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158. What’s God Doing in the Nations? | with Steve Addison
In this episode, we catch up with Steve Addison, a key voice in the global disciple-making movement (DMM) space. Steve shares compelling stories from his recent travels across movement hotspots—from Lebanon to Laos, Indonesia, and beyond. Stories from movements around the world: • Lebanon: The Story of Mohammed A violent man transformed by Jesus after a dream and a divine encounter with a faithful disciple-maker who barely spoke enough of the local language. His entire family and surrounding villages are now experiencing the gospel through his transformation. • Laos: A Widow’s Obedience After her husband (a movement leader) was murdered, a widow hears God say, “His call is now yours.” She now leads teams planting movements across borders, showing deep faith despite grief and persecution. • Indonesia: Facebook & the Gospel Innovative use of Facebook to connect seekers to online Bible studies, eventually linking them to field workers. Many finish the course and begin meeting face-to-face—resulting in new groups and churches starting in hard-to-reach places. • Global Snapshot: With over 2,000+ known DMMs and more than 115 million people (1.4% of the global population) involved, movements are spreading globally—demonstrating that God is using ordinary people to bring extraordinary transformation. • Texas Death Row Story: Inmates, not expert chaplains, bring the gospel to fellow prisoners—like Tracy, a death row inmate who gave his life to Christ and died singing Amazing Grace. A powerful example of how disciple-making happens through everyday believers. • India–Australia Connection: Harry’s Story A young Sikh-background believer from Melbourne now boldly shares his faith both locally and seeking to do the same with those back in India—another reminder that movements begin in the lives of transformed individuals. Key Principles: • God is moving globally through everyday people, not just professional leaders. • It’s not just about multiplication—it’s about transformation and obedience. • Movements thrive when ordinary believers faithfully love, share, and disciple others. • Focus on the next person God puts in front of you. We never graduate from disciple-making. What’s Next for Steve? Steve is working on a new book documenting case studies from movements across the world (including his next trip to a nation in Central Asia). Let’s pray for wisdom for Steve as he captures and communicates these stories like the biblical author Luke. Final Encouragement: Stay faithful to the call: make the next disciple. Jesus’ invitation still stands—“Come, follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Resource Mentioned: • Steve Addison’s book: “Acts and the Movement of God” — now available as an audiobook on Audible (and Spotify if you are a subscriber).
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157. Discovery by Practitioners #2
In this second episode of our Discovery by Practitioners series, we hear from disciple-makers across West Africa, particularly from French-speaking contexts, as they share how the Discovery Bible Study (DBS) is catalysing movements of disciple-making. These leaders open up about the practical realities of applying DBS across cultures, languages, and contexts—always pointing back to simple obedience to the Word of God. Part One: DBS in West Africa – Leading and Multiplying with Purpose We first hear from a West African brother who unpacks how DBS is being used both for developing leaders and for outreach. Key Takeaways: Start with relationships – Discovery begins in the context of trusted relationships, often with families. Keep groups small – (e.g. No more than 15 people). Once the group grows, it multiplies by forming new groups. Two types of DBS: Leadership DBS: For existing believers, to go deeper in discipleship. Outreach DBS: For seekers or non-believers. These groups intentionally invite others to join each week, leading to organic multiplication. “This is how groups grow—first in size, then by multiplication.” Context matters – Cultural awareness is key. For example: In West Africa, people are open to gathering in homes—something the movement can take advantage of. Language matters! Words like “challenges” might be misunderstood in some countries to mean financial struggles, so facilitators adapt their questions accordingly. “Our questions might look different on the surface, but the heart and purpose remain the same.” Time awareness – Keep sessions within one hour. Adults often struggle to stay focused beyond that. But again—context is king. Part Two: DBS in French Speaking Africa Next, we hear from another African practitioner working in a French-speaking region. He shares how the DBS process begins after identifying a Person of Peace—someone open to God and connected in their community. Once this person is found, DBS often happens in their household or family, helping whole families discover God together. Principles of Effective DBS: Scripture is central – The Word of God is always the authority in the group. Facilitate, don’t teach – The role is to guide discovery, not to lecture. Obedience is the goal – Each study leads to: An “I will…” statement – How each person will put God’s Word into practice. A commitment to share what was learned with someone else. “If there’s no obedience step or sharing, it’s not a DBS—it’s just another Bible study.” Building Group DNA: Start with gratitude – Ask what people are thankful for. Show care – Ask about personal needs and challenges. Value participation – Ensure everyone shares, bringing dignity and inclusion. Look outward – Ask: What are the challenges in our wider community? What can we do together to respond? “We don’t just identify needs. We encourage the group itself to respond. That’s how we bring dignity and ownership to the group.” 🎧 In This Episode, You’ll Discover: How DBS groups are adapted for leaders and non-believers Why cultural language and group size matter What makes a group truly a DBS—and not just another Bible study The role of the Person of Peace in starting new discovery groups
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156. Discovery by Practitioners #1
In this first of two special episodes, we hear from disciple-makers in India and Africa who are using the Discovery Bible Study (DBS) to spark movements of obedience-based discipleship in their regions. 🇮🇳 From India: Multiplication Through Simplicity We begin with a passionate brother from India who shares why sticking to the DBS questions from Day 1 is absolutely vital. He reminds us that multiplication doesn’t happen through charisma or complexity—but through ordinary disciples faithfully using the same simple questions. 🇰🇪 From Kenya: Disciple-Making Among the Swahili and Mijikenda Next, we hear from Albert in Kenya, who shares how Discovery Groups are being used to reach the Swahili and Mijikenda peoples. Using Creation-to-Christ stories with non-believers and other Scripture passages with believers, Albert is seeing lives transformed as obedience becomes the focus. He walks us through the three segments of DBS: Community BuildingThe first part focuses on interaction and relationship-building. For Albert, this was key. Slowing down and letting people connect made DBS feel like a lifestyle, not just another program. Scripture EngagementThe second part involves multiple readings or retellings of the Scripture passage. Among illiterate groups, storytelling, scripture songs and skits became powerful tools to help people absorb and understand the Word. Obedience and AccountabilityThe final part is about application—how people will obey and share what they’ve learned. "The more people delay in sharing, the longer it takes to see disciples multiply.”That's why the group regathers the following week to follow up—obedience and sharing are the DNA of multiplication. “If people learn to share, then we can experience multiplication straight away.” Albert reflects honestly: “When we first started, we overlooked some of the questions—especially the sharing. We were too eager to move on. But very little multiplication happened. Now, even the illiterate and unschooled are learning to share what they’ve discovered.” 🎧 Tune in to hear: Why the DBS format matters How simple obedience leads to multiplication What’s happening on the ground in India and Kenya Don't miss this practical and inspiring look into disciple-making movements from voices on the frontlines.
