New Churches Podcast | Season 6 | Episode 7

How Do I Make Disciples?

Tony Merida, Matt Smethurst & Daniel Santander

Watch this video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/pOAR19Je1Kg

In this episode of the New Churches podcast, host Tony Merida is joined by Matt Smethurst and Daniel Santander to discuss one of the most essential tasks of a church planter: making disciples. As part of a season focused on answering common questions from planters, the conversation explores how to faithfully pursue discipleship in a new church in 21st-century North America. The hosts talk about how to disciple new believers in a church plant, why church membership should be a priority from the beginning, and how to wisely launch key ministries like small groups, children’s ministry, and men’s and women’s discipleship. Listeners will gain practical guidance and pastoral wisdom for cultivating a healthy culture of disciple-making in the life of a new church.

(00:24:01) How do you disciple new converts?

(06:32:16) What are the best practices for a church membership process?

(21:06:04) How do you start groups and ministries?

Please subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review on iTunes.

Published on March 17, 2026

Mission The Church Pre-Launch Growing
About the Podcast

New Churches Podcast

The New Churches podcast delivers biblical and practical insights to help you be a faithful and effective church planter. Learn from trusted pastors, theologians, missiologists, and faithful leaders who can help you pursue the mission God has given you. 

See All Episodes

Subscribe

Meet the Authors

Tony Merida

Vice President, Planter Development Send Network

Tony Merida is the founding pastor of Imago Dei Church in Raleigh, N.C, and is the vice president of Planter Development for Send Network. Tony has written several books, including The Christ-Centered Expositor, Love Your Church, and multiple volumes in the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series.

More Resources from Tony

Matt Smethurst

Matt Smethurst is lead pastor of River City Baptist Church in Richmond, Virginia. He is the author of Tim Keller on the Christian Life: The Transforming Power of the Gospel (2025), Before You Share Your Faith: Five Ways to Be Evangelism Ready (2022), Deacons: How They Serve and Strengthen the Church (2021), Before You Open Your Bible: Nine Heart Postures for Approaching God’s Word (2019), and 1–2 Thessalonians: A 12-Week Study (2017). He also cohosts, with Ligon Duncan, The Everyday Pastor podcast from The Gospel Coalition.

More Resources from Matt

Daniel Santander

Daniel Santander serves as the Lead Pastor of La Iglesia en Johnson Ferry in Marietta, Georgia. Originally from Argentina, Daniel carries a deep passion for seeing God’s Kingdom advance among the nations and across generations. He senses a clear calling not only to pastor the local church, but also to walk alongside and care for pastors and ministry leaders. In addition to his pastoral role, Daniel serves as a Care Specialist with Send Network through the North American Mission Board and as the Hispanic Representative for the Georgia Baptist Convention. Through these roles, he provides encouragement, support, and strategic care to church planters and pastors across diverse contexts.

More Resources from Daniel
Related Content
Article

4 Steps for a Membership Process

Noah Oldham

I can still remember the jingle from a gym in St. Louis. “Ten bucks, ten bucks, ten bucks…Club Fitness! Better fitness, better price!” Ten dollars. That’s the hook in the jingle, as well as the hook to get you in...
Podcast Episode

Why Church Membership Matters

New Churches Podcast Season 1 Episode 819

Host Tony Merida chats with rural pastor and planter Will Basham to discuss the advantages of church membership, not only for the church but for its people, too. Tune in to discover how you can take discipleship to the next...
Article

How to Start Small Groups in a Church   

Spence Shelton

Small groups ministries aren't just thoughtlessly launched. So, here are four steps for cultivating groups at your church, from prayer to trial runs to the launch of this new discipleship opportunity.