So many of us have been handed a one-size-fits-all blueprint for connecting with God—quiet times at dawn, journaling in solitude, structured study. But what happens when that doesn’t work for you? Does that mean something’s wrong with you? Or with your faith? In this episode, Chris, Jacob, and Jesse dive into the reality that not everyone connects with God in the same way—and that’s not just okay, it’s beautiful. Drawing from a framework of six spiritual pathways—contemplative, student, activist...
Aug 11, 2025•17 min•Season 6Ep. 34
What does it really mean to grow as a disciple of Jesus and are we starting in the right place? In this episode, Chris, Jacob, and Jessie Cruickshank unpack the “Five Cs” of discipleship: Christ, Community, Character, Calling, and Competency. Together, they explore why starting with a skills assessment or plugging people into ministry roles based on talent can short-circuit the deeper work of identity formation in Christ. Jessie draws from neuroscience, her experience training church leaders, an...
Jul 28, 2025•23 min•Season 6Ep. 33
When is it time to speak up and when is it wiser to stay silent? In this episode of Ordinary Discipleship , Chris, Jacob, and Jessie dive into the tension we all feel in relationships, ministry, and daily life: knowing when and how to bring something up. Jessie shares a powerful framework rooted in four key questions - Do I have God's eyes, heart, tone, and timing? - and how it radically reshaped her leadership and interactions. Together, they explore how to align with the Holy Spirit, navigate ...
Jul 14, 2025•16 min•Season 6Ep. 32
What does it look like to multiply disciples and churches across cultures, languages, and borders? In this episode, Jesse Cruickshank sits down with Obe and Jacqueline Arellano, leaders of Exponential Español, to explore the vibrant and growing movement of the Spanish-speaking church—both in the United States and throughout Latin America. From their base in Mexico City, the Arellanos are equipping churches to move from decline and plateau into reproduction and multiplication. They share what’s t...
Jun 30, 2025•44 min•Season 5Ep. 31
What does it take to shift a church from programs to real discipleship? In this episode, Jessie Cruickshank talks with Bunny Correa and Sheldon Lacsina about their journey transforming a traditional, performance-based church into a community of everyday disciple makers. They share how deep friendship, vulnerability, and years of holding space with the Holy Spirit led to a slow but lasting cultural shift. From certificates and classes to shared leadership and relational trust, Bunny and Sheldon r...
Jun 16, 2025•51 min•Season 5Ep. 30
What does it really mean to walk in spiritual authority—and why do so many of us confuse titles and positions for the real thing? In this episode, Christine Caine and Jessie Cruickshank get honest about the difference between worldly influence and Kingdom authority, why identity matters more than a job description, and how genuine spiritual power always comes with testing and formation. They wrestle with the tension between activity and anointing, the pitfalls of confusing influence with authori...
Jun 02, 2025•44 min•Season 5Ep. 29
In this episode of the Ordinary Discipleship Podcast, Jessie Cruickshank talks with Jerry Lathan and Steven Manchester about their new book You Will Be Peter . They explore the life of Simon Peter - flawed, passionate, and deeply relatable - and how his story speaks to our own journey of following Jesus. You’ll hear: Why Peter’s failures matter How storytelling makes Scripture come alive The power of emotional honesty in discipleship What it means to become who Jesus says you will be Find out mo...
May 19, 2025•23 min•Season 5Ep. 28
In this episode of the Ordinary Discipleship podcast, Jessie sits down with Willie Robertson where they talk about his book Gospeller and discuss the tension between faith and control. They reflect on how easy it is to default to managing outcomes instead of trusting God, and they share how vulnerability is not weakness but the space where faith is actually formed. From real-life examples to honest admissions of their own struggles, they invite you to consider: What would it look like to live op...
May 07, 2025•50 min•Season 5Ep. 27
What if conflict isn't something to avoid—but something God actually designed for our growth? In this episode, Jessie, Chris and Jacob dive into the messiness of relationships, discipleship, and community. With stories ranging from roller derby and MMA training to awkward church staff meetings and theological tension, this conversation explores how conflict, when embraced and handled well, can become a catalyst for transformation. Whether you're navigating hard conversations in your church, your...
Apr 21, 2025•25 min•Season 4Ep. 26
What does it mean to disciple people who carry unseen wounds? In this episode, Jessie Cruickshank explores trauma-informed discipleship—what it is, why it matters, and how it can transform the way we help others grow in Christ. Jessie shares how neuroscience and spiritual formation intersect, the importance of psychological safety in Christian community, and how leaders can create spaces where people can heal and be formed into the likeness of Jesus. Whether you're a pastor, small group leader, ...
