What is Your Most Difficult Spiritual Discipline and Why? | Season 3 Episode 7
Release Date: 05/05/2025
The Disciple Standard Podcast
What if a classis in long-term decline could reverse the trend—by discipling people one-to-one, raising new preachers, and planting churches again? In this roundtable, Aaron sits down with Pastor Chris (The Source Church), Pastor Felix (South Kendall Community Church), and Pastor Scott to unpack South Florida’s journey from contraction to multiplication: 70+ active 1:1 discipleship relationships, a pipeline of new preachers (including 9 headed to licensure this month), and a vision any church network can adopt—disciple deeply → develop leaders → plant churches.
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In this week’s episode of the DSP, Pastors Scott, Zach (“the Wise One”), and Aaron dive into one of the most difficult but necessary conversations: what happens when a church faces decline and must confront its future. We react to Pastor Paul VanderKlay’s candid video about his church’s struggles, and together we unpack: The grief that comes when beloved ministries face endings. How legacy, discipleship, and multiplication matter more than buildings. What it looks like for churches to reimagine, relaunch, or even merge in pursuit of Gospel impact. Along the way, we share...
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In this episode of the Disciple Standard Podcast, the guys dive into Proverbs, wisdom, foolishness, and the stages of life. From midlife crises and career thinking to deep theological reflections on Christ as the true wisdom of God, this conversation blends humor, vulnerability, and rich biblical insights. Get tickets to the Mulitply Conference - conference.multiply222.com
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When you hear the word gospel, what comes to mind — music? A churchy phrase? Or the life-changing announcement of God’s rescue plan? In this episode of the Disciple Standard Podcast, we unpack what the whole gospel really is, why it matters for every sermon, and how it transforms lives and churches. From personal stories to Puritan wisdom, we explore sin, salvation, and service in a way that’s clear, practical, and freeing.
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How do you raise up the next generation of church leaders—and then get out of the way? In this episode, Aaron sits down with Jary Reed and Scott Vander Ploeg to unpack how discipleship really works, why leadership starts young, and how churches can unlock the 90% of leadership potential sitting idle in their pews. They cover everything from the theology of adulthood to why pastors shouldn’t fear being replaced. It’s raw, funny, and full of wisdom from decades of raising leaders—and watching them surpass you. 🔔 Subscribe to join the movement of disciples making...
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What’s the future of church planting in the CRC? We talk with Marco Ávila, East Coast Regional Leader for Resonate Global Mission, about raising up church planters, coaching leaders, and navigating the recent funding changes coming in 2026. From the essentials every church plant needs, to the challenges of vision and funding, this conversation digs into the practical steps for multiplying disciples, leaders, and churches in the years ahead.
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The future is now! In this episode of the Disciple Standard Podcast, we dive deep into raising leaders from within the church, the journey of finding your own preaching voice, and why the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Scott shares why leadership multiplication matters, Saron reflects on his first sermon (Psalm 137), and we talk about insecurities, discipleship, and the Holy Spirit’s role in preaching. Plus—an unexpected story about a Q-tip, Psalm 40, and hearing God’s Word clearly.
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In this episode, Scott Vander Ploeg returns from Europe with spiritual clarity and a renewed mission: reverse the Christian Reformed Church's decline through a gospel-centered plan of multiplication. From standing on the Apostle’s Step in Greece to delivering a game-changing floor speech at Synod 2025, Scott shares the urgency of the moment and a roadmap for hope. If you're a pastor, church leader, or just passionate about the future of the CRC, this episode is a must-watch! 🔗 Resources, speech links, and Paul VanderKlay’s video: https://youtu.be/uflCO1yddMY
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In this powerful episode of The Disciple Standard Podcast, Pastor Aaron Mamuyac sits down with Pastor Felix to unpack the recent Synod decision to defund church planting—and what that means for the future of the church. They discuss: Why church planting is a gift that keeps on giving The real danger of defunding church multiplication What we should cut instead to preserve the mission How funding impacts evangelism, discipleship, and growth The temptation to deconstruct systems without gospel vision Why faithfulness to God, not guaranteed results, is our true calling If we...
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info_outlineWant to grow in your faith—but not sure where to start?
In Episode 7 of The Disciple Standard Podcast, Pastor Aaron, Pastor Zach, and Pastor Scott dive into the heart of spiritual disciplines—why they matter, how to begin them, and how to stay consistent even when it's hard.
We explore:
🙏 What spiritual disciplines are and why they’re life-changing 📖 How to overcome the struggles of staying consistent
🔥 Practical tips to build healthy spiritual rhythms
💡 How investing in spiritual disciplines can transform your walk with God Whether you're new to spiritual practices or trying to rekindle them, this conversation is full of real, honest encouragement to help you grow.
