Developing Disciples with John Jackson

In this episode, John reflects on the discipleship lessons of the manger and the cross. He explains that it was by way of a dirty wooden manger that Jesus came  as a baby to create relationships with all who would receive and believe Him. As a man, He taught and coached His disciples on the importance of relationships, using the metaphor of the Vine and the Branches. On a dirty, wooden, splintery Cross, Jesus, our Friend, laid down His life for us. 

How can we practice more intentional, transformative discipleship? In this episode, John challenges us to be a "hands-on, life-on-life" example of how to love and walk with Christ. He exhorts us to consider, as Jesus did, that the whole world is our "scrub sink." In other words, every place and time is an opportunity to be intentional in discipling and influencing others for Jesus.

In this episode, John explains that training and coaching - whether it be of surgeons, wrestlers, or disciples - need more than book and classroom knowledge. Episode 

In this episode, John tells how God's grace helped him and his friends through a bad car crash. He reminds us that accidents and suffering are part of this life - the apostle Paul certainly knew that! John encourages us to continue to Train, Go, Serve, and Change and comforts us with these words:
"If you find yourself in troublesome times right now, don't give up; don't lose heart - God has plans for you!"

With over 46 years of training missionary and local church leaders behind him, John and his wife Penny still really enjoy this role! Imagine if you could catch that passion and learn how to do the same! The exciting news that John shares in this episode is that this life-changing training is now available online in several convenient formats. 

Compass2819 training principles have been used for 39 years to disciple church groups, college teams, and individuals. John tells us how the ministry was born with the crazy decision to invite 12 college kids to cross the ocean and stay in their home for 3 weeks....  Be inspired to hear that hundreds of lives have been changed because of this catalytic ministry and the faithful partners who have made it possible.

In this episode, John makes the case for excellent discipleship training. Soldiers and athletes would never think of not training; neither should the disciples of Jesus, who have a much higher, nobler calling.

In this episode, John takes us fishing with the grandkids to learn important lessons about the need to overcome our natural resistance to get off the couch and just get going!

In this episode, John asks, “How do you teach people to serve? How do you cultivate a heart and lifestyle of servanthood?”

In this episode, John makes the case for change: when you become more like Christ (by changing), you become a better leader, a better follower, a better team member, a better server, a better testimony of His grace. He points out that the tool, “Short-term mission trips,” can be a powerful change agent for disciples of Jesus.

In this episode, John tells the dramatic story of how God preserved him and his family in the midst of a destructive storm. He explains how the incident led to even more faith - and not doubt - that the Lord was leading in a season of change and that many more discipleship opportunities lay ahead.

In this episode, John tells about a Godly Servant who is the product of faithful discipleship. Ruth has been a modern day Lydia, serving the Lord in orphan ministry in South Africa for 24 years! She is fulfilling the Great Commission because many people invested in and discipled her. 

In this episode, John credits his lifetime of ministry to the godly men of his home church who invested in him and during his teen years. They took the time to take him fishing or to McDonalds, and helped to keep him on the right track.

In this episode, John tells the encouraging story of how a small orphanage started by a small missions agency on the other side of the world is patiently impacting lives for eternity. They key, once again, is a focus on discipleship.

Are you facing a season of change? Do you sense the Lord calling you to something new? In this episode, John tells of his family's relocation to the US after 14 years on the mission field. Through their story, he reminds us that God can be trusted to lead, guide, and provide as we follow Him. We can trust His plan and know that He is strategically directing us to keep fulfilling the Great Commission. As Proverbs 3 teaches, we can trust in the Lord with all our hearts and do not need to lean on our own understanding!

In this episode, John tells a heart-stopping story of a narrow escape their family had on the rocky coast of Southern Africa. If you've ever had a near-miss like that and know that God preserved your life - and wondered why (!) - Romans 15:14 gives some critical insight.

In this episode, John tells of a young Iowa couple who are showing the love of the Father to the fatherless of Eastern Europe. Through prayer, patience, hosting, and giving, they are reaching children and a whole network of caregivers. John exhorts us to do likewise - to open our hearts, homes, and pocket books to fulfill the Great Commission of Matthew 28. 

In this episode, John explains how comforting others during times of trial can be a means of discipleship. He points to Biblical precedents for this approach in 2 Corinthians 1:4-5 and 1 Peter 3:15. He exhorts us to pray for the dear people of Eastern Europe during this horrific time of war and reminds us that no matter what our circumstances, we can encourage people to make decisions for Christ and then mentor them to maturity.

In this episode, John dispels some myths about Patrick and points, instead, to his impact as a disciple-maker.

In this episode, John unpacks 2 Timothy 2:2 and identifies the four groups of people. He points out that Paul and Moses had the same basic strategy discipleship strategy.

In this episode, John explains that "making disciples" shouldn't get lost in the haste to "go!" into all the world.

In this episode, John talks about the compelling call of the Great Commission. As always, he ends with the challenge to Train, Go, Serve, and Change!