In this second part of What to Train a New Disciple, host Stephen Daniel is joined again by John, David, and Paul Worcester to continue the conversation on how to help new believers grow in Christ and multiply their faith. Building on part one, this discussion shifts from the foundational basics of discipleship into the practical “how-tos” of equipping new Christians to share the gospel, live transformed lives, and overcome common obstacles.

The Worcesters emphasize the importance of simplicity, reproducibility, and modeling evangelism through everyday life. They share powerful stories—from radical testimonies on basketball courts to training movements in India—illustrating how God works when disciples share their faith boldly. Listeners will also hear practical tips for creating a culture of evangelism in groups, guarding against false teaching, and helping new believers grow in prayer and life application.

Introduction
How do you help a brand-new believer not only grow in their faith but also begin reaching others? In this episode of the For the Harvest podcast, Stephen Daniel sits down again with John, David, and Paul Worcester to continue the conversation on discipleship. Building on part one, the focus shifts to the practical “how” of helping new disciples take steps in evangelism, prayer, and everyday Christian living.

Igniting Evangelism Through Testimony

One of the strongest themes in this episode is the power of testimony. The Worcesters share stories of radical conversions—from young men saved on basketball courts to movements spreading rapidly in India—and show how new disciples can begin sharing their story immediately. “The best evangelism,” they remind us, “is a satisfied customer.” When a new believer is genuinely transformed, their joy naturally overflows to others.

Simplicity and Reproducibility

A major principle highlighted is simplicity. Whether using the “bridge” illustration, three circles, or a basic gospel tract, reproducibility is key. “Simplicity is the key to reproducibility,” Paul Worcester explains. Training should be clear enough for anyone to repeat. Transitional questions and simple tools empower new disciples to move from testimony to gospel sharing.

Creating a Culture of Evangelism

The episode also highlights the importance of group culture. Beyond individual mentoring, leaders can use groups to celebrate stories, encourage outreach, and normalize evangelism. As David Worcester notes, “Discipleship is monkey see, monkey do—people will do what they see you model.” Leaders must set the tone by modeling urgency, celebrating testimonies, and keeping evangelism at the forefront of group life.

Guarding Against Obstacles

From time constraints to false teaching, the Worcesters also discuss barriers that often derail discipleship. They emphasize pointing new believers back to Scripture as the ultimate authority. As John Worcester puts it, “The Bible trumps all our bright ideas.” Encouraging consistent prayer habits, life applications, and accountability helps young disciples grow strong roots.

Conclusion
Training new disciples is about more than knowledge—it’s about movement, modeling, and multiplying. By keeping things simple, sharing testimonies, and cultivating a culture of evangelism, we can empower new believers to take their place in the Great Commission.

In the 10th episode of For the Harvest, host Stephen Daniel celebrates a milestone conversation with a powerhouse panel: John, David, and Paul Worcester. With over 40 years of collective experience in church planting and collegiate ministry, the Worcesters unpack one of the most foundational (and misunderstood) practices in evangelism—how to disciple a new believer from the very beginning.

The Importance of Starting Right
The discussion begins with a vital insight: not everyone who claims to be a Christian is truly born again. Before anything else, the priority is verifying salvation through a clear gospel presentation that emphasizes repentance, lordship, and surrender. Baptism follows as a public declaration—a defining moment of going all-in for Christ.

“A new believer is like wet cement. The habits they form early will shape their walk with Jesus for life.” —John Worcester

Helping Believers Feed Themselves
A major theme of the episode is training new believers not to become dependent on pastors or mentors, but on the Holy Spirit and the Word. By modeling daily quiet time, inviting discovery through Scripture, and fostering accountability, leaders can help believers feed themselves—and teach others to do the same.

The team also champions the idea of “ghosting discipleship,” where mentors step back intentionally to empower others to lead. It’s not about control—it’s about multiplication.

Movements Begin With One Question
Perhaps the most compelling takeaway is the power of asking a new believer: “Who else do you know that might be interested in this?” This simple question, when asked consistently, has launched entire movements in places like India—and can do the same globally. New believers are uniquely positioned to reach their networks, and when equipped, they can become catalysts for spiritual awakening.

Welcome back to the "For the Harvest" podcast! In this episode, "Strategies for Accelerating Evangelistic Growth," hosts John Worcester, David Worcester, and Paul Worcester, joined by Stephen Daniel, dive deep into the essential components of true spiritual revival and effective ministry. They explore the interconnectedness of three core biblical commands: loving God, loving one another, and loving the lost, presenting them as the "three-legged stool" of accelerating evangelistic growth.

