It’s very cool that we can do that together! Thank you for joining me today! “If you’re new here, you can check out past episodes at runwithhorses.net. As always, I appreciate your feedback, questions, and reviews!” **(23:00 – 0:00)* * PART 1 **(00:00) END PART 1** **(27:00 – 5:00) BEGIN PART 2* Part 1: What Are We Making? Big Idea: Churches often aim for “converts” or “Christians” in name, but not reproducing disciple-makers. 1. I’m still processing the lessons from the GARBC Conference and today I a focusing on some of the comments by Tim Walker - Pastor of Restored Church in WIlkes-Barre, PA. •Raise the contrast: “Are we making churchgoers or Christ-followers?” If the disciple you make doesn’t make a disciple, have you fully made a disciple? The question is really, what are you making? Often I think the answer is, we are making Christians, and that means something different than genuine followers of Jesus. And definitively something less than disciple makers. 2. Clarifying Definitions •Disciple: Apprentice of Jesus. •Not just knowledge, but obedience and transformation. •Not just attending, but multiplying. •Disciple-maker: Someone who walks alongside others to help them become more like Jesus — and teaches them to do the same. 3. Judo Illustration •Great visual! Consider structuring like this: 1.Knowledge – Learning the basics of Jesus’ teaching. 2.Training – Spiritual disciplines, habits, community. 3.Practice – Real-life obedience, failure, growth. 4.Engagement – Helping others through the same path. Jesus’ model — He taught, demonstrated, let disciples try, corrected them, then sent them. ⸻ Part 2: Biblical Model – 2 Timothy 2:1–7 2 Timothy 2:1-7 - You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. 3 You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. 5 And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. 6 The hardworking farmer must be first to partake of the crops. 7 Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things. 1. Paul’s Command to Timothy •Four Generations of discipleship: Paul → Timothy → Faithful men → Others •Challenge: Is that chain continuing through us? 2. The Three Illustrations Structure each one with: •Role •What faithfulness looks like •How it connects to discipleship ⸻ A. The Soldier •Characteristics: Endurance, single focus, sacrifice •Danger of distraction: “Entangled in civilian affairs” •Application: Have we become entangled with church programming, comfort, or cultural expectations? B. The Athlete •Characteristics: Obedience to the rules, discipline, training •Application: Are we training people to obey everything Jesus commanded (Matt. 28:20), or just to attend...

rwh19july - Ep.373 – Run With Horses Podcast – Are we winning? Podcast: rwh.podbean.com Website: www.runwithhorses.net Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast Author pages with links to all books on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smith https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith **(24:00)** Are we winning? As a church? Personally? How are we doing and how do we know how we’re doing? If we chase the wrong goal and reach it, what have we accomplished? This is the topic of today’s show! Welcome to Run With Horses! My name is Norman and my goal is to help you thrive as a follower of Jesus. The spiritual life is simple in many ways, but potentially the most difficult part of your life. God invites you to grow, to live intentionally and to join in His mission. It’s very cool that we can do that together! Thank you for joining me today! “If you’re new here, you can check out past episodes at runwithhorses.net. As always, I appreciate your feedback, questions, and reviews!” **(23:00 – 0:00)* * PART 1 Josh Jones - Bridgewater Church. GARBC Conference 2025 Paul gave up his rights, privileges and preferences for the sake of the gospel. He had a clear goal and he sacrificed to reach it. 1 Cor. 9:19 - For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; 20 and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law; 21 to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law; 22 to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. 23 Now this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I may be partaker of it with you. V. 24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. 25 And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. 26 Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. 27 But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified. Jesus alone has the right to define the win in the Christian life and for His church. The point is to do church well. We have created so many ministries that are just for us, within the church. It is movement without impact for the kingdom. We pay close attention to things that are not mission critical, and sometimes miss the mission altogether. How clear are we about our goal as individuals and as a local church? Does it seem like we often just do church and hope people come? How do we think about activity verses effectiveness? Do we consider effectiveness when planning what and how the church operates? Our goal is not to gather a crowd but to grow the kingdom. How does that affect our decisions and activity as a church family? Equipping people for ministry outside the church walls. Encouraging them to engage in their relational networks. In the NT church happened as a result of consistent engagement with communities resulting in the gospel being proclaimed and people trusting in Jesus. These people gathered to learn more about their Savior and His mission, to fellowship, to live life in a community with Jesus at the center and to pray with and for each other as they cared for each others needs. This special relationship kept them motivated and encouraged to reach out to others who didn’t yet know Jesus. How is our church life today different? Should it be? I believe we have a clear goal, given to us by Jesus. To be like...

