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Disciple Standard Podcast

The episode archive

Questions worth staying with.

Honest conversations for a deeper, more everyday faith. Find your next one.

96 conversations

Episode artwork for A Life Full of Meaning from Proverbs
August 21, 202561 min

A Life Full of Meaning from Proverbs

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. - 0:00 – Intro & catching up with Zach and Jerry 1:07 – Why Proverbs? Connecting it with James 2:32 – Christ as the true wisdom in Proverbs 6:04 – Can unbelievers live wisely? 7:23 – Bubble cars & iPhone doorstops: Using things as designed 8:16 – Midlife crises and living wisely in each stage of life 9:03 – Saving Private Ryan, the “earn it” life, and why it misses the gospel 12:41 – Earthly wisdom vs. wisdom from above 18:00 – Defining wisdom and foolishness 20:09 – Can people without God still live wisely? 22:08 – The Holy Spirit’s role in wisdom & sanctification 26:09 – Reading Proverbs with hope in light of Christ 27:53 – Smooth brains & fools: Modern language for Proverbs 30:18 – The problem with participation trophies and avoiding correction 33:36 – Why transitions in life matter for wisdom 35:15 – Teaching wisdom to kids (Jerry’s lawnmower story) 37:15 – Naming our own foolish areas (phones, reels, status, ministry) 42:00 – Career vs. calling: How pastors think differently 48:32 – Favorite Proverbs & lessons on contentment 53:21 – Wrestling with discontentment in life and ministry 57:05 – God’s provision, integrity, and contentment 59:46 – Wrap-up & Multiply Conference details

Episode artwork for The Whole Gospel: Why Good News Needs the Bad News
August 14, 202566 min

The Whole Gospel: Why Good News Needs the Bad News

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.

Episode artwork for Why We Need to Raise Leaders—and Then Let Them Lead
August 7, 202560 min

Why We Need to Raise Leaders—and Then Let Them Lead

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.

Episode artwork for Budget Cuts, Coaching Gaps, and the Future of Church Plants
July 31, 202563 min

Budget Cuts, Coaching Gaps, and the Future of Church Plants

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.

Episode artwork for The Movement Starts Here: 2,000 Leaders in a Decade
July 24, 202570 min

The Movement Starts Here: 2,000 Leaders in a Decade

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.

Episode artwork for Is a New Vision for Church Planting Emerging in the CRC? | Season 3 Episode 20
July 17, 202577 min

Is a New Vision for Church Planting Emerging in the CRC? | Season 3 Episode 20

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.

Episode artwork for The #1 Need Every Church Planter Has Today | Season 3 Episode 18
July 3, 202565 min

The #1 Need Every Church Planter Has Today | Season 3 Episode 18

What is the #1 need every church planter has today? In this raw and deeply insightful conversation, Pastor Aaron sits down with Dave Hancock, church planter and pastor of The Grove Church in Port St. Lucie, to discuss the realities of church planting—from unexpected struggles, family suffering, and spiritual endurance to the hopeful vision of planting churches that welcome both believers and skeptics.