The discussion emphasizes that while these principles may seem basic, their practical application is crucial. The team outlines four key characteristics of disciples they aim to cultivate: spirit-filled, Bible-directed, mission-driven, and family-devoted. Discover why genuine fellowship (koinonia) goes beyond mere social gatherings, fostering mutual support and shared mission. Learn why neglecting the mission to the lost can lead to inward-focused, unhealthy communities and how intentional evangelism is vital for Christian joy and dependence on God. This episode offers profound insights into building vibrant, outwardly focused Christian communities.

Additionally, a downloadable version of the Spirit-Filled Family Evaluation form mentioned at the end of this episode can be found here: https://churchplantingleadership.subspla.sh/8bx8579

Welcome back to the "For the Harvest" podcast, Episode 8: "Equipping and Encouraging Harvesters"! This episode delves into the vital art of empowering and supporting those on the front lines of evangelism – the "harvesters." Hosts John, Paul, and David Worcester, along with Stephen Daniel, share profound insights drawn from their extensive ministry experience.

They unpack what it means to "equip" (like a fisherman preparing a net) and "encourage" (putting courage into people) for the challenging yet deeply fulfilling work of evangelism. Discover why even the most gifted evangelists need consistent support, practical tools, and a strong sense of team to persevere and multiply the harvest.

Welcome back to "For the Harvest" Podcast, Episode 7: "Trusting New Believers to Go and Grow"! Following up on our discussion about the importance of trips, this episode dives into a critical question for ministry leaders: How do we empower new believers to flourish and multiply the harvest, even when we can't be there indefinitely?

Join hosts John Worcester, David Worcester, Paul Worcester, and Stephen Daniel as they challenge the common tendency to "smother" new converts. They explore a Bible-driven approach to discipleship that trusts in the Holy Spirit's power to equip individuals for ministry from day one. You'll hear powerful testimonies and scriptural insights demonstrating how intentionally releasing new believers can lead to exponential growth and self-sustaining movements.

Welcome to "For the Harvest" Podcast, Episode 6: "The Importance of Trips"! In this engaging episode, hosts John Worcester, David Worcester, Paul Worcester, and Stephen Daniel dive deep into why trips—from short local excursions to long-term international missions—are not just beneficial, but essential for accelerating evangelistic growth and training disciples.

Drawing on biblical examples, personal testimonies, and practical insights, the team unpacks how these purposeful journeys are instrumental in evangelism, fostering spiritual growth, and raising up future leaders. Discover how stepping out of your comfort zone can ignite boldness, deepen character, and reveal God's work in profound new ways.

In episode 5 of the "For the Harvest" podcast, "Filling Up Your Discovery Group," hosts Stephen Daniel, John Worcester, and Paul Worcester tackle the crucial question of how to actually get people into those vital Discovery Groups. Building on previous discussions about the power of Discovery Groups and the New Wineskins principle, this episode offers practical, Bible-driven strategies for finding and inviting "faith beginners" to engage with God's Word.

The conversation emphasizes the principle of "ministry before meetings"—building relationships and having a contact list of lost people before even scheduling a group. The speakers highlight the importance of personally inviting faith beginners, not just Christian friends, and equipping new participants to invite their own circles of influence. Drawing inspiration from rapid church planting movements in India and Jesus' own ministry, they share actionable advice on building a prospect list, praying specifically for the lost, and making the "ask" effectively. Learn how to identify "persons of peace," navigate objections, and leverage the natural hunger for spiritual truth to fill your Discovery Groups and multiply disciples.

In "Discovery Group," episode 4 of the "For the Harvest" podcast, John, Paul, and David Worcester, and Stephen Daniel introduce a powerful tool for accelerating evangelistic growth globally: the Discovery Group. Building on previous discussions of Discovery Evangelism, New Wineskins, and the Church Growth Life Cycle, this episode reveals how these simple, reproducible, and application-focused Bible discussions are key to engaging seekers and discipling new believers.

The hosts emphasize that Discovery Groups are designed to be led by "one-step-ahead leaders" – individuals committed to Christ, even if they are new in their faith, as long as they are Spirit-filled and have some leadership gifting (like organizing a birthday party!). The strength of these groups lies in their reliance on the Holy Spirit and the Word of God as the primary teachers, making them highly reproducible and effective in multiplying disciples, as seen in movements around the world. The episode delves into the practical "Look Back, Look Up, Look Ahead" framework for leading these groups, providing insights into fostering accountability, direct engagement with Scripture, and personal application.