rwh12july Ep.372 – Run With Horses Podcast Podcast: rwh.podbean.com Website: www.runwithhorses.net Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast Author pages with links to all books on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smith https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith

rwh05july Ep.371 – Run With Horses Podcast – GARBC Conference Lessons Part 2 Podcast: rwh.podbean.com Website: www.runwithhorses.net Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast Author pages with links to all books on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smith https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith

Ep.370 – Run With Horses Podcast – GARBC Conference Lessons Podcast: rwh.podbean.com Website: www.runwithhorses.net Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast Author pages with links to all books on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smith https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith

Ep.369 – Run With Horses Podcast – Our Words Matter Podcast: rwh.podbean.com Website: www.runwithhorses.net Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast Author pages with links to all books on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smith https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith 1. Biblical Foundations for Communication 2. Communication as Discipleship 3. Listening as a Spiritual Discipline 4. Bridging the Gap: Communicating Across Worldviews 5. Conflict, Correction, and Encouragement 6. Digital Communication 7. One-on-One vs. Group Communication 8. Teaching vs. Talking 2. 1. Be Quick to Listen, Slow to Speak 2. Speak the Truth in Love 3. Use Open-Ended, Heart-Opening Questions 4. Watch Your Nonverbal Communication 5. Use Technology Intentionally Doctrine Today - Biblical Humility

rwh14june Ep.368 – Run With Horses Podcast – Building Trust Podcast: rwh.podbean.com Website: www.runwithhorses.net Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast Author pages with links to all books on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smith https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith **(24:00)** Relationships can be kind of fragile. Trust can be hard to build and easy to lose. Because our spiritual life depends so heavily on healthy relationships, it’s worth the effort to develop a strong foundation, Today we are thinking about Building Trust, Why and How. Welcome to Run With Horses! My name is Norman and my goal is to help you thrive as a follower of Jesus. The spiritual life is simple in many ways, but potentially the most difficult part of your life. God invites you to grow, to live intentionally and to join in His mission. It’s very cool that we can do that together! Thank you for joining me today! “If you’re new here, you can check out past episodes at runwithhorses.net. As always, I appreciate your feedback, questions, and reviews!” **(23:00 – 0:00)* * PART 1 Run With Horses is on the radio! If you are enjoying Run With Horses, would you let someone know? Contact the radio station or leave a review on your favorite app. We want to hear from you! ⸻ 1. Trust Begins with your Heart 2. Trust Is Built Through Love and Sacrificial Commitment 3. Trust Grows Through Consistent, Truthful Communication 4. Trust grows through Accountability and Transparency 5. Trust Must Be Repaired When Broken 6. Trust opens the door to Fruitful Discipleship 7. Our Trust in God Is the Foundation of Trust with Others 8. Trustworthiness Flows from Our Identity in Christ 9. We Are Trustworthy Because We Live for an Audience of One **(00:00) END PART 1** **(27:00 – 5:00) BEGIN PART 2* Living It Out – Practical Encouragement for Building Trust I. Start With Yourself: Build Trust by Being Trustworthy II. Show Up and Stick Around: Trust Is Built Over Time III. Be Vulnerable First: Lead with Transparency IV. Practice Active Listening and Empathy V. Keep Short Accounts: Repair Trust Quickly **(5:00 – 1:00)** Doctrine Today The Holiness of God and Disciple-Makers **(1:00)** How are you doing at building strong healthy relationships? It takes work, but it’s worth it. Be a trustworthy friend and invest time in others. You will be better because of it. – “Thank you for listening today! -If you enjoyed the show you can listen to all the past shows wherever you listen to podcasts. A good place to start is at runwithhorses.net. You can also write me at norman@runwithhorses.net or leave a comment on the Run With Horses Podcast facebook page. Don’t be discouraged by the challenges you face. Keep your eyes on Jesus and embrace the opportunity to grow through the trial. Until next time, keep your eyes on Jesus and never stop running." **(00:00)**