Invest Booklet: https://online.flippingbook.com/view/356724949/
Invest Sermon: https://youtu.be/_WAKKL--3Wg?si=VGCUPIW-3R2_NGiw
🎙 New episodes drop every Thursday on YouTube—don’t forget to subscribe to The Disciple Standard Podcast!
Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction & Power of the Gospel Message
00:40 – Meet the Hosts
01:15 – Church Rhythm Overview & Q2 Focus
01:39 – What Does Discipline Mean?
02:43 – Discipline Equals Freedom: Video Reaction
04:08 – Personal Story: Financial Discipline & Freedom
05:24 – Biblical Wisdom on Discipline
06:40 – Opposites of Discipline
07:42 – Discipline of the Pharisees
08:41 – The Pharisees’ Misguided Righteousness
10:56 – Freedom vs. Anxiety in Legalism
12:07 – Sermon on the Mount & the Law’s True Intent
13:28 – Apostle Paul & the Tenth Commandment
14:25 – Starting Point for Spiritual Disciplines
15:41 – Gospel-Centered Motivation for Discipline
17:04 – Relationship, Not Performance
21:00 - The Role of the Holy Spirit in Reading Scripture
21:20 - Transformation Through Hearing the Gospel
21:47 - God Speaks to Everyone as Image Bearers
22:21 - The Universal Need for Reconnection with God
22:42 - The Fruitfulness of Word-Centered Disciplines
23:15 - Speaking God's Truth Brings Resonance
23:44 - Transitioning to Practical Disciplines
24:06 - Struggles with Prayer as a Discipline
24:42 - Varied Prayer Practices and Challenges
25:17 - Praying Throughout the Day
25:50 - Extended Prayer Experiences
26:17 - Prayer in Community vs. Alone
27:05 - Benefits of Praying in Groups
28:05 - Shared Experiences Elevate Connection
29:02 - Enjoying Solitude and Breaking the Theory
29:53 - Fasting: Personal vs. Group Experience
30:13 - Fasting as a Challenging Spiritual Discipline
31:09 - Failed Attempt at a 30-Day Fast
32:35 - Learning from Fasting Mistakes
33:04 - Group Fasting Success and Accountability
34:29 - Shared Struggles and Encouragement in Group Fasting
35:11 - Announcing an Upcoming 40-Hour Church Fast
35:47 - Details and Purpose of the Church-Wide Fast
40:19 – Inner Conflict in Starting Spiritual Disciplines
40:46 – Normalizing Resistance to New Disciplines
41:04 – Struggles and Perceptions of Discipline
41:27 – Why Disciplines Are Hard but Necessary
41:46 – A Life-Changing Confrontation About Tithing
42:07 – The Power of Accountability in Christian Community
42:33 – Surrendering to God's Way Over Personal Logic
43:16 – Discovering Giving as a Spiritual Gift
43:43 – Distinguishing Between Natural Talent and Spiritual Gifts
44:06 – The Heart Change That Comes With Generosity
44:27 – Biblical Promises Connected to Generosity
44:53 – God’s Provision Through the Act of Giving
45:15 – Transformation From Selfishness to Generosity
45:46 – Being Challenged to Grow Spiritually
46:14 – Reflecting on the Value of Honest Confrontation
46:53 – Generosity as a Reflection of Christ
47:30 – Experiencing Joy Through Giving
47:46 – Teaching Kids to Share and Be Generous
48:00 – God’s Desire for Us to Reflect Jesus
48:25 – Modeling Tithing for Your Children
51:55 – Building a Fearless Faith Through Giving
52:21 – The Ripple Effect of Being Challenged
53:06 – Encouragement to Share the Gospel Through Discipline
53:30 – The Long-Term Impact of Small Challenges
53:52 – A Child’s Faithfulness in Giving
55:50 – Family Decisions on Giving Stimulus Money
1:00:00 – Start with Scripture and Prayer
1:00:46 – Investing in Spiritual Growth
1:01:11 – Accepted Through Christ, Not Performance
1:01:39 – Why Spiritual Disciplines Matter
1:02:05 – Unified Mission and Spiritual Accountability
1:02:28 – Being Rooted in Christ for Strength
1:03:03 – Why Modern Christians Struggle with Disciplines
1:05:13 – Individualism and Lack of Guidance
1:05:36 – The Cockpit Analogy and Spiritual Preparation
1:07:03 – Faith That Endures Through Preparation
1:08:16 – Disciplines as Relational Practices
1:09:19 – Encouraging the Church to Invest in Disciplines 1
:09:38 – Resources and Encouragement for Growth
1:10:16 – Bonus Content and Support for the Podcast
1:10:35 – Closing Remarks and Thanks
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