Apr 08, 2025•29 min•Season 4Ep. 25
In this episode of the Ordinary Discipleship Podcast, Chris, Jacob, and Jessie dive into a topic many avoid—how to navigate the endings of discipleship relationships. While the beginning of a mentoring journey is often exciting, knowing when and how to conclude a season of discipleship can be challenging. Together, they explore these key questions: How do you discern when a discipleship relationship should change or end? What does a healthy, fruitful ending look like? How can you redefine the re...
Mar 24, 2025•23 min•Season 4Ep. 24
In this episode of Ordinary Discipleship, Chris Johnson, Jacob, and Jessie Cruickshank dive into the critical balance between fun and faith in youth ministry. Are we simply entertaining young people, or are we truly discipling them? The discussion explores the power of mentorship, the need for spiritually mature leaders, and why young adults crave authentic relationships over flashy programs. Drawing from real-life experiences and brain science, the hosts challenge traditional youth ministry mod...
Mar 10, 2025•20 min•Season 4Ep. 23
In this episode of The Ordinary Discipleship Podcast, we sit down with Reyna Martinez to discuss the challenges of finding mentorship and discipleship as a young adult. Reyna shares her deeply personal journey—growing up in youth group, experiencing the impact of intentional leadership, and then struggling to find discipleship after aging out of traditional church programs. She speaks candidly about the obstacles Gen Z faces in seeking authentic relationships within the church and the importance...
Feb 24, 2025•40 min•Season 4Ep. 22
In this episode of the Ordinary Discipleship Podcast, Chris Johnson, Jessie Cruickshank, and Jacob Hoyer discuss the complexities of relationships and the intentionality required in discipleship. They explore how friendships can serve as a foundation for discipleship, the importance of being open to relationships with those who are different from us, and the necessity of creating space and time for meaningful connections. The conversation emphasizes that discipleship is not a project but a relat...
Feb 10, 2025•24 min•Season 4Ep. 21
Delve into the complexities of shared leadership within ministry settings. From navigating youthful leadership roles to handling crises in remote expeditions, they share personal anecdotes and insights on fostering healthy leadership cultures. Discover how embracing vulnerability, trust, and shared responsibilities can transform toxic leadership dynamics into flourishing team dynamics. The Ordinary Discipleship podcast with Jessie Cruickshank and the rest of the Whoology team is a journey throug...
Dec 02, 2024•36 min•Season 3Ep. 20
Explore the pitfalls of conventional leadership paradigms and the transformative power of leading as the first follower of the Holy Spirit. Discover how attending to your own soul is the first step toward guiding others to fulfill their unique callings, fostering unity under the banner of heaven. Dive into practical insights and resources for equipping pastors and believers on their journey of ordinary discipleship. Tune in for an enlightening discussion that promises to reshape your perspective...
Nov 25, 2024•22 min•Season 3Ep. 19
Detangling leadership and discipleship unravels the common dilemma of feeling stuck as a leader. From personal anecdotes to profound insights, they navigate through the fears and insecurities that often accompany leadership roles. With honesty and authenticity, they discuss the transformative power of vulnerability, highlighting how embracing one's weaknesses and limitations can lead to spiritual maturity and freedom. Whether you're a church leader, parent, CEO, or simply seeking personal growth...
Nov 18, 2024•20 min•Season 3Ep. 18
Today Jessie Cruickshank, Chris Johnson, and Julia Schmaltz will delve into how shame can erode our faith journey. From its neurological roots to its effects on identity, discover how shame shapes our experiences and interactions. Explore the transformative power of connection in overcoming shame and embracing our true identity in Christ. Gain insights and practical tips for fostering authentic growth in discipleship. The Ordinary Discipleship podcast with Jesse Cruickshank and the rest of the W...
Nov 11, 2024•21 min•Season 3Ep. 17
Explore the vital role narratives play in our spiritual development and how important it is to distinguish our story form God's narrative in the context of community. Narrative is the purposeful retelling of a story so our communities can shape our faith journeys. If we want to create a community that fosters spiritual growth, we will need to share stories of vulnerability, and accountability within a supportive community. Drawing from biblical examples and modern insights, they offer practical ...
Nov 04, 2024•21 min•Season 3Ep. 16
Jessie Cruickshank, Chris Johnson, and Julia Schmaltz dive deep into the essence of what it means to be an ordinary disciple. This episode challenges traditional notions of leadership and empowers every believer to embrace their role in the grand adventure of discipleship. Discover the transformative power of community, reflection, and revelation as we unpack the journey of faith together. Don't miss out on this enriching discussion! The Ordinary Discipleship podcast with Jesse Cruickshank and t...