rwh7june Ep.367 – Run With Horses Podcast – Honoring others Podcast: rwh.podbean.com Website: www.runwithhorses.net Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast Author pages with links to all books on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smith https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith **(24:00)** At our core, most of us are selfish and really struggle to consider others and their spiritual life. But the call of a disciple of Jesus is a call to place a high value on everyone we meet. God challenges us to lay aside our own wants and desires and to really honor others. That’s the topic, and the challenge, for today. Welcome to Run With Horses! My name is Norman and my goal is to help you thrive as a follower of Jesus. The spiritual life is simple in many ways, but potentially the most difficult part of your life. God invites you to grow, to live intentionally and to join in His mission. It’s very cool that we can do that together! Thank you for joining me today! “If you’re new here, you can check out past episodes at runwithhorses.net. As always, I appreciate your feedback, questions, and reviews!” **(23:00 – 0:00)* * PART 1 Run With Horses is on the radio! If you are enjoying Run With Horses, would you let someone know? Contact the radio station or leave a review on your favorite app. We want to hear from you! Honoring Others: The Mark of A Disciple A good, basic definition of honor—especially in a biblical and discipleship context—is: Honor is the act of recognizing and treating others with the dignity, value, and respect they deserve as image-bearers of God, regardless of their status or behavior. To honor someone means to esteem them highly, to give weight to their worth, and to treat them in a way that reflects God’s view of them—not just your personal opinion. 1. The Biblical Command to Honor Others 🧾 Key Verse: • Romans 12:10 (NKJV) “Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another.” Key Points: • Honoring others is not optional; it’s a command tied to Christian love. • “Giving preference” shows that honor involves humility and intentionality. 2. Honoring Begins with the Heart of Christ 🧾 Key Verses: • Philippians 2:3–5 (NKJV) “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus…” Key Points: • Jesus modeled humility by honoring those beneath Him socially and spiritually. • To honor others is to adopt the mindset of Christ. 3. Honoring Others Reflects God’s Character 🧾 Key Verse: • 1 Peter 2:17 (NKJV) “Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.” Key Points: • Honor is rooted in the Imago Dei—all people are made in God’s image. • Disciples honor others not because of their merit but because of God’s worth. 4. Honoring Authority—Even When It’s Hard 🧾 Key Verse: • Romans 13:1–2 (NKJV) “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.” Key Points: • Honoring others includes honoring civil and church authorities. • It’s a test of obedience to God’s sovereignty. 5. Honor in the Home and Church 🧾 Honor in the Family: • Ephesians 6:2 (NKJV) “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise…” 🧾 Honor in the Church: • 1 Timothy 5:17 (NKJV) “Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine.” Key Points: • Honor starts in the home and extends to the household of faith. • Honoring leaders strengthens unity and gospel witness. 6....

Ep.366 – Run With Horses Podcast – Stewarding Your Time Podcast: rwh.podbean.com Website: www.runwithhorses.net Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast Author pages with links to all books on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smith https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith **(24:00)** If you are like me you have a long list fo things you would like to see accomplished this week. Time always seems in short supply with way more to do than time to do it. in the middle of the busyness, what is God doing? How can we keep Him first in the middle of the rat race. That our topic today! Welcome to Run With Horses! My name is Norman and my goal is to help you thrive as a follower of Jesus. The spiritual life is simple in many ways, but potentially the most difficult part of your life. God invites you to grow, to live intentionally and to join in His mission. It’s very cool that we can do that together! Thank you for joining me today! “If you’re new here, you can check out past episodes at runwithhorses.net. As always, I appreciate your feedback, questions, and reviews!” **(23:00 – 0:00)* * PART 1 Run With Horses is on the radio! If you are enjoying Run With Horses, would you let someone know? Contact the radio station or leave a review on your favorite app. We want to hear from you! ### 1. Stewardship of our Time: “Redeeming the Time” Passage: Ephesians 5:15–17 (NKJV) “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” Principle: Every minute is a gift. We must “buy back” each hour from distractions by aligning our schedules with God’s priorities—especially the Great Commission. ### 2. Wisdom in Planning: “The Plans of the Diligent” Passage: Proverbs 21:5 (NKJV) “The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, but those of everyone who is hasty, to poverty.” Principle: Thoughtful, prayerful planning prevents wasted time and creates margin for gospel opportunities (e.g., inviting neighbors, mentoring new believers). ### 3. Counting Our Days: “Teach Us to Number Our Days” Passage: Psalm 90:12 (NKJV) “So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Principle: An eternal-perspective reminder that life is brief. When we internalize our limited hours, we’ll prioritize what lasts—making disciples. ### 4. Purposeful Living: “Doing All to the Glory of God” Passage: 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NKJV) “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” Principle: Every task—work, rest, family time, evangelism—should be offered as worship. That reshapes even “routine” minutes into Kingdom service. ### 5. Prioritizing Prayer & Communion: “Jesus Prayed Early” Passage: Mark 1:35 (NKJV) “Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.” Principle: Jesus structured His day around communion with the Father—our ultimate source of wisdom for time management and disciple-making. ### 6. Eternal Urgency: “For What Is Your Life?” Passage: James 4:14 (NKJV) “Whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.” Principle: The fleetingness of life compels urgent obedience to the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19–20). ### 7. Single-Mindfulness: “Deny Yourself” Passage: Luke 9:23–24 (NKJV) “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. 24 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it.” Principle: Self-discipline in scheduling (saying “no” to lesser things) frees us to “lose”...

