What We Look For When Hiring Teachers at Sunlight | Season 3 Episode 8
Release Date: 05/05/2025
How 1:1 Discipleship Reversed a Decades-Long Decline | Season 3 Episode 27
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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From Grief to Legacy: When Churches Face the End | Season 3 Episode 26
The Disciple Standard Podcast
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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A Life Full of Meaning from Proverbs | Season 3 Episode 25
The Disciple Standard Podcast
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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The Whole Gospel: Why Good News Needs the Bad News | Season 3 Episode 24
The Disciple Standard Podcast
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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Why We Need to Raise Leaders—and Then Let Them Lead | Season 3 Episode 23
The Disciple Standard Podcast
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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Budget Cuts, Coaching Gaps, and the Future of Church Plants | Season 3 Episode 22
The Disciple Standard Podcast
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 Movement Starts Here: 2,000 Leaders in a Decade | Season 3 Episode 21
The Disciple Standard Podcast
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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Is a New Vision for Church Planting Emerging in the CRC? | Season 3 Episode 20
The Disciple Standard Podcast
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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Defunding Church Planting? Here’s Why That’s a Dangerous Move | Season 3 Episode 19
The Disciple Standard Podcast
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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The #1 Need Every Church Planter Has Today | Season 3 Episode 18
The Disciple Standard Podcast
Pastor Aaron Mamuyac sits down with Dave Hancock, planter and lead pastor of The Grove Church, for a raw conversation about the highs, lows, and unexpected lessons of starting a gospel‑centered church from the ground up. 🌱 In this episode we cover: 🤔 Doubt as a pathway to flourishing—why wrestling with faith can deepen it. 🛑 Idolism: chasing things that never deliver and how to spot them. ⚠️ The hardest part of planting The Grove that no one saw coming. 🌄 Giving real hope when you feel hopeless (and helping your people do the same). 💬 Vulnerability as a natural...
info_outlineWhat does it take to be a truly great teacher—especially when it comes to the next generation?
In Episode 8 of The Disciple Standard Podcast, Pastor Aaron, Pastor Scott, and special guest Pastor Jary dive deep into the heart of teaching in ministry. Whether you’re leading a youth group, preaching, or discipling one-on-one, this episode unpacks what it means to teach with impact.
We discuss:
👥 The importance of building real relationships with youth
📚 What sets a great teacher apart from a good one
💬 How teaching can become a powerful tool for discipleship
❤️ Why connection matters more than content Whether you're a pastor, mentor, or youth leader, this conversation will challenge and inspire you to lead with purpose, presence, and passion.
🎙 New episodes of The Disciple Standard Podcast drop every Thursday on YouTube!
Timestamps:
00:00 – The Heart of Teaching and Ministry
00:37 – Podcast Introduction & Guest Introductions
01:39 – Jary Reed’s Surprise Reputation 02:35 – Jary’s Journey to Sunlight
03:29 – First Impressions & Church Conversations
04:07 – Getting to Know Jary
04:30 – The Emotional Rollercoaster of Ministry
06:31 – Being Real vs. Becoming a Persona
07:50 – Jerry on Authenticity and Ministry
08:14 – The “Professional” Pastor Worldview
09:06 – Preaching from a Place of Brokenness
10:08 – Intentional Vulnerability & Missionary Kid Stories
10:54 – Leaving the Pastor Persona Behind
11:20 – Teaching Teens with Honesty
12:07 – Making Space for Real Conversations with Youth
13:00 – Jary’s Forced Exit from Ministry
13:32 – Losing a Job, Gaining a Mission
14:22 – Staying Put for the Kids
14:59 – A Teaching Opportunity Opens Up
15:20 – How Teaching Teens Trains You for Adults
21:02 – Importance of Fun and Belief in Teaching
21:17 – Vulnerability and Entering Students’ Lives
21:55 – Teaching as a Calling, Not a Job
22:18 – The Weight of Knowing Students' Stories
22:56 – Lifelong Impact and Relationships
23:21 – Staying Connected Beyond Graduation
23:43 – Weddings, Funerals, and Life Milestones
24:11 – Seeing Students as Disciples
24:35 – Time Spent with Students vs. Parents
25:07 – Teachers as Surrogate Parental Figures
25:41 – Changing Family Dynamics and Influence
26:22 – The Teacher’s Role in Culture and Discipleship
26:47 – Two Powers: Gospel and Relationship
27:19 – Misconceptions of the Gospel
27:51 – Personal Need for Grace
28:12 – Power of Real Friendships and Care
29:08 – “You Before Me” Mentality
29:40 – Bible Teaching as a Vehicle for Care
30:03 – Why Former Students Return
30:31 – Gospel in Every Class
30:49 – Students Recognizing Teacher Vulnerability
31:38 – Kids Perceive What You Feel
31:54 – Students Need Jesus, Not Religion
32:18 – Students’ Honesty and Transparency
32:52 – Balancing Curriculum and Relationship
33:19 – Grades Don’t Define Bible Class
33:39 – Cheating in Bible Class
33:58 – Humor and Nicknames from Mistakes
34:44 – Grading Through Essays and Honesty
35:38 – Senior Final: Personal Worldview Paper
35:52 – Administrative Support for Open Dialogue
36:10 – Students Skipping Classes for Bible
36:26 – Easy A’s with Honest Effort
36:59 – Freedom to Doubt and Converse
37:27 – Senior Privilege vs. Underclassman Rigor
41:10 – Teaching Is More Than Information
41:39 – The Role of Understanding in Teaching
42:01 – Motivations in Teaching
42:27 – Skills and Growth in Any Profession
42:48 – Bible Literacy and Early Content Learning
43:12 – Memorization and Foundational Knowledge
43:51 – Moving Beyond Moral Lessons
44:08 – Connecting Gospel to the Whole Bible
44:22 – Classical Education and Reasoning
44:44 – Discipleship Goals for Youth
45:27 – Evaluating Bible Literacy in Youth
46:15 – Engaging Students with Questions
46:56 – Exploring Context in Scripture
47:41 – Student Engagement and Curiosity
48:12 – Comparing Public and Private School Knowledge
48:27 – Teaching with Questions and Discovery
49:13 – Teachers’ Role in Shaping Culture
49:35 – Supportive School Culture and Freedom
49:54 – Dress Code and Personal Expression
50:44 – Unique Classroom Environment
51:47 – Most Impactful Teachers
52:33 – A Teacher Who Built Relationships
53:32 – Demanding but Caring College Professor
55:04 – Traits of Impactful Teachers
55:38 – College Greek Teacher and Mentorship
56:22 – Learning Grace from a Pastor
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