Oct 28, 2024•22 min•Season 3Ep. 15
Jessie welcomes Neil Cole, a prolific author, church planter, and worldwide apostolic leader. But more than that, Neil is a trusted friend and mentor who has spoken into Jessie’s life for over a decade. Together, they dive into the heart of discipleship, exploring why the early church thrived without curriculum, steps, or instructions—simply by connecting directly with Jesus. Neil challenges us to strip away the complexities we've added to discipleship and return to the raw, life-changing relati...
Oct 21, 2024•37 min•Season 2Ep. 14
In this episode, Jessie sits down with Rowland Smith to dive deep into the complex and often misunderstood journey of deconstruction within faith communities. Rowland shares insights from his unique role as a church leader, national director, and affiliate faculty member at Fuller Seminary. Together, we explore the significance of deconstruction for disciplemakers, the church's role in guiding those questioning their faith, and how the current cultural shifts mirror historic transformations like...
Oct 14, 2024•33 min•Season 2Ep. 13
Jessie Cruickshank and Gena St. David, PhD talk about the human brain. Gena is a licensed professional counselor and marriage, and family therapist focused on wholeness. Discover how this unique perspective reshapes our understanding of discipleship, faith, and personal growth. Don't miss this insightful and nerdy conversation that will challenge and inspire you. The Ordinary Discipleship podcast with Jesse Cruickshank and the Whoology team is a journey through the fascinating intersection of ne...
Oct 07, 2024•37 min•Season 2Ep. 12
Jessie Cruickshank is joined by Dr Jim Wilder, a renowned psychologist at the intersection of theology and brain science. Jessie and Jim delve into attachment theory and discipleship and how our early attachment experiences shape our relationship with God and others, and discover practical insights for fostering joy and creating transformative community. The Ordinary Discipleship podcast with Jesse Cruickshank and the Whoology team is a journey through the fascinating intersection of neuroscienc...
Sep 30, 2024•36 min•Season 2Ep. 11
Jessie Cruickshank chats with Aubrey Sampson, a teaching pastor at Renewal Church and award-nominated author, about the impact of shame on leadership and church culture. Aubrey shares personal stories and insights from her latest book, Known, discussing how spiritual maturity and a deeper understanding of God's love can transform our approach to shame and leadership. Join them for an enlightening conversation on identity, belonging, and the journey to being truly known. Don't miss this inspiring...
Sep 23, 2024•27 min•Season 2Ep. 10
Jessie Cruickshank welcomes Dele Okuwobi, the co-founding elder and senior leader at 21st Century Church, a church plant in Cincinnati, OH. Dele shares his insights on fostering love and unity within multiethnic church communities, tackling systemic biases, and his unique take on being a Transformer. Join us for an inspiring and thought-provoking conversation! The Ordinary Discipleship podcast with Jesse Cruickshank and the Whoology team is a journey through the fascinating intersection of neuro...
Sep 16, 2024•45 min•Season 2Ep. 9
In this episode, we explore the importance of asking the tough questions with Andrew Arnold, a passionate advocate for deepening one's faith through introspection and inquiry. Andrew shares his personal journey and the pivotal role that challenging questions have played in solidifying his strength in Christ. Whether you're on your own spiritual journey or seeking ways to deepen your faith, this conversation offers profound insights and encouragement. The Ordinary Discipleship podcast with Jesse ...
Sep 09, 2024•51 min•Season 2Ep. 8
Jesse Cruickshank and Jamie and Donna Winship dive deep into the transformative concept of finding true rest in God. Through their wisdom and personal experiences, they share how understanding your identity in Him can bring peace, purpose, and clarity in a world full of noise and distraction. Join us as we explore what it truly means to rest in God, letting go of striving and embracing the freedom that comes from knowing who you are in Him. Whether you're seeking deeper faith or a renewed sense ...
Sep 02, 2024•42 min•Season 2Ep. 7
Unpack the universal aspects of the Hero's Journey, drawing parallels between iconic stories like Star Wars and biblical narratives. Jessie Cruickshank and Julia Schmaltz explore how the Hero's Journey serves as a powerful map for discipleship, guiding individuals through seasons of transformation and revelation. Discover how understanding the Hero's Journey can deepen your discipleship journey and empower you to walk alongside others in their spiritual growth. Tune in for insightful conversatio...
Jun 10, 2024•16 min•Season 1Ep. 6
Explore the vital role narratives play in our spiritual development. Dive into the essence of Ordinary Discipleship with Jessie Cruickshank, Chris Johnson, and Julia Schmaltz. Explore the pivotal role of storytelling in understanding and embodying discipleship. From the biological roots of our connection to narrative to the transformative power of sharing personal testimonies, discover how narrative-based discipleship offers a holistic approach to spiritual growth. Unpack the complexities of spi...
Jun 03, 2024•26 min•Season 1Ep. 5
