Ever wondered why some discipleship efforts feel shallow while others transform lives? In this illuminating conversation, our guests dig into what makes real discipleship work—and it's not what most churches are teaching.

Pastor Mike Campbell shares how his life changed at age 20 when a friend named "Rabbi" began calling him daily, answering questions and walking beside him through his new faith journey. This relationship-based approach ultimately led nine fraternity brothers at Ole Miss into ministry. The key? Relationship over curriculum. As Pastor Mike explains, "The law was given to give life, but thank God Jesus fulfilled the law and grace came."

Emily Himes reveals she didn't even know she was being discipled when older women in her small group began modeling responses completely opposite to her "feisty" natural reactions. Their Christ-centered approach transformed her without a formal program. When asked about women's vulnerability in discipleship settings, Emily offers brilliant insight: "Women are great at gathering but struggle with depth. We show other women what we want them to see," highlighting the need for authentic, trusting relationships.

The conversation distinguishes between spiritual friendship and spiritual formation—you might have many friends but few formative influences. Pastor Mike observes, "Jesus had twelve disciples, but three he was really forming." These relationships require vulnerability, which our panel identifies as non-negotiable for transformation.

Perhaps most practically, Emily challenges listeners to find mentors who excel in specific areas regardless of personality match: "It doesn't necessarily have to be somebody you like. Find somebody who is excelling in the area that you want to improve." This counter-cultural wisdom cuts through our comfort-seeking tendencies.

Ready to experience true discipleship? Start by getting connected in a local church community. As Willie powerfully states, "There are no orphans in the family of God." Your spiritual growth depends on relationships—who's forming you, and who are you helping along the journey?

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Michael Lerman shares his latest book "The Jesus Galleries: The Christian Journey Reimagined," which takes readers on an allegorical journey through galleries that display different facets of Christ's character and ministry.

• Book concept emerged from a challenging valley experience that forced Lerman to strip away religious complexities
• Three galleries explore loving what Jesus loved, ministering how Jesus ministered, and bearing the fruit of the Spirit
• Looking at Christ as both fully divine and fully human—focusing on the humanity we can emulate
• Jesus demonstrated emotional maturity and adaptability in his interactions with different people
• Uses the metaphor of alignment, like venetian blinds, to help readers see where they align with Christ's character
• Book encourages readers to move beyond admiration to imitation of Christ
• Jesus galleries serve as mirrors (2 Corinthians 3:18) that reflect back areas where we need transformation
• Available as full book (Amazon/Barnes & Noble), "light version" PDF, and 13-week small group study
• Emphasis on not just doing more but being more—adding to our "to-be list" rather than our "to-do list"

Get your copy of "The Jesus Galleries" on Amazon or Barnes & Noble, or contact Michael Lerman about the free light version and study guide for small groups.

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What if the most challenging parts of Christianity aren't the obscure Old Testament passages, but the direct words of Jesus himself? In this profound conversation, Pastor Mike Burnette, along with Pastors Elmer and Willie, unpack their current sermon series "Jesus, Why?" that examines Christ's most demanding teachings.

Pastor Mike introduces a transformative perspective: "Every word of Jesus is pregnant with the weight of heaven." This isn't merely poetic – it's the theological reality that when Jesus spoke, God spoke. He never "took divinity off" even in his human form. This understanding fundamentally changes how we approach difficult teachings like forgiveness, following Jesus completely, and guarding our hearts.

The conversation explores forgiveness as "an unmasterable issue" that believers will struggle with throughout their lives. One crucial insight: forgiveness is between you and God, while reconciliation involves both parties and often depends on transformation that may never occur. Pastor Mike shares powerful personal examples of forgiveness journeys, including praying blessings over those who've caused harm as a pathway to genuine forgiveness.

Perhaps most thought-provoking is the discussion of what competes for believers' hearts – not just worldly cares, sins, or Satan, but Jesus himself. "He's constantly pursuing us," Pastor Mike explains, "not because it benefits him, but because it's good for us." This reframes spiritual warfare as not just defense against evil, but making room for Christ's active pursuit of our devotion.

As Easter approaches, the pastors invite listeners to consider "Why did Jesus have to die?" – the question at the heart of Christianity. They remind us that Christ died for everyone, even "the worst hellraiser you can imagine." Who will you invite to experience this transformative message?

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