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155. Graham Wilson
In this episode, we hear from Graham Wilson, one of our “fathers in the Lord” within Praxeis. As long-time pastoral leader, Graham carries the heart and DNA of movement. As a trusted voice of wisdom and accountability, he also serves on the Praxeis Board and is part of a wider group of elders in our midst. "Don't get anxious" At the conclusion of our Launch 25 gathering, Graham shared a powerful word — calling us to stay rooted in passion and trust, not weighed down by anxiety. Graham urges us to keep our hearts passionate for what God is calling us into and to resist the enemy’s attempts to fill us with worry and anxiety, which only limit us from being the gift we are meant to be. “Don’t get anxious. When you’re confronted with what God is calling you to do, remember—it’s His work.” Psalm 46 Graham draws our attention to Psalm 46. “We know when we’ve taken our eyes off God, our refuge and strength, because our joy starts to dissipate.” Psalm 46[1] ‘God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. [2] Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, [3] though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. [4] There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. [5] God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. [6] Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. [7] The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. [8] Come and see what the Lord has done, the desolations he has brought on the earth. [9] He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire. [10] He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” [11] The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.’ Laying down any burdens of anxiety “As I was preparing this word, I felt like worry and anxiety has been one of those rocks or stones for some of you. Give your worries to God as He commissions you forward." And he reminds us of the simple, powerful call of disciple-making: “All we have to do is passionately go after God. We don’t have to stress about the results. You can sum up DMM in one word: obey.” Let this word strengthen your heart. Keep your eyes on Jesus—both the Lion and the Lamb. 🎥 A video of this episode is also available here.
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154. The Soil of Movements
In this episode, Dave once again shares at our Launch 25 gathering, this time focusing on the ‘soil’ from which God births movements—the importance of movement values and our personal calling from God. Vision - where movements always start To begin, reflecting on movements seen in hard-to-reach areas, Dave invites an 81-year-old seasoned movement leader (unnamed for security reasons) to share his powerful experience of seeing over 40,000 churches planted across unreached regions of India. This unnamed movement leader highlights the first key characteristic of movement - a clear God-given vision. This vision begins with a personal encounter with God and the recognition that every aspect of life must be viewed from a kingdom perspective. Other movement values Dave then dives into the DNA of movements, such as rapid multiplication, leadership development, and the central role of prayer. Dave reflects on the example of David Watson in India, where movements started in historically unreached states, and how the Discovery Bible Study became a tool for leaders to explore God’s word together. • Calling: Movements start with a personal call from God, as seen in the story of a leader in India who, after a deep personal encounter with God, saw over 100,000 churches planted through a group of men in a slum. • Team: Movements thrive when they work in teams, emphasising collaboration over individual leadership. • Multiplication: Rapid multiplication is key at all levels—churches, disciples, and leaders. • Prayer: Passionate, abundant prayer is foundational. Movements in India didn’t break through until 100,000 people were praying for them. • Obedience-Driven Discipleship: Movements emphasise obedience to God’s Word, which leads to personal and collective transformation. • Gift-Based Leadership: Leadership is function-based, not positional, empowering everyone to contribute according to their gifts. • Access Ministries: Creative approaches are used to access communities and meet needs in meaningful ways. The Three Worlds of Mission Dave breaks down the three primary worlds where mission takes place: 1. The Unreached World: Places like India, China, and Muslim regions where movements are taking root. 2. The Christian World: Countries like Uganda, PNG, and Russia, where resistance often comes from established church systems. 3. The Post-Christian World: Western nations (e.g. Europe, Australia), where mission work is harder due to secularism and cultural shifts. Three fundamental core values of movements 1. The Spirit: Movements are works of the Holy Spirit. We can't take credit for movements. It's all the Spirit turning up and working in people's lives. 2. The Word of God: The Word is number one. It isn’t a commodity and we can’t slice and dice it. Jesus himself is the Word and He spoke about it being planted in us (Parable of the Sower). We are transformed if we respond in obedience to God's Word. 3. Mission: If you follow Jesus, you're on mission. Jesus is God's mission and we find ourselves following him to the lost and broken. The DMM Wheel Dave shares about Pray, Go, Disciple and Multiply - what he calls the ‘DMM Wheel’ which has been a helpful framework for walking out the essential values of movement. Personal Challenge Dave encourages us to examine our own hearts and consider the soil of our lives. How is God calling you, and what are the obstacles or distractions that may prevent you from following His call? The episode ends with a challenge to persevere in the race God has set before us, emphasising the importance of mentorship and being shaped by God’s heart through prayer and obedience. May this talk encourage you to reflect on the deeper aspects of your heart as God invites us to join Him in bringing movements to life!
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