rwh24may Ep.365 – Run With Horses Podcast – Goal Setting Podcast: rwh.podbean.com Website: www.runwithhorses.net Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast Author pages with links to all books on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smith https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith **(24:00)** Do you find yourself wandering through life, one day morphing into the next and one year much like the last? Is your life lacking the clear spiritual progress you would like to see? IF so, today may be just for you. We are looking at pursuing clear Biblical goals to get out of a rut and back on track. Welcome to Run With Horses! My name is Norman and my goal is to help you thrive as a follower of Jesus. The spiritual life is simple in many ways, but potentially the most difficult part of your life. God invites you to grow, to live intentionally and to join in His mission. It’s very cool that we can do that together! Thank you for joining me today! “If you’re new here, you can check out past episodes at runwithhorses.net. As always, I appreciate your feedback, questions, and reviews!” **(23:00 – 0:00)* * PART 1 Goal setting is useful for followers of Jesus—especially for Baptist Christians who want to be disciple makers—because it helps us live intentionally, steward our time wisely, and align our lives with Christ's mission. ### 1. **Keeps Us Focused on the Mission** Jesus commanded His followers to “make disciples of all the nations” (Matthew 28:19–20, NKJV). Setting specific goals helps us stay focused on this Great Commission. Without clear direction, it’s easy to drift. But when we prayerfully set goals for relationships, spiritual growth, and ministry opportunities, we live with purpose. Why do we drift so easily? The world is full of distractions. Even good things can hinder us from pursuing the best things. Our priorities should be clear but often seem fuzzy. ### 2. **Encourages Faithful Stewardship** Ephesians 5:15–16 says, “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” Goal setting helps us steward our time, talents, and resources for eternal impact. It keeps us from wasting energy on things that don't contribute to Christ’s kingdom. Every resource is ultimately God’s. Our time is our most valuable resource and the easiest to waste. Clear goals help us evaluate the use of all of our resources in light of God’s work in our life and in the world. ### 3. **Provides a Framework for Spiritual Growth** 2 Peter 3:18 urges us to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” Setting personal spiritual goals (e.g., daily devotions, Scripture memorization, sharing the gospel weekly) helps us pursue maturity as disciples—so that we can help others grow as well. Although God always does His work of sanctification, He invites us to be part of the process. making clear decisions based on His Word and His Work is part of the process. There are clear choices that help us to grow toward maturity. Prayer, Bible reading and involvement with the church family are foundational and it is easy to set simple realistic goals for each on that will help us stay on track. ### 4. **Promotes Intentional Relationships** Disciple making requires time and intentionality. Setting goals to meet regularly with a younger believer, to start a Bible study, or to mentor a new Christian helps ensure we are actively investing in others for their spiritual benefit (2 Timothy 2:2). Disciple Making is about people. Using our time wisely gives us more time for investing in others. Keeping our lives simple helps us free up time and resources to be generous in all areas of life. ### 5. **Builds Accountability and Encourages Perseverance** When we set godly goals and share them with others in the...